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.
-Listen to the Heart-
That same morning, when everything was spoken to Zuko, Artymis and her friends ate breakfast. Though Artymis didn't ate hearty as Sokka and Katara.
"Can I ask you guys something?" Artymis asked, setting her half-done plate down.
"Sure." Katara said, looking up.
"Can we set off, today?" Artymis asked unexpectedly.
Sokka nearly choked on his food, "Today!"
Artymis nodded, "Yes." She looked at them, "Please, we could reach the North Pole sooner." The truth was: was that Artymis didn't want another run-in with Zuko, she didn't want to go through the emotion thing all over again.
"Why the rush?" Katara asked.
"Yeah, you said so yourself: Anduril and Appa gotta rest." Sokka pointed out.
Artymis' hands balled into fists, her green eyes flash with anger. "I just wanna get out off of this island!" Katara and Sokka stared at her burst out, Artymis sighed, "I'm sorry, it's just I don't feel comfortable here."
Katara nodded, but asked, "Why?"
Artymis paused, "I just do. I feel a lot safer if we start out for the North Pole again."
"Well," Katara seemed uncertain, she had to consider Appa and Anduril. "are Appa and Anduril up for it?"
"I'll ask." Artymis stood on her feet and she walked over to Appa and Anduril, who were under the shade of tall trees, relaxing. "Anduril? Appa?" Artymis softly called out. Anduril looked up, Are you and Appa up for traveling again?
Anduril gave her a confused look, nevertheless, he asked. He turned to Appa and asked him if he was up for traveling to the North Pole today.
Artymis looked to her right, at the other trees. She moved her hands behind her back and continued staring at the trees. She was hoping Appa say yes as well as Anduril. She didn't want to remain on this island, even though she was looking forward to resting a few days, but not if Zuko was on the same island. Not after their little talk.
Artymis, Anduril called her out.
Yes? Artymis moved her face towards him.
Appa said since he has regained most of his strength, Anduril said, he will be able to travel to the North Pole, but halfway there he might decide to float on the water.
Artymis nodded, I'm sure that'll be fine with the others, She was about to walk away but she stopped and asked Anduril, Anduril, are you up for it?
Anduril nodded, Of course I am, but what made you want to take off today, Artymis? She didn't answer him right away. Is it because of Zuko? he asked.
Yes, Artymis replied to him in a thin voice.
Artymis, running away isn't the answer, Anduril said. Running away shows Zuko that you are performing an act of weakness -
Enough, please, Artymis quietly demanded.
Anduril realized what he had just said, Artymis, you know that I didn't mean that. I was not talking of the past, but of right now. I -
I know, Artymis said, I just didn't feel comfortable wit that sentence. But, Anduril, I don't want to face him, not now. She turned away and walked over to Katara and Sokka, who had just finished their breakfast. "Whenever you're ready." Artymis said, kneeling down before the burned out campfire.
"We're going already?" Sokka asked, his expression saying "not-looking-forward-to-it".
"Well," Katara started, "if we start out now, with Appa and Anduril well, the faster we get to the North Pole and the longer we can rest up there with unlimited amount of... food." Katara smiled at the last word.
Sokka's shoulders drew back, "Ok, if Appa and Anduril are up for it, I am!" He jumped to his feet and clapped his hands, "When do we depart?" A pile of supplies was thrown in his opened arms.
"As soon as we pack!" Katara said, gathering things up. "Just because Artymis and I are girls, that doesn't mean you can help us pack!"
Artymis helped them pack their things up and helped saddle them on Appa's smooth saddle. She stopped and opened her bag up again, she took out the Panda Lily that Zuko had given her. She stared at it and stood up, "I'll fill up the flasks."
"Thanks." Katara said, giving Sokka one of the bags to put in the saddle.
Artymis nodded and started walking away from the camp, Be back, Anduril. Gone to fetch some water! Artymis said, passing by him. Anduril watched her go and turned his head away. Artymis walked on a narrow path between the trees, the path wasn't too narrow though. Artymis followed it for nearly half an hour, until she came to a small lake. She knelt down by it and took out the flasks. Artymis barely had the flask in her hand touch the water when a voice said:
"You don't know if that water is safe, Artymis."
Artymis held her breath, she knew very well it was Zuko. She stood up and turned to Zuko, "I though I told you to leave me..." Her voice drowned at the sight of no one anywhere, "...alone." She let the last word die in her throat. "I'm just imagining things... again!" She began muttering to herself and she returned to her task. Artymis gathered the flasks and took one look around, she confirmed that Zuko was not there at all. She walked back to the camp and packed the flasks with the other things. "Got it." She said.
"Alright, then," Katara said, "I think that's all." She stood up on Appa's saddle and looked around, "Yeah, that pretty much clears things up!"
"Then, we'll be off!" Sokka said, "The Appa Express will be off in a couple of minutes. With Captain Anduril our guide and I, Sokka the Great, will be your host!"
"Uh-huh!" Artymis said, she stood by Sokka and knocked him over, he fell over the saddle and onto the ground. "Right, the day you're Sokka the Great is the day I marry the Fire Lord!"
Sokka looked up at her, "Yeah, that'll never be the day!" He got up and brushed dirt off of himself, "Like the only way that'll be the day is when the North and South Pole are really, really warm!"
"Speaking of the North Pole," Katara said, climbing onto Appa's saddle, "shouldn't we be going?" She asked, her hands on her hips.
"Yeah, we should." Artymis said.
Katara and Sokka climbed on and Momo jumped in Katara's arms. Anduril took off at first and Appa followed. Both soared in the sky as the day began and the three friends in Appa's saddle laughed and talked about how they would spend their time in the North Pole. Artymis would steer the conversation from Katara and Sokka and telepath Anduril once in a while. He was glad of the company, she could tell. As they went up north, the group noticed the air seems colder and slightly thin.
Artymis rubbed her arms and pulled her long gloves on.
"Cold?" Katara asked.
Artymis nodded, "It was never this cold, I remember." She said.
"You've been there?" Sokka asked.
Artymis nodded, "Yes, I came up here to visit Rain."
"Rain?" Katara repeated.
"Yes," Artymis answered, "Rain was very nice. She was very talented too."
"Was she a waterbender?" Katara asked, taking interest.
Artymis shook her head, "No, she wasn't, she couldn't. I can't remember why because last I saw her she was sixteen and I was seven. I had to stop going to the North Pole for a while."
"Why?" Katara asked, "And why couldn't she waterbend?"
"Well," Artymis paused and tried to remember, "I can't remember. All I remember her saying is she couldn't because of her family or something of that sort. As for not going to visit her anymore, Rain sent me a letter: something about things getting in the way." Artymis closed her eyes, "She was a very dear friend to me, and closer. I sometimes even called her 'Mommy Rain'." She laughed softly.
"Mommy Rain?" Sokka repeated, raising an eyebrow.
"She was the most sweetest person and so motherly." Artymis said, she looked over her shoulder, "Remember, Anduril? Remember Rain?"
Anduril nodded softly, I remember.
"Those were good times - " Artymis looked over the saddle when she felt Appa lower himself. Appa slowly lowered from the clouds and gently floated on the surface of the water. Anduril came in beside him, tired of flying. She smiled.
"They're really tired," Katara said. Everybody nodded and were nearly thrown off their seats when Appa nearly tripped over, but Anduril came to aid him.
"What's going on!" Sokka shouted, holding on to the saddle's rail.
"The ice!" Katara shouted, holding on to the rail too, Artymis right next to her.
"The ice is appearing out of the water, like flowers!" Artymis shouted.
Ice doesn't just appear like this though, Katara thought.
The friends yelped when Appa almost tilted and when Anduril almost crashed into them, but Appa missed him just barely. Appa barely dodged the ice icicles that emerged from the waters all too quickly. Anduril aided him but also nearly knocked him over. The three friends, as well as Momo, clung onto anything that'll stay tied to Appa. Appa and Anduril came to a halt and they both were pinned to gravity when ice suddenly grew and tied them to the waters.
"I'm gonna - " Artymis jumped to her feet, " - kill whoever - " She searched for her staff but she heard the waters moving as if something was moving on them, she stopped. " - or whatever nearly killed us and I'm gonna leave a mark - " She stopped muttering and saw men in blue and white coats on simple-made boats. She recognized their clothing and craftsmen of their boats. She made a nervous laugh, "Guess I'll keep my mouth shut."
You be wise to do so, Anduril said, watching the waterbenders and calmed down.
"We found the Water Tribe!" Katara cried from happiness, she stood up and looked to Artymis. "We did it!"
"Do they have any food with them by any chance?" Sokka asked, he groaned and sat up.
In the war tent where the Fire Nation flag was waving high at the top, Admiral Zhao looked upon the world map with his hands behind his back. He was talking to a small group of Fire Nation generals, "The Avatar needs to master waterbending, so she'll be heading to the North Pole - "
"I beg your pardon?" A general interrupted, "She? The Avatar is a she?"
Zhao turned to the general, "Yes, General Lee, the Avatar is a young female. Fifteen years to be exact."
"Then what are we waiting for?" General Lee asked, looking around, "If the Avatar is a girl and has not yet learned waterbending, then it means she has not master the elements earth and fire! She is a young and helpless woman, let us just capture her and the North Pole all at once!"
"Patience, General Lee, patience." Zhao said, he began to walk around the tent slowly. "The Northern Water Tribe has survived a hundred years of war. They survived because their land is practically an icy fortress. We will need a massive invasion force to break the Northern Water Tribe." Zhao said.
The Waterbenders had released the ice that had tied Anduril and Appa to gravity once hearing that Katara and Sokka were from the sister tribe, the Southern Water Tribe. The Northern Waterbenders were also told that Artymis was the Avatar. They were now guarding and guiding the group of friends to their Water Tribe. A few hours passed and the three friends saw a grand wall of ice that was beautifully carved. Up high on the wall, there was a large circle. In the circle, there was a crescent moon and in the rest of the empty circle, there seemed to be outlines of ocean waves.
"Hey." Sokka looked to Artymis, "That's the symbol that appears on your forehead, Art."
Artymis looked at it, "Yeah, that's the symbol of the Water Tribes: moon and water."
"Why is that?" Katara asked, admiring the waterbending work.
"I thought you knew everything." Sokka said, smiling. Katara shut him up with a glare. "I'll shut up."
"I don't know." Artymis answered Katara, " I never asked."
The water that formed the ice dropped and there was a semicircle for Appa and Anduril to enter. It was created by the Waterbenders that had guided them. Appa entered in first, then Anduril followed. Where Appa and Anduril found themselves was like a room with ice walls. The friends looked up watched the men in blue coats that stood on the top of the wall, bring their arms down with grace. Water sprang from the tops of the ice wall and brought the water level high enough for Appa and Anduril to continue their way through the gates. The friends looked back and saw the ice walls re-creating themselves. They were now on a smooth stream and on the sides, there were armed warriors.
"Talk about high security, huh?" Artymis joked softly. She looked ahead and saw a beautiful city of ice. "That's their city!" Artymis smiled, "It doesn't look like it changed a bit for the past hundred years!"
"It's breathtaking!" Katara whispered as they entered the city on a smooth stream.
Artymis looked back at Anduril and looked back to Katara and Sokka, "I think Anduril needs company. I'm gonna go with him, k?"
They nodded, Katara looked at Anduril, "Yeah, I think you should. He does seem lonely."
Artymis smiled at them and jumped on Anduril's back she patted him softly, Hello, big brother!
I'm glad you came, Anduril said, I was feeling uncomfortable with these eyes all on me.
Artymis looked around and saw many people stopping in their tracks to stared at her and friends. But mostly on her and Anduril. Anduril, Artymis said, why are all these people staring at us?
I think, Anduril said, making a gently left that Appa did, they're staring at you.
Artymis frowned, I don't want them staring though.
Then don't be the Avatar, Anduril joked.
Ha ha ha, very funny! Artymis said, she sighed. All I want is some peace and quiet, is that so much to ask?
On the contrary, Anduril said, yes.
"It's so beautiful, Art!" Katara was facing Artymis and Anduril from Appa's rear saddle.
"Yeah," Sokka came beside her, his face in a dreamy expression. "she sure is."
Artymis blinked and followed Sokka's gaze. There was a low boat that had slowly passed them. A Waterbender was guiding the boat, and on that boat was a young girl. She looked around Artymis' age. Her eyes were light blue and her hair was strangely a pure white color for her age. Her hair was arranged lovely with two braids down to her shoulders. Her earrings, Artymis assumed they were, were large with the crescent moon and outlines of water waves. She seemed someone very important, the way her hands were in her sleeves and the way she sat with a straight back. She wore a purple and white coat, but with a different design, one that looked higher than the others.
Is she a princess? Artymis asked Anduril.
Anduril cast a side glance at the girl, I think she is, but who knows?
Prince Zuko was leaning against the wall of his bedroom. He wasn't wearing his usual Fire Nation armor, instead he wore a sleeveless dark red shirt that had thick straps and was threaded with gold on the edges. He wasn't mad or anything, he just seemed confused. Zuko was still wondering about Artymis. He looked out his bedroom window and saw it that night had fallen. He moved his eyes from the window and he stared at the necklace that laid on his bed. He moved towards it and lifted Artymis' necklace to his eye level. The jewels caught the light and Zuko leaned back against the wall. He stared at it and closed his eyes, an image of Artymis coming in his mind.
There was a knock.
Zuko dug the quickly necklace in his pocket and crossed his arms, "Yes?" He said.
The door unlocked and Iroh peeked in, "Prince Zuko?"
"What is it?" Zuko asked, he had hoped that Iroh wouldn't say anything about their talk that morning, about Artymis. "I'm not playing the sungi horn, uncle!" Zuko turned his face away.
"There, um, seem to be something wrong with our plans." Iroh said nervously.
Zuko looked back at his uncle and a man came into the room with a smirking face. "Zhao!" Zuko said shockingly, he stared at Admiral Zhao.
"I'm taking your crew." Zhao said.
"What?" Zuko took a step forward, he restrained himself from punching Zhao. Instead, he looked at his uncle and asked, "Uncle, is this true?"
Iroh nodded, "Yes, I'm afraid it's true. He is taking everything." Iroh lifted his arm and covered his face with his sleeve as a mean to sob. "Even the cook."
"I'm taking your men for a little expedition to the North Pole." Zhao said, "I'm sorry that you won't be there when I capture the Lady Avatar. But, you see, I can't have you in my way... again."
Zuko stepped forward as a mean to attack Zhao, but Iroh stepped up and held back Zuko with outstretched arms.
Zhao looked around in Zuko's room. Two broadswords that were hung on the wall forming an 'x' caught his attention. He slowly approached the swords and took one out, examining it. Zuko felt panic rise in him, because Zhao would recognize them. He was right, the admiral remembered how the Blue Spirit who had helped the Avatar had two broadswords very similar to this. And the admiral didn't believe in coincidences. "I didn't know you were skilled with swords, Prince Zuko." Zhao said, looking over to Zuko.
"I'm not," Zuko lied, "I only keep for decorations, antiques."
Zhao narrowed his eyes and asked Iroh with a calm voice, "Have you heard of the Blue Spirit, General?"
Iroh nodded his head, "Only rumors, but I think he is not real."
Zhao walked back to Zuko and Iroh, "He's real alright, and an enemy of the Fire Nation." He handed Iroh the sword in his hand, Zhao made his way out of the room. But not before saying over his shoulder, "My offer still stands, general."
"That is generous of you," Iroh said, "but my place is here, my apologizes."
"Very well." Zhao shut the door and Zuko was left alone with his uncle.
Artymis sat with Katara and Sokka at the high table with Chief Arnook, with Momo in her arms. Artymis was wearing a baby blue kimono that had white silk fabric on the edges. The dark blue obi was tight and Artymis found it difficult to breathe. Underneath it, she wore a long white skirt that reached her ankles and a white strapless shirt. The kimono was wide around the neck collar, but it wasn't too wide to expose anything. The chief of the northern Water Tribe insisted she wear one and insisted that Katara and Sokka wear warmer coats. Katara's coat that she had on their journey had faded colors and she wore a fresh blue and white coat. Same with Sokka, except his coat had a slightly different design than Katara's.
"Why is everyone staring?" Artymis asked Katara.
Katara looked at her, "Didn't you say Anduril answer that question?" She smiled.
Artymis made an uneasy smile, "Oh, yeah, I forgot." She leaned forward and glanced at Anduril and Appa. Both were laying on the floor and were calm even as people stared at them in wonder and horror. It wasn't everyday you saw a live bison and silver dragon, now is it?
Anduril's face moved towards Artymis' direction. Artymis, pull your hair back! he said.
Artymis pulled her brown hair, which was definitely no longer in three layers, but was long and wavy. Her hair reached her elbows now. Better, hair stylist? Artymis joked, smiling at Anduril. She let her eyes wander to the beautiful dining hall, the waterfalls cascaded down and the moon was lovelier than ever. There were other tables that other high noble people were sitting at. Artymis thought that the waterfalls surrounding the room brought the most beauty out of the hall. She finally turned her attention back to Anduril, who surveyed her hair.
It'll do, he said with amusement. He looked up when two groups of men brought a large plate of food to Appa and himself. They ran quickly, afraid to be eaten. Fools, Anduril said to Artymis, who shrugged.
She looked up when the drums beat in a rhythm. She, Katara, and Sokka looked up to Chief Arnook, who stood up. He had dark brown hair and a fatherly aura. His coat was, of coarse, way differently designed than the others. He stood up straight and announced with a warm smile.
"Today, we celebrate the arrival of our sister and brother from the Southern Water Tribe," Arnook presented a hand towards Katara and Sokka, who waved. " - Katara and Sokka. And they have brought with them someone special, someone we all believed to be dead: the Avatar." He moved his hand from Katara and Sokka, to Artymis who waved gently with a nervous smile. "We also celebrate my daughter's fifteenth birthday, she is of marrying age now. Princess Yue!"
The same girl that the three friends saw on the boat, the girl with white hair, stepped forward with a soft smile. She turned to Arnook, "Thank you, father." She turned to the audience, "May the great moon and ocean watch over us during these troubled times." She sat next to Sokka, her purple and white coat trailing behind her. Yue turned to him and the girls, "I am glad you came here. I am honored." She said softly.
Artymis had a feeling she would like Yue, "Thank you, Your Highness."
"Please, call me Yue." The princess said.
"Now, Master Pakku and his students will perform for us." The Chief said.
Katara and Artymis found this quite entertaining. An elderly man with two young men moved the water and performed a dance-like bending. Making the water changed from three spheres into three streams. then merged them into a great sphere, then separated them once more. It was done with grace and concentration. Artymis and Katara clapped and watched on as they politely ate.
Sokka looked away from this and at Yue, "Um, princess, I was wondering if we could do an activity together." He said nervously.
Artymis smiled, I'm glad Sokka found someone, and it's Yue. Though I don't know her as well, she seems pretty nice.
"Do an activity together?" Yue repeated, laughing very softly. A warm smile on her face.
"Yeah, 'cause you see I'm like a prince myself back at my tribe." Sokka said, smiling.
"A prince?" Katara and Artymis repeated, rose eyebrows.
Sokka glared at them, "Do you mind?"
"Our apologizes, Prince Sokka." Katara teased, bowing her head. Artymis muffled a laugh.
"Lady Avatar?" Chief Arnook said, standing up from his seat, "Come with me, we must discuss your waterbending with Master Pakku."
Artymis nodded and turned to Katara, "I'll make sure you come with me, I'm afraid to be alone!"
Katara smiled, "Thanks."
Artymis returned the smile and got up from her seat. She followed Arnook into another room. The man that performed the bending during dinner was standing in front of a waterfall. Artymis knew it was Master Pakku, from the announcement. He turned to Chief Arnook and then to her, Artymis could've sworn she saw something in his stern eyes. But it disappeared as quickly as it came.
Arnook stopped before him, "Master Pakku, please meet your new student, the Avatar Artymis." he extended a hand towards Artymis, who politely smiled and bowed her head.
"So," Master Pakku surveyed Artymis closely, "if you're the Avatar, where is that necklace? The one with the rose and four jewels representing the four nations? Hmm?"
Artymis blinked, He doesn't trust me, why? She quickly came up with a come back, "If you are a waterbending teacher, where is your license to prove it, hmm?"
Pakku rose an eyebrow, "Feisty, is she?"
"Master Pakku," Arnook said, his voice sounding unsettled. "I know what the traditions are, but she is the Avatar. She is excused."
Excused? Artymis thought with confusion, Excused for what?
Pakku looked at Artymis for a while, "Yes, I will teach her, despite that comment earlier."
"Thank you," Artymis bowed her head with respect. "I am sure being your student will be an honor, may I bring a friend, though?"
"A friend?" Pakku asked.
Artymis nodded, "My friend and I would both like to learn waterbending."
A pause, "Alright." Pakku said, "I will see you both at sunrise, no later." He turned and walked away.
Once he was out of earshot, Artymis looked up at Chief Arnook, "What? No break or anything?" She asked.
He shrugged, "What can I say?" He then said, "A room has been prepared for you and your friends. Your bison and dragon will have a sleeping face fit for them. I am sure my daughter has some clothes she may lend you."
"Thank you for your hospitality." Artymis said, she returned to Katara and Sokka, she looked at Sokka then to Katara. "What's up with Sokka?"
Katara glanced at him, then back at Artymis. "He's just sad because Yue left."
"Aw!" Artymis teased, "Sokka's first break up!"
Sokka glared at the girls, who muffled laughs. "We did not break up!" He hissed angrily.
"So, you're still together?" Katara asked, smiling.
Sokka groaned, "Can we just go to sleep now?"
Artymis nodded, "Yeah, I'll ask where they are." She turned to look at Arnook who just sat down, "Um, Chief Arnook, can you tell us where our rooms are? I think we're about worn out."
Arnook nodded, he told Artymis how to get to their rooms. Though they were easy directions, he asked, "Would you like someone to escort you there?"
Katara shook her head, "Oh no, I'm sure we'll find it."
The three friends rose form their seats and quietly escaped form the party and walked the way to their given rooms. Anduril and Appa following them, since their headquarters were nearby. They found their headquarters in no time. Katara and Artymis shared a room, while Sokka had one all to himself. He was glad of it because he didn't want to hear the girls giggles and excited whispers of tomorrow waterbending lessons. The three friends bid Anduril and Appa good night.
Artymis stayed behind and smoothed out Anduril's scales, I'll see you tomorrow morning.
Good night, little sister, Anduril's eyes began to droop.
Artymis smiled. Good night, big brother. She turned to Appa, "Good night to you too." She said, Appa growled lowly and fell fast asleep. She smiled and walked to Katara's and hers room. Once she entered the room and closed the curtains of their bedroom doorway, Artymis hastily took the tight blue obi off and flopped on the bed. A sigh of relief escaped her.
"Obi too tight?" Katara asked, laying on her bed.
Artymis nodded, "A little too tight. Feels like those corsets that older women talk of!" She stuck her tongue out, "Can't stand those!"
"I hear you," Katara said, "people always asked me: 'Katara, when will you wear one? You're old enough.' Blah!"
"Oh! I almost forgot!" Artymis sat up, "Master Pakku said he'll teach you!"
Katara's face instantly brighten, "Really? You asked? Oh thank you, Art!" Katara lunged forward and embraced Artymis.
"No prob!" Artymis said, "We might want some sleep, we'll suppose to meet him at sunrise."
Katara pulled away and nodded, "You're right. Good night, Artymis." Katara took her coat off and dived under the covers.
Artymis pulled her kimono off and only wore the white strapless shirt and skirt to sleep. "Good night." Artymis said, she looked tot he wall where Sokka's room was, "GOOD NGIHT SOKKA!" She yelled, laughing.
"SHUT IT!" He shouted back.
The girls laughed and fell asleep, excited about tomorrow.
"I believe your aquatinted with Prince Zuko?" Zhao asked the captain from across the table.
"What's in it for us?" The captain asked, his reptile bird perched on his shoulder.
"This." Zhao pushed a wooden box of gold coins towards the pirates.
One of them, a pirate with long brown hair, took a coin and bit it. "Real gold!"
The captain snatched it from him and looked to Zhao, "What do we gotta do?"
Zhao smirked, he folded his hands. "Well..."
Artymis and Katara made their way to where Master Pakku would teach them, by one of the waterfalls. Katara wore her regular outfit underneath her blue and white coat and was talking on how excited it would be to be taught by a real waterbending teacher. Artymis wore her baby blue kimono again, and this time, the obi wasn't as tight.
" - I can't believe we're only a few feet away." Katara said with a smile.
Artymis smiled as she and Katara climbed on the steps and reached the top. Master Pakku had his back to them and was bending the water, making it stretch like a stream. She leaned a bit to the side, to see if he had noticed them.
"I'm glad you didn't disturb my concentration." Pakku said, dropping the water, he turned around to them.
Artymis bowed her head in respect as well as Katara. Artymis looked to Katara and back at Pakku, "This is the friend I was telling you about, the one you said I could bring."
Pakku looked at Katara with narrowed eyes, "I'm sorry, there's been a misunderstanding."
Artymis shook her head, "N-no. I told you about her and - "
"You didn't say your friend was a girl." Pakku interrupted.
Artymis gave him a confused look, "So what? I'm a girl."
Master Pakku reshaped the ice into a chair which he sat in, "In our tribe, Avatar, it is forbidden for women to learn waterbending for fighting, only for healing."
"WHAT!" Katara and Artymis shouted together.
"What do you mean you won't teach me?" Katara yelled, "Just because I'm a girl!"
Artymis stepped up, "Master Pakku, I'm a girl. Why are you teaching me?"
Pakku answered her, "Because you're the Avatar. You are excused, although it's breaking our customs."
"But Katara has talent!" Artymis yelled, "She's really good!"
"It'll be good in healing." Pakku said sternly, "Here the women who waterbend are taught from Yaguda for healing. Despite your bad attitude, I'm sure she'll take you."
"I don't wanna heal!" Katara stomped her foot, "I wanna fight!"
"I can see that, but you must obey and respect our tribe's customs and rules." Pakku said.
"It's not fair!" Artymis stormed up to Pakku, "If you won't teach Katara then - "
"Then what?" Pakku asked, "Quit?"
Artymis glared at him and turned around, she marched towards the stairs. Katara held her back, "You can't give your training up because of me."
"But I'm a girl and he's teaching me!" Artymis said, "What difference does it make between male and female? We're all able to fight!"
"I know, I know," Katara said, "but you have to learn waterbending. Even if he's a jerk." Katara glanced at Pakku.
Artymis sighed, "Fine. Just because I have to."
Katara smiled, "Thanks, besides," She began down the stairs, "I gotta learn how far I can go in healing abilities."
Artymis turned back to Pakku, she bowed her head and look up, "I am sorry."
Pakku nodded, "Let's start, shall we? Remember: no special treatment because you're the Avatar."
I'm gonna scream... Artymis thought nervously.
Sokka ran down the ice sidewalk that was by the stream. He spotted Princess Yue on her daily boat ride through the city. "Princess Yue!" Sokka called out.
Yue looked up and smiled, "Oh, hello."
"Good morning!" Sokka said, "Boy, your father sure knows how to throw a party, huh?"
"I'm very pleased to hear you enjoyed it." Yue said, looking up at him.
"Well," Sokka confessed, "it wasn't much fun when you left." Yue lowered her eyes and blushed slightly. Sokka felt his cheeks warm. "I was wondering if we could..." His voice drown.
Yue smiled, "Do an activity, you mean?"
"Yeah!" Sokka said.
"Very well," Yue said, she pointed to a bridge up ahead, above the stream. "I'll meet you on that bridge tonight."
"Sounds great!" Sokka said, "See you to - argh!"
Yue leaned to the right and giggled when Sokka fell into the water. The sidewalk ended. "Sorry about that." Yue waved good-bye.
"It's ok." Sokka said, getting up and laying on the ice, a rare smile on his face. See you tonight.
"Thank you," Katara went up to Yaguda after the healing lesson was done. "for the lesson."
Yaguda, an old but kind woman, nodded. Her gray hair was in a similar hairstyle as Katara's was. Her blue eyes spotted the choker around Katara's neck. "So who's the lucky guy?" She asked, a smile on her wrinkled face.
"Huh?" Katara said, confused.
Yaguda pointed at her necklace, "You're getting married, right? Your necklace defines you are taken and are engaged."
Katara held her hands up and shook her head, "N-no, I don't think I'm ready. You see, my grandmother had this necklace and she gave it to my mother, who gave it to me."
Yaguda's face instantly brighten, "I don't know why I didn't see her image in you!"
"Who?" Katara asked.
"Kana's!" Yaguda answered, smiling.
Katara took a step back, "Wait, how do you know my Gran-Gran's name?" She asked with confusion in her eyes.
Yaguda began explaining to Katara that she was friends with her grandmother, Kana. Apparently, she was born in the northern tribe and was engaged with a waterbender, who carved the necklace. But before the wedding, she ran away without saying good-bye or saying why she left.
Katara stared down at the ground, "She never told me."
Several hours later, when night had already fallen. Sokka burst in his room, angry. He flopped on his bed and muttered loudly angrily to himself.
Artymis was in her white shirt and skirt that was beneath the kimono. She was laying on her bed, and she looked to Katara, "What's up with him?" She could hear Sokka's voice through the wall.
"I don't know." Katara muttered grimly.
"What's up?" Artymis asked her, noticing her down face.
"Well, today - " Katara was cut off by Sokka storming in.
He dropped to the ground, "Princess Yue is so - so stubborn!"
"Why?" Katara asked, moving to the edge of her bed to see him.
"One minute she wants to go out with me, the next: she's telling me to get lost!" Sokka answered with anger, he sighed and looked up. "So, how's waterbending training going?" He asked, more calmly.
Katara grunted, Artymis answered, "Master Pakku said he won't teach her because it's forbidden for women to perform waterbending for fighting."
Sokka rose an eyebrow, They're so stupid. "Why don't you teach her, Art?" He asked.
Katara's face lifted and brighten. "That's it!" She stood up, "Artymis you could teach me the moves at night that Master Pakku teaches you during the day. You can practice, and I can learn. Everyone's happy!"
Sokka frowned, "I'm not happy."
"You're never happy." Artymis pointed out.
Sokka grunted and walked out of their room, to his. Artymis, after he left, pulled on the blue kimono and obi. The girls walked quietly to the stream that ran by the sidewalks. Artymis lifted a small strand of water and began instructing Katara on how to perform a waterbending move. She passed the water to Katara, "Here, you try."
Katara nodded, "Ok, let's see..." She tried to do what was instructed. Katara smiled when she did it perfectly, "I did it, Art!" Suddenly, the water rushed all around her and shot up. Katara didn't move at all the whole time.
"How'd you do that?" Artymis asked, awed.
"I didn't." Katara confessed.
Both of the girls looked up, they gasped. Upon the bridge, was Master Pakku. His face showed disapproval. He dropped the water that the girls were practicing with and they became shards on the rail of the bridge.
"Master Pakku, I was only - " Artymis tried to explain herself.
"You have disrespected me, my teachings, and my entire culture." Pakku said with narrowed eyes, "You are no longer welcomed as my student."
The girls stared after him and ran back to their rooms. Artymis ran to Anduril and told him everything that had just happened, Katara standing by her, muttering angrily to herself.
He has dismissed you? Anduril asked Artymis.
Artymis nodded, Yes, he won't teach me anymore! What do I do now?
Anduril closed his eyes, There's nothing to do but go speak to Chief Arnook tomorrow morning, ask him if he can convince Master Pakku to take you back. Hopefully, he will.
Artymis nodded, Very well, good night. She turned to Katara, "We'll talk to Arnook in the morning, see if he can help us out."
Katara nodded, the girls walked back to their room and laid on their beds. "Sorry if I ruined your chances." Katara said, looking to Artymis.
"It's ok," Artymis said, staring up at the ceiling. "I should've hit Pakku the first time I met him." The girls quietly laughed.
"Good night." Katara said, turning on her side.
"Sweet dreams." Artymis said, closing her eyes.
Katara went to sleep in a matter of minutes despite her growing anger towards Master Pakku. It was Artymis who found it hard to sleep, but not because she was no longer Master Pakku's student. She laid wide awake. She tossed and turned in her bed, feeling sick to her stomach. Artymis couldn't help but worry that something dangerous and awful was about to happen hundreds of miles away. She hugged herself, feeling sick as she fell into a nightmare.
Zuko laid on his bed, arms crossed. He glared up at the ceiling. Zhao had taken his crew and he was pretty mad. He heard his bedroom door open and saw out of the corner of his eye, Iroh pop in.
"The crew wanted to wish you good luck." Iroh said.
"Good riddance to those traitors!" Zuko said, his anger growing a bit.
Iroh paused, "Zuko, may we talk?"
"Talk about what?" Zuko asked, but he had a feeling about what.
"About your chase for the Avatar, for Artymis." Iroh said, "Are you going to continue chasing her for your honor? Or - "
"Or what?" Zuko sat up and looked at his uncle, "Or promise her a lifetime with her? A lifetime of love?"
Iroh remained still, but spoke. "I was hoping you would. Chase the Avatar, but not capture her. I thought you tell her your feelings for her."
Zuko laid back on his bed, "I won't. She won't listen to a single word I'll say. So why even try?" He crossed his arms again.
Iroh knew Zuko lying, but he dropped the subject. Instead, he asked, "Will you come out and walk, at least? It's nice night, the stars and moon are lit brightly." No response. "Or you can stay on the ship in your room, in the dark. Whatever you decide." Iroh closed the door, and walked on land for a nice walk.
All Zuko heard was silence, he closed his eyes and was slowly falling into a deep sleep. But a familiar voice in his mind said:
"I'm in love with Prince Zuko..."
Zuko's eyes snapped open. He sat up and breathed, he hung his head. His head shot up immediately at the sound of a squeal. "Uncle?" He called out. Zuko rose and pulled on his dark red robe. He opened his door and stepped into the empty hall. he looked around to see if anyone was there. No one was. He walked down the hall and up to the control room. Zuko stopped in there and walked towards the front of the room. He stopped and looked out the side windows. He blinked. A green reptile bird was perched outside the room on the rail, what was strange thought was that Zuko felt he had seen the bird somewhere else. His golden eyes widen when he realized where and what was up. He whirled around at the sound of a loud blast. He gasped when he was thrown off his feet. The last thing Zuko saw was fire and smoke, and being underwater.
Artymis awoke with a gasp. She pressed a hand to her chest, feeling pain. She silenced her voice and shut her eyes. She relaxed when the pain slowly faded away. She sighed, and looked to Katara. She was still sleeping. Artymis made a weak smile and laid back down on her bed. She stared up at the ceiling.
Why do I feel this pain, she thought, pain that is not mine?
(The Next Morning)
"Please," Katara pleaded Chief Arnook in his hall, "ask Master Pakku to reconsider teaching Artymis."
"I believe he might," Arnook said, "if you swallow your pride and apologize to Master Pakku."
Katara balled her hand into a fist, "I will." Artymis and Sokka, standing by her side, watch this go on.
"I'm waiting." Pakku said.
Katara narrowed her eyes, "No."
"No?" The Chief repeated.
"Yes, no!" Katara shouted, "There's no way that I'm apologizing to a sour old man like you!" She pointed at Pakku, who rose an eyebrow.
"Katara." Artymis whispered, "I really think this won't solve our problems!"
"I don't care!" Katara shouted, she glared at Pakku. "I'll be outside, if you're man enough to fight me!" She stormed out of the hall and marched outside.
Artymis stared after her and looked back to the chief and Pakku, "I'm sure she didn't mean it!" She played with her hands nervously.
"Yeah, Art," Sokka said, "I think she meant it."
Artymis glared at him and hissed, "Like you're making it any better?"
Iroh was sitting at a low table, from across Zhao. He was staring down at his untouched cup of tea. He had seen the explosion on Zuko's ship when he was out for a walk. He had rushed back to the ruined ship, he didn't see Zuko anywhere. Iroh, thinking Zuko was dead, returned to Zhao and sat in his tent, explaining what had happened.
Zhao hid a smirk, "I'm devasated on what had fallen on Prince Zuko." He lied.
Iroh closed his eyes, "The Fire Lord will not be pleased when he learns who was behind the attack."
"You sound like you know who did it." Zhao said, wondering if he really did know.
Iroh nodded his head. He looked up and opened his eyes, "Pirates!" He said, softly slamming his fist on the table. "When we had a run-in with them, they swore revenge. And now, they have taken it."
Zhao smirked, but it was concealed as he sipped his cup of tea. He put his cup down, "I see. Have you considered my offer?" He asked.
"Yes," Iroh said, "I accept. It would be an honor." He rose his cup in toast, "To the Fire Nation."
Zhao rose his, everything had gone according to plan, "To victory."
"Katara, please!" Artymis rushed down the stairs, reaching Katara. "Don't do this!"
"Yeah Katara!" Sokka caught up to the girls, "You're not gonna win against this guy!"
"I don't care!" Katara took her coat off and straighten her normal blue outfit, "Someone has to teach him!" Sokka caught her coat when she threw it over her shoulder.
"Katara, don't please, I have a bad feeling about this." Artymis pleaded, they reached the end of the stairs.
Katara stopped and turned around to see Master Pakku coming down the stairs, calmly. "So," Katara said, her eyes locked on him. "you decided to show up?"
Artymis looked to Sokka, I have a really bad feeling about this, Anduril?
What is it? Anduril asked.
Be prepared to be called on as back up, Artymis answered.
But Pakku walked right past Katara. "Aren't you gonna fight?" She asked.
"Go back to the healing huts, little girl, where you belong." Pakku said over his shoulder.
Who does he think he is! Katara thought angrily. She rose water from the ice below her and she grasped it in her hand. She whipped the back of Pakku's head. "Come on and fight, you coward!"
Pakku turned to her, "You want to fight that badly?" He asked, then said, "Then study carefully!"
Artymis and Sokka ran to the top of the stairs, knowing how mad Katara was. And if she was, she would attack with no second thoughts. "I just hope she won't give up." Sokka said.
"I do too." Artymis said.
The fight between the two waterbenders was a fast but long one. For a moment it seemed Katara would loose, but she rose with strength and put down Master Pakku at the last second. Katara landed on the ice and made ice come up to her ankles, tying her to the floor. She moved the wave that Pakku sent to her. She stood up straight, "You can't knock me down!" She shouted. Katara melted the ice and slid in front of him. She brought a wave of water up towards Pakku, who sent it back to her. Katara panted when she fell on all fours. Her brown hair falling from the braid, she looked up.
"Give up?" Pakku asked.
"Never!" Katara shouted at him. She stood up but looked up when many ice shards came down on her.
Artymis covered her eyes, "I can't watch!" She said, "Tell me when it's over!"
"Art - look!"
Artymis removed her hands from her face and saw Katara was only trapped by the ice shards that now pinned her down. She wasn't hurt. Artymis sighed form relief, she and Sokka ran down the steps to Katara.
"Come back here!" Katara shouted, struggling to get out.
Pakku began to walk away, "You lost, accept that - " He stopped in his tracks. He bent down and straighten up. "This necklace... I remember this carving. It's mine." He held up Katara's necklace, which had fallen from her neck during the fight.
"No, it' not!" Katara shouted, "Give it back!" She melted the ice shards and was about to attack Pakku, but he said something very shocking:
"I carved this for the love of my life, Kana." Pakku said, a hint of sadness in his voice.
"My Gran-Gran was engaged to you?" Katara asked, shocked. This also surprised Sokka and Artymis. They hadn't notice Chief Arnook and Princess Yue coming down the stairs.
"Kana and I were engaged." Pakku explained with sadness, "I thought we would have a long and happy life together, a lifetime of love." A pause, "I loved her."
"But, she didn't love you, right?" Katara asked, stepping forward a few steps. "I know my grandmother. She wouldn't let your tribe's traditions and customs run her life. I think that's the reason why she ran away, to the South Pole." She paused, "I'm sorry, but she listened to her heart. She didn't want a life here."
Artymis blinked and lowered her eyes, Listen to her heart? she thought, Is that a bad thing? For me? Princess Yue ran past her and away from the others, crying. Artymis looked at Sokka, "Go." She encouraged Sokka. He nodded and left her with Katara's coat. He ran after Yue. This got Artymis thinking, Sokka isn't afraid to show he loves Yue, but why am I afraid to show for Zuko?
Sokka followed Yue to the bridge where she had told him to leave the first time. He walked up to her, "Yue, what's wrong?" He asked, "Talk to me."
"Sokka!" Yue turned to him, "I told you to leave me alone. Please do."
"Why?" Sokka asked, "Yue, I've been meaning to tell you - " Yue cut him off by pressing her lips against his lips. Sokka felt happiness spring inside him and he felt happy as never before. She pulled away and looked at Sokka with innocent eyes. "I don't understand..." Sokka's voice drowned.
"Sokka, I love you, but..." Yue said, she pulled the fur around her neck from her coat to reveal a necklace like Katara's, only a different carving. Sokka had spent enough time in the North Pole to realize what this meant. "I'm engaged!" She had her eyes full of tears, "I'm sorry!" She turned and ran.
Sokka stood there, frozen. He had just found the right girl to love, who loved him back, but only to find she was engaged. He felt a tear flow escape from his eye. Yue...
The fleet of the Fire Nation ships were aligned and were moving with full speed to the North Pole. Iroh could feel the ship moving across the cold water, he was making his way through he ship when a Fire Nation guard stopped by him. Iroh made sure no one was close by, he turned to the guard and said, "We are heading to the North Pole right now, Zuko."
The guard took his white mask off and Zuko turned to his uncle, "You didn't have to do this, uncle." Zuko had survived the explosion, his face had cuts and his right eye had a bruise.
"No nephew of my is going through an explosion without some back up." Iroh said.
"Thank you, uncle." Zuko said.
Iroh nodded, then said, "The Avatar is in the North Pole - "
"I know." Zuko said, he dug his hand in his left pocket and there was something in his eyes.
"Zuko?" Iroh asked, noticing the change in his expression.
Zuko took out something that had been in his pocket for sometime now, and it wasn't Artymis' necklace. He showed the item to Iroh.
Iroh stared at it, and a warm smile came upon his face. "Zuko, are you considering..."
Zuko nodded, he placed the item back in his pocket. "Yes, I want to."
Footsteps, distant ones, were heard. "I will see you later." Iroh whispered, Zuko put his white mask on and walked away. Iroh smiled again, He has finally listened to his heart.
"Katara, you have best out all my students." Master Pakku said. It had been two days since the fight and it was settled: Katara would be taught by Master Pakku to waterbend to fight, not heal. Though she go back to Yaguda to know more about her healing abilities. "I am very impressed." He said.
Katara smiled, she had just finished off a waterbender boy and she had easily beat him. "Thank you, master."
Pakku turned to Artymis, who was practicing her waterbending. "You have improved as well." Pakku said, looking at her. he grinned, "Continue these moves and you might get it perfect by the time you're my age."
Artymis dropped the water she had been practicing with, she hung her head. "Geez, thanks."
Katara smiled. She had been given a new coat. This one was blue, of coarse, and had a yellow spot in the middle of her chest. There was no design going down the middle or anything. She was grateful for it because it was much warmer. "Come on, Art, he's teasing."
Artymis smiled and looked at her, "I know."
"Both of you had had enough practice." Master Pakku said to the girls, "You are dismissed, unlike them." He looked over his worked-up waterbenders.
The girls bowed and bid farewell. They ran down the stairs and returned to their headquarters. Katara practice though, while Artymis stepped outside to talk to Anduril, they hadn't much talk.
Hello, Anduril, Artymis said, sitting beside him. She smiled at sleeping Appa.
Artymis, Anduril said, how is waterbending training coming along?
Just fine, Artymis said, How have you been?
Fine as well, Anduril said, he looked at her. Are you still wondering about him?
About who? Artymis asked.
You know who, Anduril said, Zuko.
Artymis looked away. She was thinking of him most of the time now. She found herself missing the sound of his voice, and his touch. She closed her eyes and remembered how he held her.
Artymis? Anduril called her out.
Artymis shook her head, I'm sorry.
You are, Anduril said, why?
I guess I am...well, you know. Artymis, she didn't realize it, but was smiling.
Maybe, Anduril said. It's getting late, you should go to bed.
Artymis nodded, Good night, she said. Artymis returned to hers and Katara's room.
Good night, Anduril said, he watched her go. She is in love.
(Later That Night)
Artymis found it hard to sleep again. She looked over her shoulder, Katara was fast asleep. She quietly got up and pulled her blue kimono on over her white skirt and shirt, and tied the obi, but not too tight. She checked in on Sokka, he was asleep as well. Artymis wondered is Yue and him made up. She had heard Yue was engaged, she felt bad for Sokka. Artymis turned away and began to walk around the city. The ice looked silver and the sky was beautiful. But Artymis found it hard to enjoy the view because she thought about what happened two days ago and how it affected her and, in a way, Zuko. She wanted to hear his voice and feel his touch. She wanted to see him and she longed for it now. She knew she missed it even more now.
Why do I imagine him? She asked herself silently, Why does his voice haunt me by day and his eyes in my dreams? She stopped in her tracks by the smooth stream, Those mesmerizing, dreamy... her breathing became short and rasp-like ...golden eyes that make my heart - she suddenly realized what she was thinking. She shook his head and sighed. "I must be out of my mind." She whispered. She leaned against the ice bridge. She stood up against a wall and stared out into space. Artymis lifted a hand and pressed it against her heart, Katara said listen to the heart, I am. A pause, And it's telling me to see Zuko. Does this mean I want to? She paused, And if I do, how will the others react? How am I going to live myself? A thousand questions came flooding to her mind. She closed her eyes and a smile came upon her lips when she almost felt Zuko's arms around her. She almost felt him smooth her hair out with his hair. She almost heard his voice. But Artymis opened her eyes to face reality that he wasn't there.
"With the consequences, sacrifices, and war..." Artymis whispered, she looked down at her side and stared down at the water. She took out the Panda Lily that was hidden inside her blue kimono. She lowered her hand and lily flew out of her hand and was carried away by the wind. "...Can I afford to listen to my heart?"
Author's Note: Yes, I had to change Yue's age so Sokka and her be the same. Sorry about that, and I also changed something in Artymis' description. If you look in the "Scarred" chapter, her lips aren't a golden color and I edit the "Return of the Blue Spirit" chapter when Zuko talked about how her lips were naturally golden. I changed it because, yeah having a character with golden lips was cool at first. But thinking about it now, it doesn't go with her features. So, they'll normal. Aye aye aye! So many editing! I'm sorry! But I do hope you like this chapter.
Firework: Yes, I will read your story. It's pretty interesting, me like!
HeartofFire-SoulofWater: Thank you for reviewing.