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.
-First Assault on the North-
An hour later, the Water Tribe had gathered in the hall. Chief Arnook stood up, Princess Yue sitting behind him as well as Master Pakku. Arnook announced, "My people, the day that had frighten us for a hundred years has finally come. The Fire Nation has discovered us and lie on our doorstep. But we will fight whatever battle lies waiting for us. That is why I call upon my family here before me, because I, as you all know, that many of these faces will vanish from this world." Artymis held onto Momo a little tighter for courage over her new fear, afraid of what Arnook had said. "But they will never vanish from our hearts." He paused, then continued, "Now, I have a task that needs to be done. I will need volunteers though."
Sokka, sitting between Katara and Artymis, stood up immediately, "Count me in."
"Sokka!" Katara gasped.
Artymis looked up at him with worry.
Many others rose after Sokka did, Arnook nodded and said, "Fine. But beware many of you may not return. If you accept this task, come forward to receive my mark." A line formed before the Chief. Sokka was about to move but the girls held him back.
"Sokka, don't." Artymis said, "Didn't you hear what - "
"I know." Sokka said, "But I got to." He walked away from them and stepping in the line that stood for Arnook's mark. When it was his turn, Sokka stepped forward. Chief Arnook dipped his fingers in a small bowl of red paint. He made three small squiggly lines on Sokka's forehead. He bowed his head and started to walk away, but he stopped and turned to look over his shoulder. Yue was standing on her father's right side, she saw him and looked away. Sokka looked away and continued to walk away.
Artymis and Katara saw the entire scene between Yue and Sokka. They saw Yue hold her head up high and shut her eyes. The two girls were the only ones that saw tears come down Yue's tanned cheeks. Artymis looked at Katara with a worried look, Katara lowered her eyes.
"Sokka's not afraid to show his feelings," Katara muttered, "but he does whatever Yue wants, and that's showing no feeling."
"Why doesn't she?" Artymis asked in a whisper, "She knows she feels for him. Why hide it?"
Katara shrugged her shoulders, "Scared or something."
"Maybe she thought she had duties." Artymis said.
Katara shook her head, "But, still not a good reason why she shouldn't say anything. It's nothing to be ashamed about."
Artymis lowered her eyes, this sounded too familiar. This sounds... like me, she thought, I'm afraid to show my feelings for Zuko, why? She paused and remembered what she said to Zuko about she couldn't allow herself, I have duties, but so does Yue. And here I am, lying to myself and Zuko, and I'm saying Yue should admit her feelings to Sokka. Ugh! Can life get any harsh? She stood up, and she and Katara began walking down the stairs. Can I be true to myself?
Admiral Zhao stood on the deck of his ship. His cloak billowed in the cold wind. He smirked. His ship, the leader of the other ships, broke through some small ice patches as it headed it's way towards the northern Water Tribe. Zhao looked at Iroh, who stood near the rail.
"Just think that years from now, people will be studying Zhao the Great." Zhao said with pride, looking back up ahead. "I will be remembered as the man who destroyed the last of the Water Nation."
Iroh could feel the cold wind, even as he wore a warm dark red coat. "Be careful what you wish for, Admiral, history is not kind."
"Yes, such as your flee of Ba Sing Se?" Zhao asked.
"Yes," Iroh answered, "and I hope this will not be like it, for your sake." He paused, and asked, "How do you plan to capture the Avatar? I have heard she is stubborn and strong."
Zhao smirked, "I have a perfect plan." He turned to Iroh, "Tell the captain to move in on first strike." Iroh bowed and left the deck. Zhao watched him go and turned back to the ocean and ice, I will be remembered in history, you just watch.
Artymis stood outside in front of the hall entrance, What's going to happen to us? she thought, How are we going fight back? Fire melts ice, fire's going to win obviously. How long will this fight be and how's it going to end? She paused and crossed her arms, she stared out in the horizon. It's so quiet.
"The sound of silence before a battle," Chief Arnook stood beside her now, "is a disturbing and unbearable one."
Artymis nodded, "I wasn't there when the Fire Nation attacked my temple, my home." She said, she felt Katara come by her side. "But, I'm not going to run away this time, I'm going to stand my ground and make sure we all survive."
"I like that we all could survive," Arnook said, "but, sacrifices are made whether we want it to happen or not."
"What sacrifices will we have, I wonder." Artymis whispered, looking to Katara, who looked back at her.
Iroh was further down in the ship. He had gone to meet Zuko, still disguised as a guard. "Have you got a plan?" Iroh asked in a whisper once a guard passed by and was ways off.
Zuko turned to him and took his mask off, "I'm working on it, uncle."
"We will arrive in a matter of short hours." Iroh pointed out.
Zuko nodded, he put his mask back on and continued walking down the hall, Iroh walking the opposite direction. Zuko kept walking and found himself thinking of Artymis, he stopped in his tracks. Will she be angry to see me? he asked him silently, How can I...? He stopped his thought and continued walking when a guard could be heard coming. Can I see her, though?
Artymis stood next to Katara, Sokka, and the other tribe warriors on the front bridge. Anduril and Appa were behind them. Artymis stared out across the horizon.
Nervous? Anduril asked her.
Artymis took a deep breath, Yes, you?
As well, he answered, Be ready.
And stand your ground, Artymis said.
Or die, Anduril finished.
Artymis spotted a ship and saw something bright shooting from it. "Flying Fireball," She whispered, she then screamed, "Look out!" The huge fireball hit the front of the bridge, and everyone was thrown off their feet. Katara and Sokka were captured by Appa. While Artymis clung onto to what remained of the bridge. She stopped and let go, and felt herself land on Appa's saddle. She watched another fireball land in the city, then more. She looked to Anduril, Anduril, Appa will take me to the ship so I can stop the fireballs. Please stay here and capture those who has fallen, Katara and Sokka might need help as well!
Be careful, Anduril said before shooting down to capture the falling warriors.
Artymis looked away and shouted, "Appa! Head to that ship! Yip yip!" Appa flew over the ruined ice bridge and was flying straight for the ship that was sending the fireballs. Appa managed to dodge some fireballs. But one came to close that Artymis picked her staff from the saddle and stepped forth. She used her staff with her airbending to make the fireball go sideways. When Appa was close enough to the Fire Navy ship, Artymis made a leap for it. "I'll take it from here! You go help the others!" Appa growled in agreement, he returned back to the Water Tribe. Artymis landed on the deck of the ship on bent knees and with one hand touching the cold deck.
"Look who we have here," A Fire Nation soldier said, "the Avatar."
Artymis looked up and straighten up, "I'll be your host." She said sarcastically.
"Doll face wants to fight?"
Artymis glared at him, "DOLL FACE!" She shot a blow of powerful air towards the soldier. She put her hands on her hips, "Hmph! I think I made my point." But when she turned around, a larger man was staring down upon her. "I'm gonna die." Artymis muttered and dodged the man's punches. Her airbending skills were not as effective as the other soldiers. She had trouble to hit him, but she barely dodged his attacks. Artymis tripped and fell on her back. She looked up in panic. I'm sorry, you guys! She shut her eyes and suddenly felt herself slide. She opened her eyes and held onto the rail tightly. She looked over her shoulder and smiled. A group of Waterbenders had secretly gone out to the ocean and they lifted the ship high up with ice shards. Artymis saw Anduril come over, she dropped on his back. Thanks brother, she said.
I'll always be there, Anduril said.
When he lifted higher in the sky, Artymis' eyes widen. When she had first seen the ships, it looked liked there was twenty or so. But when Anduril flew higher, she saw there were at least fifty. Artymis felt dizzy. "You have got to be kidding me." She muttered, There's more than fifty!
We have to tell the others, Anduril flew back to the city and landed.
Artymis slipped off and sat against him, she hugged her knees. She lifted her gaze when Katara and Yue came rushing towards her. "There's about fifty of them. I can't do it by myself, even with Anduril. There's too many."
Yue's eyes widen when she heard this, her eyes shined with plead. "But you have to, Artymis. You're the Avatar!"
Artymis looked up at her, "I'm just a teenager, Yue, like you. I'm just your average girl who knows airbending and a bit of waterbending. That's all."
Katara looked thoughtful, she smiled. "An average girl who's a bridge."
Artymis stared up at her in confusion, she then understood. "Katara, you're a genius!"
"What?" Yue asked.
"The Avatar, Artymis in this case, is the bridge between our world and the spirit world. So she can ask for help." Katara explained, "Now, the only problem is getting you into the spirit world."
Artymis looked to Anduril, Any ideas?
He thought for a moment and asked, Isn't there a spiritual place? Ask Yue.
Artymis looked to Yue, "Yue, do you know a place where I can go into the spirit world?" She asked.
Yue's eyes lit up, "I know. Follow me!"
Artymis looked at Anduril, I'll follow and wait outside. She nodded and was about run after Katara and Yue, but she turned back to the view of the ships. She blinked when the ships had stopped moving and firing. "Hey, they stopped!" Yue and Katara came back.
"But why?" Katara asked.
"We have no time to loose, come!" Yue led the way, Katara after her.
Artymis paused and looked up, night was falling and the moon was rising. She then ran after the two girls, "Hey! Wait for me!"
Zuko had changed from his disguise as a soldier into some black pants and long-sleeved shirt. Over it, he wore a white shirt with white pants for more warmth and to camouflage and a pouch around his waist where there was rope. He knew the ship had stopped and he intended to snatch the chance of sneaking into the Water Tribe. He was readying a canoe when Iroh came in.
"Zuko, it's almost dark." Iroh said.
"I know." Zuko said, he looked back at his uncle, "I have to though, you know why."
Iroh nodded, "I am sorry." He turned his face away, "Ever since I lost your cousin - my son, I... I have always treated you and cared for you like my own."
Zuko looked back at Iroh, a look of sympathy on his face. He knew the pain that his uncle felt for his late son, Lu Tien. Having to be treated as his uncle's own, made Zuko feel more loved by him than his own father. Iroh looked back at him and ran to embrace Zuko tightly. Zuko hugged him back.
"I'll be back." Zuko said, pulling away and getting into the canoe.
Iroh came to the edge and watched Zuko lower himself down to the water in the canoe. "Make sure to cover your ears up from the cold." Iroh reminded him.
"Yes, Uncle." Zuko said.
"Use your breath of fire, it can save your life!" He called out again.
"I know." Zuko said.
After watching Zuko go, Iroh returned to the deck with Admiral Zhao. He walked up to Zhao, "Admiral, I know you are eager, buy I advise you wait until dawn."
"Why is that?" Zhao asked, looking to Iroh.
"Because," Iroh explained, "just as we Firebenders get our strength from the sun. The Waterbenders rise with the moon."
"I'm very well aware of that," Zhao said, "but I have discovered something very valuable."
Iroh was interested, but felt something bad coming. Nevertheless, he asked, "And what would that be?"
Zhao smirked and stared back at the ice city, "I have found something very important. You see, I discovered..."
Yue took Artymis and Katara deep into the city. They came across a small door and Yue opened it. The girls got in, but Anduril said he'll wait outside as guard. Be careful, Artymis said.
You as well, Anduril said.
Artymis nodded and went inside. She gapped at the sight before her. Beyond the door, there was green grass and a little bridge to a little oasis-like place. The lake was small and two koi fish could be seen swimming in there. A little further up from the lake, there were two wooden poles standing more than nine feet from each other and another pole combining them at the top. Beyond those two poles, were some plants or small trees. Artymis snapped out of it and ran up to catch up to the girls.
"This is the most spiritual place in the entire North Pole," Yue commented, pulled her coat off.
"It's so warm here." Katara said, taking hers off too, she looked up to the moon. "The moon, it's full."
"It's beautiful." Artymis said, looking back up at the moon high up in the night sky.
Yue nodded, "The moon is the source of all waterbending. We rise with the moon, it gives us the power to bend water. The moon was the first Waterbender. Our ancestors saw this and began to push and pull the waves with her. We received the waterbending form the moon, and out life from the ocean. The moon and ocean spirits."
"I've noticed that my waterbending is stronger at night, especially when the moon is up." Katara whispered.
"Now," Artymis looked at Katara, "you know why." Katara nodded, fascinated by the idea. Artymis walked to the north side of the lake and bent her knees to sit down. She breathed and positioned her hands together. Her palms pressing against each other and her fingertips upwards. She closed her eyes and concentrated: I need to visit the spirit world and seek help.
"Is that how she can get into the spirit world?" Yue asked Katara in a whisper.
"Yes, it takes all her energy to concentrate." Katara whispered.
"Is there anything we could do?" Yue asked.
Artymis gave them a glare over her shoulder, "How 'bout some quiet, eh?"
"Sorry."
Artymis turned back to her previous position, but the two koi fish caught her eye. Both of them were swimming in a never-ending circle. One of them was white and had a large black dot on their forehead. The other was black with a large white dot on their forehead. The way the both swam together began to hypnotize Artymis. She stared at them and slowly saw the Ying Yang symbol of light and dark. She suddenly felt that weird emotion she did when she first crossed into the spirit world. The circle with the crescent moon and the water wave outlines glowed brightly on her forehead and the water wave designs glowed under the wide sleeves of her kimono.
"What happened?" Yue asked with a gasp.
"She's in the spirit world." Katara answered, "Now, we can't move her body, otherwise she won't come back to our world again."
"Should we get some help?" Yue asked, obviously new to this.
"No, I'm perfectly capable of protecting Artymis, she's my friend. I won't let anything happen to her." Katara said with great confidence and a smile.
"My, aren't we a big girl now?" A voice said.
Katara recognized that voice, she looked around and whispered, "No!"
"Yes," Zuko narrowed his eyes. "I've come for the Avatar." He said.
"No! I won't let you!" Katara turned to Yue, "Run!"
Yue indeed ran to get help. She would not see a Firebender in her kingdom at all.
"Get out of my way." Zuko demanded, walking towards Artymis, who still kneeled down and was very still.
"Back off!" Katara shouted.
"Let the games begin." Zuko said. He sent a fire punch at her.
Katara rose water from the stream under the little bridge and slashed it through the fire punch. It hit Zuko and he fell on his stomach. "Take that!" She said.
"I see we've learned a new trick." Zuko muttered.
"I've got more up my sleeves." Katara commented.
"So do I." Zuko muttered, he jumped to his feet and sent more fire punches at her.
Katara dodged and tried to keep Zuko away from Artymis. Zuko sent a slash of his arm down and sent a diagonal wave of fire to her. Katara used water to melt the fire and hit him. She managed to pin Zuko against one of the walls and twisted her upper body around. She moved her arms and begin to slash them in every direction and the water obeyed her strong will. She stopped only when Zuko was in an iceberg. She stopped and held her hands before her, and breathed.
"You little peasant." Zuko said loudly with anger. "You found a master."
Steam began to rise from the iceberg as it changed from the cool blue color to bright fiery yellow. Zuko jumped out and moved his fist up and rose fire. Katara dodged and this time, put everything she had in it. She pushed water towards Zuko and pinned him once against on the wall, only he was high up. The water turned into ice and she made sure the ice pinned him and that he was unconscious. Katara nodded at her victory and began walking back to Artymis, she stood a few feet away, but kept throwing nervous glances at Zuko.
Sokka was walking around in the city. He had been kicked off the mission because he and another boy began fighting. The boy he fought was engaged to Yue. His name was Hahn. He had called Yue a few unintelligent things and made her sound like a prep. This, of coarse, angered Sokka. Sokka immediately defended Yue and began fighting Hahn. Because of this, he was kicked off the mission. But Chief Arnook entrusted him a different task, one Sokka assumed would go to Yue's soon-to-be husband: guard Yue.
There's something I can do, Sokka thought, I'm sure Yue would be happy after finding out I liked her!
"Sokka!" A voice cried out with fear.
Sokka looked up. "Princess Yue?"
"Sokka!" Yue stopped in front of him, panting. "It's Katara and Artymis!"
"What?" Sokka asked alarmed. "What happened?"
"Artymis is in the spirit world and a man came!" Yue explained, concern in her blue eyes. "He was a Firebender and he said he came for Artymis. Katara is fighting him as we speak!"
Sokka narrowed his eyes when he realized who the Firebender was, Zuko. "Come on!" He took Yue by the hand and they ran back to the girls.
Artymis opened her eyes. She looked around at her surroundings. She was no longer in the North pole, instead she was in some sort of a swamp. She stood up and started to wander around. She whistled and continued walking.
"Hello?" Artymis called out, "I'm the Avatar and I need help. Can anyone help me?"
"Artymis."
She turned around to see Avatar Roku, she bowed her head but quickly. She looked up at him with pleading eyes, "Avatar Roku, I need help."
"I know." He said, "That is why I am here. What you need, is the Moon Spirit and the Ocean Spirit."
"The Moon and the Ocean Spirit?" Artymis repeated.
"Yes," Avatar Roku said, "the spirits will help you."
"Great!" Artymis clapped her hands happily, "So, where are they?"
"Not here." He answered.
"Excuse me?" Artymis' happy smile immediately faded.
"You need help from the spirits in the mortal world, not the spirit world. They crossed over, gave their immortality up, to be in the mortal world." Roku explained, "The only one I know who will know that, is Koh."
"Koh?" Artymis repeated, "An Avatar?" She asked.
"No, the Face Stealer."
Artymis' face fell. "Face Stealer..."
"Yes, Koh." Avatar Roku then explained what she had to do, "Listen very closely, Artymis. You will go see Koh in a dark cave and you must not allow yourself to show any emotion before him, not the slightest emotion. Otherwise, your face is stolen forever. He is the only one that knows of the mortal moon and ocean spirit. He will know."
"So, I show no emotion to him, at all?" Artymis asked to be sure.
"Yes."
She nodded and bowed her head with her hands together in a prayer, "Thank you, Avatar Roku."
"Farewell. " He disappeared into a vapor of mist.
Artymis sighed and said, Show no emotion, that should be easy, right?
Zuko stirred. He opened his eyes and saw light. He looked around and saw the sun rising. He smirked and melted the ice that pinned him. He dropped down and sent Katara a surprise attack. She was knocked out and fell to the grass. Zuko looked to Artymis, he walked over to her and lifted her up in bridal style. He turned back to the knocked out Waterbender, "You rise with the moon, I rise with the sun."
He turned away and tried to figure out a way to get out. He looked up at the high cliff.
(Half an Hour Later)
Zuko was struggling through the almost-knee-length snow. He carried Artymis in his arms and tried to move against the harsh blizzard. He felt the cold against his cheeks and knew he couldn't trample in the snow and blizzard anymore. He looked around with narrowed eyes to find a resting place. he did, not too far was an ice cave. Zuko made his way there, and took in a deep breath once in the shelter. He placed Artymis down and tied her wrists behind her and her ankles together with rope from his pouch. He made a small campfire using his hands and he looked over to Artymis once his work was done.
"You don't understand me, right?" Zuko asked her, as if she was listening. "Hardly anyone does." He continued, he got up and stood at the cave entrance. He stared out in the blizzard. "You told me that you had friends and you missed them. I, on the other hand, have no friends to miss." Zuko lowered his eyes, "I was always alone."
Artymis had made her way through the swamp and came to a small clearing. A cave was up ahead. She knew it was Koh's home. She grew nervous and turned her gaze on a monkey that was sitting down and had it's back to her. She stared at it for a moment, then the creature finally turned it's head to her. Artymis gasped and covered her mouth with her hand. The monkey had no face at all. No eyes, no nose, or no mouth.
Koh stole his face! was the first thought in her mind when she saw the faceless monkey. She breathed and rubbed her arms. "I can do this, I can do this." She muttered, closing her eyes. Artymis inhaled deeply and let it out. She slowly entered the dark cave, her face expressionless. "Hello?" She called out. "Is anybody here?"
"Yes, someone is here."
The voice, with the sound of a thousand small moving noises, sent a chill down Artymis' spine. But she remained expressionless. She turned around and saw a large caterpillar. The head of the caterpillar turned to her. Where the mouth was, was a face. A face white as snow and with eyes that had no end.
"Are you Koh?" Artymis asked, still expressionless. But inside, she could fee herself shake.
"Yes, yes I am." Koh said in a deep monotone voice. "What do you want, Avatar?"
"I need to find the moon and ocean spirits." She answered him, she watched him slither around like a snake. It indeed sent fear to her, but she didn't show it. "Can you help me?"
"Well, I suppose I'll forgive your... anger towards me." Koh said in a matter-of-fact way.
"My anger?" Artymis repeated, "What do you mean?"
"Well, a about eight or nine hundred years ago, a past Avatar came to me." Koh explained, "Something about stealing his loved one's face." He turned to her and the face changed into a pretty woman's face with long wavy hair. The face changed back to the white mask. He paused and dismissed the talk, "Anyhow, I know of the moon and ocean spirit. Their names are Tui and La, push and pull. They encircle each other in a eternal dance. Push and pull. That had been the nature of their relationship."
"Tui and La?" Artymis repeated, still showing no emotion. "Push and pull?"
"Yes," Koh said. He turned his back to her. "Ocean and Moon... life and death... good and evil... light and dark... Ying and Yang."
Artymis repeated all he had just said to her in her mind. She suddenly knew who were the spirits. An image of the koi fish came to her mind: both of them circling each other, and the Ying Yang symbol suddenly formed in her mind. "The koi fish in the lake!" She whispered, her expression changed to a state of shock. She quickly turned around and buried her hand in the sleeve of her kimono. She took out something from her sleeve. She opened a large white fan and held it in front of her face when she turned around to Koh. She closed it and faced him with an emotionless face. "I should be going now." She said in a monotone voice. She looked right at a demon-like face, which changed back to the white one.
"Clever girl." Koh said, he shrouded back in the dark of the cave, "I'll be waiting."
Artymis turned and left the cave, once she was far from it, she gave out a sigh. her hands immediately covered her face, checking if her face was there. Her face didn't get stolen. A sigh of relief escaped from her. She looked at the white fan in her hand, "I told Anduril this fan come in handy, and I was right!" She placed it back in her sleeve, but she accidentally dropped it in the swamp's water. She shook her head, "And I lost it." She looked at her surroundings, trying to find someone that could help her. When Artymis turned around and her shoulders drew back when Avatar Roku stood there. "Avatar Roku!" She bowed down respectably. "I found the information I needed. But I need to find a way back."
"A friend, Hei-Bei, will be here soon." Avatar Roku said. He pulled something out and brought it to Artymis.
She blinked when it was a necklace with a Ying and Yang symbol dangling from the string. "What is this for?" Artymis brought it to her face and examined it, though there wasn't much to examine.
"It will help you." Roku explained, "Balance is needed, and you are it between all of the elements."
She bowed her head, "Thank you." She tied it around her neck and looked up. A large panda bear was standing beside Avatar Roku. She smiled and went forth to pet him gently. "His name is Hei-Bei?"
"Yes." Roku said, "I will see you another time."
"I thank you greatly for your wisdom, Avatar Roku." Artymis said, climbing on Hei-Bei.
"Farewell." Roku said, once again he disappeared into mist.
Artymis looked down at Hei-Bei once she saddled in, "Come one, Hei-Bei, I need to get back to my world. I need to help the Water Tribe." Hei-Bei nodded and started running through the swamp. Artymis held on tight and looked up ahead, Hang on, guys, I'm coming!
Katara opened her eyes. She gasped and sat up. "Artymis?" She called out, she jumped to her feet when she didn't see her. She looked around, "Artymis!" Katara then remembered Zuko and she fell on her knees, "I let Zuko get Artymis."
"Katara!" Sokka ran to her with Yue by his side.
"She's gone, Zuko took her." Katara said looking up at her brother.
"Don't worry, Katara. they couldn't have gone far." Sokka assured her.
Appa growled lowly when Anduril came in. He gave out a roar when he realized the situation.
"I'm sorry, Anduril." Katara said to him. Anduril's eyes soften on her and he leaned his head against her small figure as a mean for brotherly care.
"I say we take Appa and go up that cliff - " Sokka pointed up, " - and Anduril stay here if Zuko or Art return."
"I pray to the spirits that everything goes well tonight." Yue said.
Artymis slipped off of Hei-Bei when he took her the way she came into the spirit world. She looked up at him and smiled, "Thank you, my friend." She said, petting him once more. She turned away and stood where she first sat. "Ok." She concentrated hard and felt herself disappear from the spirit world.
(Back in the Mortal World)
Artymis stood up from her sitting position. She stretched, "Katara, Yue, I found - " She looked around and saw them, but they weren't paying attention to her. "Hello! I'm over here!" Artymis waved her hands. The girls were talking to Sokka with Appa. Anduril was nowhere seen. Artymis stomped her foot angrily, "Why are you ignoring me!" She yelled. She blinked and looked at her reflection in the lake where the koi fish were. She didn't see her reflection at all. "I'm still in the Spirit World." She whispered and overheard Sokka:
" - Zuko can't survive in that blizzard up there. So, we're kinda ok, as long as Art isn't hurt or anything."
Artymis kicked the air and balled her hands into fists. She made a groan. "Why is he always here!" She yelled, "And trying to always get to me!" She kicked the air again. Artymis sighed and breathed, Ok, I can get back to my body if I concentrate. Artymis put her palms together and pointed her fingertips up. She closed her eyes and concentrated. She suddenly felt herself move as fast as lightning. A minute later, she was back in her body. Artymis opened her eyes and blinked. She found herself staring at a small fire. She moved her gaze and saw that she was in an ice covered cave. She was laying on her side and she sat up, though it was hard with bonded wrists and ankles. Artymis looked around and saw Zuko standing at the cave entrance, his back to her. He hadn't notice her waking. Artymis had the urge of attacking him right then and there, but she knew she didn't have much of an advantage. She silently began untying the rope around her wrists behind her back. She was halfway through doing it when Zuko suddenly spoke:
"Sometimes, your hatred towards me reminds me of my sister, Azula." He said, still staring out into the blizzard. Zuko just felt like talking to Artymis, even if to him she was still unconscious. "My father said she was born lucky, he said I was lucky to be born. And for a long time, I thought it was true." A pause. "But, when I met you... I no longer believed him."
Artymis was listening while untying her wrists. Her hands came down to her ankles but they stopped when Zuko mentioned meeting her. She lifted her eyes from her tied ankles to him.
"I always shut myself away from the world," Zuko continued, "only one who came close was my uncle. No one else. Then, you came along. I felt suddenly happy to know there was someone out there who feels like I do at times: rejected, and outcast."
Artymis moved her eyes from him and back to her task. She had a struggle to untie her ankles, but not as much with her wrists. She managed to untie them and she looked up at Zuko, wondering if he saw her. It seems like he didn't, because his back was still turned to her.
"When we talked during that storm, I felt a strong connection with you. When I saw you in trouble in that forest - when I was the Blue Spirit - I felt more and more for you. I remember what you said about being alone." Zuko said, "I feel it too, but unlike you, I have no one at all." Artymis stared at Zuko, feeling pity for him. "I know my uncle will be there, but I want someone else too. I have no friends, no family, no one to love... or to love me back." A pause, and Zuko sighed. "That's why I thought you loved me, and I would do anything at all to hear you say three words. Just those three words. But to me, not anybody else." Zuko lowered his eyes, "Then you said you hated me, I felt more pain than ever. More then when my father burned and banished me."
Artymis lowered her eyes, starting to realize that she couldn't deny her feelings for him. I want to say it, and maybe he really means it when he said he loved me, she thought, Katara said to listen to your heart. Artymis placed both hands on her heart, she closed her eyes and listened closely. I know now what to do.
"But I guess I never will earn your love." Zuko said, sorrow in his voice. His back still turned to her. You hate me and I have to accept that, he thought, Even if I want you with all my heart, I can never. "I'm sure that someone else will. I just hope he knows what a special and beautiful woman he has, and to not let you go. But," He said with much hurt but he didn't bother hiding it. "I will always love you, whether or not I have your love. I will forever love you, Artymis."
Artymis felt tears brim her eyes. She stood up on her feet and ran towards Zuko. She flung her arms around his waist and buried her face in his shoulder. Zuko heard quick footsteps and felt a pair of arms hug him tightly around his waist. He looked over his shoulder even if he knew it probably was Artymis. It was.
"Zuko..." Artymis lifted her face. "I know your father hates you, but you don't need to concern yourself about him." She paused, "You have someone who will always be there for you."
Zuko turned around to her and placed his hands on her shoulder, he looked down at her. "Who?" he asked, looking into her eyes. "Who can I turn to?"
Artymis looked up at him with understanding eyes. "Me." She muttered and flung her arms around his neck and held him closely. "I love you." She said to him, in almost a whisper.
Zuko felt happiness rise in him. She had said it. She had actually said it. Zuko made a rare smile and wrapped his arms around her and held her closely. He closed his eyes, "I love you too." He whispered.
Artymis felt an unexplained happiness in her. She smiled and stared up at the sky. She held Zuko tightly and wished she had listened to her heart before. She wished there was nothing else but happiness. Artymis knew that she had broken a rule, she knew that she had disobeyed Avatar Roku: what he said about an Avatar cannot be involved with anyone. But at that moment, like Zuko was feeling, Artymis didn't care about anyone else or anything. She gripped the back of Zuko's shirt with her fingers and whispered, "I don't want to let go... I can't."
Zuko pulled her more closer and lifted a hand and put it over her wavy hair. "I need you by my side." He said, "And I don't want to loose you... I don't want to."
"Are you for real?" Artymis asked.
Zuko nodded, "Yes, I am." He pulled away and looked at her, "I've always been, and always will be." He moved his hands to her upper arms.
Artymis smiled, "I am too." She said, lifting her hands to his shoulders. Zuko smiled down at her. He suddenly shut his eyes in pain and made a groan. Artymis gripped his shoulders and she fell to her knees. He fell and she bent down beside him, she pressed a hand against his cheek. "Zuko? Zuko!" She whispered, her hands shaking his shoulders. But he was knocked unconscious.
"Artymis!" She looked up. Katara, wrapped in her coat, came by her. "I'm so glad you're alright!" Katara embraced Artymis.
"I - I'm fine!" Artymis said quickly, she pulled away. "What happened to the tribe?" She asked.
Katara's face fell, "The Fire Nation are attacking again."
"I know who the Moon and Ocean Spirit are!" Artymis said.
"What?" Katara blinked.
"We have to go." Artymis rose with Katara, but stopped.
"What is it?" Katara asked her.
Artymis looked back at Zuko, she rushed back to his side. "We can't leave him." She said.
"Yes we can!" Katara said, "We have to go."
"He'll die if we don't take him." Artymis pointed out, she wasn't going to leave him, not after saying he be true to her. She began to drag him to Appa, who waited outside the ice cave.
"You're bringing him!" Sokka asked from the saddle, seeing Artymis dragging Zuko towards him.
"Come on!" Artymis said.
Katara came back with the rope that Artymis had untied from her bonded wrists and ankles. She passed it to Sokka, who jumped down and tied Zuko. "Hey, this is some rope." Sokka commented, after tying up Zuko.
"Him?" Yue questioned with fear and anger when she saw the gang placing Zuko in the saddle.
"He's knocked down, don't worry." Artymis said, placing her hand on his forehead.
Sokka and Katara got on, and Sokka said "Yip-yip!" When they weren't listening, Yue came over to Artymis, who was sitting nearby Zuko.
"Do you like him?" Yue asked unexpectedly.
Artymis looked at her, "What?" She asked, shocked at Yue asking her. "Who?"
Yue looked at Zuko, "Him."
Artymis looked away, she did love him. But she wasn't quite ready to tell anybody.
"I saw that look in your eye." Yue started, "You were worried for him. And there was something in your voice."
"I guess I can't hide it from you." Artymis said.
"I'll keep it a secret." Yue smiled warmly.
Artymis looked at her and made a small smile, "I appreciate it - " She suddenly winced and placed her hand against the side of her head. Yue felt for her forehead and looked dizzy. Katara, as well, felt it. "Something's wrong." Artymis muttered.
"What's going on?" Sokka asked over his shoulder.
"The Moon Spirit..." Yue whispered.
"She's in trouble." Artymis said, she looked up and yelled, "Appa! Faster!" She looked up to the moon. It was a blood red color. Oh god, no...
Artymis! Anduril's voice called out, a bit unstable. The Fire Nation has broken in and they're here! I'm trying to back them off!
Anduril! Artymis called out, but lost his connection.
"No!" Yue stood up from her seat when they reached the oasis.
Artymis stood up and saw what had happened. She saw only one koi fish, the black one, in the lake. The white koi fish was nowhere in sight. Artymis jumped off of Appa's saddle before he even landed and saw that Anduril was growling and roaring at some Fire Nation soldiers. Fire was in his eyes and Artymis felt his anger grow even more. She started to run for the koi fish but stopped in her tracks when a smirking man faced her.
"You!" Artymis shouted, heat rising inside her.
"My, the Avatar has sure been long a gone time." Zhao said, "I thank you."
"What do you mean?" Artymis asked, glaring at him.
"I wouldn't have gotten this," Zhao rose a brown bag in his right hand.
Artymis felt sick when she realized the white koi fish, the Moon Spirit, was in there. "You're sick!" She shouted. "Let her go!"
"Why, may I ask?" Zhao asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Because I will release a ten fold on you." A voice said. Artymis looked behind her and saw a red cloaked man on the bridge. he pulled his hood down. Iroh stared straight at Zhao, "Release the Moon Spirit right now."
"Why am I not surprised by your treachery?" Zhao said to Iroh.
"Let the Moon Spirit go!" Artymis shouted at Zhao, "Without the moon, we all go to our doom!" She lifted her hands balled them into fists, as a mean to fight.
"Zhao, she is right." Iroh said, "And I won't hesitate to attack." He lifted his own hands.
Zhao looked at the old Firebender and the young Airbender. He sighed and bent down to the lake. He opened the bag and the white koi fish swim in the water. Artymis relaxed, but didn't let her guard down. He stood up and looked at the bright white moon. He groaned out of frustration. Zhao did a fire punch to the white koi fish. The white koi fish stopped swimming and the moon was once again covered in blood-red. Artymis stared at the moon and Yue gasped. Katara shook her head and Sokka slammed his fist on the saddle. Artymis glared at Zhao, who was smirking.
"That is it!"
Artymis made two spheres wind in her opened palms. She narrowed her eyes at Zhao and sent both spheres at him. He fell on his back from the unexpected attack. Iroh sent shock waves of fire at Zhao, he missed them but barely. He turned around and came face-to-face with Anduril, who growled at him. He turned around and saw Artymis, looking more angry than ever. She sent slashes of air to him. Zhao missed them, but he ran from the Avatar. Though he was out of range, Artymis kept throwing air blows. She slowly stopped and fell to her knees in front of the lake. She breathed.
"Artymis?" Katara laid a comforting hand on her shoulder.
"I was too weak to stop Zhao." Artymis said, looking up to her.
"No, you weren't." Yue said, "It's my fault." She paused, "I owe the Moon Spirit my life."
"What do you mean?" Sokka asked, coming over.
Yue explained: "When I was born, I didn't cry at all. My eyes were closed, I was born like that. My parents asked our best healers to heal me, but they said I would die. Then, on the full moon, my parents took me here and placed me in the water. Praying that the Moon Spirit would give me life. She did. My hair turned white and I started to cry. My name... my mother called me 'Yue' for the moon for her kindness."
Artymis listened but watch Iroh sat down and lift the dead koi fish in his hands. She rose and stood by him when he returned it to the lake, hoping it would be alive. But the red burn on it's body didn't heal. "It's too late, I'm sorry." Artymis whispered.
"Everything will be left in nothing but emptiness." Iroh muttered with despair.
"Hope is lost." Yue said, with tears. Sokka held her hand.
"Why?" Katara asked in a whisper.
Artymis gripped her Ying and Yang necklace that Avatar Roku gave her, she held it and thought what could be done. She closed her eyes and opened them after a moment. Her eyes met with the black koi fish. She suddenly knew what she had to do. "It's not over yet." her voice was like an echo. Everyone looked up at her. Artymis lifted the hem of her kimono and slipped out of her slippers. She took a step forth and continued walking on the surface of the water. She breathed and stared up ahead.
Artymis? Anduril called out to her, he watched her walk on the water.
Protect the others, Artymis said. She stopped in the middle of the lake and stared down at the black koi fish in front of her. Artymis' eyes glowed and the Water Tribe symbol appeared on her forehead and the water waves appeared under her sleeves again. The black koi fish encircled her and a curtain of water came all around Artymis. She lifted her face and closed her eyes, prepared for whatever was up ahead. The curtain of water disappeared and Artymis no longer was there.
"Where'd she go?" Yue asked, looking around.
Iroh knew what was happening. "Eternal Dance..." He whispered, but no one heard him.
Artymis found herself in an entirely different world. She blinked and looked down to her right to see her airbending staff in her right hand. She looked down and saw she was standing right on top of water. Artymis had a feeling she was in the spirit world, but in a different place. She looked up and saw the full moon against the beautiful night sky. Only, the moon was a blood-red color. Artymis stared at it and realized like the other world, the moon had died in the spirit world, now there was nothing but water with no silver moon. She looked around and saw figures in the distant, it seemed they formed a circle around her.
"You must help the Moon Spirit and Water Spirit." She heard Avatar Roku's voice, "You must perform the Eternal Dance."
"A dance?" Artymis repeated, staring down in the water. "Eternal Dance?"
"The Eternal Dance is what binds us all together." Avatar Roku answered, "Each element had it's own Eternal Dance. And someone must do it at all times, in order for the world to be in complete balance."
The young Airbender looked down at her staff and realized her Ying and Yang necklace was glowing.
"You must do it now."
Artymis took a deep breath, she crossed her right arm in front of her and swung it around while twirling gently. She saw Avatar Roku and other past Avatars standing beside him. Artymis closed her eyes and twirled her staff around while dancing slowly. She took a light step on the water surface and Artymis felt herself be lifted high up by the water. She continued dancing and she swung the staff around as she twirled around. Artymis glanced up at the moon, it was still blood-red. She closed her eyes again and danced for what seemed like an eternity. She gently and in slow motion, swung her staff around and whirled around. The glowing water waves appeared back on her hand and arms, and the circle with crescent moon and the outlines of water waves was glowing brightly on her forehead. Artymis felt a wave of calmness overcome her. But she saw images play in her mind. She saw Katara, Sokka, Yue, and Iroh at the small lake. The dead white koi fish, the mortal Moon Spirit, in Iroh's hands. The looks of sorrow and lost hope on their faces pained Artymis. But she saw Iroh look at Yue and mouth something. Yue stood up and opened her eyes, her eyes were the only one with color. They were a bright blue, like the ocean lit up at night. Artymis suddenly knew who Yue really was, why her hair was white at such a young age. Yue stood up, but Sokka held her back. A look of worry and helplessness in his expression, but Yue pulled away and placed her hands on the white koi fish.
Artymis opened her eyes, She can't... Sokka... She thought, still dancing.
"Sacrifices must be made." Roku said, hearing her thoughts. "It is nature. Everybody cannot survive, there must sacrifices to equal out the lives. Sacrifice is eternal."
Artymis closed her eyes and pain stabbed her heart at the thought of Yue dead and Sokka heartbroken. Artymis suddenly felt someone gently hold her wrist and turn her slowly around. She opened her eyes and saw Yue. But Yue looked more beautiful than ever. Her dress was strapless and long. Her sleeves were very wide but in a pretty way. Her hair was in it's usual style, but it was like she had longer hair now. Artymis could've sworn that some it came down and was tied gently in the front of her dress, above her feet. Yue's hair spread out like water waves and she looked more older and wiser.
"Artymis." Yue said gently, her voice sounded like a goddess. "You can stop dancing now." Artymis realized this was the last time she see Yue again, she didn't bother to fight the tears that threaten her. She shut her eyes and shook her head. "Everything is alright now. It'll all turn out fine, you'll see." Yue assured her, she smiled. "It's time for you to go back, Artymis."
Artymis looked down at her hands and dropped her staff. Her hands were fading as well as the rest of her. She looked up at Yue and said, "But Yue - "
"No buts." Yue said gently, "I knew one day it would happen. The Moon Spirit gave life to me, I need to give some back. I knew the sacrifice." She smiled again, "We'll see each other soon, good-bye Artymis."
Artymis, before she completely faded away, glanced at the moon. It was bright and silver again. She turned back to Yue, who gave her a friendly smile...
The waters in the city had glowed brightly and a large water creature, one that resemble a koi fish, walked in the water. He swiped down every Fire Nation soldier there was in the city. He was in front of the city when more Fire Navy ships started to sent fireballs. With one swipe of his arm, the Ocean Spirit wiped out a row of the ships. He continued this and destroyed the Fire Navy, but when he looked up, he saw the moon. No longer was it blood-red, it was full and silver. The Moon Spirit had returned. He lowered his head and disappeared into the ocean, but he seek the one who had the attempt on La.
During this time, sorrows and tears were shared at the oasis when a ghost came to Sokka. "I will always be with you, Sokka."
Author's Note: I was really sad in the "Siege of the North (Part II)" when Yue left Sokka. I felt so bad for him. But, then again, I had a feeling Yue would be gone. Anyhow, the next chapter... the last chapter of this fanfic before the author's note "chapter" might not be as long, but it has a veyr important event - one you'll all waiting for probably. I still can't believe it's almost over! But I can't wait to get to "Chapter Two: Earth". Ok, this time, people, I need ideas for the next chapter. Please! 'Cause I want the next and last chapter to be the best I can write.
Firework: Can you please give me some ideas? And I want to thank you for your on-going support... I think I better save it for last, huh? Sorry about that. But you helped me through the fic.