Hello Hello Hello everybody, I think I figured out the missing Ingredient! It was me! I got so worried about Fili being a mary sue and what other people thought that I forgot, There's no way in Hell she's a mary sue cause I'm not a mary sue. I'm going to write her the way I used to write her because she is ME. I'm going to take my own advice. I had her tell Zuko that she wasn't going to change herself to make other people happy, so either will I! I have the best readers in the fan-a-verse and they love Fili just the way she is! It lagged because I was trying to make other people happy and not be truly myself. Well I'm back! And I'm going to be more of the real me than ever before! Get ready for all the random, sassy, confident Fili to come back because it is on!

At the end of the last chapter Zuko say Iroh in the hot spring (poor Zuko) then he show Fili in the hot spring, well he didn't really "see" anything except her back and maybe the top of her butt (hehehe) but he turned around so not much was seen. Fili is still having trouble with her mind juju and she's not sleeping well because of terrible nightmares.

P.S. You'll see the word "Mish" from time to time. BACKSTORY! My older sister lives in Chile, I visited her there and it is a term used there that pretty much means Huh.

"Soo, Zuko-"

"If it's about the hot spring, don't even say it." He sounded so serious, as we walked to the ship. "You promised we would never talk about it again."

"I did no such thing, and even if I did...I had my fingers crossed. Besides I wasn't going to talk about that," I stopped, "well maybe just a little." *said in a semi-squeaky voice*

He just groaned and kept walking ahead of me.

"Oh, come on, fussy pants, why so serious?" I laughed as I hurried to catch up to him. Why did he have to walk so fracking fast is what I wanna know? And right when I finally started to catch up, he looked over his shoulder at me, then started walking faster. The jerk-face! Who does that? "You know, running away is the international sigh of guilt, Zuko!"

"You don't know what you're talking about."

"Probably not, but that's what makes a life with me one great big bowl of interesting!" He finally stopped when we reached the dock. I poked his arm, "Admit it, with me, you're never bored."

He just shook his head at me then joined up with his men. Whatever, let him plot all his master plans of attack, I'm perfectly happy sitting at the end of the dock, and listening to my music.

I stared down at the water, "Hello weird little fishies." They weren't really "weird" exactly, they were just crazy colors. I was really starting to dig being in this crazy world, but I just wished I didn't have to spend so much time on a ship. Aang and the rest of the gang were lucky in that way, they could fly around and see all the sights. All I saw was some water here and some water there, but sometimes if I was feeling really crazy I would see a lot of water 'everywhere.' I know I'm a maverick.

I had made an amazing discovery a few days past, my Pandora worked! Nothing else worked, but I guess this was the Avatar-verse's way of making sure I had lots of music to play around with.

"Felicity?"

I turned when I heard Zuko call me, where in the halibut was he? OH, ha ha. He's up on deck. "Yes, fussy pants?"

"Have you seen my Uncle?"

Really..."Zuko, I've been looking down at, what is this? *looks down, confused,* Oh, yeah, WATER since I sat down."

"He was supposed to be here at sunset, but he's still not here." He groaned and hit the railing of the ship; flames arced under his fist when it hit the railing. "Does no one know where he is?"

I was so busy with my day-dreaming and conversing with the strange fish that I forgot about Uncle Iroh and the earthbenders. I stood up and stared up at him, "There's a problem, we need to get back to the hot springs and fast."

"I need the two best firebenders, we have to find my Uncle-" He drifted out of my hearing range. Man, Juju, I would love it if you graced me with your presence. I mean really, even a greeting card would be acceptable at this point. I ran up the dock to the ramp.

"The last place I saw him was at the hot spring, so that is where we will look first," Zuko told the lieutenant.

"Zuko, we have to hurry. There's no time for a huge search party. We have to get there fast," I told him when I finally reached the deck.

He turned, looking worried, then angry, "What do you know?"

"No time, let's go."

AT THE HOTSPRING

Zuko and his two best fire benders searched the area, "Uncle! Uncle, where are you?"

One of the men walked over, "Sir, maybe he thought you left without him."

"No, that's not it," I walked up behind Zuko.

"She's right," Duh! "Something's not right here. That pile of rocks." Zuko leaned down and closely examined the jagged rocks.

"It looks like there's been a landslide, sir." The other soldier looked up the hill.

"Land doesn't slide uphill. Those rocks didn't move naturally." He stood up straight, "My Uncle's been captured by earthbenders!"

"But where would they go, sir?" Landslide soldier asked.

Zuko shook his head, "I don't know."

I shot my hand up in the sky, and jumped up and down, "Oh, oh, oh, me! Pick me, I know!"

All three of them looked at me like I was an idiot, but what else is new? I couldn't really hold it against them because, well, it is true.

"Where? What do you know?"

"Ok, time for some of my future-knowing wisdom. They are headed to Ba Sing Se," I went from goofball to serious in two seconds flat, which is a new record, I think. "We have to move fast. Your uncle is smart, when he tries to escape they will try to crush his hands."

"Get back to the ship now, and tell the lieutenant of the situation. Felicity, you're coming with me," I grabbed my arm and pulled me back to his rhino.

"Aye, aye, cap'n Fussy pants!"

"Not now," Zuko helped me up.

I moved back so he could get up on the rhino as well, "I know you're worried, but I can promise you that we will get to him in time."

"Are you sure?" He looked over his shoulder at me.

I just smiled, "Have I ever been wrong?"

He just nodded and flicked the reins. I hated riding these things, why can't this world just have horses? I wrapped my arms around his waist as the rhino ran faster.

"What are you doing?"

"Trying to avoid bodily injury. I don't know about you, but I would love to return to the ship without a concussion."

SOME HOURS LATER

At some point in the night I had fallen asleep, it was the first time I had slept all through the night since Kyoshi. I woke with my head on Zuko's back. My arms were still wrapped around his waist. He was holding my arms in place so I wouldn't fall whilst I slept. He must have felt me moving, "Good morning."

"Hmm..." I popped my neck and yawned, "Good morning. How long has the sun been up?"

"Not long," He looked over his shoulder for a second, and then looked back ahead. "Who's Ally?"

How did he know that name? "How did you-"

"You said it, in your sleep. You were mumbling a lot. I thought you were talking to me, but then you said the name, Ally." He didn't stop the rhino but turned slightly and looked at me. "So?"

"Ally," I looked down, "Is my little sister. Her name is really Alice, but I call her Ally for short. I've been having-"

"You don't have to say anymore if you don't want to," He turned back to the road. "But if you do want to, I'll be here to listen."

"Thank you, I... I think I do." I took a deep breath, "I haven't been sleeping well, its affecting my talents. Every time I close my eyes I see her, and she's giving up on me. Sometimes," I stop for a moment, the thought of it brought tears to my eyes, "Sometimes, I even see her and her will is so broken that she does the unthinkable. I watched my sister die, but when I wake up she's...she's still there." I pushed my face into his back, "This is the first night since Kyoshi that I've actually slept and didn't see..."

"You don't have to say it. I understand it's hard."

I nodded against his back. How is it I was able to sleep? This isn't really the most comfortable place in the world. I'm sitting on a rhino and I'm saddle sore. It wasn't until I felt his shoulder blades move that I realized my head was still lying against him. "Oh, sorry."

"It's fine," I couldn't read any emotion in his voice. "Look!" He jumped down off the rhino when he saw a sandal lying in the road. He picked up the sandal and looked at it for a moment.

"Wait, Zuko, don't-" Too late... Face Palm!

"Ewww...Yeah, that's Uncle Iroh."

"Really, Zuko? You had to smell it?"

He put the sandal in the saddle bag, "Well, how else was I supposed to know if it was Uncle Iroh's?"

"YOU ASK ME!" I wave my arms and point at myself, "Well of future-knowing wisdom, remember? You just got a nose full of sweaty, gamey, Iroh foot funk when you could have been like," I cleared my throat,*imitates angry Zuko,* "Felicity, is this or is this not my uncle's? Are we even going the right way? Tell me, Felicity! I know you know!"

"And I would have said," *Sweet girly voice,* "Why yes, Prince Fussy Pants, lord of the fussiest pants in all the land, It is in fact Uncle Iroh's and we are in fact going in the right direction. We are actually gaining on them."

He growled at me, "I don't know how I put up with you. Why do I even try?"

"Oh, that's easy, it's because, my dearest Zuko, I'm tons of fun and you're no fun at all." *Makes a circle motion with my hands,* "I complete you."

Zuko growled again as he re-mounted the rhino, "You're sure we are gaining?"

*Again in the girly voice,* "Yes, Prince Fus-"

"Nevermind, let's just hurry and fine uncle."

We continue down the road in silence. All of the sudden we heard a roar from overhead.

Zuko looked up and saw Appa flying by, "The Avatar!" He started to turn, but then looked back at the fresh tracks. Appa flew out of sight and Zuko just turned back to the tracks and continued to follow them.

"I'm proud of you, Fussy pants."

"Stay focused! We should be coming up on them soon."

"Yeah yeah, I know, remember?"

It wasn't long before we reached a place in the road were there must have been the fight between the earth benders and Uncle Iroh.

"Zuko, look over there!"

We made our way down the ridge and hid out of sight. Zuko kept his eyes on the earth benders, "Alright, at the last minute I'll jump out and take them by surprise."

"That's stupid! What you should do is wait until the last minute then take them completely by surprise." I know I'm an idiot, but I really couldn't resist.

Zuko hit himself on the forehead.

*Sobs,* "Zuko, did you...you just face palm! I'm so proud!"

"Shhh... Just... Just stay out of sight and be quiet." He looked back at me, "Can you even do that?"

"Zuko, don't be a jerk. I swear your people skills are terrible we really-"

"Not now!" He reached back and covered my mouth. Then he jumped out and kicked the huge rock the earth bender was going to drop on Iroh's hands then broke the chain with his foot.

"Oh, this conversation is SO NOT over!" I glared at him.

"Excellent form, Prince Zuko." Iroh smiled proudly.

Zuko took his stance, "You taught me well."

The earth kingdom soldiers surrounded them and the earthbender Captain spoke "Surrender yourselves. It's five against two. You're clearly outnumbered."

"Yeah, that's true, but you are clearly outmatched." Iroh flicked the chains still attached to his wrists.

"There's three sir… oh it's just a little girl." One of the soldiers grinned at me. "This will be too easy." He took two big steps towards me and with those two steps he pushed two chunks of rock up from the ground.

Why I outa! I put my head-phones in my ears, (Execute by Excision) Ok, Fili, you got this. Juju, don't fail me now. I can do this. I CAN DO THIS! I'm ready, I was BORN ready *imitates Ana from Frozen!* I extended out my hand. I could feel my fingers start to tingle and shake. I got this, come on Juju! I finally felt the pressure pulse from my hand towards the soldier with a loud booming sound of a bass but, I missed! Come on, Really? How in the halibut did I miss? *Awkwardly smiles and waves!* OK! So I was a little rusty, but I did it. Juju didn't fail me, well sort of.

The soldiers turned their attention back to Zuko and Iroh. They shot off rocks, but Iroh destroyed them with the chains. Zuko took out two soldiers with his fire. A rock flew at him, but Iroh caught it and threw it back at the soldier, knocking him down. The Captain shot three rocks at Zuko, which he dodged. Zuko countered with fire blasts the captain who also dodged. The captain bended up a large mass of rock. Iroh threw his chains around the captain's ankles, pulling him to the ground and the rocks to fell on top of him.

Ok, Juju, one more time. I opened my hand once more, it came easier this time. I used the bass pulse to blow back the rock a soldier was bending at me. I jumped for joy! "Yes, taste the defeat!"

The earth kingdom soldiers groaned in pain and Iroh was safe once more.

Zuko turned to his uncle with a smile but then quickly said, "Now would you please put on some clothes? "Iroh just laughed.

They both turned and looked at me, "For once, I agree with fussy pants. Sorry, uncle Iroh, all this is too much for even me."

"Very well," he frowned.

"Sorry, I'm glad you're safe though." I smiled giving him a quick hug.

"I thought I told you to say out of sight?" Zuko turned to me.

*Click my tongue,* "And that's where you went wrong, isn't it? I told you once, I've you twice, I told you... more the twice."

"Three comes after two!" He said smugly.

"I know that, Zuko! Point is, me and orders are a no go! It's nothing personal, I was just born this wa-hey." *Sings like Lady Gaga."

He just stared at me strangely, "I will never understand you."

"Well, Zuko, the first step in fixing a problem, is admitting you have one. Not everyone is meant to grasp the complexity that is me." I nodded at myself.

"Thank you both for rescuing me, but if it's all right I would like to get back to the ship. You see, I'm starving!" Iroh laughed and rubbed his stomach.

"There's no time for that. On the way here we spotted the Avatar's flying bison. He is close, very close." Zuko informed him as we made our way back up to the road.

"Fussy pants, remember what I said about admitting you have a problem?"

"What are you trying to-"

"Felicity, it's good to see you are able to use your talents again." Iroh jumped in.

"Oh, yeah, I know!" I moved my fingers and sound danced through the air as if I wear playing keys on a piano. I smiled and looked back at them. "I don't know if I can use the other ones yet or not, but this one comes the most in handy."

"Enough talk, let's get going."

"But, Zuko, I know-"

"Not now, Felicity. I have to find the trail again."

"I know but-"

"I said not now!"

This time I was the one growling, "I say 'let's talk about it' you say 'grrrr,' I say 'no you need to listen to me' you say 'grrrr.' Honestly Zuko, how do you ever get stuff done with your communication skills?"

"Shhhh..." He cut me off while staring up at the sky.

"Fine!"

It was getting dark but Zuko was able to determine where to go and we eventually came across a small village.

Zuko looked back at me, "Felicity, are we in the right place?"

"Glad to see you learned something from the sandal incident." He glared at me for a moment, "Just promise me you won't burn anything down, ok?" He didn't look happy but he nodded. "Yeah, this is the right place."

"Good," just then a man walked out of his house, and stopped when he saw Zuko standing in front of him. "Having trouble sleeping?" He pushed the man back thought the door, knocking him down. "Seen the Avatar lately?"

"Zuko, stop!" I jumped down off the rhino and ran over to the man. "I should have been clearer. Promise me you won't hurt anyone."

"There's no time for softness, Felicity. We have to find the Avatar."

"Haven't you ever heard you'll catch more flies with honey? Let me handle this one, ok?" I looked down at the man. "I'm sorry, truly. He has a temper problem, he's getting help but I can't work miracles."

"Hey!" Zuko shouted behind me.

"I'm sorry, but I cannot betray the Avatar. He just saved my village." The man shook his head.

Zuko growled.

"It's ok, I know. He's bark is worse than his bite. Don't worry," I helped the man up. "Come on, Fussy pants." I grabbed Zuko's arm and pulled him away.

"Wait, what about-"

"You never listen to me do you? I know where to go. I've been trying to tell you this whole time but no! Hurry we have to get back to the ship." I got back on the rhino. Zuko stared at me confused, "Well? Are you coming, fussy pants?"

It took a bit longer to get back with three people on the rhino. Zuko ran to the helmsman and gave him the orders to sail for the Fire Sage's Temple, and Iroh, thankfully, put on some clothes.

We sailed all through the night. I don't think Zuko slept at all. He just stood on deck looking out for Aang through his telescope. I forgot they had that. Mesh, I wonder what the stars are like here.

"Sailing into Fire Nation waters ... of all the foolish things you've done in your sixteen years, Prince Zuko, this is the most foolish!" Iroh was not pleased.

"I have no choice, Uncle."

"Have you completely forgotten that the Fire Lord banished you? What if you're caught?" Iroh was worried and for good reason.

Zuko looked away from the telescope, "I'm chasing the Avatar! My father will understand why I am returning home!"

"You give him too much credit. My brother is not the understanding type!"

Just then, Zuko spotted Appa through the telescope, "There they are. Helmsman! Full steam ahead!"

"Prince Zuko, please!" Iroh tried to reason with him.

I put a hand on Iroh's shoulder, "It's no use, Uncle Iroh, but we are going to make it through, I promise. I'll be right back." I went back inside and grabbed my phone from my room and put it in my sweats' pocket. I put one head-phone is my left ear then tucked the other side in the strap of my training shirt, "Just in case. I changed any of what's going to happen today last night. Who knows what could happen. I can't just let him go to the temple alone when I've probably changed things." I ran back on deck. Oh man, that is a gnarly smell.

Iroh took out his fan, "Uh, really Prince Zuko, couldn't you shoot them down with something more fragrant?"

Zuko just ignored him and lit the stink ball with a fire punch, "On my mark! Fire!"

Appa weaved out of the way and Zuko was less than pleased.

I grabbed Zuko's shoulder, "I need to talk to you."

"Not now, Felic-"

"No, you have to listen! We are going to run into Zhao. He's on the blockade. Look!" I pointed out over the water.

"A blockade?! You're right."

"Why do you say that like you still doubt my future-knowing wisdom?"

Behind us Iroh commented, "Technically you are still in Earth Kingdom waters. Turn back now and they cannot arrest you!"

Zuko didn't look at me but I knew he was talking to me, "What is going to happen?"

"Nothing good, it is Zhao after all. Don't let your guard down."

He just nodded, "What should I do?"

"The question isn't what should you do, it's what are you going to do?"

"Well?"

"You already know the answer, Zuko. Look!"

"He's not turning around!" Zuko couldn't believe it.

Iroh pleaded, "Please Prince Zuko! If the Fire Nation captures you, there's nothing I can do! Do not follow the Avatar."

Zuko had to do it, I knew he did. As much as I wanted to stop him, I couldn't. This had to happen.

"I'm sorry, Uncle." He ordered, "Run the blockade!"

"Felicity, please make him stop. He won't listen to me, but he will listen to you," Iroh walked over to me and took my hands in his.

"I wish I could, Iroh, you have no idea how much, but I can't. This has to happen. I can't change it, if I do it could affect the future." I squeeze his hands then pull away, "I truly am sorry."

I ran over to Zuko, "You have to get ready! Zhao, is going to start firing at the Avatar, and he doesn't care if he hits your ship in the process."

"All right." He nodded at me then ordered, "Get ready for impact."

Zuko's ship just narrowly missed many of the falling fireballs, but the resulting waves of water to crashed over the ship. I managed to push one of the crewman out of the way of a wave that would have swept both of us over. Just before I myself was hit by the wall of water, I used a bass pulse to split it in half. Holy onions, that was close. Unfortunately one fireball hit the upper deck.

An engineer ran out, "Prince Zuko! The engines are damaged! We need to stop and make repairs!"

"Do not stop this ship." Zuko looked like he was ready to face anything.

"Zhao, isn't going to stop, fussy pants, be ready. It only just getting started." Just then Appa made it past the blockade. I hurried over to Zuko, "Don't stop, it's going to be ok."

"We're on a collision course!" Iroh shouted.

"Trust me, Zuko."

"We can make it!"

Each ship in the blockade halted, allowing Zuko's ship to glide by untouched. Zaho and Zuko locked stares, if looks could kill Zhao would have been done for yesterday. I saw his gaze dart to me then back to Zuko. I wanted to bass pulse that smug grin right off his face. Zuko and Iroh looked back behind them in silence as we sailed safely through. Iroh was stroking his gray beard curiously.

Zuko went back to the upper deck, but I caught Iroh before he went to join Zuko, "Uncle Iroh, what you're thinking right now is true. He let us by on purpose."

"I thought so," He looked up at Zuko. "Why? Why did you let him do it. You are always able to make him stop. He trusts your advice. You could have stopped him and everything would be fine."

"It had to happen, I'm sorry but-"

"No, you were my only hope of getting him away from this place. I'm sorry, I know you have never been wrong, but right now I can't forgive you for putting him in danger."

"I understand," He walked away. Iroh thought of Zuko like a son, I couldn't blame him for being mad at me. I really could have stopped Zuko, but I couldn't risk changing things.

"What's he up to, Uncle? Why didn't Commander Zhao arrest me?" Zuko tightened his knuckles on ship's railing.

Iroh looked over at me, "Because he wants to follow you. He knows you'll lead him to the prize you're both after: the Avatar."

"If Zhao wants to follow a trail of smoke, then that's exactly what I'll let him do."

"I'm going with you Zuko, Zhao is still planning something," I followed him down below deck. When we got there Zuko boarded the small vessel and helped me in.

"Uncle, keep heading north. Zhao will follow the smoke trail, while I use it as a cover."

Once in the water we headed for the temple, "Zuko, you have to keep an eye out for Zhao, and don't trust the fire sages. They are not on your side."

"I know, Felicity. Ever since that day," He touched his scar, "No one in the fire nation has been on my side."

"That's not true and you know it," I took his hand away from his scar, "Uncle Iroh is. I may not be fire nation, but I'm on your side too. I may not be as helpful, but hey at least I'm fun."

He grinned, "Thank you."

It wasn't long before we reached the island, "What's the plan?"

"No plan, just find the Avatar and get out before we are seen."

"Good plan, but let's say it doesn't work...What then?"

"You just get back here as soon as possible. Don't take any chances, besides, your aim is terrible."

"Hey... Well, yeah that's true."

When we finally made it to land, Zuko jumped out then reached over and lifted me out by my waist, I braced myself on his shoulders and he heaved me up out of the boat and onto land. "Ready?"

"Yeah," I nodded.

"Good, let's go!"

It wasn't long before the fire sages were on our heels. Normally we could have gotten in and out without them noticing us but since they were looking for Aang, they were on high alert.

"Zuko, I think we got them right where they want us!"

"Felicity go, get out of here!"

"But-"

"NO! Just go"

What was he thinking? I didn't know my way around this place. I was completely lost in no time. I thought I was going to pee myself when I turned the corner and saw Aang, Shyu, and the others filling bags with oil. "Oh, my dear lord of the rings." I jumped back. "Oh, be still my beating heart!"

"Hey, you're that girl!" Sokka popped his head up.

"What girl?" Oh god, its Aang. Hell yeah, I'm finally gonna meet Aang.

"She's that girl that was on Kyoshi," Sokka held out his boomerang. "She's with Zuko, she's fire nation."

"I am not! Well, I'm sailing with Zuko, but I'm not fire nation."

"Oh really, then who are you?" Sokka smirked.

"I'm Felicity, and I helped all of you on Kyoshi, remember?"

"She's right, Sokka," Katara stepped between the two of us.

"So you're the girl that tried to put out the fires with the snow?" Aang asked.

"Yeah, didn't work very well, did it?" I laughed.

"So, you're a waterbender," Katara asked excitedly.

"No, not really," I shook my head.

Aang looked at me confused, "Then how did you do it if you're not a waterbender?"

"That's hard to explain," I smiled awkwardly, "You see, I'm still figuring it out. I can do a couple different things. I guess if I was any kind of "bender," I would be a firebender or a musicbender."

"A musicbender?" Aang asked, "I'm never heard of that."

"I kinda made it up, but you would love it, I know I do, watch," I laid my hands out in front of me, palms down. I moved my hands as if playing a piano. A soft, uplifting melody flew around us as my fingers went over the invisible keys.

"Whoa, how are you doing that?" Aang watched my hands.

"Well, I just-"

"Stop it, she's the enemy! She was probably doing all that stuff to gain our trust."

"I'm not your enemy, I'm no one's enemy, well expect Zhao. Oh I can prove it."

"You can?" Aang looked happy, "Come on, Sokka, give her a chance to prove it." Sokka just huffed and put away his boomerang.

"Well, I guess I'll just tell you what I know. So you are Aang, you're Katara and of course you're Sokka."

"Big deal, you know our names. You're with Zuko, I'm sure he's done his homework. He probably knows our names by now."

I opened my mouth to say something but nothing, "Hm," I gaped again...still nothing, "I... mish... You have a good point." I paced back and forth. "Well, I'm know everything about you guys... Really everything, ask me anything you want, and if I get it wrong then...um...*put hands together as if begging,* Please don't hurt me." I smiled.

Katara nodded at me, "That's a good idea, if you're telling the truth."

"The only way to find out is to ask," I smiled at her. "Oh and I don't just know your past, I know was going to happen in the future too!"

Sokka laughed in the very unbelieving Sokka way, "Right, you can see the future. Try to see into my future then."

Holding my hands in a meditation type way and in a very serious voice, channeling my inter jedi master,"Do or do not, there is no try, my young padawan." I couldn't help but smile at my own joke even if they didn't get it"Besides, I can't see it, I know!"

"Riiiight?"

Aang stepped up after a lot of thought, "Alright, I have a good one. You couldn't possibly know this."

"Ok, shoot."

"How did the monks know I am the Avatar?"

"They gave you a test. They put thousands of toys in front of you and told you to pick four. The four you choose belonged to the past Avatars." All of them were staring at me gaping.

"That's right!" Aang was amazed and then smiled, "I guess you do know me huh?"

"Now, hold on Aang, maybe she did like Sokka said and researched you, I have a question that only the three of us know the answer to." Katara turned to me, "What was the first thing Aang ever said to me?"

"That's a trick question," I just laughed.

"Answer it," Sokka demanded and held out his boomerang again.

"Fine, he told you he needed to ask you something. Then he asked you to come closer, then asked you if you would go penguin sledding with him." I crossed my arms and looked a Sokka with a suck it face.

"That's impossible," Katara looked at the two of them. "That was it word for word."

"Yep, what can I say, I'm a boss? Your turn Sokka?"

"Who was my first kiss?"

We all laughed, "Really Sokka? Do you want me to answer that out loud?" I just crossed my arms and gave him my signature "really" face.

He blushed, "You know what, never mind."

"No, Sokka, she has to answer. That was the deal," Katara laughed.

"That's right, how do we know we can trust her if she doesn't?" Aang joked.

"I guess my hands are tied, no one. Suki kissed you on the cheek but that's all."

Katara and Aang laughed again out loud while Sokka blushed.

"And as an added bonus, Shyu, you're one of the fire sages, but unlike the other sages you, like your grandfather, have always been loyal to the Avatar." I pointed at Aang. Shyu just nodded. I patted Aang on the shoulder and smiled at Katara, "I'm so glad I got to meet you all, but I can't stay. Zuko told me to meet him at our boat."

"Why don't you come with us, you don't have to stay their prisoner." Aang looked so sweet.

"I would love to," Oh that would be so epic, "but I'm not his prisoner, it's for the best this way."

"Well, we would love to chat all day with you, but we have a mission," Sokka smirked.

"Oh right, you're trying to get the door open with the make shift, fake "firebending?"'

"How did you know that?" Sokka gaped.

"Honestly, you're just a bad as Fussy pants. Future-knowing wisdom," I just poked my temple.

"Fussy pants?" Aang laughed.

I laughed with him after I realized what I said, "Yeah, that's kinda what I call Zuko."

"And he lets you live?" Katara looked at me for a long time.

I just grinned, "Yeah! He's not as bad as you think, trust me."

"Yeah, right," Sokka picked up the bags, "This is a little trick I picked up from my father. I seal the lamp oil inside an animal skin casing, Shyu lights the oil soaked twine and, ta-da! Fake firebending!"

"You've really outdone yourself this time, Sokka." Katara said impressed.

Shyu nodded, "This might actually work." He paused for a moment while Sokka put the bags in the holes in the doors, "The sages will hear the explosion, so as soon as they go off, you rush in!"

"It's almost sunset. Are you ready?" Katara grabbed Momo and hid behind the pillar with Sokka.

"Definitely." Aang nodded.

Shyu lit the bags and they all went off as planed though the door didn't open. No matter what they tried the door wouldn't open. Aang sliced at it was his airbending but still nothing.

Sokka wasn't happy, he studied the door closely, "I don't get it. That firebending looked as strong as any firebending I've seen."

"Sokka, you're a genius!" Katara explained. She had a plan and no offensive to Sokka, but it was kinda a better plan.

We all hid while Shyu ran to get the other sages. Everything was perfect. The sages opened the door and they each grabbed a sage so Aang could enter but of course Zuko showed up. When Aang did finally manage to get in, Avatar Roku prevented anyone from opening the door.

"Zuko, Zhao is coming!"

"That's not important now," he walked over to Shyu. "Why did you help the Avatar?"

"Because it was once the sages' duty. It is still our duty."

Zuko then turned to me, "And you? You let them-"

"What a moving and heartfelt performance. I'm certain the Fire Lord will understand, when you explain why you betrayed him." Zhao clapped as he interrupted. The fire sages bowed, "Prince Zuko. It was a noble effort, but your little smokescreen didn't work. Two traitors in one day, the Fire Lord will be pleased."

Zuko glared back at Zhao, "You're too late, Zhao! The Avatar's inside and the doors are sealed."

"No matter." He grinned confidently, "Sooner or later, he has to come out."

Zhao turned his attention over to me and motioned for his guards to release me, "Good to see you again, Maili, my dear. You know it's not too late, my offer still stands." He tucked his fingers under my chin. "There's no reason someone with your unbelievable talents should suffer for all this."

"Not even in your creepiest creeper dreams, Zhao," I bit at his hand and jerked my chin away. "Touch me again with those psycho, old creeper-man hands again, and I'll break them."

"Too bad, we could be unstoppable, but I'm sure you'll come around."

"You know what, you might be right, Zhao. So, why don't you just hold your breath until I do," I gave him a cheeky, mocking smile.

"Oh I understand, still head over heels for our honorless prince, I see." He nodded over at Zuko.

Zuko looked at me in disbelief.

"Talk trash all you want, Zhao. It really makes you look like a boss," I grinned. "Your inferiority complex is beginning to show."

"You're only hurting yourself, my dear. You know what the fire lord would give me in return for your power. All I have to do is whisper a few words in his ear and your fate will be sealed." Zhao threatened.

"Ok, that's a little weird, even for you. You whisper words in Ozai's ear? Gross, really gross." Don't picture it, don't picture it whatever you - AHHH, too late. Man, I'm gonna have even more nightmares now. Thanks a lot Zhao. "Have you forgotten what I told you, Zhao? I know you're fate, and it's not pretty, remember?"

He just laughed and turned away from me.

"Laugh all you like, it doesn't change the fact that I'm right. Ask anyone here, I haven't been wrong yet." I nodded to Zuko, then over to Sokka and Katara, who looked worried. He had them all chained to the pillar.

Just then the door began to open, Zhao and his guards made themselves ready, "Ready..."

Katara struggled and shouted out to Aang, "No! Aang!"

"Fire!" Zhao ordered.

However, it isn't Aang standing in the door but Avatar Roku. Zhao face when he saw Avatar Roku was priceless, I swear he peed himself. Avatar Roku made one powerful wave of fire that seared the room, blasting Zhao and all the other benders off their feet and melted the chains holding Katara, Sokka, Shyu, and Zuko with awesome precision.

"Zuko, come on, Roku it going to destroy-" Before I could finish, Zuko grabbed my hand and we ran out as fast as we could.

Uncle Iroh had found where we landed the boat and anchored alongside it. "Hurry you two! We have to get out of the volcano's range. What happened?"

When we were back on the ship we were so out of breath we couldn't speak. "You?!" Zuko pointed at me trying to catch his breath, "How could you just stand there? You said you were on my side, but you didn't do anything. The Avatar was right in front of you!" He glared down at me, "Men, get her out of my sight!"

"Zuko, I'm begging you, just listen to me. I can't interfere like that; everything has to happen in its own time!"

"Silence, not one more word! You will be confined to your quarters until I say otherwise! Take her away," Zuko turned his back on me. "Uncle, come with me, we have to locate the Avatar. I won't lose him again."

"Zuko," the men started pulling me away, "please, just listen to me for two minutes. Zuko!" He ignored me and began looking through his spyglass.

"We are sorry, Lady Felicity, but orders are orders." One of the guards said as he opened my door.

I nodded, "I understand, thank you." They closed the door behind me. Why? Ah it's all so messed up! I collapsed on my bed and just stared up at the ceiling. What am I going to do now, all that time, and now this? I'm stuck here away from home and my family, Iroh was angry at me, and now Zuko has me on room arrest and probably won't trust a word I say. Now I really am alone.

I felt tears burn my eyes as I curled up in a ball. I've never been afraid of anything, but now, being here, this feeling of solitude and loneliness was the most terrified I'd ever been. I pressed my face into the pillow and cried until I fell asleep.

ONE WEEK LATER

I shot up out of my bed, "ALLY!" My heart was beating so fast, cold sweat on my skin. In front of me my little sister stood crying as she stared down at me. A tear fell from her face and landed on my cheek. I wiped the tear away and looked at my hand. Blood? I looked back up at Ally, her tears! Her tears turned to blood.

"Felicity?" there was a knock at my door, but I barely heard it.

"Why, Fili? Why did you leave us? You left me?" She collapsed on the floor.

"NO! Ally, getup! Please get up"

Iroh opened my door and caught me as I was falling to the floor, Zuko stood behind him in the doorway, staring over at me.

"Let me go! She needs help," I pushed but Iroh wouldn't let me go.

"It's not real, Felicity, it's a nightmare," He tried to sooth me. "Remember, just a nightmare like all the others."

"No she's right there," I stared down at Ally's body. When she stopped breathing I pushed Iroh and hit the floor and lifted her in my arms. Zuko took my arm and pulled me to my feet. I slammed my fist against his chest, "Let go of me, she needs my help."

He held me for a moment, "It's just a nightmare, remember?"

I looked back at the floor, Alice's body was gone. "Where is she?" I looked back at Zuko, "What did you do to her?"

He led me back to my bed, "Stay with her, Uncle." Then he turned to leave.

"Nephew, wait, you can't just leave-"

"I can't see her like this, Uncle. Besides, I still haven't forgiven her."

Iroh laid me down. My mind and body weren't working together anymore. I felt like I was watching myself from outside of my body.

Iroh pulled Zuko out of the room, my mind followed them, "This is the fourth time this has happened to her. I understand you are angry with her, but this is only getting worse. I believe it is because we have been ignoring her. She is alone, and it is clear that ignoring her isn't helping. Honestly, nephew, what did you expect her to do when she saw the Avatar. She hasn't been able to use her talents most of the time and he travels with to two other people. That fact that she jumped up to go with you even though she was defenseless shows that she is on your side no matter how dangerous."

Zuko turned away, "I know that, Uncle, but I can't see her like that you don't understand."

"I do-"

"No you don't, I can't watch her cry, knowing there's nothing I can do to make it stop." He started to leave.

"There is something you can do. You can stay with her, you two have a connection. If she feels you close, she feels safe." Iroh called after him.

My mind came back to me, *Gasp!* It was a nightmare, Alice is fine. It was all just a bad dream.

Iroh walked back into my room and sat on the bed. He held my hand until I fell asleep again.

When I woke, I was alone again and the sun was shining through the long narrow window. The door opened and Iroh walked in with a tray of food.

"You're finally awake," He sat down next to me. "Zuko has decided to let you leave your room."

"He changed his mind?" I just looked down at my hands, "It was that bad last night?"

"That worst one yet," He nodded, "You even jumped out of bed to hold your sister."

"I need to get off this ship, Uncle Iroh, I felt like I can't breathe."

He took my hand, "I have a plan, get dressed then meet me in the tower."

"Ok," I smiled.

I put on my training top and black pants, then slid on my boots. I ran up the stairs to the tower. Just when I arrived the ship turned, "What's going on?"

"Don't worry, come have a seat," Iroh patted the pillow seat next to him.

Not long after I sat down Zuko stormed in, "What is the meaning of this mutiny? No one told you to change course!"

"Actually, someone did. I assure you, it is a matter of utmost importance, Prince Zuko." Iroh stared down at the Pai Sho board.

Zuko didn't seem to care that I was there. He looked at Uncle Iroh, "Is it something to do with the Avatar?"

"Even more urgent. It seems, I-" He rubbed his head, "I have lost my lotus tile."

"Lotus tile?"

"For my Pai Sho game. Most people think the lotus tile insignificant, but it is essential for the unusual strategy that I employ."

"You've changed our course for a stupid lotus tile?"

"See, you, like most people, underestimate its value. Just give me ten minutes to check the merchants at this port of call. Hopefully, they will have the lotus tile in stock and I can get on with my life." Zuko breathed fire up at the ceiling in anger, That was hot... Literally!

Iroh smiled, "I'm lucky to have such an understanding nephew."

Zuko stormed out and I ran after him, "Zuko, Zuko wait!"

"Not now."

"Come on, fussy pants," I grabbed his arm. He was wearing his sleeveless training shirt. Why did he have to be wearing that, "I'm sorry. I'm still on your side. I promise you, Zuko-"

He turned on his heels and hugged me, but he didn't look at me.

"Wha-" Holy onions, those arms! I mean D..D..Damn!

"There are you happy?"

"More like confused." *Stroking invisible beard.*

He smirked, "Good to see you are yourself again. I was... I was worried about you last night. You've never gotten that bad before, but I don't want you to think this means you're forgiven."

"Oh well, we don't have to talk about it," I turned away from him.

"I'm still not sure if I forgive you, but I can see that keeping you away from people is only making things worse. I've never want to see you cry like that again."

"Really, fussy pants, we DON'T have to talk about this."

"I'm going to let you walk about the ship now, but you will be watched closely," He said with a more seriously tone.

"Sounds great, oh and fuzzy pants, if I seem to be getting smaller," I shrugged my shoulders, "it's because…. I'm leaving!" I ran down the hall to the deck

"Felicity!" He ran after me.

When I got the front of ship I stared out at the water, I never ever thought I'd be so happy to see water! I mean this is an 'I'm the king of the world' moment. I took a deep breath of salty air. I saw Zuko staring at me, his naked arms crossed in front of his chest, seriously... now that is some grade-A arm porn. A+ in fact.

"What are you doing?"

Mhmm, I feel like I've been in prison too long, "I'm sorry, what did you say, fussy pants?"

"What are you doing?"

"Oh you know, just enjoying the view," I stared at him for a little while longer and bit my lip. Fan service, Zuko, you're doing it right. Oh my god, I'm as crazy as my mother.

He just shook his head at me, "Don't forget what I said. You make one wrong move and you will be confined to your quarters."

"Aye, Aye Captain, Fussy pants. Now if you will excuse me, it was been a long time since I've done some honest tai chi, and if you stop me before I'm finished this time I will...well, um...I don't know what I'll do but I promise it will not be pretty."

"Right," he went back to his training drills as I put my head-phones in my ears.

Oh yeah, that's one hell of a view. I smiled watching him as I took my starting stance.

MEANWHILE IN FILI'S APARTMENT

"Fili? Fili open the door," I beat on the door of Fili's apartment. Felicity was supposed to come get me last night, but she never showed. She wasn't answering any of the texts I sent her or any of my calls. "Fili, can you hear me?"

I pressed my ear to the door, I heard Avatar the Last Airbender playing inside. Her car was still parked in the parking lot. Where the hell is she?

I walked back down stairs and went to the apartment office, "Excuse me, I need some help, I think something might have happened. I can you unlock apartment 2204 for me? It's really important."

The guy at the desk looked at me confused, "Do you live there?"

"No but you don't understand-"

"What's your name again?"

"Oh, Alice McBride. The apartment is my sister's, Felicity McBride."

"You're related? That will make it a little easier. You will have to fill this out, can you provide ID showing you are related to Felicity?" He asked handing me the form.

"Oh, of course!"

"Ok, just fill that out, a manager will have to approve it. They are not here right now, but they will be back around two."

"That long?" I really hope she's ok. "Ok I'll just wait here until they get back." Please be ok, Fili. I sat down in the lounge and filled out the form. I knew we should have had a spare key made.

YAY! Done! So I made it extra-long since you guys have been waiting a long time. Did you enjoy it? Did you like all the surprises... I would have made wrote out more of Fili's room arrest, but I wanted to get it published and Also the idea of being locked in a room for a week drives me crazy without writing it. I hope you guys think this is a good mixture of funny and serious. And just in case you think, Fili might have bounced back to fast from her trauma, she is like me. I don't want people to know I'm hurting or to see me cry so she's hiding it.

OK let me know what you think, if I'm getting closer to the awesomeness that is Chap, 3 or what :) Thanks for all the support and patience I love you guys!