Hello everybody! I'm so happy the weather is finally clearing up thank God! Well, this chapter was hard for me to wrap around. Yes, it takes place in episode 13 "The Blue Spirit," which is a very Zuko filled episode, but I wasn't sure how I was going to fit Fili and Alice into it. Well, after watching the episode over and over, I think I came up with something good. Let me know what you guys think, hopefully you guys will forgive me for the wait.

Happy Reading!

FILI'S POV – "Human" by Christina Perri

'I can hold my breath
I can bite my tongue
I can stay awake for days
If that's what you want
Be your number one
I can fake a smile
I can force a laugh
I can dance and play the part
If that's what you ask
Give you all I am

I can do it
I can do it
I can do it

But I'm only human
And I bleed when I fall down
I'm only human
And I crash and I break down
Your words in my head, knives in my heart
You build me up and then I fall apart
'Cause I'm only human, yeah'

I didn't know how long I had been meditating. I had to get this right. I had to be stronger. This was all I had to offer him. Things were not going to be easy. I told Zuko to meet me tonight; I had a lot to tell him. If I couldn't get any better at projecting my powers I would only get in his way.

'I can do it

I can do it

I'll get through it

But I'm only human

And I bleed when I fall down

I'm only human'

I can do it. I have to do it. I have to think harder, let my mind stretch farther. I won't stop until I can do it. I may not be about to be there with him physically. I'm not a fighter and I'm not very stealthy, but I can be there in 'spirit' so to speak.

FLASHBACK – early that morning

We had stopped to prepare the damage the lightning had done to the ship. There were rumors here and there about the Avatar, but Zuko couldn't get any solid leads. Almost all the men were ashore including Zuko and Uncle Iroh. Lieutenant Jee was over-seeing the repairs.

I knew what came after the Storm, the Blue Spirit. I knew I was thrown here for a reason, and I think that reason was to help him figure out his next move in times like this. I'm here to be his advisor. I'm just lucky I have all these extra powers; they make things a lot easier.

I stayed in my room meditating, focusing. I was trying to project my mind like that night I had that terrible nightmare about Ally. It wasn't like all the other times when I would just listen to their thoughts. It was like an out of body experience. I could see Zuko and Iroh talking to each other outside my room with the door closed. I had to figure out how to do that again. I could help him so much more if I could just learn how to control it.

I knew he was ashore so I pictured him in my head.

What are you doing? Where are you? Can you hear me? Zuko?

ZUKO'S POV

Zuko?

I heard someone say my name. Not someone, Felicity. It was like a whisper in my ear.

"Uncle, did you hear that?"

"I know this merchant's prices for ginseng tea are incredible!" Uncle picked up as many bags of tea as he could. "I'll get some Ginger Lemon tea for Felicity while I'm here."

"No uncle, not the prices. Did you hear Felicity just now?" I looked around but I didn't see her anywhere.

Zuko?

"There! There it was again."

"Prince Zuko, it seems to me that maybe you are hearing her because you are thinking about her more than you normally have been. I'm happy for you. She is a wonderful person," Uncle smiled.

"No, no, no, it's not that. I actually hear her. Like when she talks to us in our head, you know? But that can't be right. She stayed on board, and we are almost a mile inland. She can't reach this far." I looked around again. 'Did she decide to come ashore after all?'

'No, I'm on the ship.' She sounded far away, like a faint whisper.

"How?" 'She heard me? That's impossible'.

'You can hear me?' She seemed a little louder that time.

"Yes, but how?"

"What did you say, Prince Zuko?" Uncle asked me as he paid the merchant.

"Nothing, Uncle, I need to get back to the ship-"

'No! I need to figure out a few more things. I still can't see you yet.' She wasn't making any sense.

'Why? What's wrong? Why can't you see me yet?'

She laughed, 'No, that's not what I mean. I'm trying to use my head to see you. I can hear you, but I can't see you yet.'

'Why are you even trying to see me? I hate it when you get in my head in the first place. Why do you always have to keep doing things like this, when you know how I feel about them?'

'Because, fussy pants, you're going to need my help soon, and this is how I'm going to help you. I promise, I won't get in your head as much-'

'As much?' That wasn't the answer I was looking for.

She laughed again, 'Yes, as much. I'd be lying if I said I would stay out of your head completely, and I told you I would never lie to you, remember? My point is that I'm getting better at this and I'm trying to master it. So just keep walking around and later we'll have lunch together. There's a lot I need to tell you.'

'Tell me about what?' I walked around the pair. Her voice would get quieter the louder.

'I'll tell you later, just let me focus on trying to see you.'

She was pushing it, but at least she was trying to help me. Even if I didn't like how she was trying to get even more in my head then she already could, she was still trying to help.

PRESENT TIME…..FILI'S POV

'Can we please stop this? You have been in my head all morning. I want to get back to the ship, get something to eat, and continue the search for the Avatar,' he growled in my head.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah, fussy pants, I get it honor and all that good stuff."

'Don't joke about it, Felicity; I have to get th-'

"Get the Avatar to reclaim your honor as the crown prince and return home. I know that. Why do you think I'm trying to get stronger? Huh? To help you, that's why." My head was starting to hurt. I haven't eaten anything either. "When you get back, let's eat in my room. I have a lot I have to tell you."

'Tell me about what?' He didn't sound all that excited to see me.

I wasn't going to give anything away just yet, "I'll tell you when you get here." He just growled at me. I stayed in his head all the way back to the ship. He was also pretty mad about that, but he'll deal.

I still hadn't been able to project like I wanted to but at least my telepathy's range was 10x greater than it was. It was only that good when I stayed completely still and focused. Zuko was not happy at all about what I was trying to do. I guess he thought I would go snooping in his cranium whenever I felt like it. I probably would, but still. Hey, I never said I was a saint.

Before he could even knock on my door I answered him, "Come in."

When he walked and two servants followed him with our meal, "So what is it you wanted to talk to me about?" He sat down on the pillow across from me at my small dinner table.

When I turned around and I couldn't help but laugh at him, "Really, Fussy pants, you're such a girl."

"What?" He crossed his arms.

"You've already changed clothes?" I laughed again. He just huffed and looked away. "Oh well, you're going to have to change again later."

"What do you mean?" He picked up his cup and took a sip. He looked up at the servants and nodded. They closed the door behind them as they left.

I waited until I heard the servants' footsteps fade, "Ok, fussy pants, you're about to get a big, steaming plate of my future knowing wisdom." He sat up and propped his elbow on his knee. "Zhao is trying to get the authority over the Yuyan Archers. He wants them to capture Aang."

"What?!" It would be an understatement to say that he was shocked. He hadn't been able to pick up Aang's trail since the storm had passed.

"You have to infiltrate the Pohuai Stronghold to get clues. Zhao will be there to put in the request for the archers, personally." I was surprised to see that he didn't flinch at what I had just told him.

"When do I have to do this?" He took one more sip then sat his drink down.

"Tonight, I think."

He seemed to understand, "I'll go give the order to sail up the river of the stronghold."

"Wait, you're going to do it, just like that?" I stared at him for a moment, "That's just weird."

He grinned, "First you complained if I didn't listen to you and now you think it's strange that I am?

"Well, you know, it's kind of our thing. I told you something, and then you don't listen to me or question how I know what I'm talking about. Then I turn out to be right and you blow steam out of your ears or puff out smoke." I could help but smile when I saw the look he was giving me. "Anyways, you have to do this in disguise and not be caught. You can't tell anyone about it, not even Uncle Iroh. I'm going to do my best to help you, that's why I was practicing."

"I see. Spying on Zhao would get me a lot of good intel," He rubbed his chin while he thought out loud.

"We have to hurry; he will be there by nightfall."

"All right, I'll go give the order, then-"

"Then you will come back and finish eating?" I gestured down at the table of food.

"Right," He hurried off.

When Zuko got back he told how he gave the order to sail upriver and we would dock north of Pohuai Stronghold. After we ate he went to his room to "turn in" for the night. It was already dark, and I knew Zuko wasn't on the ship.

I locked my door and sat on my bed with my back against the wall. I used my earbuds to block out all the other sounds. It didn't take long until I felt my mind stretch. It took me longer to reach him than I thought it would. He was really fast on his feet. He had only been gone an hour, but he had already made it to the strong hold.

I finally found him. This was the farthest I had ever tried to look before, and it didn't really work well the last time. But I crossed my fingers, Juju don't fail me now. 'Zuko, can you hear me?'

ZUKO'S POV

'Yes, I hear you. I've found Colonel Shinu; he's in charge of this stronghold and the Yuyan archers.' It was hard to hear her, but at this distance that made sense. 'Now be quiet, Zhao is speaking to the Colonel right now.'

'Got it.'

"Absolutely not! The Yuyan Archers stay here. Your request is denied, Commander Zhao." 'Colonel Shinu does seem very pleased to hear Zhao's request.'

'Don't get your hopes up just yet, fussy pants.'

Zhao pleaded again, "Colonel Shinu, please reconsider ... Their precision is legendary. The Yuyan can pin a fly to a tree from one hundred yards away ... without killing it." I could tell he was somewhat annoyed at this point, "You're wasting their talents using them as mere security guards."

"I can do whatever I want with their talents, they're my archers, and what I say goes." Shinu said very matter-of-factly.

Zhao isn't giving up, "But my search for the Avatar is-"

Shinu cut Zhao off completely, "Is nothing but a vanity project! We're fighting a real war here, and I need every man I've got, commander."

"But-!"

Shinu was furious at this point, "That's final! I don't wanna hear another word about it!"

Everything was quiet between the two of them for a moment. Suddenly a messenger hawk arrived.

Zhao was the first voice I heard, "News from Fire Lord Ozai?"

'Felicity, did you know?'

'Yeah, it's not good.' She sounded worried.

"It appears I've been promoted to Admiral. My request ... is now an order." Zhao sounded quite pleased. Shinu had no choice now.

'What now?'

'I'm not sure, just get back here safely and fast, fussy pants. We'll talk more when you get here.'

ALICE'S POV

This wasn't good, not good at all. I'm fine being in a strange place; I mean at least I'm with Aang and the rest of the Gaang. But honestly, why did I have to get sick too. I know what the medicine for this weird cold was. I was not look forward to sucking on frog.

I wonder if Fili heard me. I know I saw Zuko, but I didn't see her. I miss her goofy mug and all the silly things she'd say, and how easily she gets sick. I'd pay big bucks to see her suck on a frog. But then again, knowing her, she would have no problem with it, the brave jerk.

I wouldn't let Katara wrap me up when I caught my fever. I tried to let her that you do NOT bundle up someone who has the chills, but she would not listen to me. I didn't blame her, Sokka is her brother, and she was worried about him. It actually made me laugh, if Fili was here she would most likely make us strip down to one light layer and have us drink so much water our bladders would explode. If she could find popsicles she would have force fed them to us until we barfed.

"You know what I love about Appa the most? His sense of humor." Sokka was out of it.

Katara just smiled as she pressed a wet cloth to his forehead, "That's nice. I'll tell him."

Just then Appa growled and Sokka laughed, "Classic Appa."

"Alice please let me help you, you're shivering. Why are you taking off your water tribe clothes?" Katara really was a sweetheart

I was standing behind Appa changing into my t-shirt; the clothes Katara gave me were too heavy. "Don't worry about me, Katara. This isn't the first time I've had a fever."

Aang came back to where we made camp, "How's Sokka doing?"

"Not so good, being out in that storm really did a number on him." Katara stared down at him while he sniffled.

I laid my sleeping bag on Appa's tail. It wasn't long before Katara started coughing.

"Not you too!" Aang was really worried now.

Katara just waved it off, "Relax, it was just a little cough. I'm fi-" She coughed again, this time with greater force.

"That's how Sokka started yesterday. Now look at him! He thinks he's an earthbender!" Aang sounded so serious.

"Take that, you rock!" Sokka was so pitiful with his frail arms hitting an imaginary rock. I fell off Appa's tail because I was holding in my laughter. That was always my favorite Sokka part in the show. Katara and Aang sent me a worried look but I gave them the thumbs up letting them know I was fine. They went back to their conversation.

"A few more hours and you'll be talking nonsense, too. I'm going to go find some medicine!" He grabbed his glider, "Alice you are sick too? Why aren't you as bad as Sokka?"

"Because I have had a cold before, a good night's sleep and I'll be fine." I just smiled at him.

Just then the lightning flashed, "Uh, maybe it's safer if I go on foot. Keep an eye on them guys." He looked at Momo and Appa.

Momo and Appa made their own noises in response.

Sokka started laughing again, "Ha, ha! You guys are killing me!" I nearly wanted to crack up at Sokka again, but I held it in better.

"Don't worry; I'll keep an eye on them, Aang."

He nodded and took off, running faster than the wind.

FILI'S POV

Zuko and Jee were looking over maps, and I was watching Iroh and some of the other crewmen play pai sho.

Uncle Iroh looked up at me, "Would you like to join in the game?"

"Me? Oh, no thanks, I'm just watching. Besides, I'm more of a mahjong kind of girl."

"That sounds very interesting," Iroh said, watching the other men's moves.

"We will have to play sometime," I smiled down at him. Things had been pretty smooth, but I knew things were about to heat up quickly.

I walked over to Zuko; his arms were crossed so I placed my hand on his elbow. He no longer pulled away or flinched when I touched him. He just looked at me from the corner of his eyes then looked back at the map.

'What is it?' I heard him think. He must have known that I was listening.

'We need to talk later. I have more to tell you.'

Jee was going over different points on the map, "We haven't been able to pick up the Avatar's trail since the storm, but if we continue heading northeast ..."

Just then, another much larger fire nation ship appeared.

"What do they want?" Zuko wasn't happy to see them. I had warned him that Zhao would be butting in.

"Perhaps a sporting game of Pai sho," Iroh rubbed his hands together.

The soldiers walk in and hold out a wanted poster of Aang, "The hunt for the Avatar has been given prime importance. All information regarding the Avatar must be reported directly to Admiral Zhao."

"Zhao has been promoted? Well, good for him!" Iroh grinned as he moved another pai sho piece across the table.

Zuko looked down at the floor, "I've got nothing to report to Admiral Zhao. Now get off my ship and let us pass."

"Admiral Zhao is not allowing ships in or out of this area." The soldier informed Zuko.

"Off my ship!" Zuko yelled and the soldiers left in tow.

"Excellent! I'll take the pot!" I felt bad for the poor crewman, Iroh was cleaning house. "But you're all improving! I'm certain you will win if we play again." Sneaky old joker.

Zuko stormed out and headed to his room.

Jee and I watched him leave, "What will we do now?" Jee turned to me. "He's not going to let this go easily. I don't blame him, but the Admiral gave his orders."

"True, the admiral did give his orders, but Zuko is a prince. Banished or not, Prince still trumps admiral, don't you think?" I looked over at Jee, he just grinned. "Besides, me and orders have never been friends. I'll go talk to him."

"Yes, my lady. Whatever the prince orders, I'll follow them," Jee bowed to me. 'Good man, Jee. I always liked you.'

He looked up at me slightly confused, and I realized what had happened. I just pressed a finger to my lips, "Shhh…."

I knew Zuko wasn't going to be in his room so I walked out to the deck. He needed to blow off some steam so I wasn't going to try to talk to him just yet. I just walked to the front of the ship and put my earbuds in my ears.

'Now is as good a time as any for a little tai chi. You relax by shooting fire all over the wild blue yonder and I relax to music and tai chi. Just a word of warning, fussy pants, you better not hit me. Got it? Or you'll get no more words or future-knowing wisdom from me.'

'Fine! Just stay out of my head for a little while.'

'Deal…'

ONE HOUR LATER

I was walking across the railing of the ship and trying to keep my balance. Zuko was still going at it with the fire blasts, but he was doing so well at keeping the fire nowhere near me. I was getting pretty good at this rail balancing thing. A little more practice and I'd be better at this than Ty Lee, NOT!

I was excited to meet her. She always seemed fun. On the other hand I didn't want to meet Azula or Mai. I looked over at Zuko. Mai, I forgot about that. And what am I doing? He is going to be with her, and I am going to be stuck with these feelings I've let myself slip into.

He must have noticed me staring at him, "What?" he growled.

"Nothing, go back to your fiery ninja madness," I started to slip but caught myself again.

It wasn't too long before Iroh walked out onto the deck "Is everything okay? It's been almost an hour and you haven't given the men an order." I was going to wait until Uncle Iroh talked to him before I said anything to him.

"I don't care what they do." Zuko snapped then continued to brood.

"Don't give up hope yet. You can still find the Avatar before Zhao." Iroh tried his best to encourage Zuko.

Fussy pants just turned back to Iroh. The fear and desperation in Zuko's face hit me right in the feels, "How, Uncle? With Zhao's resources, it's just a matter of time before he captures the Avatar." He turned back to the sea and whispered, "My honor, my throne, my country, I'm about to lose them all." Iroh must have thought that Zuko still needed some time so he left without another word.

I stood on the side of the ship next to him and waited for Iroh to get back inside the ship, "Nice work fussy pants. I couldn't have done it better myself."

He looked up at me from the corner of his eye trying not to grin, "You don't think I went too far?"

"No, it was perfect. I thought you were really serious for a moment there. I honestly wanted to hug you." I put my hands together and bowed my head to him, "You have learned well, my young appearance. You know you really remind me of someone."

"And who might that be?" He was trying his best not to grin.

I held out my arms towards him to help me down, "Anakin Skywalker."

He caught me by my waist and I put my hands on his shoulders, "Isn't he…."

"Yes," I cut him off, "he is the chosen one; he is the one who will bring balance to the Force." I loved it when he would help me off of stuff. It made me feel so cute and girly, and not to mention that Zuko was pretty much holding me. I mean come on, every fangirl's dream.

He turned around and set me down, "You never finished telling me that story. I still don't know how Darth Vader killed Anakin. He must not have been a very good Chosen One if he could be killed so easily." I'm telling him the Star Wars saga in the original order 4, 5, 6 then 1, 2, 3. to be continued….

"Blasphemy, how dare you say such things, Zuko? Clearly, I still have much to teach you. I'll tell you more about the War of the Stars when we get done with all this Blue spirit business," I patted his shoulder. "I think this time I need to go with you, well, only part of the way."

"That's too risky. What if someone found you?"

"That's why we will find a safe spot for me to wait for you, a rendezvous point."

"I don't like it. What if something happens to you?"

I turned and caught him by the collar, "Then you'll just have to come rescue me. Will you be my prince in shining armor?"

He just raised his eyebrow at me.

"Never mind," I turned back to the ship then looked back at him again, "you will come and rescue me right?"

"I'd have to think about it," He grinned.

"Ha ha very funny," I walked down the hall and headed to his quarters. "Ok, so let's figure this out."

He opened the door for me and followed me inside, "I think I understand everything. I'm looking forward to making Zhao look like the fool he really is."

"That's the spirit." I lightly punched his arm.

"And you're sure he will have the Avatar tonight?" he looked the Blue Spirit mask out from where he had been hiding it.

"Yes, I'm positive. I'm going to help you find him as best I can." I sat down on his bed and picked up the mask. "You just have to be careful. Zhao isn't going to let Aang go without a fight."

"I know," he took his dual broadswords off the wall. "Do you really believe you'll be able to do that projecting think that you were trying to do last time?"

"I don't know," I stared down at the mask, "but at least I'll be able to keep in touch with you and warn you of what I know. I'll let you get ready."

He was pretty sneaky. He wore his black stealth suit under his normal uniform and armor. Everyone was on the main deck enjoying music night, so we were able to sneak out with ease. The hardest part was finding a safe place close enough to the stronghold for me to hide. We settled on a cave at the foot of one of the northwest mountains.

"I'll go the same way I got in last time. There are fewer guards at the northwest gate because of the mountains." Zuko explained as I took his hair down out of his ponytail. Then he stood up and pulled on his hood.

"That won't be necessary. There is going to be a supply wagon coming by the main road. You can hitch a ride." I walked over to the mouth of the cave. "See that tower? That's where Aang is being held. I'll look ahead and find you the fastest way in."

He nodded as he walked over next to me, "Why do you always call him that?"

"What? Oh, Aang? That's his name. I don't like titles, remember? I don't call you prince, to me you're Zuko," I turned and faced him. "Be careful and if you plan on getting out of there you can't think of Aang as the enemy right now. Zhao is the enemy! You and Aang have to work together, ok?"

"I know what to do, Felicity. When this is over he goes back to being my target." It almost seemed like he was reminding himself more than me.

"The sun is setting, you need to get going." I grabbed his arm as he was putting on his mask.

"You just said I needed to…."

He still wasn't used to hugging, but what can I say, I'm a hugger. "Please be careful." I knew he was going to be fine, but I was still worried about him. I wrapped my arms around his waist and pressed head to his chest. Man, he makes me feel so short. Why do you have to be so tall and…perfect?

"Felicity?" There was something about how he said my name that made me worry.

Oh God, you heard me? He just chuckled quietly. Ah, fudge! I pulled away quickly and straightened my shirt, trying to brush off the awkward moment.

He didn't say anything, just grinned and put on his mask. 'I'll be back before sunrise, but just in case I'm not, get back to the ship before someone finds you.'

'I will.' I nodded and he left. I walked back to the back of the cave where he had made me a fire. I had some simple supplies: bread, water, and a sleeping bag. It was going to be a long night.

ZUKO'S POV

Everything was going according to plan. Just like Felicity had said, there was a supply wagon on its way to the fortress. Getting into the wagon was easy enough, almost too easy. It took me into the first courtyard. Now All I had to do was find my way into the inner walls.

'You're in.' It wasn't a question, Felicity knew I made it in. 'It will be pretty clear. The only guards you will run into are the ones actually guarding Aang. All the others are in the courtyard for Zhao's victory speech.'

That explains why it is so easy. Now be quiet and let me think.' I heard her make a huffing sound as she did as I asked.

As soon as the wagon stopped the guards began unloading. As soon as their backs were turned I ran out. At first I was a bit worried about finding somewhere to hide, but it was dark enough for me to slip by unseen.

Felicity was right; I didn't come across but a handful of guards on my way through. Most of them were so focused on the speech Zhao was giving; so I was able to stealthily infiltrate the fortress. Zhao was letting his capture of the Avatar get to his head. His arrogance was his biggest mistake.

'How many guards are guarding the Avatar?'

'Four, it's nothing that you can't handle.' She didn't sound worried. 'Wait no five. Sorry I forgot one.'

I was able to sneak into the tower by a drain at the back of the tower. It was a straight shot from there to where the Avatar was being held. The guards were nothing at all. I didn't even use firebending on them, but I still was able to take them down with ease. The last one, I used a bucket of water and that was it. I thought it was best if I didn't use firebending. If I did, Zhao might figure out that it was me who freed the Avatar.

'Ok, fussy pants, get Aang so we get out of here. Try not to scare him too much.'

'I told you to stop talking so I could think,' I found the keys on one of the guards. 'And don't huff at me, that is distracting too.' I opened the large, melted door after I heard the lock click. I removed the Avatar's shackles with a quick swing of my broadswords.

"Who are you? What's going on? Are you here to rescue me?" The Avatar stared at me.

I just motioned for him to follow me.

"I'll take that as a "yes." He just shrugged and followed me.

'I have him,' I waited for a moment, but she didn't answer. 'Felicity? Felicity, can you hear me?' Still nothing, it really started to make me worry. What if someone found her? 'Felicity, are you okay? Talk to me!' I almost lost my composure and yelled out loud at her in front of the Avatar.

'Sorry, fussy pants, did you need me for something?' She yawned.

The Avatar and I were sneaking through the tower, I was just glad he couldn't hear in my head like she did. 'Where were you? I thought something happened to you…. What happened?'

'You told me not to talk to you, remember?' She had a smart tone to her voice, 'How's your thinking going? I'd love to hear all about it.'

'Now is not the time, Felicity! I have the Avatar,' I was going to kill her when this was over.

'Sounds great, but question, do you want me to talk now or what?'

Grrrr…. 'Yes, what is my next move?'

'Honestly, fussy pants, I'm going to have to cut you off. I know you are smarter than this.' I could hear her giving me that look she always had.

'Just answer the question!'

'Ok, it's pretty complicated, but here goes. Get out.' She whispered the last two words.

'Felicity!'

'What? Just go back the way you came and when you get out of the fortress keep your head down.' She voice suddenly became serious. 'Please, keep your head down. Remember, Zhao has the Yuyan archers. I'm going to be quiet so you can focus, just remember to keep your head down, and get back here to me.'

I will never admit this to her, but I hated it when she sounded so serious. It wasn't like her at all. Felicity was and always needed to be happy and carefree. I never wanted to see her serious or sad ever again. If she could smile and keep that light laugh forever I would be content.

I did as she said and led the Avatar out the way I came, but it wasn't that easy. As we were climbing the rope to get up the third wall, a soldier appeared at the top of the wall. He cut the rope and we fell back down to the ground, but before landing the Avatar bent the air so we landed softly. When the dust cleared, I unsheathed my swords and we ran.

"Stay close to me!" the Avatar shouted to me.

The third gate was closed in front of us, and it was blocked by many soldiers. The Avatar airbent a huge blast of air that blew all of the soldiers out of our way and he made his way to the gate. I was surrounded by soldiers and had to stop to fend them off. Luckily he turned and saw that I was in trouble. He grabbed a spear from a guard near him, airbent him out of the way, and broke the head off the spear on the ground. Suddenly the Avatar was behind me and he catapulted me in the air. I managed to land on the top of the third wall, but was instantly surrounded.

The Avatar appeared and hooked his legs under my arms, using a stick, he made us fly through the air. As we passed overhead I used my swords to knock the spears sent up at us by the guards. We barely made it to the top of the next wall. The Avatar dropped the broken spear he had been using and ran for it but a guard stopped him. While the guard was distracted I jumped him from behind and threw him over the wall. The Avatar airbent the other guards off the wall.

It was nonstop after that we did everything we could to escape. We used their bamboo ladders to try to "walk" across the courtyard, but Zhao firebenders set them on fire. We jumped for the wall but didn't make it. We landed at the base of the gate and the firebenders attacked. The Avatar managed to airbend the flames away.

"Hold your fire! The Avatar must be captured alive!" Zhao ordered.

That's it! I instantly came up behind the Avatar and crossed my swords in front of his throat.

Zhao had no choice, "Open the gate."

Shinu instantly protested, "Admiral, what are you doing?"

Zhao barked again, "Let them out, now!"

As the gates opened, I backed away with my blades still at the Avatar's throat.

It's over. I continued to back away. I kept my head down just as Felicity said. Everything was going perfect…

FILI'S POV

"Zuko!" I jumped up. No, no, no, no, no! That idiot! He didn't keep his head down far enough. I have to go find him. I had to somehow get to him and Aang, but I didn't know where they were.

I poured water on the fire and ran out of the cave. I knew I wouldn't be able to link up to Aang while I was running, but maybe if I headed in the direction of the road I would be able to find them.

Be careful, Fili, Zhao is going to be out looking for them too. I couldn't worry about that now. I had to find Zuko.

I wasn't sure how long I searched, but I knew one thing, I was hopelessly lost. I hadn't ever made it to the road. I didn't even know how I was going to make it back to the ship.

I have to link up with Zuko. The sun will be up soon and he will wake up. Then he will find me, and we will make it back to the ship together as planned.

I found a good spot at the base of a tree and sat down. Unfortunately it wasn't as easy this time. I was worried and tired, plus I left my phone with Zuko's clothes. Oh well, I had to do what I had to do.

Ok, ok, ok, ok, Fili, just breathe. Just calm down and breathe.

'Zuko? Please wake up and come find me!'

Why was it taking him so long to reach him? The only thing I could think of was that he must still be knocked out. I can't worry about that, he's with Aang. Aang will keep him safe until he comes to.

'Wake up! Wake up! Wake up! Wake UP! Damn it, Zuko. Answer me!'

Dear God, I'm having a panic attack. Well, I think. I've never had one before…

"Well, well, well!" I heard a deep, smug voice come from behind me.

I jumped up and turned around. Oh God, no!

I heard an evil laugh, "Hello,my dear Lady Izumi. Good to see you again and so far from home…"

CLIFF HANGER! BAWHAHAHAHA! So, I hope you guys liked the twist I put on this chapter and this Episode. You know I couldn't have our Sassy-frass Heroin sitting on the ship the whole time waiting for her fussy pants to return. Then again I didn't want her following him into the fortress and slowing him down, or distracting him with her oh so tempting, sweet, sassy-frassness hahaha! Well let me know what you think of it, and let me know what you think just happened to Fili! I'm so excited to hear you guys' thoughts on this chapter!

Review or message me…. I WANT TO KNOW YOU'RE THOUGHTS!

Love you all! Until next time!