Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender. No profit is being made by the writing and publication of this story. This is written purely for the writer's entertainment and peace of mind.

~(*)v(*)~Well Wishes~(*)v(*)~

Retired general Iroh knocked gently on the door to the cabin, "Prince Zuko"

"What do you want Uncle?" Zuko asked from his seat on the floor, the flames from the candles moving in time with his breathing

Iroh sighed, "There is someone here who I would very much like you to meet. I am sure her acquaintance would be most beneficial."

The candles flared. Zuko glanced at his uncle over his shoulder, "I do not want to meet new people. I must find the Avatar! He is the only way to get my honour back." Zuko ended quietly.

Iroh looked slightly sheepish, "Well…"

"What?"

"I already invited her in for tea and lunch… she's waiting for us to join her."

Zuko's eyes widened, he stood abruptly and turned to face his uncle fully, anger spread across his features. Visibly drawing himself together, "Uncle, how may her acquaintance be of assistance?"

"This young lady has many friends who can keep an ear to the ground for information on the Avatar. She said that she would be willing to pass information to us so long as we meet her demands."

"What," Zuko took a deep breath, "are her demands, Uncle?"

"All she asks is that she and her colleagues be treated with respect, honour their wishes for secrecy, and spar with you when she, or one of her colleagues, contact us with information followed by a critique from me."

Zuko raised a single eyebrow, "That's all? No money? She just wants a spar? With me?"

"You may find that a spar and respect is quite sufficiently difficult."

Zuko growled, "Fine, I'll at least meet with her." Zuko walked out of the room, anime storm clouds above his head. Quickly, he made his way to the cabin where he and his Uncle would normally take their meals. He paused just outside the door to gather his composer. Drawing himself to his full height, he entered the room. He blinked; this was not the sort of person he was expecting to see.

Upon his entering, a young girl looked up from her book. She was sitting politely with her legs tucked under her. Her black hair was done up in pigtails. Her eyes twinkled behind her almond-shaped glasses. Her clothes were respectable, even if they were green and brown. Though, the black cloak raised a few questions… and, she looked like she was 6, maybe 7 years old.

The girl set her book down, folded her glasses, placing them gently on top of the book, and standing she gave Zuko a formal bow, "Prince Zuko, son of Lady Ursa and Fire Lord Ozai, rumours of your search for the Avatar has reached my ears. I have come to offer mine and my friends services for the demands a fore mentioned to the most esteemed General Iroh. Have you come to accept the proposition offered?"

Zuko blinked and blinked again, "Pardon me?"

At this point, Iroh arrived. He cleared his throat loudly trying to stifle his laughter, "Prince Zuko, please allow me to introduce Lady Chiaki."

The now introduced Lady Chiaki bowed again, "General Iroh, Prince Zuko, a pleasure to formally make your acquaintance. Are the terms presented acceptable to all parties involved?"

Zuko turned a questioning look to his uncle. With a gesture Iroh indicated that it was Zuko's call. Turning back to face Chiaki Zuko crossed his arms and asked, "What proof do you have of your skills?"

Chiaki bowed her head slightly in acknowledgement, "On what topic, other than the Avatar," Chiaki cut off Zuko's initial reply, "would you like information on?"

Zuko furrowed his brow in thought, "What information do you have on…" Zuko paused in thought and then nodded firmly, "me?"

Chiaki paused, glanced at a surprised General Iroh, took a deep breath and spoke as if reciting a long memorized history lesson, "Prince Zuko is currently 14 years 10 months and 17 days old. He is the eldest son of Lady Ursa—who disappeared after he turned 11, many rumors and speculations surround this event—and Fire Lord Ozai—who treats his children unequally, favoring his younger daughter, Azula, over his elder son. He was banished from the Fire Nation at 13 after an Agni Kai with his father over a supposed 'speaking out of turn' during a war meeting. He was allowed into the war meeting by the most esteemed General Iroh, whom made him promise not to speak during the meeting. The terms of his banishment indicate that once he captures the Avatar his honor shall be restored, once again will he be permitted within the Fire Nation, and his birth right of crown prince restored."

Zuko and Iroh blinked. Zuko turned on his heels and faced his Uncle, a look of anger on his face.

"And none of the a fore mentioned information came from the most esteemed Genera Iroh."

Zuko paused with his mouth open comically, and shut it with a snap.

General Iroh peered around his nephew with a look of amazed bafflement, "I believe, Lady Chiaki, you have proven your point. I had heard of your skill, but even this is more than I expected."

Chiaki nodded in acknowledgement of the praise. "If the demands mentioned are met or an alternate, equally satisfactory, agreement reached, then I can promise that the same skills that accumulated the a fore listed facts shall bring the information you seek to you."

Breathing deeply in through his nose Zuko nodded, "Very well, the terms presented to me by my uncle were that we treat you and yours with respect, honor your secrecy, a spar with… me," he cleared his throat, "followed by a critique from my uncle. In return, you or a colleague of yours will meet with me or my uncle at least every 3 months. Any additional more urgent information may be passed along during one of our monthly ports of call. Is that fine?"

Chiaki thought for a moment and then nodded. Sticking out her hand she said, "The terms have been stated and agreed upon, may Agni, Oma, and Shu act as our witnesses to this agreement. If one of the parties part from the terms agreed upon—apart from mutual consent—then may Agni burn them and Oma and Shu bury them alive."

Iroh and Zuko's eyes widened in shock.

"Lady Chiaki, I pray to the spirits you understand the significance of using Agni as your witnesses."

Lady Chiaki bowed her head in ackowledgment, "Your concern is appreciated most esteemed General Iroh," her eyes twinkled in suppressed mirth, "In turn, I pray you and Prince Zuko understand the significance of invoking Oma and Shu as additional witnesses."