"Hey, I remember her. She helped you attack us." Sokka recalled, turning to Zuko.

"Yep. Back in the good-old days." Zuko muttered sarcastically before making his way towards June, who was now sitting at a table, drink in hand.

"Oh, great, it's Prince Pouty." June grumbled. "Where's your creepy grandpa?"

"He's my Uncle." Zuko corrected, eyes narrowed. "And he's not here."

"I see you worked things out with your girlfriend."

"She's not my girlfriend!"

"I'm not his girlfriend!"

Zuko and Katara shouted at the same time.

You glanced at the side wall awkwardly.

"Okay, okay. Sheesh. I was only teasing." June muttered. "So what do you want?"

"I need your help finding the Avatar." Zuko spoke quietly.

"That doesn't sound too fun."

"Does the end of the world sound like more fun!?" Zuko hollered, getting up in her face.

She glanced over at him, sighing and placing her cup down on the table. "Fine. Follow me." She walked outside, where Appa and her shirshu were growling at each other.

Appa licked the creature.

"Nila." June called, tossing the shirshu a piece of meat.

Nila ate it quickly.

"Who's my little snuffly wuffly?" June spoke to it, petting the creature's head.

Nila's tongue darted out suddenly.

"Whoa! Careful there!" June closed Nila's mouth before turning to everyone. "Okay. So who's got something with the Avatar's scent on it?"

"I have Aang's staff." Katara informed as she stood on Appa's back, lifting up the wood.

June gestured for it.

Katara slid off Appa, handing June the staff.

Nila sniffed it before walking around in circles, smelling the air. She finally laid down, groaning slightly as she rubbed her nose with her paws.

Zuko crossed his arms. "Well, what does that mean?"

"It means your friend's gone." June informed, patting Nila's head.

"We know he's gone." Toph assured. "That's why we're trying to find him."

June stood, turning to face the group. "No, I mean he's gone-gone. He doesn't exist."

You placed your hands on your hips. "What's that supposed to mean? He obviously exists."

"Do you mean he's… dead?" Sokka asked.

"Nope. We'd find him if he were dead. It's a real head-scratcher." June remarked before pausing. "See ya."

"Helpful. Real helpful." Toph mumbled as June moved towards Nila's saddle.

"Wait." Zuko pleaded, stepping forward. "I have another idea." He turned to the group. "There's only one other person in the world who can help us face the Firelord." He looked over his shoulder at June, who was now sitting on her shirshu. "I'll be right back with a smell sample." He informed before walking away.

Your eyes trailed after him curiously.

Zuko returned, holding something in his hand.

Suki, Katara and Sokka all held their noses.

"You saved your Uncle's sweaty sandal?" Sokka questioned.

"I think it's kind of sweet." Toph admitted.

Nila lurched forward.

Zuko leaned back in alarm.

Nila smelled the sandal.

"Let's do this." June said, yanking on the reins.

"Hey! Wait up!" Zuko yelled as Nila rushed off.

Everyone scurried onto Appa, Zuko sitting in the front.

Appa followed Nila into the next night.

"We're going to Ba Sing Se?" Zuko asked in disbelief.

Nila was scratching at a pile of rocks on the ground in front of an opening.

"Your Uncle's somewhere beyond the wall." June informed.

"Well, that's helpful." You grumbled. "Ba Sing Se is enormous."

"Nila's getting twitchy, so he can't be too far." June countered. "Good luck." She pulled on the reins and Nila ran off, disappearing from view.

Zuko closed his eyes, turning away. "It's been a long day. Let's camp and start our search again at dawn."

You all climbed off Appa, letting him lay down.

He extended his legs, letting people sleep on them.

Toph created an earth tent a few paces away.

You sat on one of Appa's legs, staring at the ground. "So, are we just giving up on Aang?" You asked quietly, in case anyone was already asleep, as you turned to face the others.

Your question was met with silence.

You sighed, laying down and turning your back to everyone else.

"I don't know."

You rolled over, seeing Zuko looking at you. "But it's his destiny to defeat the Firelord. It's his destiny to bring balance to the world. If he's not here… what's going to happen?"

Zuko was silent once again, thinking the inquiry over. "The comet is coming. We don't have the time to look for him."

You opened your mouth, about to reply, when a ring of fire surrounded Appa.

You and Zuko looked over at it before shaking the others, except Toph, who had already felt the company, awake.

Four men in white and blue robes were standing on a rock.

"Well, look who's here." One stated before laughing.

You recognized the people.

Master Piando, Jeong Jeong, Master Pakku and King Bumi.

They hopped down after the fire dissipated.

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

"Not just any old people." Katara informed. "These are great masters and friends of ours." She stepped forward, bowing in respect. "Pakku."

He bowed back. "It is respectful to bow to an old master. But how about a hug?" He questioned as he stood up straight. "For your new grandfather?"

Katara's face lit up as Sokka's jaw dropped. "That's so exciting!" Katara exclaimed, rushing forward and hugging him. "You and Gran-gran must be so happy to have found each other again."

"I made her a new betrothal necklace and everything."

Sokka rushed forward, wrapping Pakku in a hug. "Welcome to the family, Gramp-gramp!"

"You can still just call me Pakku." He said, pushing the teen away.

"How about… Gramp-Pakku?"

"No."

Katara gestured. "And this was Aang's first firebending teacher." She told Zuko.

"I am Jeong Jeong." He informed as Zuko bowed before bowing back.

"Master Piando." Sokka said, also bowing to his master.

Piando bowed slightly as well. "Hello, Sokka."

"So, wait." Suki cut in. "How do you all know each other?"

"All old people know each other. Don't you know that?" Bumi asked before cackling.

"We're all part of the same ancient secret society. A group that transcends the divisions of the four nations." Piando informed.

"The order of the White Lotus." Zuko spoke up.

"That's the one." Bumi confirmed.

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

"It came from a grand-lotus." Pakku informed, turning to Zuko. "Your uncle. Iroh of the Firenation."

Zuko smiled in pride.

"Well, that's who we're looking for!" Toph exclaimed, walking forward.

"Then we'll take you to him." Piando offered.

Bumi shoved Piando and Jeong Jeong aside. "Wait. Someone's missing from your group. Someone very important. Where's Momo?" He probed, face uncomfortably close to Sokka's.

"He's gone." Sokka informed. "And so is Aang."

Bumi pulled away. "Oh, well. So long as they have each other, I'm sure we have nothing to worry about."

You face-palmed.

"Let's go." Bumi said before shooting himself into the air and disappearing behind the wall.

You all followed him, trailing along a path.

"So, Bumi, how did you end up escaping your imprisonment in Omashu?" Sokka questioned after a while.

"Escape? I didn't escape." Bumi corrected from in front of Sokka. "Everybody else escaped."

"What?" You asked.

"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."

You blinked.

"I noticed the eclipse, and used it to break free, chase the firenation away and get rid of their buildings."

"Wow. You took back your whole city all by yourself." Suki marveled.

"So, what about you guys?" Bumi questioned. "Did you do anything interesting on the day of the eclipse?"

You all exchanged glances.

"Nah." Zuko replied, sounding bored.

"Not really." Sokka added.

Bumi led everyone into a camp, where several tents were set up.

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

"Where- where is he?" Zuko asked.

Piando pointed to the biggest tent. "Your uncle is in there, Prince Zuko."

Zuko walked towards it. He stood at the entrance before sitting down.

You walked over. "Are you alright?"

"No; I'm not alright. My uncle hates me, I know it. He loved me and supported me in every way I could. And I still turned against him. How can I even face him?"

You crouched down next to the firebender. "Zuko, if that means anything, it means that he loves you, no matter what." You sighed. "You're sorry, right?"

"More sorry than I've been about anything for my entire life."

"Then he'll forgive you." You assured, placing a hand on Zuko's shoulder. "I promise."

Zuko stood, standing in front of the tent. He took a deep breath before entering.

Pakku approached you. "We have a tent set up for you and your friends. You can stay there for the night."

"Thanks." You stood, glancing at Iroh's tent before following Pakku.

The next morning, you paced back and forth outside of Iroh's tent. You hadn't seen Zuko since last night, and while you knew Iroh would forgive him, you were beginning to wonder what had happened.

Zuko emerged.

You stopped pacing, approaching Zuko. "I was beginning to worry. How'd it go?"

"He forgives me." Zuko informed, smiling. "He forgave me so easily."

"I knew he would."

Iroh stepped out of his tent, dressed in his White Lotus robes. He halted when he saw you and Zuko looking at him. "Good morning." He greeted you.

You smiled. "Hello."

Iroh glanced between you and the firebender, raising an eyebrow. "I'll go start on breakfast." He informed. "Would you two please go get some firewood?" He requested, walking away before you had time to respond.

You shrugged, walking away, Zuko in tow. You began picking up sticks, getting an armful before pausing. "Why do we need to get firewood? He's a firebender. I guess I just assumed it was normal because of all my time traveling with the others. I didn't think about it."

Zuko picked up another stick. "I'm sure he has a good reason."

"Yeah. Probably." You muttered, stepping over a rock. You stood up straight, glancing back at Zuko.

He reached down, adding another stick to the pile he was carrying in his arms before running his hand through his hair. His golden eyes landed on you. "What?"

You blinked. "I was just thinking, I guess."

"About what?"

"You."

Zuko flushed slightly. "Me?"

You adjusted your hold on the firewood as you turned to fully face him. "Do you remember when I told you that I would fall in love?"

Zuko pursed his lips, looking away in thought, his eyebrows furrowed. "No."

"Well, it was when you had first hired June to capture Aang." You prompted.

Zuko's eyes widened in recognition. He nodded. "Why?"

"Why what?"

"Why were you thinking about it?"

You swallowed a lump in your throat, picking up another piece of wood to busy yourself. "Well, I saw you, so…" You trailed off. "The fortune teller said that I'd fall in love with a powerful bender. She said that he'd be a hothead, and that I'll hate him at first, but then it'll grow into pity and then love." You looked at anything around you except Zuko. "I didn't want to believe her at first, but…"

A loud sound drew your attention to him.

The wood he was collecting was on the ground at his feet.

You raised an eyebrow at him. "Well, you don't have to act so surprised." You chastised.

Zuko turned his head away, closing his eyes.

You looked at him, your stomach twisting uncomfortably. "Zuko?" You called quietly. "Are you alright?"

He held a hand to his head. "Mai…"

You stared at him. "The one Sokka mentioned? He said that you had a girlfriend…"

"I did. I thought she hated me because of leaving her, but at the boiling rock-"

"Sokka filled me in." You assured. "I'm sorry for dropping this on you. Aunt Wu only said that I'd fall in love. She didn't say anything about being loved back." You recalled.

Zuko looked over at you, his eyes showing remorse. "I'm sorry." He spoke softly.

"It's fine." You shrugged, letting out a humorless chuckle. "It's not your fault." You drummed your fingers on the firewood awkwardly. "I should probably get this back to Iroh. He's trying to make breakfast."

Zuko came out of the woods, joining the circle.

"There you are, Zuko. I was beginning to think you got lost in there and we'd have to start without you." Sokka remarked.

Zuko nodded. "Sorry." He turned to Iroh, trying to get to the point. "Uncle, you're the only person other than the Avatar who can possibly defeat the fatherlord."

"You mean the Firelord." Toph corrected.

"That's what I just said." Zuko insisted.

Iroh hummed in thought.

"We need you to come with us." Zuko pleaded, turning his attention back to the firebender.

"No, Zuko. It won't turn out well."

"You can beat him. And we'll be there to help."

"Even if I did defeat Ozai, and I don't know that I could, it would be the wrong way to end the war."

"Because it wasn't the Avatar, you mean." You guessed. "Because Aang wouldn't have been the one to restore balance."

Iroh lowered his bowl. "History would just see it as more senseless violence; a brother killing a brother for power." He elaborated. "The only way this would end peacefully if for the Avatar to defeat the Firelord."

"And then… then would you come and take your rightful place on the throne?" Zuko questioned.

"No. Someone new must take the throne. An idealist with a pure heart and unquestionable honor. It has to be you, Prince Zuko."

Zuko's eyes widened. "Unquestionable honor?" He parroted. "But I've made so many mistakes."

"Yes. You have. You struggled. You suffered. But you have always followed your own path. You restored your own honor. And only you can restore the honor of the Firenation."

Zuko closed his eyes briefly. "I'll try, Uncle."

"Well… what if Aang doesn't come back?" Toph asked.

"Sozin's comet is arriving." Iroh said. "Our destinies are upon us. Aang will face the Firelord." He paused. "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 Firenation, so the Earth Kingdom can be free again."

"That's why you gathered the members of the White Lotus." Suki figured.

"Yes." Iroh looked over at his nephew. "Zuko, you must return to the Firenation so that when the Firelord falls, you can assume the throne and restore peace and order. But Azula will be there, waiting for you."

Zuko's eyes narrowed. "I can handle Azula."

"Not alone. You'll need help."

"You're right." Zuko looked up. "Katara. How would you like to help me put Azula in her place?"

Katara smirked. "It would be my pleasure."

Zuko nodded, turning to you. "Would you help?"

You nodded. "I'll be with you."

"What about us?" Sokka questioned. "What's our destiny for today?"

"What do you think it is?" Iroh asked, a knowing smile on his face.

Sokka held his chin in thought for a brief moment. "I think that… even if we don't know where Aang is, we need to do everything we can to stop the airship fleet." He determined, pounding his fist into his hand.

"And that means, when Aang does face the Firelord, we'll be right there if he needs us." Toph added.

Iroh pulled you aside. "They will need you before this is over. Know your strengths, and your enemy's weaknesses."

You looked over at him, nodding silently, before climbing in Appa's saddle.

"So if I'm going to be Firelord after the war is over, what are you going to do?" Zuko asked, looking down at his uncle from atop Appa.

"After I reconquer Ba Sing Se, I'm going to reconquer my tea shop." Iroh declared, pulling out a White Lotus pai sho tile and flipping it before catching it. "And I'm going to play pai sho every day." He declared happily.

You, Zuko and Katara all looked over at Sokka, Suki and Toph, who were sitting on an eelhound, saying a silent 'farewell'.

"Goodbye, General Iroh." Suki said.

"Goodbye, everyone. Today, destiny is our friend. I know it."