Let me just say… if it wasn't for you amazing readers I may have never gotten this close to finishing this story. Thanks for your constant support and for reading. I love your comments throughout as well: very entertaining. It feels good that this story will not go unfinished. A few more chapters to go. I am not sure if I will continue into the comics or not. After I finish this, I may take a breather for a few weeks. But it's also boring at work due to Covid, so I may get some inspiration.

Anyway… enjoy!


Chapter 69: The Reunion

Appa groaned and plopped down on the dirt, exhausted from his flight. We slid off of him, and I walked over to his nose to pat him with gratitude. "Good boy. Take a rest. We'll be back soon," I said.

Appa nudged me with his nose to let me know he was okay. His eyes showed he was worried though. I knew exactly who was on his mind.

"I know, buddy… I'm worried too... but I'm sure Aang's fine. And Momo. We'll see them soon."

Appa nudged me again to thank me for my comfort.

As I stepped back over to the group who were gathered a few meters from the entrance to the loud and shady building, I could see the puzzled expressions on Katara, Sokka, and Suki's face. We weren't exactly the kind of group to go to fishy places like this in the night. I could already smell the strong pungent odor of alcohol wafting from inside. The music inside was blaring and really loud. I could hear shouts and laughter as well.

Toph was the only one out of all of us who looked excited and eager to enter. "Sweet place you brought us to, Sparky!"

"We're not here for fun, Toph." Zuko spoke, taking charge. He looked over at the rest of us with a firm gaze. "Everyone keep close. This isn't a tea shop." He glanced over at Sokka. "Keep an eye on the girls."

Toph spoke up with disbelief. "Really? Don't get paternal just because you're a married man now, Sparky! What's the big deal? It's a tavern. You worried there might be some shady characters inside? Back when I was the Blind Bandit I met guys far worse, and they were sober!"

Zuko stepped over to me, putting an arm around my waist as Toph spoke. He responded to her with resolve. "I'm not worried about you, Toph. You'll bury the whole place if someone messes with you. It's the others. I've been to taverns like this before. I would make you all stay outside, but I know none of you would listen to me."

Suki laughed. "Aw. Zuko's worried about our safety, girls. Isn't that sweet."

Sokka was nervous now as he glanced at the drunk man passed out in the grass. "Maybe Zuko's right... Maybe he and I should just go in..."

Katara groaned. "Will you guys stop being so overprotective and sexist! We're all fighters! If someone tries anything they'll be pounded by Suki, or frozen to a wall by Crys and I!"

Zuko sighed. "Just keep close."

We headed inside then. Zuko pulled me closer as we passed a few tables with some men already wasted. There were a few women in the room, but they were definitely drunk themselves or enjoying the atmosphere.

Katara finally asked Zuko as she kept close to Sokka who held Suki's hand, "And the reason you brought us to a seedy Earth Kingdom tavern is what now?"

Zuko pointed at a table in the distance. "June."

The dark haired thin lady in her late twenties looked just as she had the last time I saw her. She wore the same dark clothes, and had the same shine of greed in her eyes. She appeared to be sipping tea, which was surprising since it seemed the main beverage of the shop was alcoholic.

Zuko was wrong… I guess this was a tea shop too...?

An angry looking man suddenly lunged at her, and her leg shot up to kick him hard in the stomach. Her tea remained unspilled in her hand as she pushed him down effortlessly. The man let out a groan on the floor, while she sipped her beverage nonchalantly. Women and men had gathered to watch, sipping from their mugs, or just observing. The crowd gasped at the woman's strength. June smirked when she noticed she had an audience.

Sokka spoke up, "Oh yeah… that weird bounty hunter with the giant mole."

Suki was confused. "Mole? Her skin is flawless."

June was off her seat now. She fought another guy who lunged at her. While this happened, Sokka explained, "No, she has this giant mole creature she rides around on."

Zuko nodded. "Her shirshu." The second man flew onto the floor as she smashed her elbow into his gut, falling beside the first guy. "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."

The second man was back up on his feet with pain, and tried to throw punches at the woman. She tossed her tea cup in the air, and grabbed the man flinging him into a table. The mugs and other dishes shattered. She caught her cup easily as it fell back down and resumed drinking the steaming liquid. She hadn't spilled a thing from the porcelain cup. I was honestly impressed with her strength and agility.

Toph beamed with delight. "I don't know who this June lady is but I like her!"

Zuko sighed. "Come on. Let me do the talking."

We headed towards June, who had sat at a table again and was now arm wrestling a very muscular man. She smashed his hand down onto the table, and he growled in defeat. He sulked off as we finally approached. She sipped her tea again, but her eyes caught our group.

"Some of you kids are a little young to be in here," she stated. As we broke the distance, she finally realized who the man at my side was. She groaned. "Oh great, not just kids… it's Prince Pouty." She noticed he wasn't with Iroh. "Where's your creepy grandpa?"

Zuko pulled me closer to keep his irritation down. "He's my Uncle, and he's not here."

She raised a brow. She looked at Zuko's arm which was wrapped around my waist. Then her eyes shot to my sister and brother. She looked puzzled by the group he was with. We were all wearing clothing from different nations. She also recognized my brother and sister from the last time she was with Zuko to help him capture them.

She tried to play off her confusion. "I see you decided which Water Tribe chick you liked more. Finally chose your girlfriend at last…" She smirked as she looked at me. "Had a feeling he'd pick you. The other one was a little too young for him."

Katara scowled with a blush. "I'm not that young! And I would never fall for him! I'm not that crazy!"

"Hey!" I protested.

Sokka interrogated Zuko, "You had a crush on both my sisters?!"

Zuko defended himself, "Of course not! Can we just focus?"

Toph laughed. "Wow, Zuko! You were quite the bachelor in your unmarried days!"

I covered my face in disbelief. "We're wasting time. Can we stop discussing this?"

June held up her hands in defense. "Calm yourselves kiddos. I was only teasing you all." She took another sip of her tea, and placed it back on the table. Then she turned her full attention towards us. "So what do you want?"

Zuko let out a heavy breath. "I need your help finding the Avatar."

June rolled her eyes. "Again?! Hmph. Doesn't sound too fun." She turned back to the table and took another sip. "Grab me when you have something more exciting."

Zuko left my side and smashed his fist on the table beside her. "Does the end of the world sound like more fun?!"

His question surprised her. She looked at him with shock, and then glanced at all of us to see the stress on our expressions. She looked back at Zuko, placing her cup to the side. "What are you talking about?"

Zuko sighed. "My father's men will be coming to the Earth Kingdom the day after tomorrow… They plan to set fire to the whole land. There's a comet that will give firebenders uncontrollable power. If you care about your life, and your home, you'll help us."

She blinked in shock from this reveal. Then she nodded, narrowing her eyes. "Fine. I'll help you find the Avatar. But that's it. After we find him, I want nothing to do with the battle."

Zuko nodded. "Help us, and you'll have done your part."

She stood and started to head out of the tavern. The other patrons shrunk as she passed, and I could see they were scared of her. Toph grinned as she felt through the floorboards the shaking of the men and women around her. "Maybe once we stop this fighting I'll hang with this woman some. She's definitely got some things she can teach me."

Suki seemed impressed too. "I definitely like her fighting style."

Eventually we got back outside, and I saw both Sokka and Zuko relax since we were out of the shady building at last. June whistled out towards the woods nearby, and a moment later a familiar creature with a star-shaped nose and a long fluffy tail stepped past the tree line. Appa recognized the creature from where he was standing nearby, and growled at the shirshu.

As June headed over to her pet, I walked over Appa to reassure him. Sokka had told me how the shirshu had attacked Appa back at the abbey months ago. I held my hands up in front of Appa to calm him. "Down boy. There's no danger this time."

Appa obeyed and calmed himself. He followed me as I went to return back to the group. The shirshu growled at Appa when the beast recognized the sky-bison, but after a moment the two animals both calmed down when they sensed there was no danger. Appa even gave the shirshu, Nyla, a lick to let her know he was coming in peace. Nyla calmed and I let out a breath of relief, glad no brawl was about to break out.

Katara climbed up on Appa once he was near the group again, and retrieved the staff we had left in his saddle. She slid back off and returned to us, gripping it with dismay. She was greatly concerned for the young airbender she had come to love.

June was patting Nyla at this point, and giving her endearment. "Nyla... Who's my little snuffly wuffly." Nyla shot her tongue out at June, getting excited by her owner's adoration. June gasped and jumped aside. "Whoa!" She pressed her pet's mouth closed. "Careful there. No paralysis today, sweetie." She turned and looked back at us. "Okay, who's got something with the Avatar's scent on it?"

Katara stepped forward. "I have Aang's staff."

June took the staff and held it towards Nyla. The shirshu sniffed it, walked in circles for a moment smelling the air vigorously, and then let out a whine collapsing on the ground and pawing at her nose.

Zuko asked with impatience, "Well what does that mean?"

June pat the animal to calm her down. "It means your friend's gone."

Toph huffed, and snapped, "We know he's gone! That's why we're trying to find him!"

June shook her head. "No, I mean he's gone- gone… He doesn't exist."

Her words stunned me. My eyes widened in shock. What? He doesn't exist?! That made absolutely no sense!

However, after my mind went wild with disbelief, my rational thinking returned. Nothing about the Avatar made sense to me, so in a way, June's words did make sense. Was Aang in the spirit world in his actual physical body? Had he found a way to cross over into the other world with Momo? Was that really possible?

My head hurt trying to figure out the spiritual stuff I didn't understand.

Sokka spoke, breaking through my wild thoughts. "What do you mean Aang doesn't exist? Do you mean he's... you know... dead?"

His words horrified me. I hadn't even thought of that possibility.

However, June brushed aside that concern. "Nope, we could find him if he were dead." She shrugged. "Ah, it's a real head scratcher." She turned and mounted Nyla. "Ah well. See ya. Good luck on your war."

Toph pouted. "Helpful… real helpful…"

A thought struck Zuko. As June went to leave, he stood in her path. "Wait! I have another idea." June stopped with disappointment. She was hoping she was done with us. Zuko looked back at the group with determination. "There's only one other person in this world who can help us face the Fire Lord." He looked back at June. "I'll be back with a sample!" He rushed over to Appa and climbed up disappearing on the saddle.

As he was gone, June let out a deep breath of defeat. She then looked down at me with curiosity. "So, earlier the small chick mentioned Prince Pouty wasn't an unmarried man anymore. You two get hitched?"

I blushed. I crossed my arms self-consciously. "Uh… yeah…"

She was amused. "Someone tried to get me to marry at your age… my parents… One of the reasons I ran away from home. Kudos to you for taking such a big step. Definitely not my cup of tea to be tied down to a man for the rest of my life. I can see he cares about you though. Congrats."

I wasn't sure if she was being sincere. I spoke a soft 'thanks' though.

June glanced over at my sister then. "Sorry for your loss. You didn't have a chance though."

I sighed. This woman was just teasing us again.

Katara gasped. "I was never competing!"

Toph laughed. June smirked glad to see she had riled up my sister.

Zuko was back, but he was confused by Katara's sudden flustered state. "What's wrong?"

Katara snapped at him. "I like Aang! Period! I didn't even like you and my sister together to begin with! There's nothing between us!"

Zuko blinked, completely at a loss to what was happening. He looked at her with shock. "Wha-"

Toph laughed. "Man! This is getting good!"

Sokka took charge. "Okay! Enough! Let's focus on what's important instead of Zuko's past flings!" Katara went to argue again, but he ignored her. He looked over at Zuko who was even more perplexed now. "What do you have?"

Zuko shook his confusion, and then held up a sandal.

I was bewildered. "Um… Zuko… why do you have Iroh's old sandal?"

Toph shrugged beside me. "I think it's kind of sweet. Sparky has such a sensitive side."

Zuko defended himself, "I thought it might come in handy one day." He held it up. "It seems I was right."

Nyla jumped forward and sniffed the leather. She then sniffed the air and her ears perked up. June nodded to all of us to tell us we had a trail. "Let's do this," she said.

We all climbed back on Appa, and we followed the shirshu and June as we raced across the landscape of the Earth Kingdom. We seemed to be going west and no other direction. We flew the whole night, and I was concerned about Appa's physical state. He had been flying for almost a whole day. He seemed to be determined though as he kept a little behind Nyla who was running across the grass and dirt with more speed than I'd ever seen a land animal have before. I could sense Appa was eager to help us the best he could as he managed to keep up.

The night passed with us chasing the shirshu for miles. As the moon started to lower in the sky, indicating to me that we were reaching early morning, a familiar view suddenly appeared as we raced over a large hill and then down a rocky slope.

Zuko was surprised as he too recognized the wall before us. "We're going to Ba Sing Se?"

Nyla came to a stop at the wall a moment later, and she started to make some whining noises. June nodded to answer Zuko, "Your Uncle's somewhere beyond the wall." Nyla scratched at the wall to indicate this. "Nyla's getting twitchy so he can't be too far. Good luck."

June left us then, yanking Nyla's reins and taking back off towards the direction we had come. Once the shirshu was gone, I was very confused. As the group dismounted, and we stood outside the wall, I had to speak. Because I was honestly at a loss.

"Okay… I am really confused. We just traveled from the Earth Kingdom's west coast all the way to Ba Sing Se in one night… how did it take us weeks last time?!"

The group was stunned by my question. Sokka shrugged and answered, "We did take a lot of detours last time. Aang doesn't exactly fly straight. Plus, we didn't have Appa after the desert."

I went to argue.

Katara interrupted. "Does it matter?"

I ran a hand through my hair. "No… I guess not... I'm just thinking too hard I guess."

"See… that's your problem, Princess. You think too much," Toph said.

Zuko sighed. "It's been a long day. Let's camp and start our search again at dawn. That gives us at least three hours."

Toph agreed. She made her usual rock tent and went inside quickly, shutting the front to block us out. Suki and Sokka plopped down on Appa's tail. Katara slept on Appa's saddle, wanting her sleeping mat. Zuko and I curled up beside one another at Appa's side. None of us said anything else as our exhaustion took us over.

However, we were probably only asleep for an hour when the ground began to shake. Toph gasped and emerged out of her tent. She touched the ground, while the rest of us jumped to our feet ready to fight if we had to.

A ring of fire shot around us, and we gasped as we were surrounded by the wall of flames. From beyond, on a collapsed piece of the wall, we saw four robed figures appear. I was shocked when I recognized two out of the four. Master Piandao and Master Pakku stood beside another man with a hunchback, and a man with a scar from something sharp on the left side of his face. The man with a scar was definitely Fire Nation. The hunchback guy looked to be from the Earth Nation. They were all wearing dark blue and white robes, with a blue cape on the back. The fabric draped around their shoulders was white with petal designs.

The hunchback man beamed with delight. "Well... look who's here!" He threw his arms out to indicate he was speaking about us. He started to laugh and snort.

The fire around us faded, and we all relaxed from our tense stances. The man who originally spoke used earthbending to put the four men on level ground with us. The men stepped over with kindness.

We were amongst friends and allies. I was relieved.

Suki and Toph were confused though. Toph only vaguely knew Master Piandao, but she knew none of the other men. Suki didn't know any of them.

Toph finally asked, "What's going on? We're surrounded by old people."

Katara was thrilled to see her old waterbending master. "Not just any old people. These are great masters and friends of ours." She stepped up to the waterbender and bowed with respect. "Pakku.

Pakku bowed in return. "It is respectful to bow to an old master…" he went straight again and held his arms out. "But how about a hug for your new grandfather?"

My brother and sister were shocked by this reveal.

My eyes widened and I covered my face with disbelief. "Oh… I never told you all that… oops."

Katara looked back at me with shock. "You knew?!"

I dropped my hand and grimaced. "Um… yeah… I told dad. I forgot I didn't tell you all. Sorry. A lot was happening around that time."

Sokka questioned me further. "How did you find this out before us?"

His question made me flinch. "Fire Lord Ozai told me…" I spoke softly. "I wasn't sure if it was true or not… his dark twisted mind thought maybe I could be used as leverage against the Water Tribe due to this fact."

Katara frowned, sensing that I was starting to become unsettled by memories I didn't want to think about. She turned back to Pakku with a smile to direct attention from me. "That's so exciting." She gave him a hug. "You and Gran Gran must be so happy to have found each other again."

Pakku stepped back once they were done with their embrace. "I made her a new betrothal necklace and everything."

Sokka recovered from my reveal of having this knowledge, and walked over to the man. He hugged him around the neck with a grin. "Welcome to the family Great Gramp."

Pakku wasn't amused by the nickname, and pushed him off. "You can still just call me Pakku."

Sokka tried again. "How about Grand Pakku?"

Pakku stayed serious. "No."

Katara continued the introductions then. I was glad to avoid having to speak with Pakku. I feared the man held a grudge against me for all that transpired months ago at the North Pole. I kept my gaze from him and stayed quiet as I listened to my sister.

The hunchback man was King Bumi, Aang's old friend from a hundred years ago. I was bewildered that the man before us was over a century old. The man with the scar was Jeong Jeong, Aang's first firebending teacher. Sokka and Zuko then bowed to Piandao to show respect to their old sword master, while Katara explained to Suki who the Fire Nation man was.

Suki finally spoke for the first time. "So wait, how do you all know each other?"

Bumi grinned. " All old people know each other! Don't you know that?" He snorted and laughed.

Piandao gave a more thorough explanation. "We're all part of the same ancient secret society. A group that transcends the divisions of the four nations."

Zuko smiled. "The Order of the White Lotus."

Bumi laughed. "That's the one."

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

Pakku added, looking over at Zuko, "It came from a Grand Lotus, your Uncle, Iroh of the Fire Nation."

Toph grinned. "Well that's who we're looking for!"

Piandao nodded. "Then we'll take you to him."

Bumi however looked around the group with sudden worry. "Wait, someone's missing from your group. Someone very important." He turned and looked directly at Sokka, inches from his face. "Where's Momo?"

Sokka leaned back to try and get some space. "He's gone. And so is Aang."

Bumi shrugged. "Oh well, so long as they have each other I'm sure we have nothing to worry about." He patted my brother's shoulder, leaning closer to Sokka as he did. Sokka stumbled back to regain his balance after leaning too far himself.

"Before we go," Pakku began. "There's still one person who I have not spoken with yet."

I saw him look my way. As I met his gaze, I suddenly crossed my arms feeling self-conscious. I dropped my eyes with uncertainty. The last time I saw Master Pakku was back at the North Pole, right before I betrayed my people to help Zuko escape. I wasn't sure how the man felt towards me. Katara had told me he wasn't mad at me for what I had done, but I didn't really know if that was true or not. I had a feeling the North Pole wasn't thrilled about me attacking their own to save the prince of the Fire Nation so long ago.

Zuko noticed my angst and stepped over to me with worry. His hand moved to my back to offer comfort.

"Crystal," Master Pakku spoke. I felt my heart pound, not sure how much this man blamed me for burying his warriors in snow. "I know we don't know each other as much as I know your brother and sister, but I'd like a hug from my oldest granddaughter as well."

His words surprised me. I met his gaze with shock. "You… you're not mad at me?"

He was puzzled. "Mad?"

I spoke softly. "I attacked your men… I thought you and everyone at the North Pole would despise me for-"

He cut me off. "Of course not! You threw snow over some of our strongest warriors. I was quite impressed when I heard." He walked over to me. "Your grandmother was proud to hear how you helped us fight the Fire Nation at the Northern Water Tribe. Although, she was horrified when I told her you did all of this barefoot."

I cringed. "Yeah... Not one of my brightest moments… but I didn't exactly have time to look for shoes during my escape from Zhao." I sighed and met his gaze. "I'm sorry if I upset your people… but I'm not sorry for saving Zuko… I couldn't let your people take him prisoner. I hope I didn't hurt anyone."

Pakku pulled me into a hug, and I was stunned by his endearment. "Asok and the others were just embarrassed they got pounded by a girl. You only hurt their egos. No hard feelings."

I hugged him back, a smile forming from his embrace. I felt one of the burdens from my past leave me with his reassurance. Once we pulled away, I said, "I'm really glad Gran Gran and you married finally. I know from what Katara told me, you really loved her when she lived up north. I'm glad she has someone to love again... she's lost so much, so hearing she has gained a husband brings me peace."

He nodded. "Yes. She's still beautiful and so spirited. Much like her granddaughter."

I looked over at Zuko, who was glad to see my worries were calmed. I stepped over to him, grabbing his arm. He was confused, but followed me as I pulled him over to Pakku. "Actually, you have a grandson-in-law too." I blushed. "We were married at Ember Island by Sage Ju a few days ago."

The circle was amazed by this reveal. Zuko became slightly flustered by the attention on him. Pakku looked at Zuko with shock, and then a wide smile pulled on his face.

"Well it's about damn time!" Piandao snapped. We were shocked when Sokka and Zuko's past sword master spoke up. "I thought you two would've been married as soon as Crystal came of age! But you both show up on my doorstep only engaged! I lost a bet because of you two!"

I was shocked. "Wha—"

"Good! This works perfectly!" Bumi exclaimed. "We don't have to plot anymore about setting you two up!"

He turned and headed away. "Come along everyone! The old man you are looking for is this way." He laughed and snorted. As he left, Zuko and I watched him go with disbelief.

Pakku sighed with relief. "I'm so glad to hear this wonderful news." He held a hand out towards Zuko. "Take care of my new granddaughter. Make her happy."

Zuko took his hand with promise. "I will."

Toph spoke. "Oh… Sparky is taking excellent care of our sweet Crystal. She's been very happy since their wedding."

"Toph! We talked about this!" I turned to shoot her a stern glance. I knew she couldn't see my eyes, but I was certain she could feel my irritation through the dirt. She smirked.

"I can see the tales I've heard of Toph Beifong are all very true," Pakku spoke with amusement. "You are definitely the life of the group."

Toph grinned. "You bet I am!"

We started to follow the men through an opening in the wall, and then around the agrarian zone of Ba Sing Se. Appa followed tiredly behind, although I could sense he was glad we didn't have to fly anymore. As we followed the four older men, Zuko took my hand to give it a squeeze. I could sense he was excited to see Iroh soon. I was too. We hadn't see him since he sacrificed himself at Ba Sing Se to help us escape from Azula and her followers.

Sokka moved in step with King Bumi then, trying to get some information. The last we heard about the man, he was a prisoner to the Fire Nation at Omashu.

"So Bumi, how did you end up escaping your imprisonment in Omashu?"

Bumi was surprised by his question. "Escape? I didn't escape, everybody else escaped." He threw his arms up in exclamation. "There I was, back in Omashu, waiting for just the right moment. I didn't know what or when but I knew I'd know it when I knew it. Then the greatest thing happened. An eclipse! I knew that should do it! I broke out of my stone coffin which was dangling by a chain above the city. Once I was free, I fought off the soldiers in the city and destroyed their war machines. Since none of them had firepower, they were forced to run away like scared little mouse-rats! Then I took down that terrible statue that was built. Was way too tacky for my taste. And speaking of taste… after the last Fire Nation soldier ran off, I finally got to enjoy my genemite again at last. And Flopsy came home too!"

Suki was amazed. "Wow, you took back your whole city all by yourself."

Bumi waved off the victory. "So what about you guys? Did you do anything interesting on the day of the eclipse?"

Sokka shrugged. "Nah. No, not really."

Piandao spoke up then. "I'm sure that's not true. I heard you were quite the leader that day, Sokka."

Sokka grimaced. "Yeah… the leader that got everyone else captured. Don't know how great I was..."

Piandao argued. "The fact you were able to break past the Gates of Azulon, and infiltrate the Fire Nation Palace was a victory itself, Sokka. You young men and women have made us all proud of the strength and determination you each display. One day, every single one of you is going to have an even greater role to play in this world."

Jeong Jeong agreed. "Once this war ends tomorrow, there will be much repair that needs to be done. The good thing is, the Water Tribe and Fire Nation will be the first to repair relationships once word finally gets out about our newly weds."

Zuko and I blushed as attention was brought back to us.

Pakku agreed. "Yes. Fire and Water. Two opposites, coming together as one. This will indeed help with repairing the rift between our nations."

Toph agreed. "And when their future child arrives in nine months, that will help too."

I gasped and looked at her with horror. "Toph! Stop!"

Bumi agreed though. "Great! That's perfect! Congrats, Crystal! Can't wait to meet the little one."

I was mortified. "I'm not pregnant!"

Zuko covered his face and shook his head in disbelief.

Toph shrugged. "Eh. Still too soon to tell. We'll see in a few months."

The rest of the walk was spent with me being held back by Zuko so I didn't attack the satisfied earthbender. By the time we reached the large camp outside of Ba Sing Se, the sky was starting to lighten up as dawn began. There was a large spread of white tents with lotus symbols. The camp was quiet, but a few other members of the society in the same robes were going about their morning routine. They looked at all of us with curiosity. Then when they realized who we were they were delighted: We were the young heroes trying to save the world.

"Well, here we are," Bumi stated. "Welcome to old people camp."

Zuko was eager. "Where... where is he?

Piandao answered, pointing to a tent at the end of camp. "Your Uncle's in there, Prince Zuko."

Zuko nodded. He grabbed my hand, excited for the reunion. I squeezed his hand in return, letting him know I was ready to see our favorite tea loving man as well. We headed over to the tent, while the others stayed back to give us space. Zuko released my hand only when we got right outside the tent.

"Uncle," Zuko spoke, pushing the tent flap to go inside. He stopped at the entrance, and I waited to see what was wrong. He stepped back out, shutting the flaps again. He looked over at me with a small smile. He saw my worry. "He's sleeping."

I smiled. "Well… the man did break out of prison. That would make anyone tired."

"He'll probably wake in an hour when the sun rises. I'm going to stay here… you should go rest with-"

I took his hand to interrupt him. "No way. I'm not leaving you here alone. I can wait with you. The others are too busy catching up with their masters anyway."

He smiled and nodded. The both of us sat outside the tent, waiting for Iroh to wake. As we did, Zuko let me lean against his shoulder as his hand brushed though my hair absentmindedly. As the sun started to finally rise, we heard Iroh yawn. Then a moment later, after he moved around to dress and straighten up his tent, the flaps pulled aside.

Zuko and I were standing now, ready to greet Iroh. He came out, and I was amazed to see how much he had changed. He had lost some weight, and he looked so much stronger. When he came out in his White Lotus robe, I could indeed tell he was a Grand Lotus.

He looked at the two of us with surprise, and then relief. "Well… this is indeed a beautiful sight to see in the morning." Before Zuko could bow in respect, Iroh rushed forward pulling his nephew into his fatherly embrace. He hugged him closely, and I saw tears fall down Iroh's face. "Zuko… my nephew… I am so glad to see you in such good health."

Zuko hugged his uncle back, and I knew he was crying too. "Uncle… I was so worried when Azula took you prisoner. I'm so sorry we couldn't save you."

Iroh sighed. "That was not your mission. Your task was to help the Avatar." Iroh pulled away and looked Zuko over with pride. "You did just that. I heard from Piandao that you became the Avatar's firebending teacher. I am so proud of you."

Zuko smiled. "I couldn't have done it without having you as my teacher. I've missed you, Uncle."

He placed a hand on Zuko's shoulder. "I've missed you too. I am so glad you found your way to me." Iroh looked over at me with relief. "And I was so pleased to hear you saved Crystal from the Fire Lord." Iroh came over and pulled me into his warm embrace. "Crystal… I am so glad you are okay. When I heard you were captured and brought to the Fire Nation palace, I feared Zuko would not get to you in time. I was so relieved to hear he saved you from the Fire Lord and Azula."

I hugged him back, so glad to see he was okay. "I heard you broke out on the day of the eclipse. I'm so glad you're okay, Iroh. I hated the thought of you being in any prison."

He pulled away and brushed a tender hand on my cheek. Then he noticed the new charm that had once belonged to Zuko's mother. "Ah. I see Lady Sun gave you the necklace, Zuko. I'm so glad. It suits you well, Crystal."

I blushed. "Thank you, Iroh."

"If you are wearing this, I assume you are indeed engaged just as Piandao informed me?"

Zuko came over beside me and put his arm around my shoulders to pull me closer to him. "Actually, Uncle… we feared that we may not win this war, and we wanted to fulfill one important mission before it was too late… We were on Ember Island, and paid a visit to a friend of yours: Sage Ju. Crystal isn't my fiancée anymore… she's my beautiful wife."

Iroh was silent for a moment as he took in this news. He looked at Zuko and then at me, and then his gaze shot back to Zuko. As the shock started to fade from the old man's expression, we saw a victorious grin.

"And so my task is done. I can die a happy man now, knowing all of my hard work has paid off." He pulled us both into a hug, one arm around me while the other was around Zuko. "I am so pleased to hear this. Once this war is won tomorrow, we will have a huge ceremony to announce this union to the whole world. You two will be a symbol of hope to a world so divided." He pulled away and his eyes showed tears of joy. He met my gaze, saying softly, "From now on, you can call me Uncle."

I smiled. "Okay… Uncle."

He beamed with delight. "Come! You two must be starving. I know I am! Let us reconvene with your friends and I will have one of our members bring breakfast."

We started to follow Iroh back across camp. The scene was definitely different in the daylight. My eyes shot around the camp with curiosity. I saw men of all nations together, ready to fight for a good cause. Many were eating breakfast themselves, or sharpening their weapons. Each one wore a similar robe.

"There you are!" Katara came across camp towards us. "Pakku wants us all gathered to discuss plans." She looked at Iroh then with relief. "I'm so glad you're okay!"

Iroh smiled. "No prison can keep this old man for long."

Katara nodded. "I kept trying to tell these two that, but they wouldn't listen." She gestured for us to follow her over to the group who were gathered near Appa.

However, as we stepped across the camp with her, I heard a sudden squawk in the distance. I glanced over at the sound curiously, and spotted an animal with a long dark brown feathered neck and white furred tail. His head was a shade lighter than the rest of his body, and his beak was as yellow as his talons. He still had that small spot of white on his back that I loved so much. He was munching on some grass at the edge of camp. His build was just as I remembered. He looked healthy and content.

I gasped when I saw him, and my heart made a jump. I froze in my step, unable to believe what I was seeing. The group I was with noticed my falter, glancing at me with surprise. Iroh caught what had my attention, and chuckled.

Katara asked with confusion, "Crys… you okay?"

"Wha… Za…" I couldn't find my voice at first. I was in shock. But then my shock turned to elation.

To everyone else, it would've just been an ostrich-horse. But to me, it was a dear friend. I felt like my heart was soaring. Before I even realized it, I left the others and was running across camp.

"ZAN!"

My old ostrich-horse friend looked up upon its name. His head turned in my direction. When he recognized me, his eyes lit up. He squawked and moved forward to meet me. I raced to him and threw my arms around his long feathered neck. He nuzzled my hair with his beak, thrilled to see me too.

"Zan! I've missed you so much, boy! I'm so glad you're okay!" I felt my tears fall into his feathers. "I was so worried about you after I left you so long ago."

"I don't believe it," Zuko spoke. He, Katara, and Iroh had followed me over. "Where on earth did you find him? He took off at that ghost town when Azula started shooting fire everywhere."

Iroh answered. "He found his way to Misty Palms Oasis, where one of our headquarters is. I left a note in the bag on Zan's saddle just in case we ever lost our feathered friend. One of our members attempted to return him to the family he once belonged to, but they said the place was abandoned. I assume Song and her mother were forced to flee due to the expanding Fire Nation camps. When The Order of the White Lotus could not locate Zan's original family, they took care of him for us. He has become an essential member to our organization now."

"I'm so glad to hear," I said. I stroked his feathers, relieved that our companion from our time in the wilderness was alive and well.

"You know, Zuko…" Katara began. "I really am starting to get concerned about Crystal living in the palace with you after this war. You're going to end up adopting every animal you run into, and the palace will become more of a zoo."

Iroh laughed. "Yes. I have a feeling you'll have to set some rules, Zuko."

I pouted and looked over at Zuko. "When we move into the palace after this war, can we at least keep Zan?"

Zuko rolled his eyes. "I'll think about it… I'm scared letting you take in one will turn into twenty. You get excited over every animal we come across."

I argued. "Not mouse-rats!"

He laughed. "Yeah. Except those. I think I'm still recovering in my ear from when you screamed that night so long ago."

"He's a cutie," Katara said. She walked over and brushed her hand on his head. "Hey, Zan. Crys has told me lots about you."

Zan brushed his beak on Katara's cheek in greeting. She smiled.

Zuko stepped over then, patting Zan on his neck as well. "Hey, boy. Good to see you again." Zan nipped at Zuko's hair in greeting, and I laughed as Zuko gave a look of irritation. "Why do you only go after my hair?"

Katara laughed. "Maybe he thinks it's grass."

Zan followed us over to the group, frankly because I wanted to keep petting him and no one could pry me away. Iroh encouraged Zan to follow us by using a moonpeach to coax him along. When we got to the others, I introduced my feathered friend to Sokka, Suki, and Toph. Suki was excited to meet Zan, while Sokka laughed and called me an animal whisperer.

Toph commented, "Every princess needs a noble steed."

We all sat in a circle then, and were given breakfast. As we ate, Zan curled up behind me like old times. Zuko sat beside me, enjoying the warmth of our old friend as well.

As Iroh finally rejoined us with some freshly brewed tea, we all sipped the delicious drink as we began to discuss what needed to be done in the next day to come. We told Iroh that Aang was missing, and he did not seem concerned. He reassured us that he was certain Aang was doing fine and most likely on a spiritual journey. He told us once long ago men could physically go into the spirit world and live amongst the spirits. We were bewildered by this news.

"You think Aang is in the spirit world, then?"

Iroh answered. "It is quite possible. There are many things in this world that I don't even understand." He sighed. "I believe that the Avatar will come back when the time is right."

Zuko spoke up. "But if he doesn't, Uncle, then you're the only person other than the Avatar who can possibly defeat the Father Lord."

Toph corrected him. "You mean the Fire Lord."

Zuko didn't seem to realize he had said 'father,' and argued, "That's what I just said."

Toph shrugged and went back to eating.

Iroh pondered over what Zuko spoke. "Hmm..."

Zuko continued. "We need you to come with us."

Iroh placed his food down, and shook his head. "No Zuko… It will not turn out well."

He argued, "You can beat him and we'll be there to help."

"Even if I did defeat Ozai…" Iroh began. "And I don't know that I could... It will 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 Fire Lord. And once he does, you will need to take your rightful place on the throne, Prince Zuko."

Zuko suddenly grew anxious. "You… you really think I should be Fire Lord?" I hugged him from the side to offer him comfort. He placed an arm around me to accept my gesture.

Iroh nodded. "Yes. Someone new must take the throne. An idealist with a pure heart and unquestionable honor. It has to be you, Prince Zuko. "

Zuko still sounded uncertain. "Unquestionable honor? But I've made so many mistakes."

Iroh smiled. "Yes, you have. You struggled, you suffered, but you have always followed your own path. You followed your heart to stay by Crystal's side, and help the Avatar. You restored your own honor. And only you and Crystal can restore the honor of the Fire Nation. You both must begin leading the Nation, and bring this world to a new era."

I felt my heart pound at the thought of possibly being Fire Lady in the next days to come. However, I knew this was what I wanted. I desired to be by Zuko and give him the support he needed once the Fire Nation was finally stopped and the war came to an end.

Zuko nodded. "I'll try, Uncle… As long as I have Crystal, I know I'll be strong enough."

Toph spoke up then. "Well… what if Aang doesn't come back?"

Iroh reassured her. "Sozin's Comet is arriving and our destinies are upon us. Aang will face the Fire Lord." He smiled. "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."

Suki was amazed. "That's why you gathered the members of the White Lotus!"

Iroh nodded. "Yes." He looked over at Zuko then. "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."

Zuko spoke with confidence. "I can handle Azula."

Iroh argued. "Not alone. You'll need help."

I took his hand in my own. "He'll have help."

Zuko squeezed my hand. "I don't know how I feel about you facing Azula again after everything she did to you…"

I reassured him. "I'm not scared of her, Zuko. And we already agreed we would fight together."

He sighed. "Okay... " His eyes shot to Katara. "Probably a good idea to have a third with us though. Katara, how would you like to help me and Crystal put Azula in her place tomorrow?"

She smiled. "After everything that monster did to my sister, it would be my pleasure."

Sokka was curious. "What about us?" He gestured towards himself, Toph, and Suki. "What's our destiny?

Iroh looked at my brother, asking, "What do you think it is?"

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

Toph seemed thrilled with Sokka's idea. "And that means when Aang does face the Fire Lord, we'll be right there if he needs us."

"Yes. You all will rest today. Then tomorrow, your final battle will begin. And I know that you all will make everyone proud," Iroh spoke. "You have made all of us proud already. A group of young men and women are about to end a hundred year war. This will go down in the history books, and you all will be legends."

The rest of the day was spent in preparation for battle. We would be leaving before sunrise in the morning to head back towards the Fire Nation. The comet would be arriving in the evening, so we knew we would need to move out quickly. That night, I rested beside Zuko against Zan, who slept beside us. We knew we would have to leave him with Iroh and the others for now, but I hoped when the war was over Zan could come stay with us at the palace. Zuko promised me that he would strongly consider it. I knew I could persuade him somehow...

Leaning against Zuko, I whispered, "I guess tomorrow is the big day… Kind of scary... But we need to stop this war. It has been going on for too long."

He hugged me closer to him, pressing his face into my hair. "We've got this… As long as we're together, we can do anything. Azula and the Fire Lord will never hurt anyone again after tomorrow."

"I just hope Aang does return," I whispered. "I hate not knowing if he's okay or not."

Zuko brushed his hand through my hair. "He's fine... and he will return. I didn't chase him across the world for months just so he could go back into hiding. He'll show tomorrow, and when he does the Fire Lord will finally be stopped. Then you and I will repair a nation that has been controlled by darkness for too long."

"I never thought in my wildest dreams I would possibly help my husband lead a whole nation one day... But as long as we're together, I know we can do anything," I whispered. "No matter what happens tomorrow, I love you, Zuko. I am so blessed to have you as a husband... And I am so glad I attacked you that day at the South Pole so long ago."

He laughed. "I'm so glad you attacked me too." He moved enough so he could press his lips to my own. He pulled away for a moment, and whispered, "I love you, Crystal… more than you will ever know." He kissed me again, and I melted into his affectionate touch. I didn't want to lose this... I didn't want this to be our last night. I prayed we would have many more to come.

We had to win… because I refused to lose the happiness I had found.