Chapter Three: Fire

Author's Note: I do not own "Avatar: The Last Airbender" or anything related to it. I do, however, own my characters. If you steal them or borrow them without my "Yes." I will hunt you down. Thank you for your time. Oh, and if you do not like this, you don't have to read it! I will not force you or beg you.

Author's Second Note: I am sure many of you are wondering why the rating for this story has been bumped up to "T" and not "K+" like the other two. Well, I figured that since this installment would be intense and obviously contain some kind of death, the rating should be bumped. THAT IS ALL! There are no adult themes in the sense that there are sensual scenes. Shakes head No, no, no! I don't do that. I leave that up to your imagination if you wanted that…. O.o I just want to be clear with the rating so you don't think I put adult scenes because I didn't - just probably more violence, more emotional issues, and possible death. We clear on this?

Dedication: This story is dedicated to Sayko and Mara. Both are my buddies, sister-figures, and great people to talk to. This story is for you guys! And to my: readers, reviewers and friends.

Full-Length Summary: "Chapter Three: Fire": Avatar Artymis must continue her journey with her family and friends to take down the Fire Lord to set the balance to the world and restore peace. Katara, Sokka, Toph, and Anduril try to comfort and guide the young airbender but they have realized they can't baby her anymore as they have and must let her grow up on her own. Artymis, now sixteen, has to grow up and understand that she is now a woman, not the foolish headstrong teenager she was. She is determined to set the score with the Fire Lord but she has come to realize that she has to kill him; as well as Azula and… Zuko. Artymis can't find it in her broken heart to kill her old love. But she's willing to do whatever it takes to restore peace and prosperity. Meanwhile, Prince Zuko has returned home with his sister as the prince he once was. His father is extremely pleased with him, something that Zuko always wanted but now feels nothing for. He fights an inner battle of good and evil that has been going on since his betrayal to Iroh and Artymis in Ba Sing Se. However, as the date of Sozin's Comet comes closer, everyone will choose their destiny and play their part in the final battle.

-Awake-

Avatar Artymis' opened her eyes. She blinked several times to adjust to the light; she didn't remember that last time she had seen any light. Artymis slowly sat up on her bed and became aware that she was wrapped in bandages from her abdomen and up, covering her chest. She also had some bandages around her leg calves, shoulder, and around her wrists. She was wearing loose brown pants and her hair was tied in a messy braid. Artymis finally took in her surroundings and gasped when she saw it was adorned in Fire Nation. She turned around to see a long tapestry with the Fire Nation insignia.

"Oh no!" She scrambled out of bed painfully. She grabbed her staff and a black loose shirt. She pulled the shirt on and used her staff to walk to the door. She opened the metal latch and peered outside in the hall. Not a soul. She opened the door enough to squeeze out and quietly closed it. She leaned against the wall and limped towards the corridor. She turned around the corner but quickly press herself against the wall before completely turning the corner.

There were two Fire Nation soldiers down the hallway. One, a very tall and large built soldier, and another, a tiny one. The tall soldier was holding a club and quietly chatting with the tiny soldier.

What strange heights for Fire Nation soldiers, Artymis thought as she took another peek at them. I thought they were suppose to a few at least a few inches taller than me on an average. She turned her head away."I gotta get out of here." She whispered, perhaps a bit too loudly.

"You hear something?"

Crap!

Artymis turned the corner and swung her staff to bend a strong gust of wind to the soldiers. She then made a run for it. She ran past the soldiers and made her way through the halls.

"Stop!" One of the soldiers shouted. "Come back!"

She felt pain up her legs as she ran, but she'd rather feel that than be imprisoned. But, she thought. I don't remember the Fire Nation imprisoning me. I remember flying on Appa….. Had they caught up to us and now we're being shipped off to the Fire Lord?

She saw a small flight of stairs leading up to the deck. She climbed the stairs a little too fast so she ended up falling onto the deck as soon as she had gone up the steps. Her staff slipped from her hand and slid across the deck. She tried to get up and heard a familiar chirp. She lifted her face to come face-to-face with Momo.

"Momo?" She blinked. She slowly sat up. "What are you doing here? Where are the others?" She looked beyond Momo to see two men dressed in Fire Nation attire. "Bato?" She called out.

Bato turned around and smiled when he saw her. "Artymis." He walked over to her.

"I don't understand.." She said in a low voice as Bato helped her to her feet.

"We'll explain what has happened." The other man said, following Bato. Artymis recognized him as Hakoda, Sokka and Katara's father.

"Doll Face!" A voice cried from happiness. Artymis turned her head around to see Katara and Toph, in red cloaks, running to her. Toph ran up to her and embraced her lovingly. "I missed you!"

Artymis wince a bit from pain but she hugged the earthbender with equal affections. She looked up and saw everyone: Bato, Hakoda, Katara, Momo, and three Fire Nation soldiers. Two of them not wearing masks she recognized as the former Freedom Fighters Pipsqueak and The Duke. She gave them all confused looks.

I'm glad you're finally awake, Sleeping Beauty.

Artymis let go of Toph and turned to her right to see Anduril and Appa; Anduril smiling at her with relief and joy. A smile lit her face. But before she could say anything, a masked Fire Nation soldier came and wrapped his arms around her shoulders, giving her a soft little squeeze. "Good to see you with the living, Art - OW!" He backed off and turned to Katara who glared at him angrily.

"Sokka?" Artymis rubbed her eyes and looked at them all again. "Please tell me this is just a dream."

"No," Katara said with a smile. "Its not. We're so glad to have you back, Art."

"What happened in Ba Sing Se?" Artymis asked immediately. "And to the King? What happened to all those people? Has the Fire Nation -"

"Art, calm down." Katara said softly.

"Yeah," Sokka lifted his mask. "We'll explain everything now that you're good!"

"Why don't I feel so good?" Artymis muttered. She placed her hand on the side of her head and felt quite unbalanced. Her vision started to blur.

"Uh-oh!" Toph warned.

"Somebody catch her!" Too late, Artymis passed out.

They all gathered around her. Katara looked at Bato, "Do you have an extra cloak? She might catch a cold."

"I'll go find one." Bato said and walked down below the deck.

"She's pretty dizzy," Sokka said.

Katara glared at him. "Of course she is! Its been almost four weeks since Ba Sing Se!"

"Of course she's gonna be confused and timid, Ponytail Guy." Toph said, kneeling down next to her sister.

Sokka groaned in frustration. "Here." Bato came back with a cloak.

Katara pulled it around Artymis' shoulders and laid her back on the floor. "Thanks, Bato." She said.

"She might want a good meal when she wakes up again," Hakoda pointed out.

"We'll do it!" The Duke said. He and Pipsqueak ran below deck to the kitchen.

"Doll Face likes fruits and veggies!" Toph shouted after them, "No meat!"

"Got it!" Pipsqueak yelled.

Katara felt her father stand behind her, "Dad, we could use some space here, you know?" She said in a rather snobbish voice.

Hakoda, familiar with this attitude towards him from his daughter, nodded. "I should keep on the lookout. Bato, join me." He and Bato walked to the front of the ship and discussed matters quietly between themselves.

Katara, Sokka, Toph, and Anduril watched Artymis sleep.

"You know," Sokka broke the silence. "I've been thinking…"

"That's a first." Toph muttered.

Sokka ignored her. "Maybe what happened in Ba Sing Se is part of, I don't know, our fault?"

"We all share the blame," Katara said. Toph nodded in agreement.

"No - I mean, think about it." Sokka said with a serious expression, "We baby Art."

"We don't baby her!" Katara argued, "We act as friends should!"

"Katara, you're the one who babies her the most!" Sokka accused.

"What?" Katara narrowed her eyes.

"Come on, Katara!" Sokka said. "You make excuses for her all the time!"

"Do not!"

"Do to!"

"Do not!"

"Quiet!" Toph hissed. "Anduril wants to say something and you'll wake up Doll Face."

The siblings turned to Anduril. I do believe what Sokka said: That perhaps we baby Artymis too much. She is already sixteen and has already entered womanhood. She needs to figure things out on her own and she needs to grow up.

Katara lowered her face. "Oh," She said in a disappointing tone. "I see."

But that doesn't mean you all can love her like before, Anduril said. We just need to let her answer her own questions and take responsibility for her own actions.

"Well, that sounds good." Toph said, "I mean, I wouldn't separate from her."

Anduril smiled.

"I guess," Katara said, slowing understanding. "I guess we should let her realize some things on her own." She glanced at Artymis.

Sokka nodded in agreement. "And, we have to grow up too. I mean, we're gonna face some decisions that we thought we never had to face."

"Like what?"

"Like… Like…"

"Like killing." Toph said in a quiet voice.

There was a silence that no one wanted to break. They all never really were for murder with or without intention. But now, they knew. They knew that it wasn't gonna be a beating; it was going to be death.

Sokka, not standing the silence any longer, broke it with a completely different subject question: "So, when was Art's sixteenth birthday?"

Prince Zuko stared out at the full moon from the deck of the ship. He sighed; he was going home after three years now. Azula had told him that he was going to be the Crown Prince he was before, with his honor restored. Zuko was not going to deny that he was pleased that there was a chance his father would accept him back, but he didn't feel as overjoyed as he would've months ago. Instead, he felt guilt. He betrayed Uncle Iroh - the only one who was truly his father - and Artymis - the only girl he loved and who loved him back.

Zuko leaned his elbows on the rail and sighed again.

"Did I make the right choice?" He whispered to himself. He ran his hairs in his long hair. I don't know what to do!

Artymis stirred out of her sleep and she opened her eyes to see a few faces around her. "You know, I'd like to breathe."

"Sorry." They all backed up.

Artymis sat up and pulled the cloak closer. "Um, lets try this again: What's going on?"

"You want the whole lay out or go piece by piece?" Toph asked.

"How about I ask questions and after I'm done, you guys fill in the rest?" Artymis said.

"Sounds good." Sokka said, "What's your first question?"

"Why are we on a Fire Nation dressed like Fire Nation people?"

"Well, after Azula took over Ba Sing Se, we knew we had to get out there fast." Sokka began, "So we rode on Appa and Anduril to the Bay to meet up with my dad. After the whole explanation, we decided to use one of the ships he and other warriors captured and sail to the Fire Nation in disguise for the Solar Eclipse."

"But the Earth Kingdom is gone now, and the King -" Artymis stopped. She looked around, "Where's the King?"

"The King decided to travel the world with his pet bear in disguise," Toph answered.

"Oh, well, at least someone's enjoying themselves." Artymis muttered. "I have another question now: What are we going to do about the Solar Eclipse?"

"Well, we decided to proceed with the attack on that day." Katara said.

"We're traveling west," Sokka pulled out a map and pointed around where they were. "We crossed through the Serpent's Pass a few days ago."

"No trouble at all?"

"None," Sokka shook his head. "We have passed a few Fire Nation ships, but none have bothered us."

"Ok, but what about the invasion? We don't exactly have an army." Artymis pointed out.

"Ponytail Guy and Hakoda worked on a modified version of the invasion plan." Toph said.

"You mean Sokka's invasion plan," Katara corrected her in an annoyed tone.

Artymis glanced at her. She wanted to ask what was up with her but decided to stay on the same subject to avoid confusion. "So, we're going to invade the Fire Nation by ourselves?"

"Not exactly," Sokka grinned. "We've rallied up some old friends and allies - not to mention new allies - and even though we won't be a massive force, we still have a fighting chance since the enemy will be vulnerable on the day of Black Sun." He turned around and pointed to Pipsqueak and The Duke. "We already got Pipsqueak and The Duke!"

"Hey, Arty," Pipsqueak said. "Its good to see you again."

The Duke smiled at her.

Artymis smiled back. Even though they were Freedom Fighters and had lend a hand in destroying a Fire Nation city with Jet, she was willing to trust them if Sokka and the others were.

"And the best part of this invasion is that the eclipse isn't our biggest advantage!" Sokka said with a wide grin.

"What is our greatest advantage besides the black sun that makes mean firebenders powerless?" Artymis asked with a raised eyebrow; she was unaware of what was going on behind her back. Katara and Toph made notions by slicing their finger across their neck and shaking their heads to Sokka.

Don't! Katara mouthed to her brother.

Surprisingly, Sokka did not notice them. "Our biggest advantage and secret is: You!"

Katara slapped her forehead. Toph shook her head.

"Me?" Artymis said. "Sokka, I think everyone knows that."

"No because the whole world thinks you're dead!" He stood up and raised his arms in triumph. He looked down at her, "Isn't that great?!"

Artymis stared at him in shock. "What?" She cried out, "The world thinks I'm dead?!" She stood up. "How is that a good thing when its terrible?!"

Sokka blinked before explaining. "It means the Fire Nation won't hunt us anymore and they won't expect you on the day of Black Sun."

Artymis shook her head and covered her ears. "No, no, no, no, no!" She dropped her hands and looked at him. "This is so bad!" She walked past him, shaking her head again. She dropped on her bottom and pulled her knees to her chest but decided against it when the pain came back. She looked up to see Anduril.

I know you don't want it but Sokka is right. The Fire Lord won't expect you that day.

"How is it a good thing?!" Artymis shouted. She groaned in annoyance. She looked back up at him, "Sorry, big brother."

That is fine. But I think I shall keep Appa some company.

Ok, she said. I think I need some time to kinda clear up some things.

I thought that, Anduril gave her one last hug with his snout before returning to the bison.

Katara sat down next to her. "I know you must be upset -"

"Very." Came the reply.

"- But Sokka's right." Katara finished.

Artymis sighed, "In a way, he is. But I don't -"

"Is everything ok?" Hakoda stood by.

Artymis was about to reply but Katara beat her: "We're fine, Dad." She said in an annoyed tone while looking away.

Hakoda overlooked the rudeness of his daughter and turned to Artymis. "I'm Hakoda, Katara and Sokka's father." He offered the airbender his hand.

"She knows who you are; I just called you 'Dad', didn't I?" Katara snapped.

Hakoda had a brief expression of hurt in his blue eyes. "I suppose you're right."

"Nice to officially meet you, Chief Hakoda." Artymis shook his hand to avoid an awkward silence. She smiled, "Its an honor to finally meet you, sir."

Hakoda smiled softly. "It is also an honor to meet you, Avatar -"

"Artymis." The airbender corrected. "Or, Art for short." She made another smile.

"Ok, ok." Katara's annoyed tone came back. "Now you guys have finally met." She looked up at her dad with narrowed eyes, "Can you please give us some privacy, Dad?"

Hakoda was taken back. "Of course." He walked off to pet Appa and talk to Anduril.

Artymis turned to Katara. "Are you mad with your dad or something?" She asked.

Katara blinked and turned to her with a genuine confused expression. "Why? No, not at all. Why would you say that?"

"Maybe because you were just extremely rude to him right now," Artymis casually pointed out. She immediately groaned and hugged herself in pain.

"Maybe we should go downstairs," Katara suggested. "You need a healing session." She turned around, "Toph, come and give me a hand?"

"No problem." Toph helped Katara take Artymis below deck towards her room.

"You know," Artymis said as they walked. "I was never really on a Fire Nation ship unless it was controlled by one person."

"Who?" Toph asked.

Artymis' expression was of sadness but she forced a small a smile. "I don't remember the name now."

Toph could tell she was lying but kept her silence. Katara knew who she meant and decided not to say anything since her sister has obviously decided not to mention the name. She opened the latch to Artymis' bedroom door and helped her sister in. "Lets get you on the bed." She closed and locked the door.

Artymis sat on the bed and Toph took a seat in a chair close to her bed. Artymis took off her shirt and laid down on her stomach, her cheek pressed against her pillow. Katara came over and opened up the bandages on her back. She saw the wound on her back, it did look better but it still looked terrible.

"The scar's from Azula, isn't it?" Artymis asked quietly.

"Yes." Katara bended water from two bowels on the table and placed it over the wound.

"I say we give that princess a nasty one the next time we see her," Toph muttered.

Artymis' mouth twitched into a smile at the suggestion. "That does sound like a nice comeback." There was a quiet moment. "How long was I out?" She asked.

"About four weeks," Toph answered. She grinned a bit. "Miss I-turned-sixteen-two-weeks-ago."

Artymis blinked and stared at her. "How did you know?"

"Anduril told us," Katara said as she continued the healing process. "So, happy late birthday." She gave her a small smile.

The airbender smiled. "Thanks."

"What shall we do for your birthday?" Toph leaned her head against the wall.

"Nothing." Artymis answered. "We have other important matters at hand."

"More important than a little birthday celebration?" Katara asked.

"Yes."

"Come on, Doll Face!" Toph slumped her shoulders. "At least a little food?"

"No," Artymis smiled teasingly. Her expression changed to one of intense pain as Katara pulled the healing water away from her wound. She buried her face in the pillow, giving a sound of pain. Flashes of her being struck by lightning came back. Azula had killed her and she was running in darkness. The next memory was of her waking up then falling back asleep.

"Art!" Katara nearly screamed.

"I'm… fine." Artymis stuttered. She lifted her face from the pillow. "It was just… painful." She looked at her sisters. "I died, didn't I?" She asked them.

Toph looked uneasy and she looked away, "You left us."

"How'd I come back?"

"I used the spirit water from the Oasis from the North Pole," Katara clarified her confusion. "I don't know how I did it. But after I used it, nothing happened."

Artymis frowned slightly. "Nothing happened with the Oasis Water? Then, what did bring me back?"

"Toph was sort of screaming for you to come back," Katara muttered.

"I wasn't screaming," Toph lied. "I was just, um…"

"She was begging and screaming for you to come back."

Artymis laid her head on her pillow. "I remember someone calling out to me," She said. Katara put some fresh bandages on her. "I followed it and, well, I remember flying on Appa." She paused, "I guess you both brought me back." When Katara was done with the bandages, the sixteen-year-old sat up and put back the loose shirt again.

Toph couldn't stand it anymore. She ran towards her and held her close. "Please don't leave us again," She whispered.

Artymis embraced her softly. "I won't leave any of you again." Katara sat next to her and she smiled.

"Promise?" Toph asked.

"I promise." Artymis swore.

"We should probably go upstairs for some fresh air," Katara suggested. "Plus, I think Sokka would like to tell you about the invasion plan."

Toph pulled away and Artymis nodded. "I think I would very much like the fresh air." She walked up to the deck with her sisters and they found Sokka sitting on a cargo box, eating from a bowel. "So, Sokka." Artymis took a seat one of the cargo boxes near him. "What's the invasion plan?"

Sokka had a grin from ear-to-ear. "Ok, here's our plan…"

In the capital of the Fire Nation, on the highest balcony of the royal plaza, Lo and Li were seated. They faced the large crowd of Fire Nation citizens. Together, they announced the most splendid news:

"Your Princess Azula, beautiful and clever, disguised herself as our enemy and entered the Earth Kingdom's capital. In Ba Sing Se, she found her brother, Prince Zuko. Together they faced the Avatar and the Avatar fell, and the Earth Kingdom fell. Princess Azula's agents quickly overtook the entire city by bringing down the Great Walls of Ba Sing Se. The armies of the Fire Nation surged through the wall and swarmed over Ba Sing Se, securing our victory!"

Behind them, the large archway of flames, revealed two dark figures waiting.

"And now," Li and Lo continued. "The heroes have returned home: Your Princess Azula!"

Princess Azula, in Fire Nation Royal attire lined with gold, stepped forth to the edge of the balcony, hearing the crowd's cheer. A sly smirk on her red lips.

"And after three long years, your Prince Zuko has returned!"

Prince Zuko walked out to the balcony and faced the crowd like his sister did. He sullenly gazed over the cheering citizens. He looked so different. His hair, long enough now, was pulled into the high bun like a Crowned Prince would have it, and tied with a golden Fire Nation insignia. His uniform was looked much like Azula's, only more masculine. The cheers of the citizens was quite distant to his ears.

After the welcoming party, Zuko wanted some peace and quite. So he changed into some comfortable clothes and sat cross-legged at the edge of the pond in the Royal Gardens. He had a piece of bread in his hands and was watching the turtle-ducks swim around. When they came close enough, Zuko tore the bread into small pieces before throwing it into the pond. The mother turtle-duck and her ducklings swam to the floating pieces of bread to feed on.

A small smile played on his mouth, but it was gone when he saw Azula's shadow over the turtle-ducks who swam away, quacking in fear.

Wish I could go with you, the prince thought. He looked up at his sister. "What do you want, Azula?" He asked.

"You hurt my feelings, Zuko." Azula pressed a hand on her chest, as if hurt. She walked around him, her red dress trailing a bit behind her. "You look so downcast."

"I haven't seen Dad yet." Zuko said, "I haven't seen him in three years - since I was banished."

"So?" Azula rolled her eyes, already annoyed.

"So, I didn't capture the Avatar."

"Oh but you did," Azula teased. "You captured her heart."

Zuko glared at her. "No I didn't!"

"Oh please, Zuzu." Azula gave him a look, "It was so obvious you loved her, but not enough in the end. I'm glad for you though." She noticed he was still looking gloomy. "Oh, who cares about her? She's dead." She pressed her tongue against her teeth before saying, "Unless you think she's somehow miraculously survived."

Zuko immediately remembered what the waterbender said in the catacombs of Ba Sing Se. Wasn't it something called Oasis Water? He looked down and away from his sister. "No, there's no way she could've survived."

Azula stared Zuko down. He matched her with a glare. To his surprise, she began to take her leave. "Well then, you have nothing to worry about."

Zuko stared after his sister, shocked that she was leaving so calmly. He narrowed his eyes. She's up to something.

"Sounds like a plan." Artymis complimented.

"Thank you!" Sokka took another sip from his soup.

"I guess you're a lot smarter than I took you for," Artymis smirked.

Sokka frowned. "Not funny." The girls laughed. The laughter stopped when they heard a horn. Everyone on the deck turned around to see another Fire Nation ship approaching them up ahead.

"Old fashioned away?" Artymis stood up, her hands balled into fists.

"Art, wait!" Sokka pulled her back. "They think we're Fire Nation!" He put his hand on her shoulder to hold her back.

She sighed reluctantly. "So now what?" She asked.

"You all gotta go down below deck," Hakoda instructed them. "Bato and I will take care of this." He turned to the others, "Everyone, just stay calm." He and Bato placed their Fire Nations helmets on.

Pipsqueak and The Duke covered Appa and Anduril, who sat in a large cargo pit, with a large blanket. Momo jumped into the pit just in time. Artymis and the others stayed low on the stairway below deck.

"I hate not being able to do anything when Fire Nation creeps are here!" Artymis hissed.

"Hopefully you won't have to do anything," Toph said.

"Perhaps," Artymis whispered.

"Shh!" Sokka warned them.

Katara covered his mouth with her hand and gave him a glare that said "Shut up or I'll shut you up."

"They're talking!" Toph whispered.

"Commander, why are you off course?" A Fire Nation Officer inquired. "All Western Fleet ships are to set toward Ba Sing Se to support the occupation."

Crap! Sokka mouthed.

"Actually, sir, we're from the Eastern Fleet." Hakoda's voice clamed the group's nerves. "We have orders to deliver some cargo."

"Ah," The Officer said. "Eastern Fleet. Well, it was extremely nice of Admiral Chan to let us know of this."

"I am sure Admiral Chan meant no disrespect, sir." Bato said.

"I mean, how hard is it to write a quick note and send a hawk our way?"

"He's such a whiner." Artymis muttered. She glared at Katara when she nudged her lightly in the elbow.

"Next time, we'll send two hawks to be sure you get the message sir." Hakoda reassured.

There was a short pause in which the group assumed they bowed to one another.

"That takes care of that!" Sokka laid back down, looking relaxed.

"Hold it, Ponytail Guy." Toph lifted a hand. She narrowed her eyes as she listened closely. She climbed up the stairs and jumped on the deck.

"Toph!" Artymis tried to grab her.

"They know!" The earthbender pointed at the Officer and his guards. She grabbed the metal and twisted it to bend a fracture in the metal bridge between their ship and the enemy's. The bridge buckled and the Officer and his guards fell into the water as the bridge gave out.

Katara ran up to an open space in the rail. She rose her arms and bended a small mountain of water up between the ships. She spun in a circle and thrust her arms towards the other ship. The water mountain slammed against the side of the enemy's ship, causing a large space between the two ships. The other ship tipped over and the men cried out in fear and started shouting orders.

Hakoda ordered their ship to quickly move while they had the chance. "Full speed!"

"Sokka, let me go!" Artymis struggled out of his grasp. "Everyone else is fighting!"

"Art, remember what we told you!" Sokka yelled.

Artymis, calm down! Anduril growled.

"Fine!" Artymis sat on the step, crossing her arms and pouting.

Meanwhile, the imposters tried to loose the Fire Nation hot on their trail. The enemy launched flaming rocks that came close but would hit the water instead. A few of them dented the side of the ship a few times. The passengers tried to regain their balance as the ship tipped a few times from the hits.

"We gotta get rid of those machines!" Katara pointed at the trebuchet on the ship.

"Leave it to me!" Toph entered earthbending stance.

"Here!" Pipsqueak set a large stone disc in front of Toph.

"Watch out!" She warned. She took two steps forward, slammed her left foot down, lifting the disc into the air. She turned around in a circle and shoved the disc with her palms towards the enemy ship. The flying disc hit one of the trebuchets and destroyed it.

"One more left!" The Duke said.

Toph launched another disc.

"Never mind," The Duke corrected himself. "You got it."

Toph smirked.

The ship suddenly shook. Katara ran to the rail and glanced down. She saw a puncture in the ship's side. She knew the ship would sink with that big of a leak. She waved her arms upwards and pushed her palms down towards the puncture while breathing freezing mist. The mist froze the hole, stopping any water from rushing in. "I'm gonna give us some cover!" She shouted at the others. In less than three minutes, a large cloud of mist surrounded the two ships. Katara used her bending to have the mist float behind their ship to cloud the enemy's view.

The ship suffered from another attack and shook violently. Artymis rushed outside.

"Artymis!" Sokka shouted. He ran after her and caught up with her. "Don't!" He pulled her back. "You're still hurt and you have to stay a secret. We can handle this."

"Doll Face, listen to him!" Toph urged.

Artymis shut her eyes briefly before storming back downstairs.

"Ok," Sokka said. "I think we're ok -" Out of nowhere, the entire ship heard a screech - one that the young heroes recognized. Sokka turned around slowly and his face fell when he saw the giant serpent that crossed their paths on the Serpent's Pass. "And the universe just loves to prove me wrong, huh?"

"That's only 'cause you make it so easy." Toph lightly joked.

"This isn't a time for jokes!" Sokka waved his arms in a panic.

Everyone embraced themselves for a big battle: One against the serpent and one against the enemy ship that could now spot them. As the serpent towered over the ship, a fireball from the enemy ship collided with its head. The serpent hissed before diving back in the water and resurfacing in front of the enemy ship. It wrapped itself around the front of the vessel and screeched.

Sokka blinked when he saw this as did the others. "Thank you universe!" He cheered.

Zuko sat by his bedroom window, looking out at the Fire Nation capital. He winced as he felt a pain on his back. He had been feeling it for the past few weeks, but that day the pain came intensely. Zuko didn't know if it was his guilty conscience. He had a strong feeling she was alive; the waterbender would've used the spirit water to revive her. But Zuko wasn't going to tell a soul. He wasn't going to be responsible for her death again, if she was truly alive.

He sighed.

She must hate me now, he thought. She must hate me because she thinks I planned her death. How was I suppose to know Azula would kill her on the spot and not take her to Father? I mean, why would she kill her if it means starting the search all over again?!

He mentally kicked himself. He didn't notice the servant standing at his doorway.

"Your Highness?"

Zuko turned around. "What do you want?"

The servant bowed, "Your Father wishes to see you in the throne room."

"You're dismissed." The servant left.

Zuko stared back out the window, feeling his stomach tied in a knot. His father. Taking a deep breath, the prince got up and made his way to the throne room, wondering was in store for him there.

Anduril informed Artymis that they made port at a merchants' pier. Let me guess, the airbender said in a dull tone. I have to stay here because I'm suppose to be dead. It was a question, it was a true statement.

Yes, Anduril said.

Figures.

You need to understand that everything is important - more than ever.

I know, its just hard. There was a knock on her door. "Come in," Artymis called out.

The door opened and Toph, Sokka, and Katara piled in.

"We're going into town to find some dinner." Toph said, "Want anything?"

"Food would be nice," Artymis smiled. She stood up.

"Wait." Sokka pointed at her Avatar necklace. "You need to leave it here."

"No!" Artymis clutched her necklace. "I'm not going out then if I can't wear my necklace!"

"Come on!" Sokka begged, "Be practical!"

"Actually," Artymis said. "I think I should stay here. I mean, I don't want to pass out in the middle of the street and raise suspicion."

Sokka took it into consideration. "Good idea!" He exited the room, "See you later!"

Toph turned to Artymis. "Want any specific food?"

"Fruits and vegetables are fine with me," Artymis said with a smile.

"OK," Katara and Toph started walking out together. "Get some rest, we got a long journey ahead of us."

"Alright, have a good time in town."

The door closed and Artymis laid back down on her bed. She played with her long hair; she suspected that her hair was almost down to her thighs. After a while, she left her hair alone and fingered her two necklaces. She held the Avatar necklace in the palm of her hand. She ran her fingers over it before leaving it alone too. Hesitantly, she lifted the necklace with the white piece of the Ying and Yang. She felt anger and sorrow caught in her throat as she fought back tears. She clutched it tightly and held it against her chest.

Why would he do that? she thought. Why would Zuko betray me like that after I hinted I wanted to start all over? What is it with me and romance?! She wiped the tears from her eyes.

At that moment, Artymis realized how much she longed for a normal life. A life where she didn't' have to worry about the world's balance or that she'll be dead if the Fire Nation found her - no, a life where she could just go to school and parties and flirt with boys around her age.

She buried herself under her blankets. But I can't have that life, she told herself.

Rather than stay alone in her room, she decided to go and visit Anduril and Appa. Using her staff to balance herself, she went to the cargo hold. Anduril and Appa turned to her when she entered.

Surprised I'm here? She asked.

A little but I had a feeling you'd come by, Anduril smiled.

Appa growled.

"Aw, I missed you too." She petted his furry head. She turned back to Anduril, "I need to talk to you." She sat on one of the cargo boxes.

What's on your mind?

"Well," She began. "Have you ever felt you wanted, I don't know, more out of life?"

Anduril gave her a peculiar look. Can you be more specific?

"Like, I don't want this life." Artymis confessed, "I want a normal life: A life where I can just go to school and hang out with the teenagers around my age and go out to parties or something!"

Anduril listened. And what of us?

"I know you think I don't love you all but I do its just I hate the circumstances!" She shouted, "I hate being the Avatar because so many lives depend on every move I make and one mistake can shatter their lives! I hate it so much!" She lowered her head and sobbed. She felt a hand on her shoulder; she assumed it was Katara or Toph. "I'm alright!" She cried.

"No," Another voice said. "You're not."

Artymis glanced up to see Hakoda. "Chief Hakoda?" She turned her face away and wiped her tears. She didn't want anyone to see her like this. "I'm sorry, I was just talking."

"It sounds more like you're crying." Hakoda said and sat on a box next to her. "Do you want to talk about it?"

Artymis was quiet for about half a minute. "I don't want this life." She confessed to him, "Don't get me wrong: I love Katara, Sokka, Toph and everyone, but I hate this weight on my shoulders. It presses down on me and I feel I can't breathe sometimes."

"It may feel like that sometimes," Hakoda said. "But know that everyone is here for you and will help you."

"And another thing, I don't want people to pay for my mistakes!" Artymis cried, "I know what I did wrong and I accept that, but I don't want to drag others into it!"

Hakoda looked at her and put a comforting arm around her shoulders like he would to his children.

"I'm sorry, I need to be alone!" Artymis ran out of the room.

Hakoda was surprised how fast she could run despite her injuries. He turned to the dragon. "She's going through a difficult time." Anduril nodded. Hakoda sighed, "I hope she finds her way."

I hope she does too, Anduril thought.

Zuko walked down the long hallway to the Fire Lord's throne room. He stopped in front of curtained archway. He stared at the Fire Nation curtain and took a deep breath. He braced himself as he parted the curtain and walked inside the dark throne room. He passed the pillars and stopped in front of a trench of fire that separated the Fire Lord from the rest of the room as he sat on his throne. Zuko kneeled down and bowed to his father.

There was a silence of five minutes.

"You have been away for a long time," Fire Lord Ozai began. "I see that the weight of your travels have changed you; you have redeemed yourself my son."

Zuko didn't life his face up but he could see the outline of his father standing up and walking around the trench of fire. The young prince braced himself for an attack but instead, received a welcome:

"Welcome home, my son."

Zuko felt a wave of shock. His father was actually welcoming him home. Three years ago, he would've been overjoyed and proud, but now, he felt confused and uninterested. Nonetheless, he listened to his father:

"I am proud of you, Prince Zuko, because your sister conquered Ba Sine Se and because when your loyalty was tested by your treacherous uncle, you did the right thing by capturing the traitor." Ozai continued, "And I am proudest of your most greatest and legendary accomplishment: You eliminated the Avatar."

Zuko blinked and his eyes widened with shock for a brief second. "What did you hear?" He asked.

"Azula told me everything." Ozai said, "She herself was amazed and impressed with your power and ferocity at your moment of truth." The Fire Lord did not see, but Zuko frowned. Azula was up to something.

Artymis took her glider and stood at the rear of the ship. The ship was back on the sea again. Artymis pulled her robe tighter, it was a little cold. She opened the wings of her glider and took a deep breath. She closed her eyes and whispered, "I'm sorry everyone. I have to do this alone." She balanced herself on the rail, braced herself, and jumped off the ship. She rode on her glider as she headed into the Fire Nation on her own.

Katara walked down the hallway with a tray of fruits and vegetables for Artymis. She opened the door to her bedroom. "Art, I brought down some food. Thought you'd be hungry." She entered the room with a bright smile but it gradually fell when she searched the room for her sister. "Oh no…" She dropped the tray, not caring the food spilled and went bad. She ran up to the deck and straight to Bato and Hakoda who were quietly discussing something.

The two men hushed when they saw the young waterbender stand in front of them, tears in her eyes.

"I'll leave you two alone," Bato said and walked away.

Hakoda turned to his daughter. "Katara, what's wrong?"

"She left!" Katara cried.

Hakoda didn't need her to tell him who left.

"Artymis has this ridiculous notion that she has to save the world alone - that its all her responsibility!" Katara said with frustration.

Hakoda remembered how the young Avatar sobbed in the cargo hold, asking for a normal life and how she didn't want anyone responsible for her mistakes. "Maybe that's her way of being brave to the world."

"Well, its not brave!" Katara cried, her face an expression of anger. "Its selfish and stupid of her!" She sniffled before continuing, although she wasn't talking about Artymis anymore: "I know how the world needs him, but doesn't he know much we need him too? How could he just leave us behind like that?!"

Hakoda immediately noticed the change of the nouns and let his daughter's words sink in. "You're talking about me, not her."

Katara lifted her teary blue eyes up at him. "How could you leave us behind, Dad? I mean, I know we had Gran Gran and she loved us but… But we were just so lost without you!" She hugged herself and sobbed.

Hakoda brought his arms around her. He closed his eyes and said in a sorrow tone: "I am so sorry, Katara…"

Katara embraced him tightly. "I understand why you left - I really do. And I know that you had to go, but why do I still feel this way? I'm so sad, angry, and hurt!"

"I want you to know that I love you more than anything - you and your brother are my entire world." Hakoda held her close. "I thought of you both every day and every night. I would lay awake in the night, missing you so much it would ache."

Katara buried her face in his chest, crying. She felt her father caress her and comfort her, saying how much he missed her and Sokka and how much he wished he didn't have to go. Katara knew very well the reason why he had to go but she felt so lost without her father. She had often felt that what had happened to her mother would happen to her father and she wasn't ready to lose another loved one. But now, she knew that that wouldn't happen. Her anger, a flame inside of her, extinguished out as she stood there in her father's arms.

After her talk with her father, Katara rushed to Sokka and Toph down in the cargo hold. She ran in and stopped to lean on a box. She gasped for breath. "Art's… gone."

"What?" Sokka turned to Anduril.

"I swear," Toph said. "I think we should tie her down when we leave her alone."

Katara regain her posture and looked at them. "I think we should probably go after her - not to baby her but to… I don't know." She held her head between her hands.

Sokka sighed. "We've gotta go. I know she needs time but family sticks together."

Anduril and the girls nodded in agreement.

Sokka turned to them. "Let's go."

Artymis resurfaced from the water after she passed the blockade of Fire Nation ships. She took deep and quick breaths. "I'm never ever, ever, ever going to do that again…" She swore to herself. She spotted a large piece of wood drifting on the water about ten yards away from her. She swam to it and held on to it as the waves carried her off. She looked up at the dark cloudy sky. She felt rain drops on her face and she closed her eyes, wondering when was the last time she ran out in the rain without a care in the world.

Unfortunately, the feeling of the rain on her face peacefully did not last for a violent wave caught her and plunged her beneath the surface. Artymis swam back up and held onto the drift wood. She clung to it and shut her eyes.

"I'm not gonna make it," She whispered. "I never had and never could - I failed."

"Artymis."

She looked up and opened her eyes to see the spirit of Avatar Roku three feet above the water in front of her.

"Roku?" She felt a mixed feeling of shame and hope.

"You have not failed." The older Avatar comforted.

"But the whole world believes I'm dead and I'm losing this war. I let the whole world down." Artymis hung her head.

Roku's expression turned to one of pity and of shame. "No. If anyone is to be blame for the current state of the world - it is me."

"I don't understand."

"I should've seen this war coming and prevented it." Roku sighed, "But it seems that you have inherited my problems and my mistakes. But I believe you are destined to not only redeem me but save the world."

Artymis looked away, "I don't know anymore." A light shone on her. She blinked and glanced up at the sky.

"You already saved the world, Artymis, a thousand times." Princess Yue, as the Moon Spirit, descended towards her. She had a soft smile and looked more beautiful than ever. "And you'll save the world again. But you can't give up."

"Yue, I can't do it!" Artymis argued. "How can I if I still act like a child?" She felt her arms around her.

Yue lifted her face up towards her own. "Because," Her voice was soothing. "I know your spirit - you're strong and determined and stubborn. You can do it, and you will do it. But you need to believe and keep going on with hope."

Artymis held onto her and she felt Yue hold her close. "How do I know if I can do it though?" A few tears escaped from her eyes.

"When you believe you are," Yue answered.

Artymis pulled away gently and looked at her with a smile. She nodded. "My story doesn't end here. I have to keep going and end it the right way, that includes saving the world… again."

"That's the Artymis I know." The Moon Spirit smiled.

"Thank you, Yue." She turned away and bended the water around herself and rode the drift wood like a surfboard. She bended the water behind her to gain speed.

Yue lifted her arms and commanded a large wave to push her friend farther. She turned to Avatar Roku. "Do you think that her story will end with the balance of the world?"

Roku hesitated. "Her story does not end with the balance of the world, rather, it will enter a new chapter."

Yue turned to back to the sea. "Good luck, Artymis." She then ascended back to the moon and Avatar Roku disappeared, hoping that the young Avatar would remember their words.

Zuko burst into his sister's bedroom, swinging the door open violently. He immediately saw his younger sister laying in her bed under the covers. He wasn't going to fall for her innocent act though. "What'd you do it?" He asked in a rough voice.

Azula, who was long awake before he came in, said with her eyes still closed. "You're going to have to be a little more specific, Zuzu."

"Why did you tell Father that I was the one who killed the Avatar?" Zuko asked her.

"Ugh," She groaned, sitting up and opening her eyes. "Can't this wait until morning?"

"No." Zuko narrowed his eyes, "It can't."

Azula looked at him and sighed when she saw he wasn't going to give up. "Fine." She said, "You seemed so worried about how Father would treat you because you didn't bring, oh, what's-her-face back to the Fire Nation. I figured that if I gave you the credit of you murdering her -"

"I didn't." Zuko stated sternly.

"- you'd have nothing to worry about." Azula calmly finished. She saw the still confused and suspicious expression on her brother's face. "Call it a generous gesture," She stood up and walked past him to stand behind him with her back to him. "I wanted to thank you for your help. It wasn't too bad to share the glory."

Zuko faced her. "You're lying."

Azula stretched and yawned. "If you say so, big brother."

"You have another motive for doing this 'generous gesture.' I just haven't figured out why."

She turned to him and saw that he was still watching her as if she would attack. She rolled her eyes. "Oh, please, Zuko. What ulterior motive could I have? What could I possibly gain by letting you get all of the glory for murdering the Avatar?" She stood by him and thought out loud: "Unless, somehow, the Avatar was actually alive." She waved her hand to shoo off the thought as she returned to her bed. "All that glory would turn to shame and dishonor. But, you did said that that was entirely impossible." She laid back down and closed her eyes.

Zuko stood there thirty seconds more before turning on his heel and walking out.

"Close the door on your way out and sweet dreams, Zuzu." Azula called out and heard the door slam violently, causing her to wince. She glared at the door.

Zuko walked to his own bedroom, wondering what could Azula's motive be on her little lie to their Father. He dressed into sleepwear and laid down, staring up at his bedroom's ceiling. He was wide awake when there was a small pain on his back. He laid on his stomach to avoid putting pressure on his back. He winced at the pain and came to a conclusion:

She's alive.

The sun's bright light woke Artymis from her sleep. She rubbed her eyes and sat up. Her eyes glanced around at her surroundings and she immediately remembered the island she was on: Crescent Moon Isle. She saw the ruined temple of Avatar Roku at the top and the lava trails from the active volcano spread out on the island like blood veins and disappeared into the sea. Luckily, she was on a part of the beach where lava wasn't flowing. Artymis remembered last night's events: Running away, Roku and Yue's wisdom, and fighting for survival on the sea in the storm. She rubbed her arms and felt something close by. She glanced up at the clear sky to see two very large and familiar creatures. A smile broke on her face when she saw Anduril and Appa land lightly on the ground. She ran to hug them both.

"You're alright!" Toph ambushed Artymis with a strong hug.

"We're so glad you're alright, Art!" Katara joined in on the group hug.

"Be prepared to face some serious consequences, young lady -" Sokka started to lecture.

"Sokka, shut up and join the group." Artymis smirked. Sokka clammed up and joined the group hug. When they all pulled away, Artymis sighed. "I have so much to do. I'm sorry for leaving you all. Truth was, was that I was scared and lost."

"Well, that's why we're here." Katara soothed. "To help you."

Artymis smiled and felt Anduril lightly lay his snout on her shoulder. Challenges will come your way, which you may have to face alone, but we're at your side in every decision. She smiled at his words.

"We're all here for you." Sokka said, "To the very end."

"Yeah!" Toph lightly hit her arm. "You're not gonna get rid of us that easily!"

The airbender smiled, "I'm glad of that and I'm glad that you all are my family. And I'm glad that no matter what, we're all in this together."

Author's Third Note: Like it? I hope its good. I mean, I got so busy and so tired after my trip but I was determined to put up the first chapter of the final installment. Don't I get some credit for that? lol I would like some honest feedback please and any ideas are more than welcomed. Next chapter will take longer because I want to give wolfgirl2.0 some more time for the dance transcript. ' Plus, I got a few busy days coming but I shall write, do not fear! Until then, see you all later!

-THANK YOU ALL FOR FAVES, ALERTS, REVIEWS, PMS, AND FEEDBACK! -