You watched as Katara faced against a fellow waterbender, getting their stances ready. His was significantly more awkward than hers. He made a ball of ice, about the size of a torso, and threw it at her. She turned it into water as she spun it around her, sending him up in a wave, freezing it.
"That was fast." You muttered.
"Nice try, pupil." Master Pakku said, walking towards him. "A couple more years, and you might be able to fight a sea sponge." He turned the ice into water, letting the poor boy fall. "Would anyone care for a rematch with Katara?" He asked softly, looking among the defeated men. You had been the only one to defeat Katara, simply because you were more creative. It was a close, and long match to say the least.
"Katara, you've advanced more quickly than any other student I've ever trained." Master Pakku told her. "You have proven that with fierce determination, passion and hard-work, you can accomplish anything." You sighed, placing your chin in your hand. "Raw talent alone is not enough." He said, looking pointedly at Aang, who was playing with Momo. "Young pupil Aang."
"Yes, Master Pakku?" He asked, the lemur falling on his head.
"Care to step into the sparring circle? I figure since you have time to play with house pets, you must have already mastered waterbending."
Aang rose. "I wouldn't say mastered, but check this out!" He summoned the snow around him, turning him into a snowman. You smirked, but rolled your eyes. Katara and Master Pakku didn't seem at all impressed. Looking to the sky, you saw Appa fly up. Cocking your head, you excused yourself from the lesson, though nobody hear you, and nobody would notice your absence. Your eyes stayed trained on Appa until you saw black flecks mix with the snowy, white ones. Everyone else seemed to notice it too, because before you knew it, the warning gong was ringing, and people were running up the steps. You saw Sokka, holding Yue's hand, dragging her after him.
"What's wrong? We have to go!" He asked, noticing she stopped.
"No, Sokka, wait. I can't see you anymore. Not at all."
"What? We're just friends." He defended.
"I wish we could just be friends." She admitted. "But I like you too much, and it's too confusing to be around you. I'm marrying someone else." She said, turning away.
"You don't love him, do you? You don't even seem to like him."
"But I do love my people."
"You're not marrying them."
"You don't understand. I have duties to my father, to my tribe. I have to do this."
You walked up to them. "Guys, is this really the time?"
They both looked at you, Yue running off. You looked at Sokka and put an arm around his neck. "We have bigger things to worry about right now." You told him. He nodded softly and allowed you to pull him into the war meeting.
"The day we have feared for so long has arrived." Yue's father started. It seemed like most of the village was here. "The firenation is on our doorstep." You sat with Aang, Sokka and Katara against a pillar. "It is with great sadness I call my family here before me, knowing very well that some of these faces may vanish from our tribe. But they will never vanish from our hearts. Now, as we approach the battle for our existence, I call upon the great spirits! Spirit of the ocean! Spirit of the moon! Be with us!" He looked down at the crowd. "I'm going to need volunteers for a dangerous mission."
Sokka was the first to stand. "Count me in!"
"Sokka." Katara said softly. Your mouth hung open.
"Sokka, what do you think you're doing?" You hissed as other people stood.
"I'm helping."
You looked to Katara in worry.
"Be warned, many of you will not return. Come forward to receive my mark, if you accept the task." Yue's father said. You looked to the men stepping forward, and saw a familiar back. Liam. Your heart dropped into your stomach. You clutched your knees to your chest for comfort. Katara looked up, and saw your friend as well, before patting you on the back.
"Y/n, I'm so sorry."
You bit back sobs. "His name means strong-willed warrior and protector." You mumbled. "Of course he'd go." You stood, and went after him. You chased him around corners until you caught up and grabbed his hand, bringing him to a halt. He looked down at his hand, surprised, before looking up at your face, his features softening.
"Why?" You asked. "Why are you doing this?"
"I need to. We have to protect our friends and family." He said, turning to you.
"But what if things go south?"
"It's the North Pole. They have to go South." He joked, trying to lighten the mood. You, however, didn't even crack a smile.
"Liam, I'm serious. This is suicide."
"No, it's not. We're surrounded in our element. We'll be fine."
"But fire melts ice." You argued.
"Water extinguishes fire." He retorted back. You sighed, still not fully convinced.
"Be careful." You advised. "I can't lose you, too."
"You won't. I promise." He said, pressing a kiss to your temple before walking away.
"That's exactly what he said." You muttered.
You all waited atop a bridge. You stood on the other side of Sokka, who stood next to his sister. Aang sat on Appa, next to Katara. The silence was deafening. It was so silent you were sure Sokka could hear your rapid heartbeat. A figure appeared on the horizon. A ship. A fire blast was shot out of it, heading straight for the wall you were standing on. You raised a wave, but only succeeded in slowing it. The fireball wasn't simply fire. It was a boulder of sorts, set on fire. It hit the wall anyway, sending a few pieces and people everywhere. The continued their assault, boulders crashing into the ice. Appa leapt into the air, per Aang's request, and they flew towards the ship.
You, and everyone else that was on the bridge, were on the ground, climbing out of the snow.
"Katara!" Sokka called. A burst of snow flew by, and you turned, seeing Katara. Sokka grabbed her hand and pulled her out, now smiling, glad she was alright. He was led away, getting a debriefing, while everyone else either took the fight to them, disabling their ships, or held down the fort, which is what you were currently doing. Making ice walls to stop any incoming boulders was tiring, especially because it was now sunset. The attacks suddenly stopped. You looked up and saw Appa fly over. You used bending to get a lift, and landed in the saddle.
"Aang!" Katara shouted. Aang landed Appa nearby and climbed off, sitting at the bison's feet.
"I can't do it. I can't do it." He whispered. Appa was exhausted, and laying down. You slid off the large creature and sat next to Aang, putting an arm around his shoulder as Katara and Yue approached.
"What happened?" Katara asked.
"I must have taken out a dozen fire navy ships, but there's just too many of them. I can't fight them all." He explained quietly.
"But, you have to. You're the Avatar." Yue told him.
"I'm just one kid." He reminded, placing his forehead in his arms. You helped him stand, not wanting to see him so down. You led him over to a balcony, where you all watched the moon rise.
"The legends say the moon was the first waterbender." Yue informed Aang and Katara. "Our ancestors saw how it pushed and pulled the tides, and learned how to do it themselves."
Aang still looked disgruntled, while Katara looked fascinated. "I've always noticed my waterbending is stronger at night."
"Our strength comes from the spirit of the moon. Our life comes from the spirit of the ocean." She explained. "They work together to achieve balance." There was silence for a moment.
"The spirits!" Aang exclaimed. "Maybe I can find them and get their help!"
"How can you do that?"
"The Avatar is the bridge between our world and the spirit world." Katara explained. "Aang can talk to them!"
"Maybe they'll give you the wisdom to win this battle!" Yue exclaimed, overjoyed and filled with hope.
"Sure would have been helpful if we knew that sooner." You muttered.
"Or maybe, they'll unleash a crazy spirit attack on the firenation!" Aang shouted, not hearing you. His enthusiasm was met with silence, though you fought a smile. "Or wisdom. That's good, too."
"The only problem is, last time you got to the spirit world by accident. How are you gonna get there this time?" Katara inquired.
"I have an idea. Follow me." Yue instructed. Aang followed, and you gestured for Katara to go before you. She did, and Yue led you all to a small wooden door in the side of a wall.
"So is this the way to the spirit world?" Aang asked, walking up to it. Yue chuckled.
"No. You'll have to get there on your own. But I can take you to the most spiritual place in the entire North Pole." She said, opening the small, circular door.
"I never thought I'd miss grass this much!" You heard Aang yell, after you all stepped inside. Aang had already made it to land, his airbending helping him, while you, Yue and Katara walked around the sides, joining him.
"It's so warm here. How is that possible?" Katara asked, shedding off her coat. Yours was already off, and lying on the grass.
"It's the center of all spiritual energy in our land." Yue explained, taking her coat off as well. Momo walked over to the small pond, and dug his paw into it, trying to grab the two fish.
"Oi!" You yelled, scaring him. He turned to look at you. "Don't!" You instructed.
"You're right, Yue." Aang started. "I can feel…..something." He was on the other side of the pond, in front of a tree, under a gateway. "It's so….tranquil." He concluded, sitting down and assuming his meditation pose.
"Why is he sitting like that?" Yue asked after a long moment. You had all moved around to the other side, being closer to him.
"He's meditating. Trying to cross over into the spirit world." Katara explained in a whisper. "It takes all his concentration."
"Is there any way we can help?" Yue asked, also in a whisper. Aang threw his hands up in the air.
"How about some quiet!?" He asked, turning to send you all glares. "Come on, guys! I can hear every word you're saying!" You stuck your tongue out, teasing him.
"Well maybe you're not focusing hard enough!" You shouted back, though not an angry shout. He turned back, his gaze settling on the fish in the pond. One white, with a black spot, the other the exact opposite. They circled around each other, in constant motion. You thought the same pattern would get boring, but they are fish spirits, so who knows?
Aang's tattoos started glowing, and you were alarmed. You've never actually seen him do it.
"Is he okay!?" Yue asked.
"He's crossing over into the spirit world! He'll be fine as long as we don't move his body." Katara answered.
"And why's that?" You asked, not taking your eyes off the glowing boy.
"That's his way back to the physical world."
"So you mean he can get lost?" You questioned.
"According to him."
"Great." You said sarcastically.
"Maybe we should get some help." Yue said, beginning to walk away. She sounded worried.
"No." Katara denied, voice even. "He's my friend. I'm perfectly capable of protecting him."
You sent a glare at her.
"We." She corrected. "We're perfectly capable of protecting him."
"Well." A voice spoke. "Aren't you big girls now?"
"No." Katara muttered. You both turned, and saw none other than Prince Zuko stalking towards you.
"Yes. Hand him over, and I won't have to hurt you."
"Like you'd spare us, anyway." You retorted, taking a fighting stance, Katara doing the same. Yue ran off, presumably to get help. Zuko shot fire blasts at both of you. You both blocked, summoning water. Katara shot at him, sending him flying.
"I see you've learned a new trick." He said, pulling himself to his feet. "But I didn't come this far to lose to you." He turned back around, sending more fire. You both countered his attacks, sending some back. He stumbled backwards into a puddle, and you froze it, keeping his feet in place. Katara brought several layers of water, forming them into a large ball around him, freezing it. You both relaxed for a moment, though you knew better to keep your guard down.
"You little peasant." Zuko taunted.
"It's a shame we couldn't freeze his mouth shut." You told Katara, loud enough for Zuko to hear.
"You've found a master, haven't you?" He asked. The ball of ice began to glow red and shake violently. You began summoning water, knowing where this was going. Sure enough, the ball shattered and Zuko leapt out, firing more shots. He advanced quickly, getting dangerously close. You bent over backward, avoiding his burning hand. You fell backwards into the pond, Zuko taking this chance and moving on to fight Katara. You pulled yourself out, though on the other side to gain some distance, and shot more water at him. He dodged you both, grabbing at Aang's collar, but you and Katara both shot water at him, sending him backwards. Katara summoned water, sending a flood at him, raising him up against a wall, before freezing it, keeping him there.
You turned and watched the sunrise, feeling its warmth already. The light spread throughout the entire place. You looked back at Zuko, seeing the light cross him and the ice around him. He suddenly looked up, scowling, there's a surprise, and when he breathed out of his nose, you could see the steam, melting the ice. Your eyes shot open wide, your eyebrows going to your hairline. You retook your stance, as he leapt down wasting no time in firing at Katara, who had her back turned. She turned around just in time, hearing his grunt, but barely summoned a water shield, knocking her into the post. She fell unconscious, having banged her head. Zuko turned to you, and you quickly made an ice shield around Aang, knowing you were toast.
You hadn't quite finished when Zuko shot you, sending you backwards, the water around Aang that you were trying to turn into a shell came splashing down on him.
"You rise with the moon. I rise with the sun." Zuko said, taking ahold of Aang's collar. You reached out before everything went black.
You awoke, but Katara was still out. You stood, looking around, when you noticed there were slid marks on the wall. You made icicles with your waterbending, and began climbing up the side of the mountain.
The top of the mountain was freezing, and you'd left your coat on the grass down below. Unfortunately for you, you didn't have the time to go get it. You rubbed your arms, trying to warm them. You saw a trail, about thigh-deep. You bent down, so you were between the walls the path had made, blocking off some of the wind. You were warmer down here, and you used your bending to seal off the top, so it made a tunnel. You crawled through it, following the path you assumed Zuko had made. You weren't sure what you planned on doing when you found him, but you didn't have time to think it over.
The trail suddenly stopped, and there was a giant gap. You closed your eyes, bending the snow across and freezing it. You slowly and carefully went across, careful not to look down. You got to the other side and you resumed your journey. You continued crawling until you saw the trail getting shallower. You made a gap in the 'roof' you'd made, and looked around. It was still snowing pretty badly, but there was a cave up ahead.
Well, he'd defiantly head for shelter. And obviously he'd made it this far. You kept crawling, hearing faint voices. Or one voice, but talking to someone. As you got closer, you could hear what he was saying.
"There's always something." The voice drew nearer and you halted your movements. "Not that you would understand. You're like my sister. Everything always came easy for her. She's a firebending protégé. And everyone adores her. My father says she was born lucky. He says I was lucky to be born."
Your heart sank.
"I don't need luck, though. I don't want it. I've always had to struggle in fight and that's made me strong. It's made me who I am."
There was silence and you were sure you could actually hear your heart breaking in the midst of it. You felt pity. Understanding. Footsteps retreated and you leapt out of the snow, using your bending to freeze Zuko to the wall. You rushed forward to grab Aang and take him back, but Zuko broke out quickly with a grunt and shot at you, knocking you back into the snow. The harsh temperatures and exhaustion consumed you, and you fell unconscious again.
Your eyes snapped open. You were in the cave, looking at the back wall. Ahead of you, and to your right was Aang, tied up, and still in the spirit world. You looked to your left and was met with a chest. You looked up and saw Zuko. He had his left arm under your legs, his right on your back, keeping you upright, and you sat in his lap. You looked up at him and met his eyes.
"You're not the only one benefiting from this." He spoke. "Our combined-"
"I know what body-heat does, Prince Zuko. I grew up here, remember? Well, not here, here."
It grew silent again and you looked back up at him. It was then you noticed his cuts and bruises.
"What happened?" You asked softly.
"The pirates attacked my ship. They wanted revenge about the waterbending scroll. They thought I'd died."
You pulled your water out of your canteen and raised it to his face. He flinched back. "What are you doing!?"
"Calm down. I'm healing you." You told him. "Relax, and try to hold still?" You pressed the water to his face, and he flinched slightly at the contact, but said nothing. You focused your energy and the water began to glow, healing his bruises, cuts and burns. When you were satisfied with the results, you directed the water back into your canteen. You took his chin with your thumb and forefinger, turning his head so you can check to see if you've gotten everything. He said nothing, but he looked uncomfortable. You released his chin, looking over at Aang.
"What exactly is it that you plan on doing with him?"
"I'm taking him back to my father so he can restore my honor."
"And you're sure he'll do that? Would he kill Aang?"
"I don't see how that's any of your business."
"The Avatar is my business, buster." You scowled, getting out of his lap and crawling over to Aang. You placed his head in your lap. "They can't hurt him." You told Zuko, sending a glare his way. Your face softened as you looked down at the boy. "I won't let them." You mumbled. You looked up at Zuko. "Do you really think the Firelord's going to restore your honor? How long is it that you've been doing this?"
"Two years." He muttered.
"Two years. And you expect him to welcome you back with open arms?"
"You know nothing of my father!" He snapped.
"Sounds like you don't either! He may be your father, but he's still the Firelord. The most feared man on the planet. Known for being ruthless." You got quieter as you spoke the last sentence. You turned back to Zuko, and gestured at him. "Look what he did to you! His own son!"
Zuko looked down at the ground. Even though he wasn't saying anything, everything from the look in his eyes, to his posture was screaming 'suffering'. You sat in silence, awaiting his next move, when you felt a shift. You looked down and saw Aang, awake and no longer glowing.
"Aang!" You exclaimed. He looked up at you.
"Y/n?" He questioned, looking around. His eyes landed on Zuko.
"Welcome back." He said.
"Good to be back." Aang replied. He took in a big breath of air, and blew out, sending Zuko into the wall, and you and Aang flying outside, into the snow. You both rolled for a bit, before finally coming to a stop. Aang began trying to inch away, he was still tied up, and you ran over to help, but Zuko beat you to it.
"That won't be enough to escape." He informed, grabbing onto the boy.
"Appa!" Aang shouted. Sure enough, Appa landed beside you. Katara slid off, and Zuko tossed Aang aside.
"Here for a rematch?" He asked.
"Trust me, Zuko; it's not going to be much of a match." She said. He shot at her, but she easily blocked it. She sent snow at him, raising him in the air and freezing it, before slamming him into the ground. He was knocked unconscious. You shuddered, remembering how cold it is, and that you didn't have your coat, or Zuko's body-heat. You scrambled over to Aang.
"Are you okay?" You asked, trying to undo the knots.
"I'm okay. Did he kidnap you, too?" Aang asked.
"Not exactly." You looked up at him, seeing him looking at you with a quizzical look in his eyes. "Look, he took you and I followed him. That's all." You clarified. "Ugh! These knots are impossible!"
Sokka ran over with his knife, starting to cut the knots. You looked over to Zuko's unconscious form.
"This is some quality rope!" Sokka observed, pulling you out of your thoughts.
"We need to get to the oasis. The spirits are in trouble!" Aang informed, running to Appa and hopping on. You looked back to Zuko as Sokka and Katara climbed on as well.
"Y/n? Aren't you coming?" Sokka asked.
"Wait. We can't just leave him here." Aang said, noticing your hesitation.
"Sure we can. Let's go." Sokka replied. You glared up at him. He groaned. "Y/n, we don't have time for this! Besides, he's a bad guy."
"I'm not leaving him!" You insisted. You walked over and began dragging him out of the pile of snow.
"Why not?" Sokka questioned. You paused, looking down at Zuko.
"I don't know." You admitted. "It doesn't feel right." You concluded, using bending to lift the snow he was on, pushing him to the saddle.
"If we leave him, he'll die." Aang said.
"Yeah, this makes sense. Let's bring the guy who's trying to kill us!" Sokka exclaimed sarcastically.
"Sokka, shut up! For once in your life!" You snapped, laying Zuko down on the familiar brown saddle. "If it makes you feel any better, you can tie him up!"
Sokka grew quiet, but tied him up. You sat on your heels and rested his head on your lap. Katara looked at you with a quirked eyebrow.
"Why are you doing this? I thought you hated Zuko." She asked.
"I pity Zuko." You clarified, looking up at her, subconsciously running the back of your hand over his head.
"What? Why!?" Sokka asked.
"I heard some things I wish I hadn't. It's just going to make this harder." You muttered, looking back down at him. They had more to say, but the moon suddenly turned red, transforming the rest of the blue sky into a red as well. You were surprisingly thankful, as it stopped the questions directed at you.
Yue clutched her head in her hands.
"Are you okay?" Sokka asked, reaching for her.
"I feel faint." She answered.
"I feel it, too. The moon spirit is in trouble." Aang said.
"I owe the moon spirit my life." Yue informed.
"What do you mean?" Sokka asked. You looked down at Zuko, having heard this story before. When she was born, she was sick. It was almost like she was asleep. The healers did everything they could, but to no avail. Her father prayed to the spirits, and they placed her into the oasis. Her hair turned white and she began to cry. As she was telling them this, you simply stared down at the hurt boy before you.
How can one's own family be so ruthless? So cruel? Your heart went out to him. You had no idea how he's stayed this strong. So full of hope. His capture of the Avatar was the only thing that could restore his honor. Or so he thought, anyway.
Appa landed at the oasis, and you could see Zhao. He was holding a bag, saying that he'll be a legend. Momo landed on his head, and pulled at his hair and beard.
"Get it off!" He shouted. Momo flew back over and landed on Aang's outstretched arm. He, Katara and Sokka stood, at the ready, while Yue sat in the saddle, unable to do anything. You also sat in the saddle, unable to do anything, but you had Zuko, so.
"Don't bother." Zhao said, raising his fist and pointing it at the bag.
"Zhao!" Aang dropped his staff. "Don't." He pleaded.
"It's my destiny to destroy the moon and the watertribe." Zhao insisted.
"You're delusional." You retorted.
"Destroying the moon won't hurt just the water tribe." Aang said, raising his hands in surrender. "It will hurt everyone. Including you. Without the moon, everything would fall out of balance. You have no idea what kind of chaos that would unleash on the world."
"He is right, Zhao." A voice said. You turned. It was Iroh. A giant grin spread on your face, despite the situation.
"General Iroh. Why am I not surprised to discover your treachery?" Zhao asked.
"I'm no traitor, Zhao. The firenation needs the moon, too. We all depend on the balance. Whatever you do to that spirit, I'll unleash on you, tenfold! Now let it go, now!" He shouted. Your eyes widened. You were actually scared of Iroh. Well, maybe not scared of him, more worried for Zhao, should he decide to ignore Iroh.
Zhao's face softened and he released the fish back into the pond. The blue color returned to the sky and you let out a breath of relief. But you were too relaxed too soon. Zhao shouted and sent a fire-whip at it. The world turned gray. Your mouth dropped open as Iroh charged, his fireballs being the only color in the universe. He shot all four of Zhao's men down swiftly.
Zhao fled, while Yue climbed out of the saddle to join your friends on land. They were talking when you felt Zuko shift slightly and you peeled your eyes away from the scene before you to look down at him. His eyes snapped open and he tried to sit up quickly, but you held him down, urging him to be quiet. He opened his mouth to speak, but you placed a hand over it, shaking your head and looking over your shoulder. You were relieved to see they were still talking. You bent down so you wouldn't have to talk loudly.
"I'm going to get you out of here, but you have to be quiet, or they'll have my head." You whispered. He nodded and you slowly took your hand off his mouth. You untied him and he sat up, rubbing where the rope was on his arms to relieve some of the pain. You shot a quick look behind you again, seeing Aang in the Avatar state, walking towards the pool. You turned back to Zuko.
"You have to go. Now." You instructed. "Be careful."
"Why are you doing this?"
"Call it getting even. You saved my life in the cave, remember? I would have died."
"But how did I-"
"Go." You urged quietly. He held eye-contact with you for a few moments before he dropped off Appa. You let out a breath of relief and turned back to your friends, hopping down as well. You stood next to Iroh and watched as the gray earth turned blue, and the water glowed, forming into a giant creature, Aang in its chest. He walked away, and you chased after it, seeing what it was doing.
The large creature was sending all of the firenation running. You watched with interest until something caught your eye. The blue was contrasted by reds and yellows. You turned and focused, seeing Zuko fighting Zhao. You made your way closer, careful to not get too close, and kept a watchful eye on them, in case anything should happen.
You watched as the spirit sliced the fire navy ships, dismantling them. It raised a large wave, pushing the ships out of sight. You turned back to Zuko and Zhao. You watched for a few moments before the color came back. Your brows furrowed. The fish was dead. How did-?
"Yue." You breathed out. You looked back at Zhao, who was equally as shocked, and even angrier. The spirit's hands came around the edges of the bridge they were battling on. Zuko ducked out of the way, but they wrapped around Zhao, lifting him up. Zuko reached forward.
"Take my hand!" He offered. Your eyes grew wide and your mouth parted slightly. Zhao refused and the spirit's hand dragged him down in the water. You scrambled over as quickly as you could. Zuko shot fire at you quickly, but you easily blocked it.
"Woah! It's just me!" You defended, holding your hands in the air. "Chill." His posture relaxed, though only slightly. "Do you think he's gone?" You asked, looking up at him.
"I don't know."
"I wouldn't know how he would survive." You muttered, looking at the water. It seemed so natural. Like it didn't just drag someone to his death. You bit your lip and jumped up on the side of the bridge, sitting, facing opposite of Zuko. You looked over at him. "That was very nice of you."
He said nothing.
"Prince Zuko, it's not your fault. You offered. It was his own pride that killed him."
Zuko turned to you, getting aggravated and uneasy about your presence. "Shouldn't you be with your friends?" He asked, with a slight edge to his tone.
"Shouldn't you be with your uncle?" You retorted, crossing your arms. You both remained in silence for a while, you swinging your legs. You slid off the ledge. "Look, they'll be wondering where I am. I just thought you needed some encouragement." You said, making your way back to the oasis.
Sokka was crying, Katara and Aang were trying to comfort him. Yue was nowhere in sight. Your suspicions had been proven correct when you saw both fishes in the pond, circling around. You looked to Iroh, who was beginning to walk away. You rushed over.
"Hey, Iroh." You greeted.
"Hello, Y/n. It's been a while."
"It hasn't been that long. Maybe a few weeks." You replied with a shrug. "Look, you nephew's okay. He made it out." You paused. "In fact, I wouldn't have made it out if it wasn't for him."
Iroh raised an eyebrow. "Oh, really?"
"He saved my life, Iroh. And I heard some things he said. I just….don't know what to do." You admitted. Iroh smiled.
"Follow your heart. But listen to your brain, too, because hearts can be misleading, just as the brain can. Without their balance, things could be catastrophic."
You smiled. "We really need to have tea sometime."
"It would be my honor." He said, bowing. "But I must be heading back. I'm sure I will see you again."
You bowed as well. "Until next time." You said. He walked off and you ran over to Sokka, pulling him into a hug.
It was the next morning. Sokka was talking to Yue's father, and Katara was talking to Master Pakku. You and Aang both watched the water, though for different reasons. Your mind traveled back to what Aunt Wu had said.
She said you would hate a man at first, then feel pity, before love. He was also supposed to be a great bender. A hot-head as well. If that didn't scream Zuko, you didn't know what did.
Of course, you couldn't tell any of your friends that. The only person you would feel comfortable telling is Iroh. Now isn't that ironic? But the more you thought about it, the more Aunt Wu's predictions made sense.
She might be right.
And it might not be so bad.
