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. Oh, 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.

-Truths Revealed: "Forgive Me"-

(Part II)

Zuko held onto Artymis. He closed his eyes and felt his shoulders shake. He felt a tear escape from his eyes, he hadn't cried in such a very long time. He held Artymis closely and bent his head, he felt unexplained happiness. He felt joy jump in his heart when she said "I'm in love with Prince Zuko." He had to hold her. Zuko knew he was quietly crying out of happiness. He didn't let her go because she had given him a great joy that he never thought he ever could have.

Artymis knew her head was leaning against 'Shang's' chest, she could hear him cry quietly. But she had a feeling it was a cry for happiness, for joy. She didn't hug him back, because she didn't understand. Why is Shang hugging me? she thought, Is he sad? No, I think he's crying out of happiness, but why? And why do I suddenly feel that emotion that I feel for Zuko for Shang right now? She moved her eyes to the waters, she stared at it and suddenly realized something. How come I didn't see it before...? Artymis immediately stepped back and the second she did, she pulled 'Shang's' half-mask and hat off. She gasped and dropped the items from her hands. She backed away, creating space between them.

"Zuko!" She whispered in shocked.

Zuko looked at her and said, "Artymis, forgive me."

"You ask for forgiveness?" Artymis asked, her eyes flashing with anger and hatred. "From a girl - excuse me, a 'thing' - who you played her heart? And you ask for forgiveness?" She shouted.

Zuko stared at Artymis, I didn't want her to... wait, a 'thing'? "Why did you call yourself a thing?"

"Isn't that you wrote in you journal?" Artymis asked. "A thing that can help you get your honor back!"

Zuko remained still for a moment and realized what had happened. She probably read my journal on that night on my ship, when we were exchanging stories, he concluded, And she read that recent entry. Why did I even write that? "Artymis, I didn't know what was going on. My world had been turned upside down ever since I met you. I - "

"So now you're blaming me?" Artymis interrupted.

"No!" Zuko shook his head, "I didn't know how to look at you: as a friend, an enemy, a - a - "

"Shut up!" Artymis shouted, she turned her back on him. She felt heat rise in her cheeks and she felt tears in her eyes. Why am I crying for a foolish thing? A stupid boy? She held the tears back.

"Artymis," Zuko said, slowly walking to her. "I don't know how to act anymore."

Artymis crossed her arms and listened to him.

Zuko continued: "I was always a stubborn man who always tried to please his father. But, when I met you in the South Pole, that night, I felt changed. Though we didn't talk much, I felt a strong connection with you. I've noticed I wasn't acting as myself since that night. Ever since I met you."

"I don't know what you're talking about." Artymis said, but she lied. She felt the same way and she tried to hold back the feeling many times, up 'till now. The sky was lit with the very first rays of dawn.

"Yes, you do." Zuko said, "You've felt it too. I know it."

"How?" Artymis said, looking at him over her shoulder.

"I just know." Zuko said, "And I do know because I think I felt your pain."

"My pain?" Artymis repeated, "I don't feel any." She lied.

"You're not a very good liar." Zuko said, stopping a few feet from her. "But I felt a pain in my chest - in my heart, and I know that it wasn't being caused by me."

"So, you're saying I felt it," Artymis said, turning her face away. "and that we're a part of each other?"

Zuko walked slowly again and stopped right behind her, "Yes." He gently placed his hands on her shoulders.

Artymis felt him place his hands on her shoulders. Don't touch me. But she didn't say or do anything to stop him. She felt Zuko gently wrap his arms around her waist, under her arms. Artymis half turned her face, she felt her knees wobbled slightly. "What have you done to me?" She asked him, feeling her strong spirit weaken at his touch and his words.

"I don't even know what you have done to me." Zuko whispered.

"I didn't do anything." Artymis said, staring out into space.

"But I know you made me weak, then stronger than I've ever been." Zuko said, But I can't explain it really.

Artymis didn't say anything, she blinked and remembered what changes she had undergone changes ever since she met Zuko. She felt weak at points, then she felt stronger than she was before. How can love make me so weak, then make me so strong? she silently asked herself, I don't understand anything about love.

"What is this feeling I'm feeling inside?" Artymis muttered.

Zuko paused, he felt it too. "It's..."

"...Love?" Artymis offered.

Zuko held her closer and leaned his head against her brown hair. He didn't say anything. Artymis touched his arms and she held onto them. She looked in the water and saw her reflection as well as Zuko's. She stared at it for a moment. A faint smile came on her lips. Artymis didn't know why, but she felt her pulse race and her heart beat faster. Zuko looked in the water and saw Artymis had a faint smile on. He made a rare smile.

"You're smiling," He said.

Artymis held back the smile barely and said, "I am not." She turned the other way.

Zuko made a light sigh, "Artymis, please."

Artymis half-turned her face again, she looked up to Zuko. "Please what?" She asked.

"Please smile for me and accept my love." Zuko lifted a hand and gently soothed her hair.

Artymis opened her mouth but no words came out. I want to accept his love - very badly! I'm attempted! But, what he said... She hesitated and looked up to him. She turned around to be face-to-face with him. Zuko still kept his arms around her waist and dropped his hand to her waist. He brought her close. Artymis place her hands on his shoulders. "Why did you take the name of 'Shang'?" She asked.

"I guess I wanted to know you better," Zuko answered, "But along the way, my feelings for you grew stronger."

"Why would you want to know me?" Artymis asked, "I'm your rival."

"Don't say that." Zuko said. "I don't even think we were rivals before."

"That doesn't change our fights and battles." Artymis said.

Zuko paused, "It doesn't, but it'll stop the ones up ahead."

"Who says the battles yet to come will be stop by a simple feeling?" Artymis asked, lowering her eyes.

Zuko shook his head, "Don't say that, Artymis."

"Why not?" Artymis asked, lifting her eyes, "You don't love me, Zuko." That sentence made a piercing in Zuko's heart. "I know the only thing you like about me is that I'm sure you think I'm easy."

Zuko's eyes widen, "No, Artymis! I do love you! I honestly do!"

"Or is this another trick to imprison me?" Artymis asked, looking at him.

"This isn't a trick!" Zuko said, he lifted his hands to rub her upper arms gently, "I just want to hear you say you love me... just one more time. Please?" Zuko's golden eyes were pleading for those three words.

But Artymis turned her face away, to not fall for the pleading look. She didn't want to give in, not like she did to 'Shang'. She didn't want to admit the growing emotion for Zuko. She was being to stubborn.

"Artymis."

She looked back at him.

Zuko looked down in her eyes and said, "I do love you. I don't want you to think I don't care for you. Because I do." He paused and said, "What I think I fell in love with was your smile."

"My smile?" Artymis repeated, What's special about my smile?

"Or maybe it was the way you were nice and gentle on our first meeting in the South Pole," Zuko said lowly, "there's so much that I fell in love about you."

Artymis stared into his golden eyes, "Why do those eyes make me weak?" She asked.

"Why do these feelings make me weak?" Zuko asked, lightly pressing his forehead against hers.

Artymis felt more heat rise in her cheeks. Why can't a part of me accept that I'm in love? And why is the other part saying not to fall in love? She moved her face away and inhaled. Why can't I just decide without a worry and look at Zuko with no negative feeling?

Anduril opened his eyes, he saw that the sun was rising. He slowly rose up and tried to stretch his wings.

"You shouldn't to that." A voice said. "You will only hurt yourself more."

Anduril looked up when an elderly Fire Nation man came out of the trees and into the clearing. He had soft golden eyes with wisdom and gray hair. Anduril recognized this elderly man as Prince Zuko's relative, he had assumed it was his uncle. Anduril growled lowly at the man, he did not want help. Asking others for help makes me weak, he had always thought that.

"Do not be alarm." The man geld his hands up, "I come here as a friend. My name is Iroh." Iroh came over to the silver creature and asked, "Are you wounded?"

The dragon shook his head, but when he tried to stretched his wings, he winced. HE then knew that his wings were far too tired to travel now.

"You are tired." Iroh said.

Anduril nodded, and laid his head down, keeping his eyes on Iroh.

Iroh laughed, "I do not dare harm an elegant and rare creature as yourself."

Anduril nodded, he somehow believed his words.

"I am looking for my nephew, Zuko." Iroh then asked, "Have you seen him?"

Anduril growled, his claws came out.

Iroh blinked, "Apparently you haven't, or my nephew would've faced your wrath, no?"

Anduril nodded.

"My nephew has acted very strange, a night before he had found your sister - " Iroh looked at him, " - the Avatar. I am worried." He paused and asked Anduril, "Has your sister been acting strangely of late?"

Anduril remained silent.

"I take that as a yes." Iroh said, "Well, I do hope things between your sister and yourself work out just fine. My nephew and I on the other hand, we are not doing so well."

Anduril saw there was sorrow in his eyes. Anduril felt pity for the this man. He closed his eyes and tried to find Artymis again. He managed to sense her presence, though barely because she was nearly out of range. Anduril got up and he didn't have to wince when he spread his wings.

"You are going to find your sister?" Iroh guessed, the dragon nodded. Iroh nodded, "I see. Well then, good luck."

Anduril nodded and took off, he hesitated to leave as he floated in the air. He looked at the old man and flew over him.

Iroh felt something drop in his hands, he looked down at his hands. A small silver scale had dropped in his hands. Iroh smiled, "A priceless treasure," He looked up, "I thank you." Iroh tucked the scale in his robe and continued his search for Zuko.

Artymis looked up at Zuko, "How do I know you truly care for me?" She asked him.

Zuko made a small smile, "Do you remember Shyu?" He asked.

Artymis blinked and nodded, "Yeah, he was a Fire Sage, he helped me in the temple to speak to Avatar Roku when you and I were separated."

"Artymis," Zuko asked, "didn't you ever wonder why he helped you?"

Artymis looked at him, "He said a friend sent him to me, but I never really paid much thought to it."

Zuko smiled again, "Artymis, I asked Shyu if he wanted to help you. When he said yes, I told him your purpose there and where you went." He confessed.

Artymis stared at Zuko, "You were the friend that Shyu spoke of? You sent Shyu to me in the temple?" She couldn't believe it.

Zuko nodded, "And didn't you ever wonder how Chey found you?" He asked.

Artymis had a guess, "Because you sent him to me?"

"Yes, I told him to guide you to Jeong Jeong. He said he would, I knew that you had to learn some discipline, and Jeong Jeong would know how."

"But how did you know that I was at the festival?" Artymis asked.

Zuko looked at her, "Because you said you had a Fire Nation friend, Kuzon, and I assumed you attended the Fire Days Festival. So, I knew you would be there, I sent Chey there." Artymis lowered her eyes, shocked. "And when you were on the hill of rocks," Zuko continued, "I saw you about to fall, you were having a nightmare. I carried you halfway back to Jeong Jeong's tent. I met him halfway there, he took you from me and carried you back to the camp. I turned away and left."

"But Jeong Jeong didn't mention someone - " Artymis started.

"I swore him to secrecy." Zuko said, "I told him not to tell you."

Artymis lifted her eyes to him. "Is that all?" She asked.

Zuko shook his head, "Artymis, I gave you the Panda Lily."

"What?" Artymis said, "You told Aunt Wu to tell me to return to my camp so you could give me a Panda Lily?"

"Yes," Zuko said, "I also told her to keep it quiet."

Artymis paused and asked, "Did you see Aunt Wu to have your fortune told?"

Zuko nodded, "Yes, I did. She said I would fall in love with a young powerful woman."

"She said I would fall in love with a powerful man," Artymis said, she suddenly understood which man she would fall in love with.

Zuko lifted his hands up to his shoulders and softly took Artymis' hands in his. He lowered them and held them close to his chest. "Artymis, I think Aunt Wu meant you were for me." He stroked her hands with his fingers, "And I think she meant I was for you."

Artymis claimed her hands from him and shook her head, "She said I had the choice of falling in love." She said, her eyes suddenly harden. "And I don't want to fall in love with you." She turned around and started to run, but a hand gripped hers and spun her around. Artymis found herself once again in Zuko's arms in a warm embrace. Her lips were a few inches away from Zuko's lips. Artymis breathed and her heart skipped a beat, then it had a faster beating. "Zuko," She whispered, looking up in his eyes, "please let go of me."

Zuko looked at her, "Artymis, I can't resist the strange feelings I have for you."

Artymis shook her head, "Zuko, I... I can't allow myself."

Zuko's arms wrapped tighter around her waist and brought her closer, "I know I can't allow myself either, but I love you, Artymis."

Artymis knew she had to give in, she placed her hands on his shoulders and moved her face towards Zuko's, but very slowly. She then whispered, "Zuko, I do love you. I love you so much." Her eyes began to water, but they held an emotion of happiness. Artymis hands passed Zuko's so her arms laid on his shoulders. She closed her eyes and felt that foreign emotion grow inside of her.

Zuko made a very small smile and he lifted a hand and place it on the back of her head and brought her face closer to his. He felt that feeling for Artymis grow and it grew even more with their lips almost meeting. He felt Artymis' arms gently laid on his shoulder and he could almost feel her lips against his.

Artymis, where are you! Anduril's voice brought Artymis out of her dreamland. She opened her eyes and roughly pulled away from Zuko, she looked at his confused expression.

"Artymis?" Zuko called her name out softly.

"Leave me alone." Artymis whispered, she backed away.

"I don't understand." Zuko said, he was convinced for a second there she wanted to kiss him. "What's wrong?"

"Leave me alone," Artymis repeated with watery eyes, "you changed the way I was and I hate myself for not hating you." A short pause, "I hate you!" She turned away and ran, this time Zuko didn't run after her. Artymis ran for about half a mile, she panted and telepath Anduril, I'm right here, Anduril.

Don't move, I'm coming.

Artymis leaned against a tree and slumped down to the ground. She closed her eyes and a tear escaped from her eyes. She opened her eyes and breathed deeply. Why did I let everything flow out of my hands? Why? Why did I let myself weaken at his words and touch? she thought, Why did I let myself love him?

Zuko stood where he was, he stared down at the ground. Artymis' last three words echoing in his head. He had felt a stab in his heart. Zuko sighed and kept staring at the ground. Did she really mean that? he thought, Or is she lying?

"Prince Zuko!" Iroh came rushing to his nephew, "I was worried and I started looking for you - Zuko, what's wrong?" Iroh noticed Zuko's quietness and he could've sworn there was sorrow in his eyes.

"Nothing." Zuko lied, turning his face away.

"Zuko - " Iroh laid a comforting hand on Zuko's shoulder.

Zuko shoved his hand away, "I'm fine." He said grimly. He started to head for his ship, a confused Iroh following him.

Artymis was riding on Anduril, who was giving her a long lecture:

- you know how worried I was for you? Anduril asked for the tenth time, I thought you were kidnapped! I told you never to wander without telling me or the others!

Artymis nodded, Yes, Anduril.

Anduril paused, he sighed. I just don't want to loose you.

I know, Artymis said, and I'm sorry. Anduril landed at their campsite, Katara and Sokka were still asleep, as well as Appa and small Momo. Anduril landed softly and he watched Artymis climb off of his back. She, instead of going back to her sleeping bag, she leaned against him. Anduril looked at her and made a small smile.

Artymis, Anduril asked.

Yes, Artymis answered.

Anduril's eyes moved to her, Did something happen? he asked.

Artymis nodded.

Can you tell me? Anduril asked.

Artymis paused and nodded, she told Anduril of Zuko and hers encounter. And what he told her, and what she said...

(Half an Hour Later)

The sun's light was spreading when Artymis told Anduril everything. He had remained silent the whole time. Are you mad at me? Artymis asked, looking up at him.

I'm mad that you wandered off alone, Anduril said, But you do know all I want for you is happiness, and if you loved that no-for-good-scar-head-spoiled-prince, he paused, I'll have to accept that. Because I or anybody else can never tell you who to love and who to hate. No one can tell you who to love, Artymis.

Does that mean you're not mad? Artymis asked.

I am uneasy that you chose Zuko, I am worried that he'll hurt you, Anduril said, but I will have to enter over-protective-brother mode.

Artymis made a weak smile, Well, you won't have to.

Anduril was mystified by this, Why is that?

Because I said I hated him, Artymis answered, I said he was making me weak, and it was true!

Anduril shook his head, Artymis, you shouldn't have revealed that he has made you weak.

Why? Artymis asked, looking up at him, It was the only way he could leave me alone!

Anduril gave her a look, The only way?

Artymis looked away, N-no, I guess not. But he'll leave us alone now, right?

Anduril looked up to the sky, I do not.

Artymis thought for a moment and leaned her head against Anduril. She closed her eyes and, in her mind, felt Zuko's arms around her and heard his words "I love you."

Dawn was rising. Prince Zuko was back on his ship, in his room. He sat before a small low table of candles. He had his eyes closed, and it was obvious he was meditating. He found it hard though. His mind kept wandering around to Artymis. He sighed and groaned.

I can't believe she said she loved me, he thought, I never thought she would. I never thought after all the fights we've been through. Then again, there was something in her eyes that told me there was something else.

He paused, "I want to see her..." He muttered, "I just want to see her again - " He stopped himself, there was a knock on his door. "Come in." He said loudly.

Uncle Iroh opened the door and came in, "Prince Zuko, you usually give the men an order at this time, but you haven't. What's wrong?" He asked.

"Nothing." Zuko lied.

"Don't lie to me, Zuko." Iroh demanded softly, "What is going on?"

"Nothing!" Zuko yelled, the candles glowed brightly as the flames nearly reached the ceiling.

"Prince Zuko!" Iroh's voice was getting louder, "Enough with the secrets." His expression softened, "I am worried for you. You are like my own son." Zuko sighed and buried his face in his hands. Iroh laid a hand on his shoulder and Zuko looked up at him. "Zuko, please, tell me everything."

Zuko nodded, and began speaking of everything concerning his strange behaviors, and Artymis.

(Half An Hour Later)

"So," Iroh said, sitting on Zuko's bed and hearing everything his nephew had to say, "you are in love with the Avatar, Artymis?"

Zuko nodded his head. "But, she hates me."

Iroh shook his head, "I do not think so."

"What?" Zuko said, he looked up to Iroh, "She said so herself!"

"But, did she mean it?" Iroh asked.

Zuko paused, "I think she did."

"No, she didn't." Iroh said, "I'm sure she didn't, otherwise she wouldn't have said she loved you."

"Then, why say - " Zuko began.

"Why say 'I hate you'?" Iroh then began explaining, "See, Zuko, most women won't admit their feelings. It's either it's not allowed, they're shy, or they don't want to be true to themselves."

"That doesn't make any sense." Zuko said.

Iroh shrugged, "What can I say, the world of women are hard to understand." He said, "But I think Artymis said that so there wouldn't be any problems."

"Problems?" Zuko repeated.

"Yes, problems." Iroh answered, "Zuko, don't you know what conflicts there would be if the Avatar and a Firebender - a prince - were to fall in love with each other, especially with the war going on?"

Zuko nodded his head slowly, "It would drive us apart." Zuko said in a low voice, "She would be looked at as a traitor to the entire world, as I am to my country."

"And both of you will have your honor ceased, the honor everybody is born with." Iroh added.

Zuko's eyes hardened and he stood to his feet, "I don't care about getting my stupid honor back - even if I do have it, I don't care!" He yelled, "All I want is to be with her! Nothing else matters!" He looked back to his uncle.

Iroh had a warm smile. "Tell her that, Zuko, tell her everything and give her something that symbolizes your love for her."

"What good would that do?" Zuko asked bitterly.

"She'll see the truth." Iroh answered.

"The truth?" Zuko repeated with confusion, "She thinks she already knows it."

"No." Iroh said, "She'll see that you truly care for her, and that you are in love with her."

Author's Note: I'm sorry if Artymis took back everything she said about her loving Zuko, but that would really happen. Us girls are emotionally (no offense to the strong-willed women out there! I'm a girl and I admitt I'm sensitive, k?) and we usually don't take back boys because we're afraid to get hurt. I've planned part one and part two of this chapter for a very long time, since I think the "Return of the Blue Spirit" chapter. Very long time. Jeez, I never think I get this far in a fanfic, I thought this Avatar fanfic was going down the drain. But, -looks at reviews- I guess not! -lol- I am really happy that, though I haven't ended this fanfic yet, people actually like it... I guess I should wait for the end of the fic, huh? -.- Well, I hope this chapter pleased you, although you'll probably hate Artymis for taking it all back. Well, I'll know from the reviews. L8ters!

Firework: ...and she takes it all back! Yeah, I was gonna have them kiss but: save the best for last! I hope it was a good update. See ya l8ter!

nori12: I see, well, thanks for the tip. I'll see what I can do about Artymis' personality.

crazy-bender-girl: Yes, I am so EVIL! -rofl- I didn't think you be mad at me for a very, very, very, very, small cliffhanger like that. Jeez, it was a small one... you'll gonna hurt me, are you? -lol- Thanks a bunch for the hilarious review!

Life sucks get used 2 it: o.O I take it you like it a lot, well, thanks! I hope this chapter was up fast for you. -eye twitches- I was so afriad you hurt me, -lol- Later!