Chapter 25: Fire Air and Allies II

"Where's Aang?"

No one knew.

Rushing from the courtyard to the house, every room was check and his name called about a hundred times. The balcony was where I went first, hoping that maybe he had fallen asleep while meditating. I slammed the door open loud enough to startle the boy but there was no one to wake. Everything from last night was exactly how it was left, from the fruit bowl to the meditation matt, the candles were unlit but with no sign of being blown out. The wax burnt down to the base from extinguishing itself. His staff was still mounted against the rails and all the signs pointed to different conclusions. I stood there in a perplexed state until we were pulled to the beach with hope that he might, by some chance, have ended up there.

However; the sight was unnerving and the breeze was haunting. As all that we found of the Avatar was his footprints leading into the ocean.

"The trail ends here," Sokka said, being the first to break the silence. Unabridged confusion written on all of our faces. Everything had been fine that morning. Waking up at dawn, we all had an early start with packing and preparing for the comet. We didn't feel that it was necessary to wake up Aang because he would just come down when he was ready. Plus we were trying to give as much space as we could, understanding that this wasn't going to be easy, but we didn't think he would need this much space.

"So he went for a midnight swim and never came back?" Suki asked but it was more rhetoric than anything.

"Maybe he was captured?" Katara threw out but I shook my head.

"We would have heard it," I said, furrowing my brow. After mine and Aang's "talk" I couldn't sleep for quite a few hours after. Simmering down from the mixed emotions, I stayed awake way longer than I would have cared to but even as I laid awake I didn't hear anything. Not even the Avatar leaving the house.

"And there's no sign of struggle," Sokka analyzed and knelt down to get a better look at the sand.

"I bet he ran away again." Toph suggested and for a second it seemed to be the most plausible.

Could he have? I asked myself with the feeling of dread at the thought that he would run away from this, but our conversation played over again in my head. Just as if it were some sadistic satire from the Ember Island Players. Laughing at my own fruitless attempts to have him see the truth, but like he said; it changed nothing.

"He has to be somewhere on Ember Island," Katara's voice brought me back.

"And if he's not?" I questioned.

"Then I don't know, but were not going to think like that right now," The fear that she tried to hide was prevalent in the crease of her brow. "Let's split up and look for him."

"I'm going with Zuko!" Toph exclaimed abruptly, and claimed my boyfriend by latching onto his arm. The blush on Zuko's cheeks was as unexpected as Toph's actions and for a moment it was enough to lift the mood. "What? Everyone else had a life changing field trip with Zuko. Now it's my turn."

"That's fine," Katara said and turned to Suki, who was still wearing her Fire Nation attire along with the waterbender. "Suki and I are going to go to town and look for him. Sokka, you and Alec take Appa and search the shore. He could be anywhere. So Zuko and Toph go back to the house and check again."

With a stern nod of acknowledgement, we all split up. Sokka and I turned around and went straight for the courtyard. We couldn't afford to waste anymore time so as soon as we saw Appa we jumped into action. Leaping onto the bison's head, I grabbed the reins and whipped them down once Sokka was on. Appa could tell something was wrong though and he roared as if we were going into battle. Ascending fast from the ground, we flew straight for the beach but there was irony in the way it all was still. How everything was at peace when it all felt like everything would fall apart in minutes.

The water moved with the gentle wind, back and forth, Sokka was half hanging off Appa and straining to find the slightest hint of orange in the mass of blue.

"He has to be somewhere," He spoke aloud, but what was supposed to be reassuring only caused doubts in my mind.

"If Aang were here, then we would have found him already," I countered and couldn't wrap my head around all of it.

"We'll find him," He replied, but my grip became tighter.

"What if we don't? What if he ran away? I mean, it wouldn't be the first time."

"He wouldn't do that to us," He wasn't defensive, but sure in his words. "If we can't find Aang, then he'll find us."

I didn't say anything after that, wanting to believe him, but I couldn't help but think of the worse.

We flew over the shore not once, but twice. Even going as far as to fly over the ocean, but we couldn't find Aang. Sokka wanted to keep searching but it was futile to search for someone who wasn't there. So with heavy shoulders, Sokka didn't protest when I suggested we turn Appa around and headed back to the house. On the way there we didn't speak. Between our own thoughts and things we didn't want to say, I was pretty sure that they didn't find Aang. Holding onto the ounce of hope I had left, we reached the others at the stairs in front of the house and to my dismay, there was no Avatar.

"Judging by the looks on your face, I'm guessing you guys didn't find Aang, either," Sokka spoke the obvious and jumped off Appa.

"No. It's like he just... disappeared," Zuko replied, head in hands, trying to make sense. Scanning the faces of my friends, it was easy to tell that they were all trying to. There wasn't anyway Aang could have disappeared and if he did than Appa would have probably gone with him. Leaping off the bison, I wove my arms tightly over my chest and tried to think of another explanation. That's when Toph sat up abruptly.

"Hey, wait a minute. Has anyone noticed that Momo is missing, too?" She said, but we didn't until she said it.

"Oh no! I knew it was only a matter of time!" Sokka exclaimed and quickly turned to Appa. "Appa ate MoMo!"

That's when he opened up the ten ton bison's mouth and started to stick his body in it. Yelling something incoherent, we weren't sure if he was trying to do that for comedic relief of the problem at hand or if he actually thought that Appa would eat his friend. Either way it was irritating.

"Get out of the bison's mouth, Sokka. We have a real problem here. Aang is nowhere to be found and the comet is only two days away," Zuko snapped and the reality dawned on everyone. The comet was only two days away and Aang was only Agni knew where.

"What should we do Zuko?" Katara asked and we all circled around to look at him. Even Sokka was staring at him from the ground after being spat out by Appa. Standing up Zuko, furrowed his brow when he realized we were all waiting for him to tell us our next move.

"I don't know. Why are you all looking at me?" The firebender questioned, holding out his arms.

"You know how to find Aang," I answered.

"Yeah, if anyone's got experience hunting the Avatar ... it's you," Suki admitted. Bowing his head for a moment to think of our options, it didn't take him long before he looked back at us with a plan.

"We have everything packed. Let's go."

The Earth Kingdom was the last place any of us would have expected Zuko to take us. Raising questions and concerns, the firebender replied to all of them with a simple "trust me". On the way there, Zuko had let me in on his plan. Explaining that there was a bounty hunter who would be able to aid us in the search, but that the woman, June, didn't reside in the most pleasant of places and after their last encounter she had mentioned that she could be found if ever he needed another person to find.

"Ugh, what is that smell?" Suki asked from the back of the group. Scrunching my nose, the foul stench only got stronger as we reached the ran down Earth Kingdom tavern. The bustling music could be heard from beyond the walls as could the sound of people yelling and fighting. The location was clear but I didn't think we'd be able to find such a high end bounty hunter in the remains of what used to be an established alehouse.

However; there she was, sitting with a drink in hand and unbothered by the men throwing themselves at her. Literally.

"That's the smell of nasty booze and even nastier men," I replied and tried to ignore the body odor that lingered with the stale alcohol.

"How nice," The Kyoshi warrior replied.

"And the reason you've brought us to a seedy Earth Kingdom tavern is what now?" Katara asked and that's when Zuko pointed to the woman.

"June."

At the mention of her name, everyone's head turned just in time to see her sip the drink at hand and use the heel of her foot to throw a thug down who was trying to attack her. That's when another one tried to take their shot and throw a dirty punch her way, but with a great deal of poise the bounty hunter rose with her drink, not spilling a drop, and displayed a fine balance of defense and offense.

"Oh yeah, that weird bounty hunter with the giant mole." Sokka said.

"Mole? Her skin is flawless." Suki objected.

"No, she has this giant mole creature she rides around on."

"The shirshu. It's the only animal that can track Aang's scent anywhere in the world. It's the one shot we have of finding him." Zuko clarified.

Ready to end the trivial bar fight, June tossed her drink in the air to finish the man off and threw him into a table. Catching her drink, she went back to her table as if nothing had happened.

"Wow," I couldn't find any other word to say but Toph sure had a few.

"I don't know who this June lady is, but I like her!" She announced with the widest grin. That's when it clicked to Sokka the circumstances in which they knew her.

"Hey, I remember her! She helped you attack us!" He almost sounded offended.

"Yep, back in the good old days," Zuko casually said back and lead us forward. I wasn't sure what to expect since the last time my friends had encountered her it wasn't during the "good old days", but the moment she caught sight of Zuko a disgruntled look crossed her face.

"Oh great. It's Prince Pouty." She rolled her eyes, exasperated already before Zuko could say anything. "Where's your creepy grandpa?"

"He's my uncle. And he's not here," Zuko kept a cool demeanor, but I wasn't okay with her attitude. Right away, it was easy to tell that she was undeniably sarcastic and derisive, showing disdain as she eyed both Zuko and Katara.

"I see you worked things out with your girlfriend." She quipped, lifting her drink to the two. Immediate fluster and embarrassment crossed them both, glancing to each other before yelling back at her.

"I'm not his girlfriend!"

"She's not my girlfriend!"

Stepping forward, I slammed a heavy hand on the table in front of her and drew her attention. Just like Toph, I didn't know who this June lady was but I did not like her. Narrowing my eyes down on her like daggers, she merely cocked a brow in unimpressed manner.

"And who are you?"

"His girlfriend," I shot back. "And if you don't mind were not here to catch up."

"Sheesh. I was only teasing. What do you want?"

"I need your help finding the Avatar," Zuko informed her, but she only observed her cup as if it were more interesting than the task offered. Zuko was doing really well at keeping his temper in check. Which was rather surprising since he normally wouldn't have handled anyone's lack of reciprocity.

"Hm. Doesn't sound too fun." She hummed and sipped her drink. That's when he snapped.

"Does the end of the world sound like more fun!?" He demanded through clenched teeth and fists clenched even tighter. Having enough of the back and forth, June tossed her cup to the other end of the bar and got up from her seat.

"Well that doesn't sound like a good time either. So I guess I can help you," she retorted and walked through us to make her way towards the door. Zuko was still fuming but collected himself well enough to follow suit. Walking outside, it didn't hit us how long we had been flying until there was no sun anymore.

"Nyla," The bounty hunter called out and pulled out a raw piece of meat from her bag. That's when the shirshu came into view. With the face of a mole and the body of badger, the shirshu was one of the ugliest yet most intimidating animals I've seen in awhile. Curling my lip in disgust, the shirshu caught the steak in mid-air and coddled June affectionately.

"Stay back. That thing will paralyze you," Sokka warmed me just in time as the mole shot it's tongue out at us. Moving back, we would have been slapped if June hadn't pushed it's mouth down.

"Whoa! Careful there," She told Nyla and turned to us with her hand out. "Okay. So who's got something with the Avatar's scent on it?"

"I have Aang's staff," Katara said and ran to Appa to get Aang's glider. Handing it off to June, the bounty hunter walked up to Nyla with it in front of her. The shirshu took quick whiffs up and down the wood. Getting a good scent, Nyla picked up her head and started smelling the air. My chest began to swell with hope when she started to walk around us. I was more than ready to find Aang, but then disappointment came too soon. The shirshu started to whimper, walking back over to June, and laid on the ground while holding its nose.

"Well, what does that mean?" Zuko asked impatiently.

"Means your friend's gone." June tisked and turned to her shurshi.

"We know he's gone. That's why we're trying to find him." Toph reminded her, but the bounty hunter shook her head.

"No, I mean your friend is gone." She turned to look at us. "He doesn't exist."

"Wait, he's gone-gone?" Sokka murmured in utter shock, moving his arms a little more frantically than normal." Do you mean he's ... you know, dead?"

"Nope. We could find him if he were dead. Wow, it's a real head-scratcher. See ya," June shrugged as if the fate of the world didn't rest on us finding the Avatar.

"Helpful. Real helpful," Toph told her with every bit of sarcasm.

"Wait. I have another idea." Zuko called out before June could ride off. "There's only one other person in this world who can help us face the Fire Lord. I'll be right back with a smell sample."

"I'm waiting," She said and Zuko turned around to run to Appa. Climbing on top of the bison, he quickly grabbed his bag, rummaging through the articles until he reached what he was looking for, but as soon as he pulled out the sample we could smell it right away.

"Agni," I tried to not to breathe through my nose. The stench was so rancid that everyone recoiled in disgust. "What is that?"

"Uncle's scandal," He replied and sheepishly clasped the back of his neck.

"You saved your uncle's sweaty scandal? Ugh!" Sokka screeched and held his nose tighter.

"I think it's kind of sweet." Toph smiled, not even bothered by the stink. The smell was horrendous but it was enough to attract the shirshu. It only took two small whiffs for the tracker to get a hit. A piercing scream sounded through the air and the shurshi began running in the other direction.

"Hey, wait!" Zuko called, but in a split reaction I took Aang's staff from Katara and ran with it. Throwing the glider into the air, the wings expanded and I took flight as not to lose them. The rest sprinted to Appa and followed suit.

.

For what we thought would have been a few hours turned into a whole other day of flying. I flew ahead for long as I could but I couldn't fly for hours on end. So when June and the shurshi showed no sign of stopping, I fell back onto the saddle with my friends. Going deeper into the Earth Kingdom, I started to recognize places that me and my friends had stopped before. There was no way Uncle Iroh could have gone this far from the Fire Nation, but then again it was Uncle Iroh. He could have been anywhere. Even Ba Sing Sei.

Staring down the rubble of the broken wall, the impenetrable city had never looked so destroyed and defeated. If only things had played out differently, maybe then the wall would still be standing, but destiny was a tricky thing. Everything had to happen for a reason. Rolling onto my back and back onto my side, I moved my focus onto my friends as they slept on Appa's tail and leg. We had set camp hours ago but didn't unpack anything. Uncle Iroh was somewhere behind those walls and we'd just start our search at dawn.

I was so tired and I really should have been asleep but I couldn't find enough peace to be able to do so. My mind middled in our next steps. It was clear that Aang was gone, missing, or doing something, but until we found him or he found us the thought off waiting was painfully harrowing. If it came down to it we would have to face the Fire Lord ourselves and that was a bone chilling thought to entertain.

Feeling my mind fall into a hole of its own fears, I tried to find peace in my element, feeling all forms of air around me. I concentrated on the breeze, or there for lack of, but then I caught a very different semblance of air; the breath of the people around me. Their breathing out of sync, I felt each and everyone, shallow, heavy, and as well as snoring. The air that carried in and out of their bodies, a rhythm so unique to each of their own, my element felt so close. However; so did Sozin's Comet and for the first time I finally understood how Aang didn't sleep days before the invasion. An intense sentiment of restlessness that we weren't ready overtook me but I knew we were ready. We had to be at that point.

Letting go of the air, I turned over once again to allow myself some sleep. I closed my eyes for what felt like a minute, but jolted at the vibration of moving earth.

"Get up!" Toph yelled at us and dismantled her earth tent. We were on our feet quicker than we were out of sleep. Falling back into a bending stance, everyone drew their weapon of choice but we were trapped. A fire circled around us and the flames blazed high. So high that it was almost impossible to see the people behind it.

"Who…?" Katara began but the flames began to die. The smoke clouding our vision, I stepped forward and bent the thick veil to reveal four older men standing on one of the large pieces of the wall looking down at us. Immediately I recognized two of the four and smiled in utter relief.

"Well, look who's here!" Bumi exclaimed deranged as ever with arms stretched out as if to welcome us. Together the band of elders came down in their own fashion. Sokka and Katara were the only other ones smiling, physically relaxing in the fact that they were our allies and not our foes.

"What's going on?" Toph asked confused and crossed her arms firmly. "We're surrounded by a bunch of old people."

"Not just any old people. These are great masters and friends of ours." Katara explained and stepped forward to bow to her waterbending teacher. "Pakku."

"It is respectful to bow to an old master, but how about a hug for your new grandfather?" Master Pakku advised and opened his arms out to them. It took a second for his newly informed grandchild to put two and two together but once they realized what he meant they rushed him with arms out wide. Vaguely I remembered something about Pakku and their grandmother having a thing when they were younger, but as they embraced he told them of his recent visit to the South Pole and how they rekindled their old love. It was actually really endearing.

"Welcome to the family, Gramp-Gramp!" Sokka nearly shouted but Master Pakku was not for the nicknames.

"You can still just call me Pakku," He told him, but Sokka wouldn't let it go. Katara moved away from the two and lead Zuko and I to one of the elders I didn't recognize with a long scar over the side of his eye and white hair stiff as straw.

"And this was one of Aang's firebending teachers."

"Jeong Jeong." He introduced himself and bowed.

"Zuko." The Prince bowed. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

"Alec." I said and bowed in respect. Earning a raised brow, Jeong Jeong was almost amused.

"The airbender?" He asked but knew the answer. "Of all people to teach the Avatar firebending."

Bashfully shrugging my shoulders, I clasped the back of my neck. At some point in the beginning of our travels I was qualified enough to be considered his firebending teacher but now it was just humorous as I stood next to two firebending masters. The last master was a master of the sword and Sokka's teacher Master Piandao. Sokka spoke highly of his teacher when we would spar and I only hoped I would get a chance later to go blade to blade with the older man.

"So wait. How do you all know each other?" Suki asked after introductions.

"All old people know each other. Don't you know that?" Bumi laughed and snorted in response.

"We're all part of the same ancient secret society. A group that transcends the divisions of the four nations," Piandao answered.
"The order of the White Lotus," Zuko said and I tilted my head.

"So that's not just a tile for Pai Sho?"

"The White Lotus has always been about philosophy and beauty and truth." Jeong Jeong continued. "But about a month ago, a call went out that we were needed for something important."

"It came from a Grand Lotus: your uncle." Pakku turned to Zuko and just at the mention of his uncle a small smile touched his lips. "Iroh of the Fire Nation."

"Well, that's who we're looking for!" Toph announced, not that it couldn't be more obvious.

"Then we'll take you to him," Piandao said and turned back around for us to follow. One after another, we made our way over the rubble with Appa in tow. We were able to make it up the cliff like rock when Bumi abruptly stopped in his tracks.

"Wait! Someone's missing from your very important." The King glanced back and forth, pivoting in a full circle. "Where's Momo?"

"He's gone." Sokka told him and Bumi walked over to the warrior, getting really close to his face. "And so is Aang."

"Oh well." Bumi finally moved back and waved in little concern. Sokka was already leaning back from the close proximity and almost fell back. "So long as they have each other, I'm sure we have nothing to worry about. Let's go!"

Bumi was something else. Laughing without a care, he bent an earth column beneath his feet and used it to leap into the air. Thankfully the other Masters were more composed and led us down into Ba Sing Sei. The walk was quite for a minute until Sokka asked Bumi about his great escape. Zuko was drawn into the conversation when the earthbender went into detail with his theatrics. Katara and Suki conversed with Pakku about his time in the South Pole which left me with Toph in the back of the group.

"Who is that old guy anyways?" Toph asked.

"Which one?" I asked, but then realized she was talking about the one in front of us. "Oh that one? That's Bumi. King of Omashu. Aang's old friend. He's one of the greatest earthbenders alive."

"Greatest?" She scoffed. Raising a brow, I eyed her as she picked her teeth. Toph carried a lot of pride when it came to her bending and refused to acknowledge anyone else as good as her. A sly smile crept it's way onto my lips and I shrugged.

"I don't know. I mean he's been bending longer than any of us have been alive. He is as old as Aang," I disclosed, trying to egg her on, but she only laughed.

"Just case he's as old as dirt doesn't mean he knows how to bend it," She retorted. "I was taught by the oldest earthbenders alive. There's no one better than me."

"I guess we'll have to find out later," I concluded and made a mental note to talk to Sokka about getting together a mini Earth Rumble between just the two of them. Trekking down the path, I didn't even utter a word when Toph swung her hist out swiftly and got me in the arm.

"Well, here we are. Welcome to Old People Camp," Bumi announced as we strolled into a camping ground. There were about thirty tents that appeared to have been set up for weeks. If Uncle Iroh was somewhere in one of them, I felt better knowing that he had escaped to where it was at least populated and safe. Walking up to Zuko, he looked overwhelmed with all the tents around. Scanning over each one closest to us, he tried to see if he could catch sight of his Uncle.

"Where… Where is he?" He finally asked, and Piandao pointed at the one in the middle of them all.

"You're uncle is in there, Prince Zuko," the master informed and then walked with the rest of the group. Zuko was only able to take a step before he stopped. Letting everyone else go past him, he made no effort to keep moving. Frozen by fear and shame, I read the emotions off of him and placed a hand on his arm. Zuko was so lost in his own thoughts that he didn't see me. Turning his head, I smiled softly and he visibly relaxed.

"He hates me," He said and was so sure about it. Reaching with his other hand, he placed his on top of mine.

"He does not," I told him. "He can't hate you."

"How? He loved and supported me in every way he could, and I still turned against him." There was shame and remorse as he bowed his head. "How can I face him?"

"I don't know," I replied and wished I had been better at finding the right words to say. "But I do know that Uncle Iroh loves you more than you know. He went through hell with you on that ship and even more hell with you after you two become fugitives in the Earth Kingdom. He took care of you when you were sick and came to us when you were missing."

Reaching out, I placed my fingers under his chin and guided him to look back up. I cupped his cheek with a gentle hand and he leaned into the touch.

"I know he cares about you a lot and he would love to see his nephew on our side kicking Fire Nation butt," I said, of all things, but it was enough to lift the mood. Zuko finally managed to grin and my heart melted. Leaning forward in the slightest, He placed his forehead on mine than placed a soft kiss where our skin had touched.

"Thank you." He whispered. Finally; he had the courage to face his uncle and we made our way towards the tent, but I came to a halt a few yards away.

"He's going to be so happy to see you."

"Not as happy as he'll be to see you," He teased and I smiled.

"I'll be out here if you need me." I told him as his hand slipped from mine. I waved him off and took a pace back. "Okay, now go. I want to see Uncle too,"

With that Zuko turned around and went in. I was left standing in the middle of the clearing and I took a seat on one of the smaller boulders. A heavy sigh escaped me as I propped my elbows on my knees. My shoulders rolled forward in exhaustion and nothing sounded better than some rest. From where I sat I could hear the others a few tents down talking and getting ready to go back to sleep. Fighting the urge though, I tried to stay awake but my eyes were getting heavy.

When I woke up the sun was barely coming over the mountains. Hunched over in the same position I fell asleep, I kneaded my eyes with the palms of my hands and sat up. Everything was blurry but as my vision came to I realized I was still sitting in front of Uncle's tent. Getting to my feet, I didn't mean to fall asleep and instantly regretted it. To alleviate the ache in my neck I rolled my head back and stretched out my arms. Lazily, I glanced back and forth to see if I could find anyone but there was no one. Turning my head, my eyes caught on the sight of the rising sun. Red and orange along the sky to signal another dawn but what might also be the last one.

Filtering that thought from my head, I was about to sit back down when the soft rustling of fabric came from Uncle's tent. I circled around so fast that I actually moved the air with me. A stir of feelings twisted in my chest, but it was probably nothing close to how Zuko felt the night prior. It was excitement and anticipation that hit me all at once. Seeing Uncle Iroh step out from behind the curtain, I couldn't stop the wide smile that spread across my face.

"Where is my niece?!"

The aged man called out but once he saw me his face lit up like a thousand suns. Uncle Iroh rushed forward with open arms, and I could do nothing more than smile and wrap my arms around. Held in a tight embrace, I closed my eyes and willed myself not to cry. The last time I saw him we were in chains. In the Fire Nation surrounded by soldiers when death felt so close. I was sure I would never see him again and just like that my shoulders began to shake. Pulling away, Uncle Iroh placed his hands on my shoulders and still held that benevolent smile on his face.

"Agni… Uncle, it's so good to see you again," I choked and laughed in pure joy, wiping a tear from my cheek.

"It's been too long, my dear," Uncle replied as if the time apart was due to busy schedules.

"Far too long," I chuckled but through all the smiles and jubilance, the stress of it all was there in the few added wrinkles in his features.

"Have you been here the whole time? I went looking for you during the invasion but you were gone. How long have you been part of the White Lotus?"

"That is a story for another time," He dismissed. Standing behind his uncle, Zuko walked forward to join us and took his hand in mine. Eyes softening, Uncle Iroh was pleased to see us together again, and for a second, it almost felt like we were back in Ba Sing Sei. "Where are the rest of your friends?"

"They went with Master Piandao last night," Zuko answered but they were still asleep.

"And how is the Avatar handling everything?" Uncle asked, very much unaware of the missing member to Team Avatar. The corners of my mouth fell and Uncle caught the shift in mood quickly.

"Aang is missing," Zuko filled the silence starting to grow.

"We've been looking for him for the past two days," I informed and Uncle became serious. Averting his gaze and stroking the hair on his chin, the aged man nodded in response.

"Where ever the Avatar is I'm sure he won't be gone for long," He pondered but then corrected his posture.

"What should we do, Uncle?"

"Right now, we should get ready for the day," The aged man replied, placing his hands in his sleeves. "Gather your friends for breakfast. We'll discuss today's plans once were all awake to hear them."

Nodding, Uncle Iroh offered one last smile and I gave him another hug before he retired back to his tent to change. Turning back to Zuko, I finally noticed the slight puffiness of his eyes and the tint of red that lingered on his nose. Whatever had happened between him and Uncle had caused tear shed but now there was peace in his being that hadn't been there the night before.

.

After gathering Team Avatar, we met with Uncle Iroh in the middle of the campsite where rice was being handed out. We went through a few introductions and re-introductions before forming a circle on the grass. A moment that none of us had ever seen coming, it was surreal to think that some of us had been enemies once but now we were all friends and allies fighting to save the world. Finding my place between Zuko and Toph, I watched as the others settled in. A few bites of rice and sips of tea in, Uncle Iroh took a deep breath before leveling his gaze in a serious, more somber, demeanor.

"Uncle, you're the only person other than the Avatar who can possibly defeat the Father Lord," Zuko began. The mis-wording not going unnoticed, Toph made a point to correct which in turn flustered the firebender. But all eyes were on the former heir to the throne as he hummed in contemplation, anticipating his response before he shook his head.

"We need you to come with us!" Zuko retorted in desperation but it did little to change Uncle's mind.
"No, Zuko, it won't turn out well," He told him and our shoulders sank. The whole reason we had set course to find Uncle Iroh was for him to help us with Sozin.

"But it's all we got. If all of us go against him, then he'll be outnumbered," I tried but that flicker of hopelessness stung just how it did when we found out Aang was gone.

"Even if I did defeat Ozai, and I don't know if I could, it would be the wrong way to end the war. History would see it as just more senseless violence, a brother killing a brother to grab power. The only way for this war to end peacefully is for the Avatar to defeat the Firelord." Unfortunately, Uncle Iroh was right. The whole war would have gone done as a conquest instead of an era for peace.

"And then ... then you would come and take your rightful place on the throne?" Zuko asked, trying to find where his uncle fit in all of this.

"No. Someone new must take the throne. An idealist with a pure heart," The aged man averted his gaze upon his nephew. "and unquestionable honor. It has to be you, Prince Zuko."

Taken back, Zuko couldn't believe what he was hearing. "Unquestionable honor? But I've made so many mistakes."

"Yes, you have. You've struggled; you've suffered, but you have always followed your own path. You restored your own honor, and only you can restore the honor of the Fire Nation,"

"I'll try," The prince's voice lowered with doubt and he looked away, but we had faith in him. I had faith in him. Uncle was again right. If anyone could bring back the nation it once was it would Zuko. Placing my hand on his knee, the silent support was enough to draw his attention back.

"Well, what if Aang doesn't come back?" Toph asked, addressing the question no one wanted to ask.

"Sozin's Comet is arriving, and our destinies are upon us. Aang will face the Fire Lord. When I was a boy, I had a vision that I would one day take Ba Sing Se. Only now do I see that my destiny is to take it back from the Fire Nation,so the Earth Kingdom can be free again." Uncle's voice was strong and as he radiated strength.

"That's why you gathered the members of the White Lotus," Suki realized.

"Yes." A humble smile, he nodded and returned to Zuko. "Zuko, you must return to the Fire Nation, so that when the Fire Lord falls, you can assume the throne and restore peace and order. But Azula will be there, waiting for you."

"I can handle Azula," Zuko clarified, cooly.

"Not alone!" He cautioned, shaking his head.

"I'll go," I spoke before he could continue. I tightened the grip on my cup. For the first time since the invasion a fire ignited in my core. Indignation crept the edges of reasoning and the thought of fighting Azula was almost liberating. There was no question I wanted retribution for Ba Sing Sei and my captivity, but the savor of pay back started to taste sweet.

"Azula is crazy and she needs to go down," Grey hues sharpened down to blades, but Uncle watched me for a fair second and frowned.

"You must not be blinded by rage, she will see your anger and exploit it." He warned, lowering his head. "Azula, I fear, will try to use anything against you two, you should take another."

Not even needing to think about it. Zuko and I turned to Katara as she sat across from us. We were all strong benders in our element, but what better way to fight fire than with it's natural oppugnant. Katara caught on to what we were suggesting and leveled us with a smirk.

"Katara, how would like to put Azula back in her place?" Zuko offered.

"It would be my pleasure," She replied and I couldn't stop the grin that pulled at my lip.

"What about us?" Sokka asked and motioned to Suki and Toph next to him. "What is our destiny today?"

"What do you think it is?" Uncled begged the question. A hand held his chin in thought as Sokka searched for an answer.

"I think that, even though we don't know where Aang is, we need to do everything we can to stop the airship fleet."

"And that means when Aang does face the Fire Lord, we'll be right there if he needs us," Toph promulgated. With renewed purpose, the air shifted to that of ambition. Glancing to each of the faces of my friends, my family, a light grew in each of their eyes. There was plan and there was a goal finally in place. It wasn't our original plan but our plans never worked out how they originally were supposed to. That's was just Team Avatar's style.

.

Luckily for us, the comet wasn't until sunset but that meant that we had to leave as soon as we could. Unpacking everything from Appa's saddle for easier flight, I went through a bag of my belongings and reached for the pair of broadswords. Everyone else had cladded themselves with armor of some sort and I wasn't sure if I was going to need the extra protection.

"You don't want to get that close to Azula to be able to use those," Zuko said from behind me. Pinching my brows together, I thought about what he meant and then put the blades down.

"I don't know what to take," I told him as he approached.

"You don't need anything." Sighing, he was again right. "Azula won't be able to fight all three of us at once. She'll have to step down."

"You honestly expect Azula not fight?" I questioned and raised a brow up at the prince.

"I'm expecting anything," He replied and there was another meaning behind his words. However; a year of the unexpected made sure I knew exactly what he meant. There had been so many close calls and so many battles. I was surprised that we had made it this far. Looking back I wouldn't have expected any of this, but it felt like all of it was coming to an end.

Reaching out, Zuko brushed the back of his hand with mine.

"But whatever happens. I'll be right there fighting with you." He promised.

Meeting eyes, amber melted with grey in a way that it had so many times before. A calm in the storm or the passion in a fire. There was solace in the silence that settled, but it brought me back to the beach house. Laying on Zuko's bed and making promises about our future together. That feeling of falling and flying at the same time.

"Zuko…" I caught myself saying without forethought. A complexity of emotions stirred inside me as he waited for me to say something, but as I opened my mouth the words wouldn't come out. Suppressed by fear, I wasn't afraid of unrequited love but the outcome of what the words would do if I said them. The last people I loved were gone, and maybe I was being irrational but I just couldn't say it.

In the quietude we could hear the others asking about us. Closing my eyes, I also closed the space between us. I pressed my lips to his with vigor, pouring the words unspoken. Moving into the kiss, Zuko leaned forward and returned the intimacy. Only when the distant sound of someone calling our names made its way, that we let go of each other.

"I-I...I'll tell you later," I stammered and let it be. Zuko didn't press on it and I was grateful for it. Leaving to go back with the others, we were finally ready to depart. With goodbyes said they weren't really goodbyes, but until we meet again. Hugging my friends, I wished them luck and joined Katara on the back of Appa's saddle.

"So if I'm going to be Fire Lord after the war is over, what are you going to do?" Zuko asked from the top of Appa's head. Uncle stood with the rest of the White Lotus, beaming up at us with a Pai Sho tile in hand.

"After I reconquer Ba Sing Se, I'm going to reconquer my tea shop, and I'm going to play Pai Sho every day," He replied and flipped the lotus tile in the air. Turning to look at the rest of my friends, Sokka, Toph, and Suki were already situated on the eel-hound Master Piando had given them to travel with. There was determination in their eyes and we were all ready for what lay ahead.

"Goodbye, everyone. Today, destiny is our friend." He proclaimed and with that said we went our separate ways. Watching the campsite fade into the distance, the trees and the city became the only view in sight. A sight we might not see tomorrow, but if destiny had it we would have another chance.

NEXT POSTING: JULY 25, 2019

12pm PST

Hallo friends, I'm sorry for the long hiatus. Tbh I didn't expect to be gone this long but I was. I'm sorry. Life got busy and I got a horrible writers block when my brain registered that this would be the second to last chapter of book 3. I've spent so much on this story that to see it go pains me. But there will still be book 4 and 5. There will be Zuko's comic trilogy and Alec's own trilogy which will further the story after the war.

Nonetheless; I want to say thank you so so so much for all the patience. As a writer you have no idea how much I appreciate it. so THANK YOU SO MUCH!

And just so I make sure I get to the new chapter out at a timely manner. I'm giving my chapters a deadline now. You will see the last chapter of book 3 AND the first chapter of book 4 on the same day. Which will be the July 25, 2019.

That's a little less than a month but I need the time to proofread (something I hardly do, but I'm breaking bad habits) and plan and as well as write.

It feels good to be back and I would love LOVE love to hear from you guys.

My Instagram is: egarcia513

My tumblr is: egarcia5130

If you wanna contact me for any reason I have no problem with anyone reaching me on these platforms. My tumblr is new so it's still being worked on btw.

Till Next Time

- Alec