Everything's Connected

Note: My first Avatar: The Last Airbender fan-fiction. Ai Xiurong (Loving, elegant countenance) has decided to travel far to find herbs that she can find nowhere else to help her ailing mother, Meifeng. Ai's brother, Hong, is away fighting in the battle against the Fire Nation, as well as her father, Huan and she hasn't seen either of them in years. Ai is a rather skilled earthbender, very spiritual, kind, having very many animals as friends around the neighborhood, and she wishes to be a healer. On her quest through a frozen land, she becomes weak and fears it is the end of her life even though she is young, but she is rescued by a Firebender known as Mushi. She doesn't fear Fire nation, nor does she hate them even though she doesn't approve of what they do. Despite this, she deduces the elderly man can be trusted. He revives her, and they learn they have much in common, particularly their love for tea.

"Good tea is its own reward."—Uncle Iroh, Avatar: The Last Airbender

Chapter 1—The Quest for Healing Herbs

Meifeng didn't wish for her daughter to leave to start looking for herbs that would help her on the way to recovery. Ai, who adored her mother and didn't wish to see her die young, wanted to be fully well once her father Huan and her brother Hong returned from the war against the Fire Nation. Of course, it was unsure as to whether they would return alive or not, but Ai had a close bond with all of her family members. The Xiurong ties were close. Love and faith kept them all tightly knit, like a quilt.

"Please, Ai. Listen to me. I'm getting better. You don't have to worry about me.", Meifeng, the gentle Earth bender stated, honestly. Ai, her daughter, knew better and despite her mother's wishes, she wanted to help as much as she could.

"Mother, this seems to be my destiny calling me. I wish to be a healer someday. You will be my first patient. I do feel you will heal, but you need help in that process. Please, mother. Let me do this.", Ai said, after serving her mother some of her magnificent mint and honey tea. She left some food behind that had recently been prepared and fed her before saying her final goodbyes.

"Very well. It is your decision, dear. Just be careful.", Meifeng said, her chocolate eyes sparkling with deep affection. Ai bent over to kiss her mother's forehead, brushing back an arrant piece of raven hair that had fallen in her field of vision.

"I will be mother. I know you'll be well soon, and I have a feeling Hong and father will return to us as well.", Ai said, as she patted her mother's hand, gathered her provisions and began her long, perilous journey to seek herbs that had ameliorative qualities.

Chapter 2—Into the Tundra

The svelte raven-haired girl was dressed for the climate she was about to face, and knew how to survive in harsh climates, albeit she had never traveled outside of the Earth community before. Ai was unafraid and prepared for whatever she would face, or so she thought. She traveled for many days until reaching the mountains where she had started searching for the herbs. She had never seen these herbs before, but thanks to her parchment of herbs and her knowledge of medicine, she knew what she was searching for. She also realized it would be an arduous journey, but it was her mother's health that concerned her most.

The plants were hidden around the craggy sides of the mountains. They were hard to grasp, but Ai's earthbending allowed her to climb without much trouble until she reached the summit of the mountain. The air was cleaner, thinner, and bitterly cold. She had found the herbs she had been looking for by never giving up and looking closer to the caves inside of the mountains themselves. In this damp area, despite the frigid temperatures, vegetation could grow. Fortunately, she had found the herbs she had sought, but she was growing weak. She had to climb down immediately. She began her descent but then felt herself wanting to sleep.

"No, Ai. Don't sleep. You must stay awake.", Ai said to herself as she climbed down. She was able to reach the nadir of the mountain and turn around in the direction towards home, but her eyelids still felt heavy and her body limp and feeble.

Before Ai's world went black, she thought she saw a figure in her peripheral vision. Strangely, she didn't feel afraid. She had always thought that death would be more frightening, but it wasn't as bad as she perceived it to be. She heard a raspy elderly voice talking to her.

"Young lady, hold on. Don't you dare leave me.", it said. It sounded almost like the voice of her father. Not knowing whether she was going to live or die, she swore she saw a light and alabaster hallways trimmed in gold.

Chapter 3—Awakening

"Oh, thank heaven. I didn't know if you were going to wake up or not.", the old man said as he stoked the fire with his own breath. She gasped slightly. He was Fire Nation, but she deduced his heart was inherently good. If he hadn't had been so, he wouldn't have helped her, let alone carry her to this warm shelter away from the frigid air outside. He offered her a cup of tea, which was his own mixture. She nearly melted when she drank it.

"This is like drinking serenity, my friend.", Ai said, with a dreamy look upon her face. The color had come back into her frame and she felt wholly new.

"Ah, you flatter me, young lady. Tell me, what you were doing in the tundra alone. It's so dangerous there…you could have died.", the elder said, reproving her actions.

"You sound like my mother, Meifeng. Well, sir…I was searching for herbs to help her heal. You see, she has tuberculosis and could possibly die. She is healing but these herbs will help speed up the process and patch her up from the inside out.", Ai said, as she drank in the tea slowly, savoring every taste and sensation it gave her.

"Very honorable. Oh, how silly. I haven't introduced myself, I'm Mushi. And you, my dear ?", Iroh said, bowing slightly at the waist as he enjoyed tea with Ai.

"I'm Ai. It is a pleasure to meet you. I must say, your tea is some of the finest I have ever had.", Ai said, giggling. He chuckled along with her, charmed by her laughter.

"Your mother is very fortunate to have a daughter like you. So, are you on your way back home ?", Iroh questioned, raising an inquisitive bushy eyebrow.

"Thanks to you, yes. And even though I know you are Fire Nation, which I will not tell anyone else, you are my friend now. I think we might have had a past life together, perhaps as daughter and father.", Ai said, unexpectedly hugging the old man after she had set her tea aside. Iroh had never met a young lady so full of love an acceptance before. He could see why the name "Ai" suited her and had a good feeling that she would be a grand healer someday.

"I am…on a journey myself.", Iroh said, without getting into details about his nephew, Prince Zuko. Zuko was a troubled youth and had reverted to delusions of grandeur, hopefully becoming the great Fire Lord one of these days. His hopes were tainted with visions of conquest and shed blood. This wasn't the way to win friends and influence others, let alone make "peace". Zuko probably had gone so far down the twisted path of perdition that there was no pulling him back out, but Iroh would never give up on him.

"Best of luck, and providence to you. Oh, and one more thing. I brought some of my tea along with me. I don't really know why. It's my own special brand, I created this myself. It's mint, with a hint of honey and just a slight dash of jasmine. I hope you like it.", Ai said, giving him the box-sized parcel of tea.

"Oh, I believe I shall. Thank you Miss Ai. Now I will let you be on your way.", Iroh said, smiling gently.

"I really hope we meet again, Mushi. Even if it is not on this plane.", Ai said, her spiritual philosophy emerging and causing her to look radiant in the sun that welcomed her to a new day, even though the snow was cold.

"As do I, Ai. As do I.", Iroh stated serenely, sighing blissfully as she left.

Chapter 4—Back to the Village

It seemed that Meifeng had been able to move around freely despite illness to feed herself, but not much else. She had become rather thin and weak while Ai was absent, but her faith and hope remained effervescent and alive as they had even before the illness had struck her.

Ai came home as quickly as she could and began mixing the herbs to form an elixir. She worked steadfastly, her hands moving as if they were dancing. She was so focused that no other sound, save for the stone pestle grinding the herbs and the clink of the wooden spoon stirring the ingredients. Before long, Ai was done and she filled a cup up with her medicine.

Lifting her mother's chin, she helped her mother drink the rather splendid elixir and then patted her mother's hand.

"I hope this does the trick.", Ai said, smiling. Meifeng had a feeling it would, and was elated just to know her daughter was safe, but it seemed she had a story to tell.

"Don't tell anyone else this mother, but I met a Fire bender.", Ai began.

"A Fire bender ?! But they're our enemy !", Meifeng nearly shouted, with narrowed eyes. Her dark eyes glowed with a hatred that no one could ever know.

"Not this one mom. He's got a good soul. His heart is pure.", Ai said, smiling sweetly.

"He bewitched you. Listen honey. I don't want you to ever think of hoping to meet that Fire bender again. As far as I am concerned, I hope they die horrible, miserable deaths.", Meifeng stated, her words venomous.

"Mushi didn't bewitch me, he befriended me.", Ai thought to herself, but didn't say it out loud, for she knew what her mother's reaction would be.

"Yes, mother.", Ai said, with some sadness to her voice, but little did she know that she was about to meet Mushi again in the most unlikely of places.

Chapter 4—The Jasmine Dragon

It seemed that Iroh was torn between his tearoom and going back to the Fire Nation to convince Zuko once more that his actions weren't the right ones to take. He sighed as he prepared the tea and snacks for the day, as well as games for the patrons to play. He had so many fellow tea lovers, those that really adored his knack for brewing a truly exceptional pot of tea, whatever the flavor was. But, he was trying a new one for once, "Ai's tea", as it was called on the menu. It drew a more romantic crowd, and to be honest, he didn't mind seeing that. As far as he was concerned, love was the most beautiful thing in the world and was the great connector and equalizer.

If only Zuko realized that.

Ai had to run some errands for her mother at the local marketplace, but she wanted to stop at a tearoom that looked inviting and intriguing to her. The name was poetic, and inspirational. She looked around and didn't see anyone she knew but then she saw her old friend Mushi. Her chocolate eyes nearly filled with tears as she rushed up towards him to give him a hug.

"Mushi ! Oh, I am so happy to see you !", she said, jumping up and down as she hugged him. Iroh chuckled. Despite the fact that she was dainty, she was rather strong, considering she was an Earth bender.

"I had the notion I might be seeing you again, and I am glad my premonitions were true. My dear, this tea is delightful, just like the lady who formulated it.", Iroh said, complimenting her good tastes. Ai tittered lightly, flattered by the compliment. She then suddenly saw an old crush from her school days and her cheeks turned bright red.

"Yama.", she said in a whisper. From her mouth, it sounded as reverent as a prayer.

"I will leave you to chat with your young friend, Ai.", Iroh said, winking at her, having a feeling that she had fallen in love at that exact moment. He smiled and walked back toward the kitchen, and sighed deeply. He was going to have to think of how he would leave his beloved Jasmine Dragon and where Zuko was. He wasn't going to give up on his nephew and whether his nephew liked it or not, Iroh was going to help him see the error of his ways.

Ai fixed an arrant lock of hair that had been tickling her eyelid and cheek by brushing it back before strolling up to Yama. Yama had bulked up over the years and was looking rather strapping. She didn't find it strange that he enjoyed tea, for they had shared tea on more than one occasion in the past during their youth.

"Yama, how are you ? It has been so long since I saw you last. You've…grown.", Ai said, blushing again when she saw how large his biceps were. Though he was tough, he had a gentle spirit and a romantic heart.

"I am better now that I found this tearoom. I noticed your tea was on the menu.

It is miraculous. I have never tasted something so astonishing. It is as if you have captured the essence of love in a cup.", Yama said, waxing philosophical. Ai's face flourished a deep maroon and she found it difficult to look the sapphire-eyed hunk in the eyes.

"Thank you.", was all that eked out of Ai's mouth, and it sounded rather shy. Yama grinned and gestured for her to sit with him. The two began to talk, and she found herself falling for him all over again. She told him about her past crush on him when she was in school, and he revealed he had the same feelings for her. Although they had reinstated their friendship, it was developing into something more in a matter of a few minutes.

Ai nearly forgot that she had to go to the market to buy her mother some groceries. She took her leave, but was stopped momentarily by Iroh.

"What is it Mushi ? I don't mean to be rude, but I am in a little bit of a hurry.", Ai said, starting to walk out the door.

"I understand, but this is important. I was wondering if you would like to have ownership of this tearoom while I am gone. I have realized my quest is not yet complete.", Iroh stated, his words serious. There was a certain determination in his timbre that told Ai he was prepared for anything that came his way.

"But, it's so sudden. I would be glad to, but I'd better be off to the market. I'm certain the other workers can handle the Dragon while I am gone. Mushi, I know I'm probably going to sound like an overly-concerned daughter when I say this, but please for the love of the gods, be careful.", Ai said, hugging the elder lovingly in her strong arms. She kissed him on the cheek.

"I love you. Don't forget that.", she said, before she left.

"I love you too, Ai. I'll never forget that for so long as I live.", Iroh said as he watched her disappear into the horizon and he left the Dragon to the remaining workers. He knew it would be a long journey to arrive at his destination, but he had made the most of his rest and relaxation. He was renewed, refreshed and ready to face anything along his sojourn.

Chapter 5—Through the Eyes of Love

Meifeng had grown slightly worried when Ai arrived home later than usual. She had brought groceries with her. Once Ai explained what had happened, she understood, and was very proud of what her daughter had accomplished.

"It's very honorable what you did for that old man. I hope he completes his quest.", Meifeng stated, her smile gentle and warm. Ai didn't dare tell her the old man was a Fire bender, or a heated argument would ensue.

"I have to go to work soon, and when I return, I will study as usual. I only wish there was an shaman in town I could learn from…", Ai said, being held close by her mother once again.

"As do I, but I think you don't need one. You are learning well on your own accord, and I felt your elixir starting to heal me.", Meifeng said. Ai had noticed it herself. Her mother wasn't coughing so much as she had in the past and she was getting around the house a lot easier than before. She could probably go to the bizarre in town when the caravans were passing through by the end of the week if she kept this up. Ai could hardly believe it, but her faith and love had something to do with that. This was the magic of "true medicine".

Ai felt honored to be at the helm of the Jasmine Dragon and wondered where her old friend Mushi was. She had a feeling he was on his way back home, but had no idea his quest was far more perilous than that. She suddenly felt anxiety enter her heart, which hardly ever happened. When this occurred, her intuition was informing her of something terrible that was occurring. Leaving the tearoom to her employees, and telling her mother she was off "on a journey", her mother simply accepted the fact that her daughter had gypsy feet that she simply couldn't keep still and had to be off on another trek once again.

Chapter 6—Healing Wounds

Ai was unaware that as she had gone on her trek, the Earth kingdom of Ba Sing Sei had fallen. The people were oppressed and had to follow the statutes of Fire Lord Ozai whether they wanted to or not. Her heart led her into the heart of Fire Nation territory, and even though she didn't wish to cause any confrontations, she quietly took a local's clothes without harming him. Just one pinch to the neck and he had taken a nap for a bit.

"I'm really sorry but I am going to need this.", she said, bowing politely to the sleeping body on the dirt road. Her senses were telling her that Mushi was in the dungeon of Fire Lord Ozai.

"I have to free him. He's lost his will.", Ai thought to herself. It made her heart ache knowing that Mushi had his spirit broken, but she hoped that freeing him would be the help that he needed.

Having no trouble sneaking past the guards in the Fire Nation's Palace, Ai had ventured into the ominous dungeons where Mushi was being held. Bending a rock to crush and bend the bars, she easily lifted Mushi over her shoulder and came through the bends in the iron to rescue him from the awful prison.

"W-why ?", was all that managed to come out of Iroh's mouth.

"Shh, you need to conserve your strength. I brought some rations with me for the both of us to share, but for now we need to find someplace safe for you to hide.", Ai said as she found a house not too far from the palace and practiced her healing skills on the wise old man. He was still weak and needed to sleep, and after eating some of the rations she had bought and taking a sip of her green mint jasmine tea, he had easily fallen into a gentle sleep with no troubles. Ai, the ever-present guardian watched long into the night until she knew it was safe to sleep without worrying someone would come for them before long.

Chapter 7—Secrets Revealed

Once Iroh awoke, he was surprised at where he found himself. He had forgotten that Ai had saved him, but he didn't want her getting involved in the troubles that he faced nor in the war the Fire Nation was in at the moment. Despite that, he knew he had no other choice but to tell her what was truly happening. Even though Ai was shocked Mushi (or now she knew his true name as Iroh) had been hiding from her, she was glad to know he trusted her enough to confide in her.

"So, the Prince Zuko is thinking that the Avatar is still alive ? How can that be, I heard that he had been dead !", Ai said, loudly enough so the neighbors could hear her. Iroh covered her mouth.

"Shhh, these walls have ears. You have to be careful. I doubt very seriously that the Avatar is dead, but until I know for sure, I cannot be of any use to him nor his friends. Would you like to be part of my resistance ?", Iroh asked, curiously.

"Of course I would, but what of Zuko ?", Ai said, concerned.

"You care too much for the welfare of others when you should care more for yourself, dear. ", Iroh said, with a bit of distaste, but she knew Iroh would find a way to speak to Zuko, perhaps even turn him in the right direction. But at this point, it would take a miracle to sway him from Azula's seductive speeches.

To Be Continued….