Zuko couldn't stop looking at the katana strapped to Zoe's back. Every few seconds he would glance at it and wonder who taught her to use it and then feel a horrible, spiteful stab of jealousy hit him. He narrowed his eyes. He said he would teach her how to use swords.

But, then, of course he had left her. And she had moved on. He glared back out to the open skies and sighed regretfully.

"We've been riding for hours." He snarled, "I don't know why, but I thought this thing would be a lot faster." Venting some of his anger on the bison made his internal regret slightly easier.

"Silly of you to think that then wasn't it?" yawned Zoe, rolling onto her back to stare at the expanse of blue sky and rolling white clouds above her. "Just setting yourself up for disappointment…"

Appa roared and Aang grinned, "Appa's right Zuko." He said joyfully, "in our group, typically we start out our missions with a more upbeat attitude!"

Zuko leant back against the saddle infuriated. "Agh I can't believe this…" he muttered to himself.

Zoe sat up and pulled out her katana, bored. She examined the sleek curve of the elegantly crafted blade. The silver encrusted edge glinted in the sun. She wanted to duel Zuko with it, but she wasn't sure if she could beat him. So in order to keep her pride no matter the outcome, he had to suggest the spar.

She glanced over to him subtly; he looked so carelessly handsome it was torturous. Her heart would warm every time she looked at him, but then it would also clench with pain. She looked at the way his arm was spread out across the saddle as if inviting her to sit inside it, and one part of her really wanted to. But, then she would see his maddened face full of fury in the crystal catacombs, 'I never wanted your love!' and Zoe had a horrible, sudden urge to thrust the shining katana in her lap through that beautifully toned chest.

Wide eyed Zoe carefully picked up the blade and slid it away again in her sheath safely...

"Who taught you how to use that?" asked Zuko suddenly, unable to restrain himself any longer.

Zoe looked at him oddly. "Sokka."

Zuko's eyes narrowed and he looked away. They were both saved the chance to say anything else as Appa suddenly launched into a descent. They peered over the saddle and all three of them gasped, "Whoah!"

Zuko turned to Zoe before she could jump off Appa when they landed. "Uh, do you want a hand?" He asked awkwardly, trying to be nice.

Zoe grimaced at him, grabbed her glider and jumped off Appa lightly. She threw him a smug smile and moved to walk on, but then tripped over her own feet falling in the dust.

Zuko chuckled and jumped after her. She stood up furiously and dusted herself off, then without looking at him she stalked toward the ancient buildings.

"Even though these buildings are ancient." He said to Aang, "There's something eerily familiar about them. I can tell the Fire Sage's temples are some how descended from these."

"OK," said Aang interested, "we've learned something about architecture. Hopefully we can learn something about firebending too." Zoe rolled her eyes, but neither saw as she walked ahead of them, "the past can be a great teach- Zoe!"

For the second time that day Zoe found herself falling over, but this time not because of her own feet, instead it was the fault of a trickery black rope purposely made to trip its victims. Zuko felt his heart jump to his throat and blood pound his head as Zoe's body began to fall face first toward the many deadly, long black spikes that had just emerged to block their path. He jumped forward and his arm shot out and snagged itself around Zoe's waist, pulling her back to safety.

Her eyes wide, she fell against his chest and he didn't remove his arm. Aang rushed forward in shock, staring at the spikes. He turned to Zoe horror struck.

"Zoe, I think the past is trying to kill you!" he said, eyes wide.

Zuko turned Zoe around, keeping her tightly in his hold, then trying to lighten the mood and calm his manically beating heart he said, "Are you sure you don't want a hand?"

Zoe glared at him, and then blushed when she noticed how close he was holding her. He was so warm, his grip so firm! She struggled to get out of his grasp and he relinquished his hold grudgingly.

Without speaking, her face still flushing in embarrassment, Zoe took a few paces back, pushed Zuko aside and ran and jumped gracefully over the whole expanse. Her grace in the air always bemused Zuko as she was so clumsy on the ground.

Aang grinned, created an air scooter and scootered along the side of the wall to the other side.

Zoe smiled at Zuko innocently. "Are you sure you don't need a hand?"

Aang smiled too, but then looked back to the spikes. "There's probably a lot more of these." He said uneasily, "maybe this means we shouldn't be here."

But, Zuko had backed up with a look of determination on his face, then not to be out done my Aand he ran straight at the wall beside the spike pit and with the agility only he could master, he sprinted across the vertical object and landed beside the two airbenders smugly.

"What happened to that upbeat attitude you were talking about?" He asked cheekily, dusting himself off and Zoe glared at him annoyed. He was always so good at everything. "Besides, people don't make traps unless they have something worth protecting."

Zoe went to walk ahead of them again, but Zuko's hand stopped her, grabbing her shoulder gently. "Uh, maybe we should all walk together…" he said with a slight hint of cheek to his voice, "save any more accidents?"

Zoe frowned, then opened her mouth, then closed it. Then she opened it again and said stiffly, "I suppose that could be a reasonable plan."

Zuko's mouth twitched into a small smile and they walked on.

"Agh," groaned Zoe, "Do these stairs go on forever?"

They were halfway up the enormous staircase that lead to the main temple and Zoe was half dead from exhaustion.

"Well you can wait here if you like." teased Zuko, receiving a glare for his antics.

Zoe thrust open her glider, not taking her eyes off the Prince and jumped on. "See you at the top." She crooned, gliding off. Zuko couldn't keep his eyes off her, her flowing hair, her smile, he nearly sighed in disappointment when he landed out of view.

Aang was watching Zuko knowingly. He knew that look; he had it on his face whenever he looked at Katara. It was longing. "Did you ever tell her?" he asked innocently.

"What?" said Zuko turning to look at the Avatar confused.

"Did you tell her…" he repeated, "that you love her?"

It was an understatement to say that Zuko was taken aback by Aang's…forwardness. He stared at the young boy for a moment, so young yet so full of wisdom. Something about him reminded him of his Uncle. He sighed. "No. " He said regretfully, "and I told her that I didn't want her love. I'll ever have a chance to tell her now." He glanced to the top of the staircase where she would be waiting. "It's my biggest regret."

Aang contemplated for a moment. "I don't know Zuko." He said, then thinking of the words Katara had once said to him, "you're here now. I don't think there's any point in dwelling on what's been done."

They were halfway to the top of the ancient temple, where they supposed they would find something, and Zuko had just finished telling them about what happened to the dragons. Zoe already knew a small amount, but she did not know that Iroh, sweet Uncle Iroh had slain the last dragon to become The Dragon of the West.

She thought of the kind, caring old man with his rolling laugh and wobbling belly, his warm smile and bushy beard and his strong will to do good, to help his nephew, to help him find himself.

No, she wouldn't believe it. If Iroh once had done such a thing he was a different man now. One who strived to see the best in people and who saw the honour in a peaceful life of prosperity. People can change, Iroh showed the truth in this.

Zoe looked over to Zuko who had his head hung depressively, walking slowly up the stairs before them. And she realised, that he had to go through all of of what he had to become the man he was now, to learn and to find his own way to goodness. She believed him. She believed he had changed.

She jogged to catch up to him (which was quite an effort considering the amount of stairs they had just climbed) and put a hand softly on his forearm. He turned to her, surprised and she smiled, her eyes were hesitant, cautious, but willing to give him another chance. He smiled too, his heart warming. He would never let her down again.

"I'm…proud of you Zuko." she said softly, her cheeks flushing slightly, but her gaze determined.

Zuko hung his head. "There's nothing to be proud about." He said bitterly.

Zoe shook her head sadly and took his hand, trying to ignore the fire that erupted at the contact, he's in love with Mae, she would have to ignore her inner most desires.

They reached the top of the final staircase and found a huge, round, golden door blocking their path. Aang ran forward and tried to open it, but it wouldn't budge.

"It's locked up!" he cried to them. Zuko put a hand to his hair and Zoe looked up at him, his other hand still clasped in hers. He turned suddenly, pulling her round with him. "Wait," he said, looking at the ground where a large circle was drawn in the stone. Zoe realised what it was just before Zuko said it. "It's a celestial calendar! Just like the Fire Sages have in their temples." He looked up at the large red stone above the door. "I bet that sun stone opens the door, but only when sunlight hit's it at just the right angle, on the-"

"Solstice." finished Zoe for him, nodding her head grimly.

"Monkey feathers!" complained Aang, "the solstice again! We can't wait here that long."

"No we can't," said Zuko, his tone determined. "But we might be able to speed time up." He pulled out his dao swords and looked at Zoe, seeming unwilling to drop her hand, she smiled at him and let go of his and he bent down, laying his sword at a certain angle so to catch the light of the sun, mirroring it to the sunstone. "Let's see if we can outsmart the sunstone."

It glistened for a moment, the light shining brightly on the red stone, but everything remained still. "Nothing's happening." Said Aang disappointed.

"Come on…" muttered Zuko, his eyes locked on the sunstone.

Suddenly the ground began to shake and a loud rumble met their ears and the golden doors slowly slid along their grates to reveal a large chamber within.

"You know Zuko," said Aang, "I don't care what everyone else says about you. You're pretty smart."

Zuko smiled at first, but then realised what Aang had actually said. He turned to glare at Zoe. "Hey," she raised her hands defensively, "I refused to talk about you." She followed Aang into the temple only to have him yelp and jump backwards. His yelp combined with the very freaky looking statue right in front of them caused Zoe to yelp also and fly back into Zuko.

"Relax," he chuckled, his hands holding both sides of her waist and his head coming over her shoulder, his hair tickling her face. Her stomach fluttered. She had to stop letting him get near her like this! He couldn't touch her…not when he had no idea…when he didn't love her. Her heart throbbed painfully at the thought. "They're just statues."

"I know that." She snapped, pulling from his grasp. "It was Aang who scared me."

Zuko struggled to compose his face from hurt when Zoe pulled away from him. But, she didn't notice. A horrible thought had struck her; what would happen if they accomplished what they were setting out to achieve? If they beat the Fire Lord? Would Zuko return to Mae? Would they marry? Have a child? Would he…forget her?

She couldn't stand the thought of Zuko marrying another woman, having a child with another woman…she felt sick at the very idea.

She kicked the base of a statue angrily, but ended up in more pain, this time coming from her big toe. She growled angrily, grasping her throbbing injury.

"What was that for?" said Zuko, probably questioning her sanity.

Zoe didn't answer him; she continued to glare in an opposite direction. She had no idea why this jealous anger had suddenly hit her, but she couldn't stop it. It was stupid, he had never told her he loved her anyway, why should she be getting so upset about it? It wasn't like she ever had a chance with him. He was a Prince, and she was... just Zoe. No one.

"It says... this is something called the dancing dragon." said Aang who had not noticed Zoe's turmoil.

The statues continued around the chamber in a full circle, each statue in a different form. Zuko sighed and went to have a look at the other statues seen as Zoe had taken a sudden mood swing and was ignoring him.

Suddenly Aang ran over to Zuko and demanded he dance with him. Zoe forgot some of her anger for a moment to giggle at Zuko's outraged response. She walked to the centre of the room to watch them. Zuko was indignant at first, but then a look of surprise came over his face as his feet hit certain stones that sank on contact.

Suddenly, the ground beneath Zoe's feet began to move and she nearly tripped, jumping off the sliding metal and onto the safe stone. A pedestal rose from the newly made gap and a top it sat a golden, glowing…egg?

"What the…" muttered Zoe and Aang shouted 'Hurray!'

"Wait…" said Aang scratching his head, "what exactly is that?"

"It's some kind of mystical gemstone!" murmured Zuko, rushing forward as Zoe began to inspect it.

"Well don't touch it!" exclaimed Aang suddenly.

"Why not?" demanded Zoe, the glowing shell enticing her.

"Remember what happened out there with those spikes?" he sputtered, pointing his arms in the air impersonating them. "I'm just very suspicious of giant glowing gems sitting on pedestals."

But, despite his warnings Zuko reached forward impulsively and picked up the egg. Aangs eye twitched.

Zoe leant in to peer at it. "It feels…almost alive." Said Zuko amazed. Zoe reached out to touch it as he went to put it back on its perch, but before she had a chance, both she and Zuko were shooting to the ceiling by a strong spout of sticky, foul smelling green gloop!

They hit the roof where a barred sunroof was built. The doors slammed shut and more glue was spurting out. "Oh no!" cried Aang, "it's another trap!"

Zoe was close to freaking out; she couldn't move! Ok, try not to hyperventilate. Zuko was stuck half to her and his warmth was slightly reassuring, she tried to focus on it to calm herself down. "Agh!" cried Zuko, "I can't move free! It's like some kind of glue!"

"Aang!" cried Zoe fearfully, "get us down!"

And get them down he tried, but to no avail. His strong gust of wind flipped them over so that their faces where stuck between the bars, staring aimlessly at the sky.

Something warm that wasn't the glue was stuck to Zoe's inner thigh, it twitched and she realised it was Zuko's hand! Brilliant, just brilliant. After all that talk of her staying away from his touch, now he was stuck to a very sensitive part of Zoe's body!

Suddenly, Aang was beside them, his hand's stuck to the bars too. "I can't move!" he exclaimed, "Zuko! Zoe! Do something!"

"Me?" Cried Zuko angrily before Zoe could retort, "I can't move either!"

Zoe struggled vainly as the glue built up behind them, "This is the worst idea we've had yet!" she hissed, a frightened squeak emitting from her mouth as the glue pressed up against her back, pushing her forward painfully.

But then, "It's stopped." Said Aang relieved.

"At least we have air," said Zuko practically, "maybe if we stay calm, we can figure a way out of this."

"Zuko…we are stuck with litres of glue beneath us in an abandoned city." Said Zoe dryly, "how exactly are we going to figure away out of this?"

Zuko's hands tried to clench, but they were so stuck together by glue they just twitched slightly, unfortunately the movement tickled Zoe's sensitive thigh. "Zuko!" she hissed in a high pitched voice that was not her own. "Stop moving your hands!"

Aang looked at them from the corner of his eye.

"I can't move my hands." He snarled annoyed.

"I can feel it!"

There was silence for a second. "Where is my hand?" He asked his brow furrowed.

Zoe blushed furiously.

"Just don't move it OK?"

Hehehehe, thank you SOOOO MUCH for the reviews! They're amazing :D And thankyou all of you anonymous reviewers as well! I can't reply to those ones so a special thank you to you guys XD aaaand yes, please review :3