A.N. Uhhhh...guys...what is it about 'please review' that you don't understand? And I thought the last chapter was rather good too...oh well...this chapter is dedicated Aries dieTraumer and redroseternity, my two most loyal reviewers!

Disclaimer: If I owned Avatar I wouldn't be here...and since I obviously am...I don't own Avatar: The Last Airbender

Chapter 6: The Decision

Zuko looked from Keely to the girl she'd just called Lyra. He may be angry at Keely for beating him earlier, but he didn't intend to harm her best friend.

Keely glanced at Zuko, then at Lyra. Her face held a torn expression, she obviously wanted to go to her friend, but didn't want to leave Zuko.

Surprising even himself, Zuko nodded signifying that he didn't mind.

Keely sent him a grateful glance before heading towards the area Lyra was standing.

Zuko felt a hand rest on his shoulder, and turned to see Uncle, who had a look of approval on his face.

Lyra was surprised to see Keely head in their direction, she'd figured Zuko wouldn't allow it.

Aang and the others were standing there, slightly dumbfounded, because they'd apparently thought Zuko would have attacked them by now.

Keely jogged the last few yards, "Lyra is that you?"

Lyra smiled, "Yeah, is that really you Keely?"

Keely looked herself over, "I think so."

Lyra laughed and hugged her, "It's been ages! How've ya been girl?"

Keely hugged her back and laughter lit up her eyes, "All things considering, I've been doing pretty good, you?"

"Same," Lyra replied as she slipped out of the hug.

"Uhhh...would you happen to be able to tell us why Zuko hasn't attempted killing us yet?" Sokka interrupted.

Keely arched an eyebrow at him, "Isn't that obvious?"

"Uhh...no," Sokka replied, "Unless you happen to be Zuko's girlfriend."

Heat flooded Keely's cheeks, "I am not his girlfriend."

"Then why are you on his ship? And why is it that although he's sworn to capture Aang, he hasn't made a single move to do so since we've landed?" Sokka tried to arch an eyebrow at her, but failed miserably.

"First of all, I was invited to stay on his ship for a while, secondly, other than the fact that I told him not to harm you because of Lyra, I don't really know," Keely fumed.

Lyra decided to break this up, "Keely, calm down, and give Sokka a break, he's got a point. It is unusual about Zuko not attacking them, although the girlfriend comment was totally uncalled for."

Sokka grumbled out something resembling an apology, and Keely nodded curtly.

Zuko chose this moment to walk up, and he completely ignored everyone except Keely, "Keely, it's my duty to capture the Avatar, because it is the only way I can go home, I can only hold back for so long. I'm sorry your reunion can't last much longer, but you need to decide who you'll be traveling with."

"I said I'd travel with you Zuko, and I meant it," Keely replied.

The Avatar group saw a flash of what appeared to be happiness and relief on Zuko's face for a moment, but it quickly disappeared.

Zuko nodded, "Alright, I'm going downstairs for about fifteen minutes, you have until then."

"He's really not a bad guy," Keely murmured.

Sokka's eyes lit up, "Sounds like someone has a crush on Zuko."

"And it sounds like someone is being an immature jerk, and that someone may just find themselves falling over the edge of the ship," Keely said with venom in her voice.

Katara glared at Sokka, "You really should keep your opinions to yourself."

There was silence for a minute, until Aang said, "You guys do make a good couple though."

Keely rose an eyebrow, but didn't glare at Aang.

The group heard a large splash, and soon Sokka's voice shouted, "I didn't say anything!"

"But you were thinking it!" Keely yelled back.

For the remainder of the time, Keely and Lyra talked.

:Five minutes before Zuko said he's be back:

They'd gotten on the subject of Aang having to find someone to teach him firebending.

"We just don't know who could help," Katara said sadly.

"Well...once he learns the other elements, I suppose I could teach him," Keely suggested.

"Really?" Aang asked.

"Sure," Keely replied with a grin.

"Alright guys, we need to get a head start before Zuko starts chasing us," Sokka said from on top of Appa, where he had retreated after being 'pushed' overboard.

Keely sighed, "He's right."

"I suppose so," Lyra walked over and pulled Keely into another hug, "I'll miss you. Promise me we'll visit again."

Keely smiled, "Now that the Avatar is back; I can definitely promise that."

The others got onto Appa's back and right before they left Sokka asked, "Why is it that everyone pushed me over with airbending today?"

"I don't know about everyone else, but I used one of my few telekinetic powers to knock you down," Keely shrugged, then waved goodbye.

Then they flew off, and a distinct 'stupid magic' comment came from Sokka while they were all waving goodbye.

After they left, Zuko walked up to her, "I take it they left?"

"Yeah," Keely replied.

There was an audible silence until Keely said, "That was a really nice thing you did."

"Umm...yeah...sure I guess," Zuko looked as though he didn't often receive thanks for what he did.

"Thanks," Keely smiled, then leaned over and kissed him on the cheek before retreating below deck to her room.

A.N. Sorry it was so short and took so long to get out...I always am. I hope you liked this chapter! Please review! Be it good, criticism, or a flame, but please...if you flame...give me a good reason as to why you flamed.

:Libby-chan: