The sun had just begun to set when Zuko climbed into Appa's saddle with the rest of us. The fluffy creature understood his job was to follow June, so Zuko didn't have to direct him. I looked over at him, and saw a troubled look in his face. I looked to my right and noticed Katara sitting next to me. I scooted over to her and inquired,
"Why is Zuko so nervous to see his uncle? From what he told me about him, they seemed pretty close."
I whispered so Zuko couldn't hear me. Katara looked a little sad then. She spoke in a hushed voice.
"Before Zuko was on our side his sister Azula forced him to choose between her and their father, or his uncle. Long story short, Zuko chose the wrong side. He's probably afraid his uncle won't accept him back."
"Which is totally crazy cuz I met the guy and Zuko was pretty much all he talked about."
Toph interjected then, thankfully in a quiet voice. I had to agree with her. Although I had never met him, Zuko spoke of him with such love in his voice. There was no way his uncle would give up on him.
I just wish he could see that…
After about an hour the sky had darkened, and we felt Appa making his descent. We were in the middle of the ruins of what seemed to be a gigantic wall. Everyone hopped off Appa and walked over to June. She explained to us that this was as far as she would take us, and that Zuko's uncle was close by. Zuko thanked her and she swiftly rode away. Since it was late we all decided to make camp and search for Iroh in the morning. I watched in amazement as Toph made a makeshift tent out of earth and stepped inside. Katara and I joined her, and when we were all sitting down I asked them,
"What's Zuko's sister like?"
They both had funny expressions, and seemed to be at a loss for words. Toph spoke up and said,
"In one word? Crazy. Violent. Insane. Evil." I got the feeling she wasn't even close to done describing this girl but luckily Katara intervened.
"Azula is pretty much a power hungry sociopath that would kill her own family in their sleep if it would benefit her."
I could feel my jaw drop and my eyes widen. I couldn't imagine someone like that. She sounded absolutely terrifying. I could hear the shaking of my own voice, but I tried to cover it up with humor.
"I guess she gets it from their father's side of the family."
Thankfully I got a laugh out of both of them. Suddenly Toph stiffened and told us to be quiet. We complied and she said,
"Somebody's here."
She stood up quickly and brought down the earth tent. Our camp was suddenly surrounded by a ring of fire. Everyone was looking confused and ready to attack when we all heard a voice.
"Well look who's here!"
I looked up and saw four old looking men. The one who had spoken looked to be about a hundred years old, and he began to laugh. I was surprised to see everyone relax and actually start to smile. They obviously knew these people and we weren't in any danger. I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding, and the four men came down to greet us. Obviously Toph didn't know who they were because she asked,
"Why are we surrounded by old people?"
Katara answered in a happy voice,
"These aren't just any old people. These are great masters and friends of ours! Pakku." She walked over to one of the men and bowed to him. He smiled slightly and bowed back. He answered her with,
"It is respectful to bow to an old master, but how about a hug for your new grandfather?"
Sokka and Katara looked surprised, but very happy. She ran up and pulled him into a bear hug and exclaimed,
"That's so exciting! You and GranGran must be so happy to have found each other again!"
"I made her a new betrothal necklace and everything."
Sokka ran up and practically knocked Katara over in the process. He hugged Pakku and said in a happy voice,
"Welcome to the family GrampGramp!"
"You can just call me Pakku."
"How about…GranPakku!"
"No."
Sokka deflated a little, but let go. I watched as Katara gestured to the next man and introduced him as Jeong-Jeong, Aang's first firebending teacher. Zuko walked up to him and bowed in respect. I noticed Sokka walk over to the next man and bow. He spoke in a respective tone.
"Master Piandao."
"Hello Sokka."
Suki spoke up and I turned to look at her.
"How do you all know each other?"
The super old looking one answered with,
"All old people know each other! Don't you know that?"
Master Piandao explained that they were all a part of the same secret society called the Order of the White Lotus. The group transcends the division of the four nations and focuses on the beauty of life, and philosophy. He told us that Iroh was their leader and a Grand Lotus. He was the one who had called them all there to help with the war. Toph interrupted and told them we were looking for Iroh, and the men offered to lead us to him. We were about to leave when Bumi(the super old crazy one) said,
"Wait someone is missing from your group! Someone very important…Where's Momo?"
I looked at him in confusion and answered him with,
"He's with Aang…who's also missing. That's why we came to look for Iroh."
The men seemed to notice me for the first time, and Pakku asked Katara,
"Who's your new friend?"
"This is Maggie. She just joined our group recently. It's kind of a long story…"
From what I've seen I felt that the proper thing to do was bow. I walked up to face the four men and I bowed deeply before them. I tried my best to stop the shaking in my voice and hands.
"It's an honor to meet you all."
When I looked up again Bumi was right in from of my face. Before I could make a move to step back he took my face in his hands and peered into my eyes. I refused to blink as he examined me. When he was satisfied he stepped back and released my face. He said,
"She has a good soul. She'll make a nice addition to your little group."
He laughed again and I couldn't help but smile. This man was nuts, but he seemed like a good person. Like a crazy grandpa you can't help but love. After that little scene we followed the men over the broken wall and into their camp. On the way there Bumi told us all about his escape from the fire nation. I didn't really know what they were talking about though; it was probably a 'you had to be there to understand' story. When we finally arrived Bumi exclaimed,
"Welcome to old people camp!"
I could see Zuko looking around and he asked the men,
"Where is he?"
They pointed to a large tent in the center of camp and Zuko walked over to it. I felt my heart sink as he stopped before going inside. He sank to the ground and stared at the entrance to the tent. I walked over, and sat on the ground in front of him. Zuko looked up and I saw the fear and shame in his eyes. I spoke in a gentle tone and asked,
"Aren't you going inside?"
"How can I face him after what I've done? I'm sure he hates me now." He stared at the ground, and his hands became fists in his lap. I gently put my hand under his chin and forced him to look me in the eyes. I replied,
"Zuko he's your family. I'm positive that no matter what you've done, he could never hate you."
"How can you be so sure?"
I let go of him and thought for a moment before answering.
"Everybody makes mistakes Zuko, but you've made up for it by joining the good side. He won't hate you, he'll be proud. I promise."
I smiled at him, and saw some of the fear drain away from his gaze. He looked toward the tent again, but didn't move. I put a hand over his and asked,
"I can go with you if that makes it easier?"
He looked at me in with surprise, but I could see relief in his gaze. He nodded slightly and I followed him into the tent. He was about to speak when I heard a loud snore. His uncle was asleep on the floor across the room. I whispered to Zuko,
"You can just wait until he wakes up."
He looked at me quickly, and I saw another glint of fear. I put a hand on his shoulder and told him,
"Don't worry I'll wait with you ok?"
He sighed and we both sat on the ground facing Iroh. I could feel Zuko shaking next to me and I placed my cool hands over his warm ones. I gave him a gentle squeeze, and felt him relax a bit. Hi voice was barely audible, but I swear I could hear him say,
"Thank you."