Disclaimer:

I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender or its characters

Claimer:

I do own Amaterasu (not the name though)

Summary:

When Zuko and Aang search for the original firebenders, they encounter a princess who helps them along the way. She joins the group, but nobody really knows about her past. When they find out, will they hate her? Or will they still befriend her? ZukoxOc

Remember what I state below:

Italics and ' ' Means thinking! The person is talking to themselves, sounds a bit weird, neh? Example: 'Oh brother.' Katara thought.

((Author Speaking))


Chapter Three:

The Southern Raiders and The Phoenix King Part I


At the Western Air Temple, everyone was sleeping in a circle. Aang was the first to wake, yawning and rubbings his eyes after sleeping on Appa. He looked at the fountain with the birds surrounding them. The birds fly off and an object flies. Aang immediately gets off Appa and twirls his glider, airbending the object away. A bomb hits the top of the cliff and explodes. More bombs are hurled towards the Western Air Temple from below the clouds. The airbender runs forward and sees three black shapes coming out from the clouds. The shapes reveal Fire Nation airships rising from the clouds. A canon from one of the airships fires. The bridge of the temple is now destroy. In the sleeping area, where everyone is now away, Aang retreats into it and twirls his staff, airbending a huge gust of air so he could close the doors. More bombs are hurled and they explode. The ceiling crumbles and shakes, one of the pieces dislodges. Katara looks up.

Zuko pushed her out of the way. "Watch out!"

They roll and tumble before the ceiling piece landed at the spot Katara was. "What are you doing?"

"Keeping rocks from crushing you."

"Okay. I'm not crushed. You can get off me now," she said as she slid out from under the prince irritably.

"I'll take that as a thank you," He said as he stood up. A wall was being crumbled apart to reveal a tunnel that Haru and Toph created.

Toph turns back and points to the tunnel. "Come one, we can get out through here." Everyone starts to evacuate to the tunnel, well not exactly everyone, and Aang pulled on Appa's reigns towards the tunnel.

"What are you doing?" Aang asked Zuko, since he wasn't evacuating.

"Go ahead, I'll hold them off. I think this is a family visit." He ran towards the airships.

Aang looks on, stunned. "Zuko, no!" Amaterasu froze when Aang said that, she turned to see Zuko running towards the airship. 'What the hell? Is he trying to die? I can't let him go alone.' she thought.

Sokka and Katara ran towards Aang. Sokka grabbed his shoulder. "Come one, we gotta get out of here."

All three of them proceed to pull on Appa's reins. Amaterasu turned to look at her mother. "Mom, go with the others." She said but her mother grabbed her arm, stopping her daughter from going any further.

"What? You can't go, you'll get killed!" Xing protested, fear evident in her hazel eyes.

Amaterasu looked at her mother, smiling softly. "Mom, I'll be fine. I can't let my friend go out there and fight on his own, he needs me. Oh and I forgive you mom, I overreacted. I'm still angry about it somewhat but I don't want to be mad at you forever, I love you too much to do that. Let me go." Xing fought back tears as her hand let loose of her daughter's arm. "Hakoda!" she shouted to the Chieftain of the Southern Water tribe. He looked at her. "Take care of my mom like you've been doing, make sure she's happy still." He smiled nodded his head, giving her a hug as a signal for good luck. Her mother pressed her lips to the princess's forehead. Amaterasu nodded her head before running towards the direction of the airships. Zuko jumped over the crumpled portions of the partially destroyed air temple doors. He started running towards the ships, a bomb flew by and exploded and black smoke was everywhere but the prince jumped out from the smoke with a smoke spear around him, unharmed and he starts to firebend. The underside of the airship was hit by Zuko's flame. An observation stand rises, revealing Azula looking down from the stand, smiling crazily.

"What are you doing here?" Zuko asked.

"You mean it's not obvious yet?" Azula opened her arms out, "I'm about to celebrate becoming an only child!" She flips over the railings and firebends with her feet to Zuko. Azula then flips back and the area Zuko was at explodes, covering the entire in black smoke. Zuko ran from the explosion and falls down from the impact. A pillar broke apart. The floor racks and fissures rapidly appear. Zuko gets up and runs across the floor. He proceeds to run up a pillar. As the pillar slowly falls, Zuko launches himself off it. Zuko sailed through the air as he firebends. His first two shots misses the observation stand but the third one finally hits it. At the bottom of the observation stand, Azula jumps off and lands below before the flames hit. Zuko who is falling rapidly and struggling to hold on to the Fire Nation symbol on the airship. He vanishes into the clouds. The fallen pile of debris and rocks are thrown apart as Appa flies off. Appa had a shield of earth in front of its face due to Toph's bright idea. Azula who turns around and spots the flying bison. She firebends at the earth shield but it doesn't break apart. She ducks as the bison flies over. Toph earthbends the shield into pieces. Azula smiles but she cocks an eyebrow and looks back to a rising airship behind her. She moves aside to reveal Zuko and Amaterasu standing on the airship, looking back. The two look on with determination. The group looks back with surprise. The two run and propels themselves. The two, between the two airships, leap off from one airship to the other. Azula who firebends at them both. The duo are still sailing through the air as Zuko kicks the flame aside and firebends back. Azula does a backward somersault to avoid the flame. Zuko and Amaterasu land in front of her. The prince firebends at Azula but she dissipates it with a swipe of her arm. Azula's sends another shot to her brother who also swipes it aside. Amaterasu sends a shot to her friend's sister and rushes in. Appa flies above the clouds, dodging the fire. Katara stood up on the saddle with water circling around her to prevent the fire from hitting the saddle. Another airship of various elite firebenders stand at the edge and proceed to firebend. Aang who pulls up Appa's reigns. Appa flies up to get away from the fire. The beast flies over the air ship while Aang struggles to control his bison.

Azula who swipes Amaterasu's fire away with her right and her left hand. She then sends her own shots, one for Zuko and the other for Amaterasu. Zuko kicks away the flames with his right and left foot. More shots are fired and Amaterasu swipes them away with her hands while Zuko is closing in on his sister. Zuko was now nearing Azula. The Fire Nation princess throws her left fist out, Zuko pushes Azula's fire away with his right hand and bringing out his flaming left fist. The two collide their firsts and the impact causes a huge explosion. A big puff of black smoke covers the top of the air ship. Azula is on her back as she skids across the surface of the air ship. She gets flipped onto her stomach and she struggles to hold on but is thrown off. Zuko who tumbles across the surface and his eyes widen in fear but Amaterasu grabs his arm, trying to pull him up but they both fall off the air ship. The trio were now falling. Appa flies towards Zuko and Amaterasu, Zuko reaches out his arm and Katara pulls him back into the safety of the saddle as Sokka does the same for Amaterasu. Zuko and the rest look back at Azula. The Fire Nation princess was falling and spinning around. "She's not going to make it." Zuko said as a frustrated Azula as she tugs the hairpiece off her hair and firebends with her feet as the force propels her to the nearby cliff. As she nears the cliff, she backflips and digs her hairpiece into the rocks as she skids down, pushing her legs against the rocks to slow down her descend. She finally stops. "Of course she did." He looks away as group looks back at Azula. Azula looks on with a satisfied smirk.

. . . .

It was nighttime and they were at the top of a rocky hill. The group was sitting around a campfire as Appa slept at the side.

"Wow, camping. It really seems like old times again, doesn't it ." Aang said with a smile on his face.

Zuko broke his biscuit in half. "If you really want to feel like old times, I could, uhh… chase you around a while and try to capture you." The group laughed, besides Amaterasu and Katara, as Zuko ate his biscuit.

"Haha." Katara looked down sorely.

"To Zuko and Ammy! Who knew after all those times Zuko tried to snuff us out, today, he be our hero." He raised his cup, the group raised their cups as well, except Katara.

Amaterasu, Sokka, Suki, Toph and Aang all cried, "Here, here!" Toph and Aang both nudge Zuko with their elbows.

Zuko smiled warmly. "I couldn't of done it without Ammy." He said as she smiled at him. "I'm touched. I don't really deserve this though."

The waterbender glared at him. "Yeah, no kidding." She stood up and left.

Sokka raised an eyebrow. "What's with her?"

Zuko stood up. "I wish I knew." He walked off as the others looked at him quizzically.

"What's with him?" Sokka asked as the others shrugged their shoulders simultaneously.

. . . .

The next day, Appa was grazing while Sokka was fiddling with a necklace of flowers, which caused Amaterasu to laugh. She was suppose to be helping him but seeing him struggled amused her.

"I need to borrow Appa." said Katara as Zuko followed behind her with his bag.

Aang was feeding Appa hay. "Why? Is it your turn to take a little fieldtrip with Zuko?"

"Yes, it is," said Katara, admitting somewhat of her objective.

Aang was surprised. "Oh. What's going on?"

"We're going to find the man who took my Mother from me." Sokka and Amaterasu looked surprise, Sokka laid his necklace aside as he and the princess stood and walked over towards the trio.

"Sokka told me the story of what happened. I know who did it. And I know how to find him." Zuko said, looking at Amaterasu who shook her head and frowned. He could see she obviously did not like where this was going, but she knew why he was doing it. He wanted Katara to forgive him.

"Umm… and what exactly do you think this would accomplish?" asked Aang, who didn't like the idea just like Amaterasu.

Katara sighed and shook her head. "I knew you wouldn't understand." She began to walk away.

"Wait, stop, I do understand. You're feeling unbelievable pain and rage. How do you think I felt about the sandbenders when they stole Appa ? How do you think I felt about the Fire Nation when I found out what happened to my people?" explained the Avatar.

"She needs this," said Zuko, causing everyone to turn their eyes towards him, "Aang. This is about getting closure and justice."

"I don't think so. I think it's about getting revenge."

"Fine!" Katara shouted, now angry and frustrated. "Maybe it is. Maybe that's what I need. Maybe that's what he deserves."

"Katara, you sound like Jet." He frowned.

The waterbender got defensive. "It's not the same. Jet attacked the innocent. This man, he's a monster."

"Katara, she was my Mother too. But I think Aang might be right." Sokka tried to sway his sister's decision.

"Then you didn't love her the way I did." She told her sibling.

"Katara..." Sokka said, completely speechless.

"The monks used to say that revenge is like a two-headed ratviper. While you watch your enemy go down, you're being poisoned yourself," said Aang.

"That's cute. But this isn't air temple pre-school. It's the real World." Zuko rolled his eyes.

"Now that I know he's out there, now that I know we could find him, I feel like I have no choice." Katara closed her eyes.

Amaterasu decided that she would try to help. "Katara, you do have a choice. Forgiveness. You're only letting your mother's killer have power over you. He's controlling you because your letting him. Your mother wouldn't want you to choice this path, I'm pretty sure that Sokka loved your mother the same way you did and I'm sure your father wouldn't want you to do this. Forgive him, you'll be set free. I know it's hard, it's really hard to forgive." They looked at her, surprised by what she said. Katara was having second thoughts, but being as stubborn as she was. She could not agree.

Katara looked on darkly. "It's not just hard, it's impossible."

She turns and walks away while Zuko followed after her.

It was nighttime and Katara was in a black ninja-like outfit tying her hair. Aang, Sokka and Amaterasu were peering out from a rock behind her. They climbed over the rock.

"So you were just going to take Appa anyway?" Aang asked.

"Yes." admitted Katara.

"It's okay, because I forgive you," He smiled hopefully, "That give you any ideas?" Zuko was wearing the same outfit as Katara and packed his bag.

"Don't try to stop us!" Katara warned.

"I wasn't planning to. This is a journey you need to take. You need to face this man." Katara nodded and climbs on Appa's horn to his head. "But when you do, please don't choose revenge." Zuko threw his bag into the saddle. "Let your anger out and then let it go. Forgive him. Be free of him just like Amaterasu said earlier." Aang said, looking at the girl he loved.

Zuko was apparently tired of the monk's preaching. "Okay, we'll be sure to do that guru-goody-goody." He climbed aboard Appa.

Katara looked down from Appa's head. "Thanks for understanding Aang. Yip yip!" Appa took off as the trio watched them depart.

"You know, you two are pretty wise. Especially you Aang, since your a kid." said the water tribe warrior.

"Thanks, Sokka." said Aang as Amaterasu playfully punched Sokka's shoulder.

"Usually it's annoying but right now, I'm just impressed." He added.

Aang narrowed his eyes. "I appreciate that."

"So... can I borrow Momo for a week?"

Amaterasu and Aang both turned their heads rapidly at Sokka. "Why do you need Momo?" They asked in a unison. Sokka shrugged and made an "I don't know noise."

The female sighed. "What's wrong, Ammy? Scared my sister is gonna steal Zuko's heart?" Aang and Amaterasu's eyes bulged out.

"What? Me and Zuko aren't like that, we're just close friends. And he only suggested this trip because he wanted Katara to forgive him like the rest of you did, she still had some animosity toward him because of whatever happened in Ba Sing Se." folding her arms, she saw the confusion on both the boy's faces.

"How do you know?" Aang asked.

"Last night. Zuko told me what happened after they left camp." She tilted her head back and looked at the sky.

- Flash Back -

Amaterasu was laying down in her sleeping bag, looking up at the tent as she played with the ribbon that was tied in her hair, the bow made on the side of her head. She had took it out of hair and played with it. The candles were still burning, not blue flames since the wax would burn quicker that way. "What a day." She mumbled as she placed her arms behind her head.

"Ammy?" came a voice, she looked at the opening of the tent and saw that it was Zuko. "Can I come in?" He asked.

"Sure." Sitting up, she got of her sleeping bag and was now in her undergarments. Like Katara, she wasn't embarrassed to be seen with them on. She wore a white sports bra-like top and some shorts. "What's up?" He sat down in the middle of the tent, he blinked a few times as he noticed his friend's attire and rubbed the back of his neck, blushing as he looked away. "What's the deal?" Amaterasu, now growing impatient, urged him on to speak.

"Oh, well. . . I figured out why Katara hates me." He said, he sighed before he continued, looking at her without feeling nervous. "It's because of when I betrayed them at Ba Sing Se. She was going to use this Oasis water to heal my scar and we explained what the Fire Nation did to both our mothers, hers was killed and mine had to leave. I was going to be on their side but when Azula told me I could get my honor back, I could go home I betrayed them. My Uncle told me not do it, he told me I was good but I did it anyway... Azula even killed Aang when he was in the Avatar state." Amaterasu's mouth was open agape, she looked away trying to not let the new found facts overcloud her friendship. "I regret that day so much. My Uncle, I might as well have stabbed him in the heart, I can't believe I was so stupid. And when I got home, I didn't even want all the things I had. I hope my Uncle can find it in his heart to forgive me." He placed his hand over his face, still angry with himself.

Crawling towards him, Amaterasu wrapped her arms around him. Placing his head on her chest, she patted his back and laid her chin on his head. "Zuko, do I have to tell you to-" before she could say anything, she could feel her shirt becoming wet. He was crying. Amaterasu's eyes widen in shock as he held onto her and continued to cry without showing any signs of stopping. "I'm sure your Uncle forgives you Zuko. You said he treated you like a son, right? And when any parent is upset by the decision their child makes, they find it in their heart to forgive them and I'm pretty sure that he understood why you made that decision and he probably knew that it was lesson that you had to learn from." Amaterasu explained as she held onto him tightly. It had saddened her to see him in such a state, Zuko was one of her first actual friends besides Aang, but she was closer to Zuko then the rest of the group. They always sought comfort in each other, well, she always sought comfort in him and now he needed her and she was willing to give him all the attention he needed. They stayed there for hours until she realized that the ex-prince had fell asleep with his arms wrapped around her waist. She had placed his head on her lap and ran her fingers through his hair as he slept. "I hope Katara forgives him."

- End Flash Back -

Aang and Sokka, looked down, unsure of what to say. "So, yeah, that's how I know." She walked off.

. . . .

When Katara and Zuko had reached Fire Lord Ozai's beach house in Ember Island, where they had been residing in since yesterday. Amaterasu had walked in on the others when they had reunited with Zuko and Katara. She smiled as Katara embraced Zuko. She had ran towards Sokka, who was waiting for her next to Appa. Zuko smiled at Amaterasu.

"You were right about what Katara needed," Aang smiled. "Violence wasn't the answer."

"It never is," said Aang.

"Then I have a question for you." He turned towards Aang, "What are you going to do when you face my Father?" He asked, which stunned the Avatar and he looked around unsure and confused. But, luckily for him, Amaterasu broke into the conversation.

"Hey Zuko, let's go to the beach!" she said enthusiastically before winking at Aang, he mouthed "thank you" before running towards Sokka and Katara. Zuko knew why she did that but he wasn't in the mood to argue with Aang on what he should do anyway.

"The beach?" He blinked several times, "Why the beach?" Zuko asked.

Amaterasu shrugged her shoulders. "I dunno, you need to relax." She grabbed his hand and tugged on his arm, leading him to the beach. For some odd reason, he began to notice Amaterasu's physique. Her hair swayed obligingly whenever she walked, it was like it was dancing. Her arms were slender, her body was curvy yet petite, stomach flat and smooth, and her skin looked supple with its bright peach color. Her eyes that were a reddish brown, gleamed all the time when she was happy and had a childish charm whenever he looked at them. Her face was almost round yet heartshaped, her cheeks bones were high, and her eyes were a mixture of round and almost almond shaped. She was shorter than him, only reached the tip of his nose. She was wearing her usual Sun Warrior attire; a red crop top with no sleeves, a gold collar, red shorts with a silky brown cloth over them. Red flat slippers, three gold armbands that were separated by two inches from on another, two big cold bracelets one for each arm , and a pair of gold anklets, one for each ankle. Her usually Iban feather headdress wasn't on her head today. He was now confused about his feelings for her, did he like her? Or maybe he was just studying her because he didn't want to think about why Aang didn't answer his question? "Hey, you okay?" She stopped and looked over at him.

"Huh?" Zuko snapped out of his thoughts, "Yeah. I'm fine, but what's the real reason as to why you brought me here?" He asked.

"I wanted to watch the sunset with you." she admitted which made him blush.

"Why me?" He asked.

Amaterasu smiled at him, warmly. "Because you're my friend."

"Right. We're friends." He said, blinking a few times as she stopped once they reached the shoreline. They stood side by side, still holding hands as the ocean water felt good on their feet.

"Hey Zuko," said Amaterasu as she continued to watch the sunset.

Zuko looked at her, "Yeah?"

"Don't ever change," she said as she held onto his hand a bit tighter. "I like you this way, the way you are now."

Zuko smiled. "What makes you think I would?"

"When you told me about how you changed your mind about joining the Avatar and in going home. I just want to make sure that you don't change your mind again, I'll hate you if you do." She looked at him, a smile on her face.

"I won't change my mind. My father and sister aren't worth going back to and besides, I like this relationship I have with group, and especially the one I have with you. I don't want to lose it over something stupid." said the exiled prince as he felt Amaterasu embracing him. Her arms were encircled around his torso and her face as buried in his shoulders. He placed his arms around her waist and let his face nestle into her hair and he inhaled the smell of vanilla.

"Good." She pulled away from his and slowly, without hesitating, she touch his scar which caused his eyes to widen. What made her do? Pure curiosity.

"Why are you-"

"It doesn't disgust me, I just wanted to know how it felt." She observed that was some parts of it were a bit rough but other than that, it was smooth but almost leathery. "I have to go."

"Huh? Go where." Completely confused, Zuko held onto her wrist before she could try to leave him. She looked up at him and he looked down at her. Mahogany meeting gold.

"I can't fall for you, Zuko. I - I'm starting to like you and I can't let this happen. . ." Amaterasu whimpered, her eyes getting glassy as Zuko slowly frowned.

"Why?" He manage to ask, his chest was tight with fear.

Amaterasu bit her lip. "My father would never allow it and they are already assigning me a husband, please let me go Zuko." pleaded the princess, Zuko looked at her with a sad expression.

"You left home, you don't have to follow their rules anymore." He narrowed his eyes, not wanting to let her go no matter how much she struggled.

"I planned on going back after Aang defeated your father and what about Mai? Don't you still love her? She was your girlfriend, Zuko." The princess argued, still struggling to release herself from his grasp.

"She wanted me to put her before my country. I can't love someone who makes me do that, I'm sorry. I - I know I can tell you things I could never tell her because I feared of what she would think of me, I know I can be myself around you and you wouldn't judge me. Amaterasu, don't do this to me. I care for you. Your always fighting for me and alongside me, I don't want that to stop." He saw the tears staining her cheeks, her bottom lips quivered as she shook her head.

"I'm sorry." He let her go and watched her run off, he wasn't sure why she tried to hard not to be with him. He roared, letting fire escape his mouth and he fell to his knees, causing his pants to get wet.

"Dammit. . ."

. . . .

The Gaang was resting on steps in front of the beach house. Aang proceeds to firebend arcs with his arms, right leg followed by his left leg. He walks a bit forward he does so. Then he firebends a flurry of small shot, circles rapidly with his arms. Zuko was looking sternly at Aang's training with his arms crossed.

"More ferocious!" Zuko shouted, Aang's first firebends a large amount of flames as he had an intense look of concentration on his face. "Imagine striking through your opponent's heart." Aang firebended another big shit of fire and turns toward Zuko with his arms in a frustrated gesture.

"Ugh! I'm trying." Aang said.

"Now let me hear you roar like a tiger-dillo!" said Zuko, his arms still crossed as he saw Amaterasu looking down at the ground. Aang turned back instantly, stretches his arms and roars rather softly with weak streams of fire coming out of his palms and mouth. Aang grinned sheepishly at his weak attempt. "That sounded pathetic!" Zuko lashed out, "I said roar!" Aang turns around, roar ferociously and firebends rather strongly out of both hands and his mouth. Momo scurried towards Zuko's leg, seeking refuge behind them. Zuko nodded his head in approval.

Katara held two watermelons with straws in them. "Who wants a nice, cool glass of watermelon juice?" Aang eyes widened with greed.

"Ooo, ooo," he turned around, "me, me, me!" He began to run toward the house.

"Hey," Zuko holds Aangs back by his robes, "your lesson's not over yet!" The airbender tried to break free of his grip and his tongue comically stuck out to show that he is thirsty. "Get back here." Aang was pulled up effortlessly by Zuko, he had a rather disappointed look on his face.

"Come on, Zuko." said Suki, who was lounging with her boyfriend on the steps. Sokka drunk his watermelon juice and looked on. "Just take a break. What's the deal?"

"Fine." He released Aang and Aang dashes off, leaving a trail of dust behind. "If you want to lounge around, " Aang ran towards Katara, accepting the watermelon with glee and proceeds to slurp the juice noisily and greedily, "like a bunch of snail-sloths all day, then go ahead!" The exiled prince turned and walks away.

"Maybe Zuko's right. Sitting around the house has made us pretty lazy. But I know" He laid his watermelon aside and stands up slowly, "just the thing to change that. Beach party!" He removed his outer coat, revealing a pair of brown undershorts underneath. Amaterasu sighed, not up for a party and got up. Leaving the others to their fun. When she reached her room, she sat on the window seat and watched the others have fun at the beach.

"I'm a killer. I don't deserve to be with anybody, especially not Zuko." she said aloud to herself, "Even if he doesn't think it's my fault. I - I can't live it down. All those soldiers probably had family members, wives, mothers, fathers. . . And I killed them." Running her fingers through her hair, she imagined the face of one of them. He was the main one that haunted her. His name was Sheng.

She had fell in love with him but her father, who did not like the Fire Nation at all, made her kill him in front of everyone. He was bound by his arms and feet.

"Amaterasu, I know you didn't want this to happen and so, I accept my this; my death by your hands. I still love you and I always will." He said with that kind smile on his face.

Her eyes were pouring with tears as she raised a sword hilt, firebending blue flames out of it to create a sword. "I'll always love you, Sheng. I wish things didn't have to be this way." And with that said, she pierced into his heart and fell to her knees, crying as she made the flame evaporate. His whole body was set a flame and her father dragged her away from the burning body. "No!"

Amaterasu snapped out of her thoughts and heard the commotion outside. When she reached the courtyard, she sat next to Katara, spectating.

"There's one technique you need to know before facing my Father. How to redirect lightning." He said, Aang grinned with anticipation. "If you let the energy in your own body flow," he stretched his left arm out and the fingers on his right hand touch the finger on his left hand and swiftly traces a path down his arm, shoulder, stomach and back out the other side, "the lightning will follow it." His left hand touches his right, they are parallel to each other. "You turn your opponent's energy against them." He repeats the motion to the left side of his body.

"That's like waterbending." Aang pointed out.

"Exactly. My Uncle," Aang began to mimic Zuko's movements, "invented this technique himself by studying waterbenders."

"So… Have you ever redirected lightning before?" asked the Avatar.

"Once. Against my father." answered Aang's sifu.

"What did it feel like?" Zuko stopped and does a cool down motion with his hands.

"Exhilarating. But terrifying." Aang raised both arms eagerly to his chest but his face falls when Zuko says those two words. "You feel so powerful," Aang's hand drops back to the side. He slouches with disappointment, "holding that much energy in your body. But you know that you make the wrong move, it's over."

"Heh." Aang laughed nervously. "Well, not over over, right? I mean there's always Katara and a little spirit water," He moves his hands in a water movement, "action. . . Am I right?" He turned to look at Katara.

"Actually I used it all up after Azula shot you." she said in a matter-of-factly tone.

"Oh." Amaterasu frowned.

Zuko stared at Aang seriously. "You'll have to take the Fire Lord's life. Before he takes yours."

"Yeah. . . I'll just do that." Zuko walked away, taking a glance at Amaterasu as she ignores him completely.

. . . .

It was now dusk.

"Gather round Team Avatar." Sokka put a watermelon, with some face carvings resembling a jack-o-lantern, being dropped onto a wooden structure with a red cloth draped over it. Sokka stood in front of the "Melon Lord" and the rest of the group walked towards him and proceeding to sit in a circle. "In order take out the Fire Lord, or in this case, the "Melon Lord", our timing has to be perfect. "He kneeled down, "First, Suki and I will draw his fire." He took a stick and draws a line curving to the left towards the melon symbol on the ground. "Then, Katara, Ammy and Zuko, "He draws a straight line in the middle, "charge in with some liquidy hot offense and while the "Melon Lord" is distracted, Aang swoops in and "BAM!" He draws a line curving to the right which runs through the melon symbol. "He delivers the final blow." Aang stared at the drawing with slight disgust.

"Err. . . What about me?" asked Toph.

"For now, you're the Melon Lord's forces," said Sokka.

"So I get to chuck flaming rocks at all of you?" The blind bandit asked.

"Whatever makes the training feel more realistic." He shrugged his shoulders.

Toph smiled. "Sweetness."

. . . .

The Melon Lord had two sticks at arms opened up in a V-shape. Toph was in front of the scarecrow with the same pose.

"Muahahahahahaha!" came a diabolical laugh from the eartbender. She was surrounded by a ring of huge boulders covered with seaweed-like things. A ring of fire in bowls outside the boulders. Amaterasu, Zuko and Katara were hiding behind some rocks, looking at Toph. Zuko turns his head at Amaterasu, wanting to speak but decided against it. Aang appeared out from behind another hiding spot with Momo in tow. He looks to the side. Suki and Sokka peered out of their own hiding places. Sokka is wearing his Water Tribe wolf armor. Sokka signaled with his arm to go. Amaterasu, Sokka, Suki, Zuko and Katara all make their way towards Toph except for Aang who stays put. Sokka and Suki ran before the ground shakes and pops up an army of Fire Nation soldiers made of rock charging at them. Sokka cuts the rock in half. Suki jumps and spins and delivers a kick to another rock soldier, knocking it down. They continue to run before a flaming boulder drops. Suki cart wheeled over it. Sokka was lying on the ground with his face mere inches away from being crushed.

The watertribe warrior shook his fist. "Watch it, Toph!"

A clearly amused Toph says, "I am not Toph, I am "Melon Lord"! Muahahahahaha!" She earthbends a rock over the bowl of fire and it gets ignited immediately and she sends it towards Zuko, Amaterasu and Katara who dodge it. Amaterasu, Zuko and Katara ran as a ring of rock soldiers surround them. They all fought back to back with fire, blue fire, and waterbending to destroy the rocks.

Sokka ran with his sword. Flaming rocks were being sent over his head continuously. "Now, Aang!" Aang propelled himself from the rock with his arms holding his staff in a ready to strike position. He has serious face as he descends. Aang as his face softens as he looked at the Melon Lord. Aang lands and brings his staff over his head but doesn't deliver the final blow. The staff pauses inches away from the watermelon head. He looks at the scarecrow before slouching and pulling his staff back.

The group was hiding behind a rock behind him. "What are you waiting for? Take him out!" Aang looked unwillingly to perform the action.

He shook his head. "I can't."

Sokka trudged up the slope and walked in front of Aang. "What's wrong with you?" He pointed at the airbender accusingly. "If this was the real deal," He pointed at him again, "you'd be shot full of lighting," he makes a beheading gesture against his neck, "right now."

"I'm sorry, but it just didn't feel right. I didn't feel like myself." explained Aang.

Sokka unsheathed his sword. Sokka cuts the watermelon and it landed in front of Aang. Aabg closes his eyes and grimaces at the act. "There." Aang opened his eyes in shock. "That's how it's done." He looked at the half of watermelon as Momo runs forward and begins to lick the insides. The Avatar had a look of disbelief on his face.

. . . .

They were all back at the courtyard having dinner. Aang left his food untouched on his lap, looking sadly while the rest of the group heartly tucked in their dinner. Katara walks in with a long scroll in her hands.

"I have a surprise for everyone!" said the waterbender.

Toph had her chopsticks in the bowl of rice. "I knew it! You did have a secret thing with Haru!" She smiled while everyone else had an expressionless look. Everyone stared at Katara while Toph was picking at her food.

"Er, no." All of them suddenly start to shove rice in their mouths. "I was looking for cooking pots in the attic and I found this." Throws scroll downwards as it unrolls by itself. "Look at baby Zuko!" The scroll revealed a baby smiling happily with his arms in the air, enjoying himself at the beach. " Isn't he cute ?" Katara cooed as everyone gushes and laughs, but Zuko had his eyes closed.

"Oh lighten up, I was just teasing. " She said.

Zuko opened his eyes. "That's not me. It's my father." He said, Katara rapidly rolls the scroll.

Suki pointed at the scroll and looks at Zuko. "But he looked so sweet and innocent."

"Well that sweet little kid grew up to be a monster. And the worst Father in the history of Fathers."

"But he is still a human being." Everyone looked at him.

"You're going to defend him?"

"No, I agree with you. Fire Lord Ozai, " He stands up and faces the group, "is a horrible person and the World will probably be better off without him. There's gotta be another way."

"Like what?" Zuko asked.

Aang shrugged. "I don't know. Maybe," he raised both his arms as if he was holding a bowl, "we can make some big pot of glue and then I can use gluebending to stick his arms and legs together so he can't bend anymore." suggested the Avatar.

"Yeah. Then you can show him his baby pictures and all those happy memories," everyone starts to laugh and snicker, except Amaterasu, "will make him good again."

"Do you really think that would work?" Aang naively said.

Zuko's face became serious and his voice stern. "No!"

Aang dropped his head and sighed. "This goes against," He paces up and down, looking at his hands every now and then, "everything I learned from the monks. I can't just go around wiping out people I don't like…"

"Sure, you can. You're the Avatar. If it's in the name of keeping balance," The airbender balled up his fist as he struggles to contain his temper, "I'm pretty sure the Universe will forgive you."

Aang rapidly turned around and bursts out, "This isn't a joke, Sokka! None of you understands the position I'm in!"

"Aang, we do understand. It's just…" She was rudely interrupted by Aang.

"Just what, Katara ! What?" He shouted.

Katara was visibly annoyed, "We're trying to help.

"Then when you, " He points at Katara, "figure out a way for me," Aang brought his hands back to his chest, "to beat the Fire Lord without," He makes a "no" gesture with his arm, "taking his life, I love to hear it!" He raised his arms in exasperation and walks away.

"Aang, don't walk away from this." Katara began to walk towards him as a hand touches her shoulder to stop her from doing so.)

"Let him go. He needs time to sort it out by himself," said Zuko. "Just like I need to sort out some things." He looked at Amaterasu, who turned to look away before standing and walking off. Sokka and Suki looked at her with confusion as Toph shook her head.

"Zuko, you are such a bad boyfriend." Toph said, which caused everyone to look at him. "Not my boyfriend, idiots." She blushed before finishing her rice.

Sokka arched a brow. "You have something going on with Ammy?" He asked, a goofy grin appearing on everyone's face as Zuko blushed.

"I don't know what you guys are talking about," said Zuko as he looked away.

"Aw c'mon," Katara said before nudging his side, "You two are always together."

"Well, not anymore. She doesn't want to be with me in that sort of way, I might as well just be with Mai. It's better that way." explained the prince which made everyone frown.

Suki looked at the direction Amaterasu's room was. "Well, maybe she is afraid of something."

"Apparently, her father would never let her be someone from the Fire Nation and they are already assigning her to a husband." He ran his fingers through his shaggy hair, "I just wish I could do something about it but I know Ammy loves her family and tribe too much to actually go against them."

Katara frowned. "You should try to talk to her again, maybe she needs a little push."

"I'm afraid if I do that, she'll push me out of her life. She already doesn't like herself because she's killed more Fire Nation soldiers than she can count, maybe she's afraid she'll kill me or something." He said, trying to figure out what he should do.

"Whatever it is, just show her you really like her." Suki smiled, he looked at the trio as they nodded their heads. "Unless, you want me or Katara to talk to her?"

Katara smiled. "A little girl talk always helps."

Zuko sighed. "I hope it does."


Other information:

Another episode I had to re-edit, this time it was one and a half. Took me a long time to do this. Anyway, I give thanks to Satta who has become my Beta Reader and had such a sweet review. She will fix my next chapter. It's gonna be aweeesome! Izzie-94, your review made my day! Also, thanks to Kiwiguy2010 and Joker with the Green Scarf for the advice, I really appreciate that and I think I'm going to learn from there. You guys made me see my mistakes, but hey, I'm still trying and it's probably gonna take me a while to perfect my past and present tenses! And thanks to Sky for being my first reviewer.

Also, thanks to the people who favorited the story and put it as their alert, I hope you guys review next time. n _ n And yes, I did skip the Ember Island Players, kind of not a necessary chapter but it would of been funny, but. . . too much work. Maybe I'll make that as a bonus chapter at the end of the fanfic, which I am not sure how the hell I'm going to end it! Dx Also, opinions for the next chapter would be nice :3 Should I slow down on the romance or keep it going at this pace? I think I kind of pushed it in this chapter, hope you guys don't hate me for it.

And to those who don't know, Amaterasu is the name of the Sun Goddess in Japanese Mythology. Her original name is Amaterasu-ōmikami also Ōhiru-menomuchi-no-kami. Her nickname, Ammy, is from the video game Okami since it is about Amaterasu-omikami, but she is in a wolf form and has a awesome paintbrush =3 - Although the way the talk gives me nightmare - Uh, anyway! Enough with the facts and my blabbering mouth or is it my fingers? - Err... Anyway, later my beautiful reviewers and readers!