Reviews chapt. 23-24

Sorry if I miss any ':D

___________________

oceanlover14 -

Oh thank the LORD! I was starting to think he would never find Mai! Update soon please! And what about Aang and Appa, they are walking in to a trap arent they? Update ASAP !

:D I can't tell you... it would ruin the story.. XD XD

KayB111 -

OMG! something along the lines of amnesia but, but how?

Yep, keep reading and find out xD

...

KayB111 -

Epic FAIL Sokka! Heh. *V8 slaps Sokka*

Yup, Sokka pretty much blew it T-T xD

bubblylady -

omg i hate those men whoever they are. what did they do to her? shes so ... scared. and its MAI! and she doesnt really remember zuko. this is a really good story even if mai is different right now. and im glad she was found. gosh i feel like taking her knives and stabbing all the bad men for them. update soon please. por favor please en francais

Me too T-T Poor Mai :[ haha so do I x]. thank you xDD

bubblylady -

nyla is a girl im pretty sure good story. wow a trap trail and i can so see suki mad and sokka for letting them leave withot her or sokka. id be all gr too. he could have told but this was pretty much a sokka thing. nice job especially since you rushed.

Oh well xD Yesh, Sokka is very... different.. XD And thanks again ^^

gloomy maiko lover -

oh my God this was so sad and dramatic and painful it made me want to cry like crazy Mai doesn't remember Zuko but then she does this was so painful to read god I want to cry but nothing comes out so I'm crying inside oh so much pain so sad uh I love this story even though it is so painful uh love this so you did a great,awsome,wonderful,wonderful job as always and always will do so can't wait to know what happens next and can't wait till you update hope you update soon love this more and more everytime I read a new chapter even though so painful so can't wait and again wonderful job so sad and I'll be R&R so can't wait xD :( xD :( xD :( xD wonderful job. :( :( xD xD

I can't wait to write when everything is back to normal T-T lol :D thank you X]

gloomy maiko lover -

Loved this as I always will so you did a great,awsome,wonderful,wonderful job as always and always will do so can't wait to know what happens next and can't wait till you update hope you update soon and I saw no misspelling so yay for you haha and what were the noises in your kitchen it sounds scary haha oh and ya I don't know if Nyla is a girl or a boy but the name to me sound's like a girl's name but the beast look's like a boy but it could be a girl I don't know so anyway again wonderful job and can't wait still painful to read and hope Mai is alright so I'll be R&R love this story xD xD XD

Thanks :D lol good xD idk! it sounded like some dude was throwing a big bucket of forks against a window or something lol xDD

can go either way I guess x]

Kimjuni2 -

Whoo and Zuko is getting close at last as he didn't take the trap way. Oeh I know there comes a reunion, i hope ^-^. And June gladly helps, she rocks !
Can't wait again, I'll be R&R by your next Update, good luck !

Yep he did :D ... keep reading xD she does rock :D I wish they put more of her in the series T.T Thanks :)

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Chapter 25

Zuko took Mai by the arm to steer her away from her cell. She limped behind him for a brief moment before crashing onto her knees. Zuko stared at her as his mind scolded him for being so stupid. "I'm sorry.." He muttered, lifting her back up by her waist. He cradled her in his arms, as a father would to his newborn child. He began to realize the only reason Mai had crashed into him earlier was because she couldn't support her own weight any more. He hurried down the dark halls again, hoping to meet Toph. But of course, she hadn't yet returned. "Toph?" Zuko called out in a whisper. No reply. He groaned in irritation. The only thing he wanted to do was get Mai home, not go searching for where ever Toph wandered off to. He took a couple steps into the next dark tunnel. "Toph?" He whispered again, this time a bit louder. He groaned again.

"Who are you looking for...?" Asked the worn out voice of Mai from under him.

"Don't worry about it, just sleep, love." He reassured her. Something about that struck Mai, something about what Zuko said was familiar. But she was too tired to think about it. For some reason, she trusted him enough to fall asleep in his arms. She knew he wouldn't take advantage of her.

Zuko hurried down the path, sometimes calling Toph's name. Where is she? His thoughts stormed in his head.

"I'm thirsty." Came Mai's voice again. Just because of this, Zuko had to blink back tears.

"I know, as soon as we get out of here I'll get you anything you want." Zuko encouraged, trying to keep her from passing out. A couple more minutes passed, and finally, Zuko could see the tunnel beginning to lighten. He picked up his speed, and he curled Mai farther into him.

"Just a little farther." He whispered into her hair.

"I'm hungry." She moaned. Zuko ground his teeth together. "Hang in there." He grunted, leaping into the harsh sunlight.

"To-" He was arubtly interrupted by two hands grabbing him from behind. One of the hands slammed over his mouth. Zuko shook his head, still not used to the sudden change. The more he stared, the more he could see the features of Toph holding a finger to her lips.

"What are you doing?!" He shouted against her hand. She pulled back.

"SHH!" She hissed through clenched teeth.

"What's going on?" Zuko asked in a whisper.

"It's Aang Katara and Ty Lee, they've been captured!" Toph exclaimed.

"What?! How! By who? Where are they? Are they okay?!" Zuko stammered.

"They should be fine, I mean, they're not dead.. For now, at least. It's Azula. This whole thing was a set up. She hid Mai here because she knew about that bounty hunter, and she knew you'd eventually turn to her again. And you did. And now she has Aang!" Toph explained in a harsh tone.

"Why are you acting like this is my fault?!" Zuko shot at her.

"Because it is!" Toph shot back.

"What was I suppose to do?! Just sit around and let Mai get -" He cut himself off. He still couldn't say it.

"Why doesn't Aang fight Azula?! He can take her!" Zuko shouted in a whisper, changing the subject.

"Because, he's unconscious! As soon as they got off of Appa, she hit him! It was enough to knock him out, but it means she's trying to keep him alive for some reason... Or else, she would have just shot him and ended it right then and there." She continued.

"How do you know all this?" Zuko wondered aloud.

"I was there. I didn't help because I couldn't get to them in time, I was feeling the whole thing from one of the cells." Toph went on.

Zuko rubbed the back of his neck with his free hand.

"How did she get Ty Lee and Katara?" He asked.

"Katara went to help Aang as soon as she heard something, but she didn't know they were getting attacked. That's when Azula got her as well. Exact same story for Ty Lee. " Toph said, turning her head towards Mai, who was on the verge of unconsciousness. "You found her!" Toph exclaimed, unable to keep her voice down.

Zuko nodded, failing to hold down a huge grin despite all that was going on. "She's hungry and thirsty." He added glumly, his smile fading.

Toph tilted her head,"She's probably starving. I doubt places like this give their prisoners meals." Zuko poked his head out from the corner of the wall they were hiding behind to check if Azula was there. She wasn't. He took Toph by the hand and lead them through the forest. "Maybe I should be the leader, so we don't get lost." Toph whispered showing a hint of sarcasm. Toph hurried through the trees, and pulled Zuko to a stop before they got too close to where Azula attacked.

"Are you sure you can take her? She just took out the avatar with a rock." Toph asked.

"Yes, are you sure you can take me, Zuzu?" Came a taunting voice from behind. He spun around, and instinctively struck a fighting stance. But, Azula wasn't there. He searched the woods for a sign, but it was just the three of them.

"Did you hear that?" Zuko whispered.

Toph nodded,"Yeah, but I can't feel Azula anywhere."

They were quiet for a moment, before Zuko flung himself in front of Toph. "I can't let Mai get hurt again, I need to leave her here with you." He forced out the words no matter how much it pained him to leave Mai again. He leaned down to set Mai on the floor, and paused when he felt her whimper in protest.

"Don't go." She whispered against him. He sighed. Zuko didn't want to go. He wanted to stay here, and help Mai regain her memory. So, he could show her how he feels. How he always have felt.

"I'll be back soon." He whispered, weighing the options of how Mai would react if he chose to kiss her. He stared into her eyes. Despite her now pail skin, her eyes still shimmered the way they always had. He set a hand on her cheek. What if he didn't come back? With that thought in mind, he couldn't contain himself. He slammed his mouth against hers, pulling her into him by her shoulders. Mai was still too shocked to react. His tongue seeped out of his mouth, begging for entrance so he could taste her again. Her mouth parted a bit, and his tongue thrust deep into her mouth. He wrapped her arms behind his neck, which she used to do on her own. Zuko's head was spinning, her taste, her scent, her touch, was overwhelming his senses. He peeked an eye open to see her expression, which was perplexed. He was thrilled to see her eyes had closed. He needed to show her how he felt. He didn't care if Toph was there, or even Azula. He loved her, and he wanted her. Now. His hands ran down her arms, dragging down the sleeves of her shirt with them.

"Zuko!" Toph growled. He blinked his vision back, and pulled away. His breathing was still rough and quick. What am I doing? The thought rang inside his head. He had probably scared Mai. "I'm sorry!" He whispered in a rush, setting a hand on her shoulder. Mai remained still, and just stared at him. Damn it! His mind scolded.

"I just missed you and I- I don't know I just- I needed you- I-"

"How about you do that later! Because right now, there is a psycho maniac chucking rocks at peoples heads and who could at any minute shoot the crap out of us!" Toph hissed, her voice raising. Zuko's mouth twitched, but he shook off anger. He was used to Toph's sarcasm by now. He stood up to leave, but turned around one more time. "Just, please... Keep her safe." He whispered to Toph. She ignored the cuteness of his tone. "Alright, alright. Now go be a good boy and beat up your sister." She said in a childlike voice. He smiled, and turned into the brush.

Zuko continued into the forest, the deeper he got, the more thoughts seemed to invade his mind. Mai. A mixture of love and pity churned in his stomach. She was dehydrated, and starving. And he couldn't do anything about it. How did Azula even break out of the institution? He thought. Zuko didn't even want to began to wonder how much damage was caused, and how much it would cost to repair it. He groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose.

"Oh, there you are, Zuzu." Zuko heard Azula's taunting voice again. He spun to where he heard it, but he was still alone.

"Show yourself!" He commanded. She never did.

"I don't have to listen to you. Free country." Azula said with a sly chuckle. He automatically threw an arm over his head, incase she were preparing to ambush him the way she ambushed the others.

"Not for you it isn't!" He shouted,"Now, show yourself!"

He heard an irritated groan from above. "Fine." Azula grumbled.

She leaped down from a branch of a nearby tree. Zuko stared at her in confusion. Her hair was pulled back into a simple pony tail. And instead of her familiar attire, she was wearing shorts and a shirt with no connecting straps. "What's with you?" He asked.

She rolled her eyes,"Isn't it obvious? If I come off as a simple commoner, nobody will suspect anything. But if I wear my... regular clothes, people will get suspicious." Azula explained. Zuko began to grow furious.

"Why did you do this to Mai?! Even for you, that was heartless! Do you know how hard it was for me to see her in chains?! She's starving! She hasn't eaten in days! Why would you just hand her over to those men?! You knew what they'd do to her! Why-"

"Zuko, Mai and I aren't friends any more. She chose you over me, which means I honestly don't care what happens to her." Azula went on, tilting her head towards the sky.

"Still! You used to be friends, and you go and give her to those... Those monsters! What the hell is wrong with you?! You're sick! How could you watch-"

"How about you let me ask you a question. Who is watching over your country?" Azula asked, taking a step closer.

Zuko's eyes widened. Shit...He hadn't left anybody in charge. He also hadn't left an exclamation to the people about his absence.

"That's right, nobody. Which means any assassin or thief could do what ever they want to your people, couldn't they?" She giggled,"Your people are probably going to question their respect for you if thieves bang on their door every minute commanding for their money. And if the people have no money, they'll just kill them. That's outta make some people pretty angry, don't you agree?" She hesitated,"I wouldn't be surprise if they overthrow you as soon as you return."

"Shut it Azula. My people trust me. Every nation has thieves, and we all deal with it. They won't overthrow my family just because of robbery." Zuko shot at her. He wouldn't back down.

"Your family? You mean Mai. You honestly think she'll survive? Being locked away in a dark cell for months with out food..." She hesitated, a smile curving onto her lips,"Let's just hope she had a big meal before she was captured."

"Quiet! She's okay now! I have her again! And it's not only Mai in my family. It's also friends, and Ursa." Zuko yelled.

"Oh, finally found her. Took you guys long enough." Azula said, crossing her arms. "Speaking of friends, that's the reason you're following me, isn't it?" She challenged. Zuko remained quiet. She shrugged,"Go ahead and take Ty Lee and the water bender. Their useless." Azula said, leaping back into the branches. A moment later, and two unconscious bodies hurled onto the floor in front of him. He hurried and gathered them both into his arms, preparing to make an escape. Azula laughed to herself,"Figures you wouldn't stay and fight." Zuko struggled to ignore her taunting. Aang would have to wait. Right now, he needed to help who he can still save. He knew Aang would be okay, he's a strong, smart kid. Not to mention, the avatar. He ran back through the trees, searching for Toph and Mai.

--

"Then why did you let him kiss you?" Toph asked, leaning against the dome of earth she formed around them.

"I don't know..." Mai said, hugging herself to her knees. Toph felt bad for making her talk, and rarely asked questions.

"I hope you remember. Zuko's gone insane over you." Toph remarked, crossing her legs. Mai looked up,"He has?"

Toph nodded,"Yep. You should of seen him. His mood kind of went in a cycle. Angry, depressed, confused, depressed, angry... repeat."

Mai sighed and set her head back onto her knees. She slammed her eyes shut, trying to force back memories. There was nothing, just a big black space in the back of her head. She needed to remember. She wanted to. She needed to remember, for Zuko... Zuko...His name was familiar to her.

"I kind of... wanted to..." She added.

Toph stared at her,"Wanted to what?" She asked.

"Kiss him. I don't know why... but I did.." Mai's voice cracked, and she coughed.

"You shouldn't talk. I kind of promised Zuko I would take care of you, and that means you can't lose your voice." Toph smiled,"I know why you like him so much."

Mai shot her head up,"What do you mean?" She asked, ignoring Toph's warning to keep quiet. Her face began to redden.

"Because, he's really a nice guy. He may not always come off that way, but inside, he's really sweet and compassionate. I know sometimes he can look like a total moron, but it's usually when he's trying to do something nice for someone. And, you're just really lucky to have somebody like him. Even if you don't remember." Toph explained, letting her eyes close.

"I know he is... so far... and I don't like him like that." She lied, hiding her face back in her knees.

"I can tell you're lying. Plus, if you didn't like him you wouldn't of made out with him like 5 minutes ago." Toph said, crossing her arms.

Mai was blushing so hard it felt like her face was going to explode. "We weren't making out. Or.. At least I wasn't.. I just let him, since at the moment there was no other way to repay him for his services." She explained, flustered.

Toph smiled as she began to hear hints of the old Mai returning.

"Oh please, your heart was beating so hard I was afraid you were having a stroke." Toph laughed as Mai buried her face into her knees once more.

"Alright, now seriously. No more talking for you." Toph instructed as her laughter faded.

A couple moments passed, and Toph began to lower the dome of earth that hid them from the outside world. She hoped it was really Zuko that she felt coming... And not someone else. "Zuko?" She called out before the dome was completely lowered.

"I need your help." Zuko grunted, struggling to hold up Katara and Ty Lee.

"Who are they? Is it Ty Lee and Katara?" She asked.

Zuko nodded,"You take one." He said, throwing Katara onto her.

"Oof!" Toph grunted as she face-planted into the earth.

She dusted herself off, and pulled Katara by her arms. "What's.." Toph trailed off, feeling a plastic material in Katara's pocket. Zuko picked it up and examined it, and blinked in realization."It's Appa's whistle."

"Good, because I am not carrying her all the way back to the Fire Nation, you hear me?" Toph hesitated,"Where is Aang?" She asked realizing his absence.

"Azula wouldn't hand him over. And I needed to rescue these two while I still could." Zuko said, lifting the whistle to his lips. He blew as hard as he could, and groaned as it made no sound. "Great. Broken." He muttered.

"No it isn't. That's what I thought at first too, but Appa can hear it, miraculously." Toph explained, waiting for Appa's arrival. They were quickly greeted by a huge thump, that caused Mai to jump back in terror. Zuko face-palmed his forehead, forgetting Mai had no idea who Appa was.

"Put these two onto Appa." Zuko instructed, throwing Ty Lee on top of Toph. She fell again.

He hurried to Mai's side. "It's alright. He won't hurt you, he's a friend of ours." Zuko explained quickly, lifting her into his arms. Mai tried to ignore Toph's smirk as they passed her to get onto Appa. She also tried to hold down her pounding heart. Toph used earth bending as gently as she could to lift Ty Lee and Katara onto Appa's saddle. As soon as they were boarded, they quickly headed to the nearest market for food.

Mai leaned against Zuko, and held onto him for dear life. She still had no idea what the creature was, or if she could trust it. They continued flying until Zuko could see a city beginning to get closer and closer. "We can get food there." Zuko said, lowering Appa.

"What city is it?" Toph asked, leaning over the side. Zuko squinted,"It looks like...Gaoling." He trailed. Toph almost choked.

"W-wait. We don't have to go there. There are plenty of other towns to get food." She stuttered, beginning to panic.

"Mai's starving. We need to stop here." Zuko stated, annoyed.

Toph fiddled with her fingers, hoping desperately not to run into her mother on their trip.