A.N.: ...-sigh-...thanks for the reviews! on with the fic...thinking, "talking", 'singing'

Disclaimer: I don't own Avatar: The Last Airbender or the song 'Imaginary' by Evanescence

Chapter 8: Singing

Keely stood infront of the crew. She now wore a skirt that was made of a wispy dark purple and black material, a lavender bell-sleeved shirt, and a pair of midnight black slippers. Her hair was once more in a half-up, half-down style, and a single strand hung town infront of her face.

She took a deep breath as the drums began the beat she'd shown them moments before, then she began the song.

(A.N.: I couldn't find any way to incorporate the instruments used in this song..so bear with me)

'I linger in the doorway..

Of alarm clock screaming

Monsters calling my name...'

She brought her hand up slowly and let darkness gather in the center of her palm.

'Let me stay

Where the wind will whisper to me...

Where the rain drops as they're falling

Tell a story!'

She let the shadows burst from her palm.

'In my field of paper flowers

And candy clouds of lullaby

I lie inside myself for hours

And watch my purple sky fly over me..'

Keely began a series of swift, flowing movements, her skirt billowing around her, causing her to seem as if she was dancing on shadows instead of in the soft firelight.

'Don't say I'm out of touch

With this rampant chaos

Your reality...

I know well what lies beyond my sleeping refuge...

The nightmare I built my own world to escape!'

Keely's eyes flashed a brilliant shade of silver.

'In my field of paper flowers

And candy clouds of lullaby

I lie inside myself for hours

And watch my purple sky fly over me...'

She sank to her knees and cast her eyes down.

'Swallowed up in the sound of my screaming..

I cannot cease for the fear of silent nights...

Oh how I long for the deep sleep dreaming...

The goddess of imaginary light...'

Darkness swirled around her and an unusual purple fire encircled her form.

'In my field of paper flowers

And candy clouds of lullaby

I lie inside myself for hours

And watch my purple sky fly over me...'

The music died down slowly as Keely returned her gaze to the crew.

There was silence for a moment before the crew broke out into loud applause. Keely sighed in relief and stood up with a small smile on her face.

Meanwhile with Uncle Iroh and Zuko, Uncle clapped for Keely then he looked at his nephew's reaction. Zuko's eyes held awe for a moment, just a moment, but he didn't clap.

"Impressive isn't she?" Uncle said, snapping Zuko out of his daze.

"She was alright," Zuko wouldn't meet his Uncle's gaze.

Uncle returned his line-of-vision to the area Keely had been standing in before. He was surprised to find that she had vanished.

Keely, of course, hadn't really disappeared, but was actually sneaking up behind Zuko.

She grinned and put her hands over his eyes, "Guess who!"

(A.N.: Stupid I know..)

"Hmm...I dunno," Zuko replied, "Maybe it's," he pulled her down into his arms, "Keely."

Keely laughed, "It seems I've been caught...so How'd you like the performance?"

(A.N. Sorry for all the Zuko OOCness)

A rare smile graced Zuko's face, "It was very enjoyable."

Happiness lit up Keely's eyes, "Really?"

Neither of them realized that Keely was still in Zuko's lap, but Uncle Iroh did.

"So...having fun?" Uncle asked.

Keely realized the position she was in ans blushed, "Uhh.."

Zuko had also noticed, "Keely thought she'd hurt her ankle while performing, I was just checking to see if she was alright."

"Sure you were," Uncle chuckled.

Some of the crew members had seen what was starting to unfold and had drifted over to them.

Once of the older ones commented, "Then why aren't you examining it?"

Zuko realized the gaping loophole he'd left open, "I..uh..."

"Uncle isn't it your turn to sing?" Keely piqued up.

Iroh knew she was just trying to digress, but decided to play along, "Why yes it is."

The crew took this as a cue to leave them alone, so they took their leave back to what they were doing before.

Uncle winked at the clever little fox and walked back towards the fire while whistling.

Keely let out the breath she'd been holding, "Your Uncle's a pervert, you know that?"

Zuko laughed, "Yes and he has an incurable fetish for tea as well."

"Odd combination," Keely mused, "I wonder what would happen if I gave him some knee-high boots...?"

"Don't even go there," Zuko grimaced at the thought.

"Okay, I won't," Keely was that she was still in his lap, "Uhh.."

"What?" Zuko asked, having completely forgotten about their little predicament.

(A.N.: Men..)

Keely rolled her eyes and got out of his lap.

"Oh that," Zuko said a quietly added, "You didn't have to get up."

Keely held out her hand to him, "Come on, I bet it'll be fun to watch your uncle act stupid."

"I wouldn't know, until now I've always refused to attend," Zuko said as he took her hand.

"Then this shall be one hell of an experience," Keely snickered as she pulled him up.

They then walked over to the fire to watch Uncle Iroh perform.

Keely and Zuko had been enjoying the music night activities for about two hours, and Keely was now leaning against Zuko's shoulder sleepily.

Several of the drunken crew members saw, "Awww...aren't they cute?"

Keely opened one of her eyes and replied with a yawn, "I believe a more...you...description would have been 'kawaii'."

Zuko had risen an eyebrow at them, but over the course of the night he'd gotten somewhat used to their teasing remarks.

"Oh and you should say it in a really high-pitched, girly squeal," Keely added, her tone dripping with boredom.

"No don't, that just might give me nightmares," Zuko ordered.

Before the drunk men could even begin the phrase, Keely stood up, "I'm going to bed."

"Me too," Zuko added hurriedly as he also rose from his seat.

As Zuko and Keely headed below decks, the crew whistled and called out crude and insinuating things. They walked in silence until they arrived at Keely's door.

"Well...goodnight Zuko," Keely mumbled as she opened the door to her room.

Zuko grabbed her arm, "Wait.."

"Yes?" Keely turned back to face him.

"I...," he began before he leaned down and captured her lips with his own.

After a moment, Keely pulled back, "Zuko..."

A true smile was on his face, "Goodnight Keely. Sweet dreams," and with that he walked off to his room.

A.N.: And this is where I shall leave you...

:Libby-chan: