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.
-Return of the Blue Spirit-
Appa and Anduril flew straight into the storm and kept their eyes peeled. Katara and Artymis looked over Appa's saddle, in search of Sokka.
Artymis was the first to spot them, "There they are!" She pointed at a small ship in the sea below.
Katara came to her side, "Sokka!" She yelled out.
Artymis looked to Appa and Anduril, "Down there please!"
Appa and Anduril flew straight to the ship. The wind had released the sails and now the ship was out of control.
"Katara? Art?" Sokka looked up when he saw a white and silver creature hovering above them. "You guys came!"
"We were worry!" Katara yelled at him.
"You again!" The fisherman yelled, seeing Artymis, who jumped on the deck of his ship.
"Yes, me again!" Artymis answered, "Now, grab this!" She threw one end of a rope to the fisherman and Sokka, "Hold on tight!" She jumped back on Anduril, using airbending, and tied the other end of the rope around Anduril's clawed hand. You sure, big brother? she asked him, tying the rope tight and secure.
Anything for Sokka, Anduril replied.
Artymis nodded and yelled down below to the men, "Make sure that rope is secure around both of you!"
Sokka nodded and checked, he looked up, "It is!"
"Alright - GO!" Katara shouted.
Anduril and Appa sped off as the ship broke into two. Fortunately, the fisherman and Sokka weren't going down with the ship. They sped behind the silver dragon and white bison. The girls managed to make it back to the cave where Katara was at earlier and where the fisherman's worried wife was. The moment the fisherman entered the cave, he was embraced by his wife.
"I was so worried!" His wife said.
"I'm alright," The fisherman pulled away and turned to Artymis, "I guess I was..."
"Go on," His wife pressed on, her hands on her hips. "apologize to this young lady because without her and her friend's help, you wouldn't be here."
"I won't forget you turning your back on the world." The fisherman said sternly, looking at Artymis.
Artymis had hoped he would at least accept her apology.
"But, I can forgive and accept your apology." He added, Artymis smiled. "I guess what you do now can help us better in the present than your help in the past."
Artymis bowed down respectably, "Thank you, sir."
"Now, young man," The fisherman turned to Sokka, "here's your payment." He slapped a fish on Sokka's opened palm.
"What is this?" Sokka asked, his jaw fell at the sight of his 'payment'.
"Your paycheck, what else?" The fisherman asked.
Sokka sighed, "At least we have food."
"I don't eat meat though." Artymis pointed out.
"What kind of person are you?" Sokka and the fisherman chorused together.
Although what she read in Zuko's journal had upset and depressed her, Artymis couldn't hid a small laughter from the men's' reaction. She laughed softly. The storm ended and the fisherman went home with his wife. Sokka thanked the girls, Appa, and Anduril.
"I would've been creamed out there - " Katara silenced him. "What?" Sokka asked.
Katara whispered to him, "Artymis was on Zuko's ship, and she seems so quiet. When you heard her laugh just now, that was the most normal thing she had done since we picked her up."
Sokka looked to Artymis and frowned. He walked over to her and asked, "Artymis, would you like to tell us why you were on Zuko's ship?"
Artymis looked up, "He captured me again." She lied, "And I was trapped on the deck, I had nowhere else to go. Until Katara and Anduril came."
"Is that really what happened?" Sokka asked.
Artymis looked up to him, "Yes."
Sokka seemed satisfied. "Let's find another place and get some sleep."
The group flew around and found an abandoned open-temple. Appa landed there as well as Anduril. Since it was a tiring day, everyone was in their sleeping bags and fell asleep within five minutes. All except for Artymis, who laid wide awake. She turned over and saw Anduril watching her. She realized how she wasn't acting like a sister or a friend to him. But how he acted like the best brother and friend to her.
Anduril? Artymis called to him softly.
Yes?
Artymis paused, I need to tell you some things.
Anduril looked at her, I'm listening.
Artymis began to tell him everything: meeting Zhao, his suitor's rose, the dreams, Zuko's attempt to kiss her, 'Shang', the Blue Spirit, why she was on Zuko's ship. Everything...
Prince Zuko entered his room after watching Artymis fly away on the bison. He slammed the door shut and breathed hard. He turned around and shouted, "What!" when there was a knock on his door.
Uncle Iroh's voice came from the door, "Prince Zuko, is everything alright?"
"No!" Zuko snapped.
"Then, open this door." Iroh commanded, but gently.
"No!" Zuko argued in a childish way.
"Zuko..." Iroh said in a dangerous way.
"Fine!" Zuko spun the wheel that locked and unlocked his door.
He unlocked it and Iroh came in. Iroh closed the door behind him. He looked at Zuko, "Zuko, what is bothering you? Why are you so angry? Why should you be?" He asked, "You saved a man's life, a great deed. But why are you so mad?"
Zuko turned his back on his uncle. He remained silent.
Iroh then asked, "Is it about her, Avatar Artymis?"
Zuko's shoulders jerked back at the mentions of her name, he hesitated before lying, "No."
Iroh sighed, "Zuko, I am not an old fool. I have noticed your actions and moods when she is around." Iroh said, "When we talked after the Avatar escaped from you the first time, I had a feeling you meant her. When you were at the Air Temple, you protected her. When you had the Avatar sleeping in your arms after we've encounter Zhao, I had a strong feeling about it. Then, when we were in the Fire Nation, my feeling grew stronger. And when I saw what looks you had given the Avatar, it was exactly like - " Iroh stopped himself.
"Exactly like what?" Zuko asked, his back still turned.
Iroh hesitated before answering, "Exactly like the look your father gave to your mother when they were young and unmarried yet."
Zuko turned around, his eyes lit with anger. "I am nothing like him!"
"I know, I know," Iroh lifted his hands. "And what catches my curiosity is that the Lady Avatar is similar to your mother when she was young: strong, independent, and beautiful."
"She's nothing like my mother!" Zuko yelled. "And I don't need any of this!"
Iroh studied Zuko, "Zuko, you do, don't you?"
Zuko turned away.
"Zuko, don't shut me out, I care for you like my own." Iroh said. Zuko remained silent. Iroh sighed, he exited the room.
Anduril, Artymis thought after a small pause, I always feel strange when I'm thinking of him. There are times when I have a longing to see him, and there are other times, when I don't. I worry for him. I care for him. I comforted him. And I feel my palms get sweaty now that I am around him. I just... I don't know. A pause.
Do you care for him that deeply? Anduril asked her suddenly.
Zuko?
Yes.
Artymis stared up at the cracked ceiling for a small while. She sighed, Yeah, I guess.
And does he to you?
Artymis hesitated before answering, He always shows me comfort and a hint that he likes me, but after reading in his journal...
I would think he's stupid, Anduril said, Sure, you are naive.
Thanks, Artymis said with dry sarcasm.
But you aren't stupid, or foolish. You are strong and caring. You remember what you said to that guard when he was attacking that young thief?
Artymis smiled weakly, Yes, I said "Everybody deserves a second chance." And just because that young boy stole a fruit, didn't mean he was all bad. He was trying to feed him and his little sister for crying out loud!
True, Anduril said, Those were your exact words.
Artymis looked up to him again, an eyebrow raised, Anduril, are you trying to say to give Zuko a second chance?
Anduril was about to reply or argue with that when they heard a cough. Artymis sat and saw Sokka curled up in a ball. She got up and walked over to him, she knelt down and asked Sokka, "Soak, you ok?"
He mumbled non-understandable words.
"What?" Artymis asked.
"Take that, rock!" Sokka muttered, "I am an earthbender and I will break you in half!"
Artymis blinked, she rushed to Katara and woke her up. "Katara! Katara!"
"Wh - What is it?" Katara asked, still half-asleep.
"Sokka is acting like an earthbender!" Artymis explained quickly, "He is warm and his face is pale!"
"Sokka!" Katara got to her feet and rushed over to Sokka. "Are you alright?" She asked.
" - I'll beat you up, you tree!" Sokka waved his arms lightly around.
Katara checked his temperature. "He's warm." Katara shook her head, "It was the storm that gave him a sickness."
Artymis sighed, "How long you think it'll take before he's back to old Soak?" Artymis asked.
"A few days, maybe." Katara said, then coughed.
Artymis gave her a look, "And a few days for you too."
Katara shook her head, "No! I'm f-f - " She sneezed.
Artymis heard another sneeze as well, she turned around to see Anduril. "Anduril, not you too!"
I'm fine! Anduril lied, he sneezed again.
Artymis sighed, she put her hand son her hips, "Well then, I'll have to be the mommy and go find a cure for you all."
"We'll be alright - " Katara coughed.
"No, you won't." Artymis said, she dragged Katara onto Appa's side and made her get in her sleeping bag. She did the same for Sokka. Artymis turned to Anduril, Sorry, boy, I can't get you a blanket or anything.
It's alright.
She turned to Katara, "I'll be back with some medicine." Katara nodded and started dozing off. Artymis looked down at her "dry" outfit. I guess I gotta change! Artymis quietly got into Appa's saddle and grabbed the white box that contained her lavender kimono. As much as she hated to wear it, Artymis had no choice. She went around behind Appa, where Katara and Sokka weren't at, "Please don't move, Appa." Artymis muttered, but Appa was fast asleep. Artymis quickly and swiftly changed into the kimono. She placed her normal outfit in the box and placed it back on Appa's saddle. Artymis started to walk, but glance behind her at her dress. It's too long, it'll slow me down. She bent down and tore the trailing part of her kimono up. So it remained at her ankle. Artymis got up and looked at Anduril, who tried to get up.
No, big brother, Artymis said, patting him softly, You stay here and rest. I'll got and get the cure in no time.
Are you sure? Anduril was entering his over-protective-big-brother stage, Now that I know about Zuko, I need to be more over-protective than usual.
Artymis laughed, No, it's alright. If I need help, I telepath you, k?
Anduril sighed, Alright. But be careful!
I will! Artymis said as started to walk down the stairs.
And don't talk to strangers! Anduril called out after her.
Artymis blinked, What do you think I am? A five-year-old?
No, my little sister.
Artymis smiled, "I'll be back!" She jumped from step to step as she descended down. Artymis began stopped and used the wind to help her run just as fast as it. I need to get my friends medicines - quick! Artymis ran all the way through the trees until she came on top of the stairs to what seemed, a home. She started running towards it, and when she entered, Artymis knew a medical lady lived here.
"Excuse me, miss?" Artymis asked as a woman with long white hair passed by her. "I need medicine, please."
"What seems to be the problem, dearie?" The old woman asked.
"My friends are coughing, they have fevers, and they're sneezing." Artymis explained.
"Well, I know just the thing." The old woman said.
"Really? Great!" Artymis smiled.
"Just wait for a moment," the old woman said as she looked through the flowers, "You know, it's just me and Myuki..."
Admiral Zhao watched the archers practice their skills. He smirked and said to the lieutenant, "I think my propose is accepted now, don't you think?"
"Yes, Admiral Zhao." The man said, bowing in respect.
Zhao smirked and turned to him, "Send the archers out right now, make sure you give them a full description of her..."
"So, I have to find frozen frogs from the swamp and take them to my friends?" Artymis asked, confused. Then again, what she expect after waiting about an hour.
"Yes." The medical lady answered.
"Then, what do I do?" Artymis asked.
"Why, suck on them!" She answered, a hint of humor in her voice and eyes.
"Suck on them!" Artymis repeated.
"Yes."
There was a short, but disturbing pause.
"You're crazy, right?" Artymis asked.
"That's right!" The medic lady said, with pride.
"But, thanks for your help!" Artymis said, before running out.
Outside, it was a bit windy. Great! she thought and shielded her eyes from the chemicals in the air. She looked up just in time to see a arrow being shot at her. She moved and dodged another load of arrows. "Who's there!" She called out. Artymis got her answer pretty soon, she could now see archers among the trees. "Uh-oh!" Artymis made a run for it. She ran through the trees and tried to avoid the arrows. These guys don't give up, huh? Artymis looked over her shoulder and saw they were wearing Fire Nation colors. She rolled her eyes, What can I expect when I'm the Avatar? Artymis didn't watch where she was going, so she ended up falling into a swamp. She got up and began to make her way through it. She had a hard time, and it got worst when her right arm was pinned against a nearby log with arrows. Artymis lifted a wave of water with her left hand and froze it so it could be her shield for a short while. But it didn't last that long when the ice broke and her other arm was pinned to the log with more arrows.
"Great, just my day." Artymis muttered as the archers made their way to her.
(Later)
Artymis looked at her chained wrists and ankles. She tried to slip her hands away from the shackle, but no matter how much he tried, all she had was a bruised hand. She groaned, then sighed. Out of all days! she thought and looked up when the door opened.
"So, this is the Lady Avatar?" Zhao said, the door closed behind him. He walked up to Artymis and looked upon her, "I never really expected you to be my prisoner, you know." Artymis glared at him. Zhao began to circle her, "The bender of all four elements is here, standing before me, as a weakling." Artymis was growing very angry now. "Tell me, milady, how does it feel to be the last of your people - the last of the Airbenders?" Zhao asked her, he was right behind her now. "Because I did not turn my back on the world."
Artymis' face soften and she lowered her head, "It feels lonely. Something you wouldn't understand."
Zhao laughed, and walked in front of her, "Oh, don't worry. You won't die like them. I have to keep you alive, otherwise the Fire Nation will have to search for the Avatar all over again if we kill you. And Fire Lord Ozai would be very displeased to hear his favorite person is dead."
Artymis looked up at him, "I thought Ozai's favorite was Zuko, not me."
Zhao gave her a glare, "Prince Zuko? You're concern about him?"
"I would rather kiss Zuko than to even look at you or Ozai!" Artymis snapped.
"Fire Lord Ozai." Zhao corrected her. "Oh and," he smirked and brought Artymis' chin up with his index finger, "you can give me that kiss, I'll make sure Zuko gets it." His smirk got wider.
Artymis was so disgusted with him, she spit in his face. "Here - take that!" She shot back.
"Little brat!" Zhao wiped his face and glared at her. "I'll see to it you get punishment and starve!"
"Fine by me!" Artymis watched Zhao with narrowed eyes.
He opened the door, when he looked back at her, "By the way, that kimono looks splendid on you." With that, he slammed the door shut.
Artymis groaned and sighed, I'll make sure Anduril knows what Zhao intentions were to kiss me. Zhao will sure get it, a lot worst than Zuko probably. Artymis closed her eyes and was about to contact Anduril, but realized he was too sick to travel. She sighed again.
"Ok, Art, gotta figure this out on your own." She heard something drop.
She looked down to see the ruby jewel that the Blue Spirit had given her. Artymis remembered what he said about needing his help. She smiled. Will he come, though? She stretched her foot out and tried to kick it up. When it was in the air, Artymis softly blew a small tornado so the jewel would stay longer in the air. She led the small "tornado" towards her left hand. She stopped performing airbending, and the ruby fell in her opened palm. Ok, concentrate your energy on contacting the Blue Spirit, hopefully he hears and comes. Artymis closed her eyes and concentrated very hard. Her ruby, without realizing it, was glowing.
"I have nothing to report to Zhao about the Avatar. Now, get off my ship!" Zuko commanded.
"We will, but we cannot permit you pass." The Fire Nation man said. He turned and left with the two soldiers.
Oh, yes, you will! Zuko thought and marched to his room. He dressed out of his armor and into a black sleeveless shirt. He went on the deck and began to throw fire punches. He did this for about an hour when Iroh came out with a worried look.
"Zuko, are you alright?" Iroh asked, "It's been almost an hour, and you haven't given the men an order."
Zuko turned to him, "Uncle, Zhao has been promoted to Admiral by my father. It's only a small matter of time before he has the Avatar!" He sighed and turned his back, "I can never get my honor back, I need her! I need her to restore my honor!"
"Don't give up hope." Iroh said, "You can still find the Avatar."
"I don't think I can, Zhao tricked her once, what makes you think she won't fall for it again." Zuko said, then muttered lowly, "I just hope she doesn't end up with a broken spirit." Zuko, out of the corner of his eyes, saw a faint blue glow coming from his pocket. Zuko put his hand in his pocket and felt something. Why is...? He blinked and turned around to his uncle, "Uncle, I need to go out for a walk."
Iroh gave him a suspicious look, "Zuko, you may, but please tell me where you're going. Every time you go out for a walk, you don't come back for hours. I am worry that you'll get yourself hurt."
"I'm going in the woods, just for a walk. To think for a while." Zuko said.
Iroh sighed, "Alright."
Artymis clutched the ruby and eased her grip only a little. She looked up and sighed. The door opened again and Artymis' eyes looked up. Zhao came back in. "What do you want?" Artymis snapped.
Zhao stopped in front of her. "Why so feisty?"
"Shut it!" Artymis said, "Untie me and I'll fight you right now to see how 'feisty' I am right now!"
"Uh... no." Zhao said, he lifted Artymis' necklace. "Where did you get this?" He asked, taking interest in the necklace. "It is indeed lovely."
"Don't you dare take it." Artymis hissed, she knew Zhao would take it.
"Then, who gave it to you?" Zhao asked, "Zuko?"
Artymis' green eyes flashed with anger, "Actually, my father."
"Your father?" Zhao repeated, he threw his head back and laughed. "Your father! Airbenders don't have family, let alone a father!"
"Yes, we do!" Artymis yelled, "I had a father!"
"Had?" Zhao repeated, "Had a father. So, you don't have one right now."
"I have a brother!" Artymis argued, "And I have friends that make up my family. What do you have, Zhao?"
Zhao glared at her, and rose his hand. Artymis shut her eyes, ready for the slap, but it never came. Instead, she felt something break and rip from her neck. Artymis looked up and saw Zhao holding her necklace. "Give it back!" Artymis commanded.
"Not 'till you learn respect." Zhao said.
Artymis breathed hard. "Give it back." She hissed angrily.
"I don't think so." Zhao began walking away, he turned around though and tossed the necklace in front of Artymis. The necklace dropped several feet, about seven or more, in front of Artymis. She blew a light tornado and aimed it at Zhao's back. His body slammed against the wall. He got up with a groan and sent a glare over his shoulder to her. "Blow all you want but you won't escape from here, no one is coming to rescue you."
"I can just get out of here be myself, thank you very much!" Artymis yelled with fury.
"With what help?" Zhao asked, "Your pretty face?"
"Shut up, you - " Artymis shouted, Zhao shut the door, and she stopped. Artymis heard it being locked. She sighed. She stared down at her necklace. She thought what Zhao had said earlier, about her turning her back on the world. Artymis closed her eyes and hung her head. "He's right. He's right." She whispered to herself, I don't deserve to be called the Avatar. I don't even deserve that necklace.
The Blue Spirit hid under the cart. He felt the cart stopped and watched a pair of feet walk up to the cart. The Blue Spirit knew he would be discovered, Fire Nation soldiers always checked underneath the carts. He moved swiftly, and hid inside the cart unseen just as the guard said, "All clear. You may pass."
The cart moved and the Blue Spirit shrank back into the darkness inside the cart. He swiftly moved away when the cart entered the courtroom and came to a complete stop. He slipped up the wall and passed be some soldiers, who had taken much interest in Admiral Zhao's speech:
"We are the sons and daughters of fire, the superior element. This year, Sozin's Comet returns, to grant us great power. We will tear the walls of Ba-Seng-Sa down and takeover the city. And who is the only one that can stop this process?" Zhao said out loud, giving his speech to some Fire Nation soldiers. "But the Avatar. Well I'm here to say she is my prisoner. The Lady Avatar is in chains and is weak..."
The Blue Spirit didn't pay any attention to him. He sneaked his way to the other side and peaked in his pocket, the sapphire was glowing a bit brightly, but not too bright. He threw rope down the wall and quickly climbed down. He snuck into the sewers and squeezed between the bars in the sewer. He ran some more and brought the sapphire out again, it was glowing a bit brighter now.
She's close, he thought and walked ran some more, the sapphire glowing brighter at every step.
"Monk Gyatso," little five-year-old Artymis asked in her high but small voice, "what did you get me for my birthday?"
"Well, Artymis," Monk Gyatso said, "I got you this." He presented her a small box.
"What's in it?" She asked eagerly, she placed the box in front of her and started opening it.
"It is a priceless gift, Artymis." Gyatso explained, "A beautiful charm."
Little Artymis lifted a necklace out of the box, she gasped and smiled brightly at her gift. "It's so pretty!" She stared at the sapphire, emerald, ruby, and a yellow jewel. In the middle of it, was a rose.
"Yes, it is." Gyatso said.
"Thank you!" Little Artymis squealed, she hugged Gyatso. " I love you, daddy!"
Gyatso gently hugged her back, "I do too, my little girl."
(Flashback Ends)
Artymis sighed and hung her head. She closed her eyes and remembered her fifth birthday all too well. She remembered that was one of the rarest time she called Gyatso 'daddy' or something of that sort. She lifted her head, I can't believe I took the necklace, I didn't deserve it.
"I have to get out of here." She whispered, and tried to slip her hands through the shackles. Again, she failed and ended up with bruises. She groaned. "I hate this!" Artymis heard the doorknob click. She looked up and the door opened slowly. She let herself breathe when she saw the Blue Spirit, she smiled. "I'm glad you came, but I'm more glad that you're alright." She said to him.
The Blue Spirit nodded, he brought out his two long swords and twisted them around. He cut the chains that imprisoned Artymis' wrist and ankle shackles. He slashed them again at the four shackles. He placed his swords on his back, where the sword sheaths was.
"Thanks," Artymis said, massaging the bruise around her wrist.
The Blue Spirit looked down and saw her necklace, he picked it up and pulled Artymis towards him. He spun her around and placed the golden chain of her necklace around her neck, he tied the ends of the chain.
Artymis muttered, "Thank you." She felt his hands were warm, He's wearing gloves, that's right. She turned around to him and bowed her head and respect, "You saved me again, how can I repay you?" She asked.
The Blue Spirit seemed in a hurry. He gently grabbed Artymis wrist and led her out of the room. Artymis saw a tied guard just outside the door. She hid a grin when she saw him. Apparently, he has many skills. She followed the Blur Spirit, but then he stopped in his tracks and seemed to be listening for something.
"Wh - What is it?" Artymis asked, concerned. "What's wrong?"
The Blue Spirit lifted a finger, he then looked back at Artymis.
Artymis listened and heard Zhao's voice, not too off. She turned with a panic look to her rescuer. He sped up unexpectedly and made sharp turns. "Slow - slow down!" She pleaded. Artymis gasped for breath. They ran for a while, and made so many sharp turns that Artymis felt a bit dizzy. She gasped and fell on her knees. She lowered her head and gasped for some air. She looked up to the Blue Spirit, who tried to help her up.
"I'm sorry!" She said, "I can't go on!"
But the Blue Spirit seemed determined, he lifted her up and urged her to keep going. He removed his fingers from her wrist, and held her hand instead. Artymis felt her palms sweaty, she hoped he wouldn't notice. She began dragging herself, and Artymis nearly fell but felt an arm wrap around her shoulders and another arm under her knees. The Blue Spirit out of the building, and into a small-made tunnel. He was careful not to stand in the light from the moon that the bars permitted too often as Fire Nation soldiers walked on the bars. Artymis held onto him a bit more closer. The Blue Spirit ran his gloved-hand through her long hair for a moment. He stopped and put Artymis down. He pointed up and took a peak above to check if the coast was clear. It seemed to be, since he nodded at Artymis and slipped through the wide gaps between the bars. Artymis followed after him. He led her up to a wall and a dangling rope. He climbed first then she did.
"The Avatar has escaped!" Artymis heard Zhao shout, "Find her and lock the gates - immediately!"
The rope which Artymis and her rescuer were climbing was cut off. They began falling, but Artymis slowed their fall down and had them land on their feet with airbending. She began to run faster than the Blue Spirit, because the gates up ahead were starting to close. Fire Nation soldiers ran in front of the gates and blocked their only escape. Artymis stopped and blew hard and created another light, but big tornado. The soldiers were thrown to either sides.
"Come on!" Artymis panted, she reached the gates but looked behind her and saw the Blue Spirit fighting. She knew she could leave, there just enough room between the closing gates for her to escape. But she refused and aided the Blue Spirit in his battle.
The Blue Spirit took her hand in the middle of fighting and dragged her away from the soldiers. Artymis used her airbending to get him up to the next wall and she performed a high jump and met him. She took a soldier's sword and began fighting with a blade. She turned around and saw the Blue Spirit staring down on her.
"What?" She asked, "Think a girl in a kimono can't fight?" She turned around and blocked another attack from another soldier.
The Blue Spirit grabbed the soldier and threw him over the wall. He took Artymis by the hand again and they began to run towards the next and final wall. But they found the only way they could was to do a long-distance jump. Artymis whipped up some air and pushed him. He barely made it, he was hanging onto the wall. Artymis took a deep breath and was about to jump, but a soldier unexpected crept up behind her. This cause her a fright, so she fell over the wall.
Artymis quickly jumped to her feet and ran fro the third gate. She didn't make it in time as it closed. She banged her fist on it, and turned around to see the Blue Spirit. He came back when he had the chance to leave? She saw Fire Nation soldiers running towards them, they stopped and threw an attack of firebending at them. Artymis jumped in front of the Blue Spirit and created a protective air-shield around herself and him.
"Hold your fire!" Zhao shouted, "The Lady Avatar must be capture alive." He stepped up and the firebenders stopped their attacks. Artymis released the shield and felt herself a little tired after performing so much airbending, especially holding a shield for many seconds. Zhao saw the Blue Spirit behind Artymis and smirked, "I'll ship that one too when the Avatar is being shipped to Fire Lord Ozai."
Artymis suddenly felt her arms being pinned against her back and a blade right next to her neck. She gasped at the coldness of the blade. She moved her eyes just a little, but little enough to see it was the Blue Spirit. She gulped and looked back at Zhao.
Zhao and the Blue Spirit locked eyes on each other for a few seconds. "Let them go," Zhao muttered.
"What?" A Fire Nation lieutenant asked, wide-eyed. "What are you doing?"
"There are times when precession is needed in a situation like this." Zhao answered, watching the Blue Spirit back away with the Avatar as his prisoner.
Artymis breathed, "I hope know what you're doing." She whispered to the Blue Spirit. She and the Blue Spirit passed the front gates easily, but they both felt uncomfortable.
"I do know what I'm doing, Artymis." The Blue Spirit whispered her back through the mask.
Artymis blinked her eyes from her recent and strange confusion. His voice, she thought as she and him reached a dirt intersection, I think I know where I heard it before. But, it's not possible... Artymis felt something past her left ear at fast speed. She felt her arms were freed and the blade was far from her neck. Artymis whirled around and she saw the Blue Spirit unconscious on the ground. She saw an arrow nearby him, she knew Zhao ordered it. She looked back and could've sworn she saw Zhao smirking from atop the wall. Artymis raised her arms up and created a medium-sized "dirt fog". She rushed to the Blue Spirit, knowing she and him were out of sight as long as the dirt stayed in the air.
"Are you...?" Artymis didn't dare say the word 'dead'. She took his hand and checked for a pulse, there was one. She let out a breath of relief. She smiled briefly and noticed his blue and white mask was off a bit. Artymis was very curious who hid behind the mask. She reached out and placed her hand at either side of the mask. When she removed his mask, Artymis drew back in fear, the mask falling from her hands.
The Blue Spirit was Prince Zuko.
Get away from him, Art! a little voice in Artymis' mind screamed. She jumped to her feet and took a step away from Zuko. But guilt made her look back at Zuko and the Fire Nation soldiers that came rushing from the door. Artymis ran back to Zuko and thought, Everybody deserves a second chance.
"How could they loose them like that!" Zhao shouted. He slammed his fist on the table. He looked up to the lieutenant, "I want a bounty for the man who helped the Avatar!" He demanded.
"Of coarse, sir." The lieutenant said, then he asked, "But, what shall we call the enemy?"
Zhao paused for a moment, "Just call him the Blue Spirit."
The sun was barely beginning to rise. Zuko was laid unconscious on a bed of leaves. Artymis had Zuko's head in her lap, she damped his forehead from a torn piece of fabric from her kimono. She had dipped the fabric in some warm water in a pond nearby, and was now damping Zuko's forehead. She stopped and set the damped fabric aside. She placed her hands on Zuko's cheeks.
"I never really believed it when people said 'curiosity kills the cat'." Artymis said in a casual way, "But, I guess it is true." Artymis sighed, she drew her hands away from Zuko and stood up. She began to slowly walk around. "I long so much for the world I once knew." She said after a long pause, she began talking as if Zuko was listening. "I remember the odor, the sweet smell of flowers and the ocean scent always was in the air. I remember when everything was so bright back then, it was like heaven." Artymis made a weak smile, "I miss all the friends I had, that's the negative side of being revived after a hundred years. I remember kind and caring Rain, she was from the Water Tribes. She had such a motherly aura around her, and she played music like no other person could. I especially remember the ones I had from the Earth Kingdom and Fire Nation. I miss all my old friends so, but I'm glad I made new ones." She made a soft but short laugh, "I miss everything that was once was a hundred years ago."
Artymis turned her head when she heard a soft groan. Zuko was awake and sitting up. Artymis stared at him for a few seconds, then sat beside him. "Here, let me help you." She said.
Zuko stared at her. She was actually helping him. Why, though? he asked himself silently, Why is she helping me? "Thanks," he muttered.
Artymis looked up at him when he said that word, she smiled slightly. "My pleasure." She then added softly, "Everybody deserves a second chance." Zuko lifted his eyes up at her when she said that.
Both of them stared at each other. Artymis forgot the pain he had given her. Instead, she cupped his cold cheek with a warm hand and placed her other free hand on his arm. Zuko realized her intention. He brought an arm around her waist and gently pulled her towards him. He also cupped her cheek. Artymis slowly neared her face towards him.
Zuko felt heat rising in him. He felt that strange emotion again. His hands dropped to her waist and stayed there. Artymis felt butterflies in her stomach again. She felt her palms get slightly sweaty. She now had her hands on his shoulders and was pulling him towards her. Artymis closed her eyes and could feel Zuko's lips very close to hers. Zuko looked at her and was very close to kissing her, but he remembered where his duty lied. He pulled his face away and jumped to his feet, he grasped Artymis' wrists and forced her on her feet. She opened her eyes in shock and stared at Zuko. His golden eyes were a strange emotion of anger and determination, he stared down upon her.
"I don't understand..." Artymis' voice drowned.
"You don't need to." Zuko snapped, "All you need to know is that my hatred for you will always remain - no matter what!" He suddenly held her very close and pulled out a familiar lavender rose with a free hand, "Remember this?"
Artymis' eyes grew wide. She looked at Zuko, "Please, give it back to me."
His eyes narrowed, he looked at the rose. "All roses wither."
"Don't you even - " Artymis yelled, but she stopped. The rose in Zuko's hand began to burn. Within a second, the rose erupted in a flame. "Zuko! What are you - "
Zuko threw her to her knees, still gripping her wrists. "Don't ever address me as a commoner!" He commanded furiously, "I am Prince Zuko, heir to the throne of the Fire Nation, son of Fire Lord Ozai and Lady Ursa!"
"I don't care who you are, you selfish, self-centered, and evil man!" Artymis yelled, she managed to slip a hand away from Zuko's fingers. She held it up high and slapped Zuko on the cheek. She drew away immediately. She stared at Zuko, and he stared back.
"Anything else you like to say?" Zuko hissed, covering his marked cheek.
Artymis' green eyes held no emotion, "Don't ever play with my heart."
Zuko stared at her and she began to run. He watched her run out of sight. His expression soften, he sighed and stared at the burnt rose.
Artymis walked up the stairs to her friends. She each gave them a frozen frog from the valley swamp. She got them on her way back to them. When all her sick friends was sucking on a frozen frog, Artymis leaned against Anduril. She stared out into space with an emotionless expression.
Made any new friends? Anduril's faint voice asked.
No, Artymis replied back. I've confused my feelings again, she thought privately, I should've learned the first time.
"Where have you been, Prince Zuko?" Iroh asked, a worried look on his face.
"Out on a walk in the words." Zuko was glad he remembered to change from the Blue Spirit dark outfit to his Fire Nation armor.
Iroh hesitated before saying how dangerous it was to walk without telling him, but he let it go. "Well, you missed music night." Iroh said to his nephew, "And Lieutenant Jee sang a stirring love song."
Like I need a love song to brighten my day up? Zuko thought, he turned to his uncle, "I'll be in my room. No disturbances." Zuko walked to his room, leaving a concerned Iroh behind.
Zuko undressed from his armor and laid down on his bed, he stared up at the ceiling and thought of Artymis. What had he done to upset her so? I don't know if I even feel for her, he thought, But I long to see her. He held up his right palm, Were my palms just sweaty around her? What's going on with me? Why has she made me like this? He looked to the wall scroll of the Fire Nation flame symbol on his wall next to his bed. He stared at it and turned on his side, his back to it. Looking at the Fire Nation symbol was too much for Zuko.
Anduril's silver tail slithered around Artymis in a protective way. She didn't even noticed. All she kept thinking was about Zuko, and no matter how much she hated him, she longed to see him again. She blinked very slowly, I hope I won't make this mistake ever again. She felt for the ruby that he gave her, she found it in her kimono's hidden pocket. She was about to throw it with just a portion of her hatred for Zuko, but she kept it in her pocket. Artymis lifted a hand and touched her necklace She held it up since the chain was long enough for her to see the necklace. She stared at the jewels and the rose. Artymis stared at it and dropped it, she turn on her side and began to sob quietly. Looking at her necklace, a necklace that was worn by all female past Avatars, was too much for Artymis.
Author's Note: Yes! I finally done this one! I really liked this episode. I hope this chapter was alright. Yeah, I added a new character, well, she's not really important. Just a side character: Rain. You shouldn't worry about her, she's just a side character, k? And the next chapter will be that "The Fortuneteller" episode. I got some pretty good ideas, but more are welcomed. Well, remember, honest opinions are welcomed and ideas are too.
Firework: Giving you torture? Ha! No, I didn't mean that. But, the jurnal is really bugging you, no? You will find out in chapter... -thinks- ...well, soon. Anyways, thanks for your review.