To move between Islands team Avatar decided to move at night and just have Appa swim between the islands.

Zuko had explained that ships would always have lights in the front so it would be easy to see them from afar and just avoid those ships.

It was very calming though, just allowing Appa to carry them through the waters. Even at night the air was warm and the waters here were very calm as well.

The next morning they moved to the local village to have a look around only for Zuko to halt as he wide-eyed looked around.

"Zuko?" Aang asked. "Are you all right?" he asked.

"I… I remember this place." Zuko breathed. "I've been here before."

"Really?" Aang asked. "When was that."

Zuko swallowed as he touched his knife hidden under his shirt. "A long time ago." he said. "I had just turned eight."

Indeed… Zukos eight year old birthday had been last week and he had been excited.

Iroh had yet to give him his birthday present. He said it was a surprise. And they needed to come all the way out here to get it.

"What is it?" Zuko asked for the hundred time and Iroh laughed loudly.

"Patience dear nephew. You'll see." Iroh smirked.

The next thing Zuko knew a pair of hands grabbed him from behind and Zuko screamed as he was suddenly lifted up and placed on a strong pair of shoulders. "Lu Ten! That's cheating!" shouted.

And Lu Ten. Sixteen years old. Strong and proud chuckled. "Sorry cousin. It is going to be a while before I can carry you around like this again so I am just thinking I should make up for that now in advance."

Zuko pouted as he leaned over Lu Tens head. "Do you have to go to Ba Sing Se?" he asked. "What do we even need that smelly old city for? There's no way it's as good as Caldera anyway."

Lu Ten chuckled. "When we've taken Ba Sing Se there will be peace. And then cousin. Neither of us will have to leave again. That's the point."

"Well okay." Zuko sighed deeply. "Just make it quick okay?" he asked.

And Lu Ten chuckled amused. And so did Iroh who openly laughed at the antics.

It was an odd sensation as Zuko travelled up the long stairs that started from the city and went up to a big mansion.

He had slipped away without the others noticing to make the climb himself.

As Zuko walked up the steps. It was like he could hear the voices from the past. The anxiety and curiosity to see where these stairs would lead.

And then finally Zuko stood there. And he saw it. Just like back then.

A wall… And a large door with a a peculiar symbol on it. A circle, with the flame of the fire nation in the centre and around it. The gold shaped like a lotus.

Zuko blinked by the sight of the lotus like decoration. He hadn't actually thought about that before. Zuko kept standing there for a while as he looked at the door. Then finally shook his head and turned around.

No… It wasn't worth the risk.

All though in the evening as Zuko was laying down trying to get a bit of rest he couldn't help but be bothered. He glanced up to see Sokka standing not that far from them. And like every day. Sokka was doing everything he was supposed to do.

Sokka was working himself to the bone. Doing the kicks, doing the punches and the sword stances… Stance after stance Sokka would continue until he almost dropped down.

And Zuko remembered how Sokka had pleaded earlier.

"I was the one who just got in the way and dragged the rest of the group down. That can't happen again."

Both Sokkas words and actions had proven all ready how incredible sincere he was… How much this bothered him. Even if Zuko was to insist that Sokka had nothing to prove. And that honestly was how Zuko felt… Sokka still felt that burden and Zuko turned around. Then he felt it, a little round piece in his pocket and Zuko pulled the item out. To see a simple Pai Sho tile in his hand.

…. The white lotus tile… When did he?

And Zuko remembered. Iroh… Iroh had given it to him. At Ba Sing Se. And he had said… Just in case.

Zuko frowned as he sat up looking at the innocent tile in his hands. He turned it in his hands as if trying to see if there was some secret message or something.

Nope… looked like a normal Lotus tile.

"What you got there buddy?" Sokka asked as he approached Zuko while wiping his brow for seat.

"A Pai Sho tile. The white lotus one." Zuko said. "Uncle gave it to me. But I really have no idea why."

"Huh." Sokka looked at it. "I'm sure there must have been some reason."

"Yeah…" Zuko looked down then chewed his lip.

Sokka smirked. "Okay what is it?"

"What?" Zuko looked up.

"You always have that look when there's something you want to say but is not sure if you should." Sokka chuckled sitting down with crossed legs. "Just say it. Hit me! I can take it!"

Zuko glanced up and then he inhaled a deep breath. "I think I know of a way to help you with your sword skills." he said.

Sokkas eyes widened.

"I think… It could improve your skills a lot." Zuko said. "But… It's going to be risky. Really really risky. And it might not pay off at all."

Sokka closed his eyes as he inhaled. Then he looked up again. "Let's give it a shot."

"Are you sure?" Zuko asked. "I told you this is super risky. We could be compromising our location!"

Sokka squinted his eyes. "I have to try." he said. "If there is a way. And if you think it's the right thing to do. I want to give it a go."

And then Zuko nodded. "Okay." he said. "Get some sleep. We'll get up early tomorrow. Just the two of us. We're going to… Visit an old friend of mine." he said. "Though he is fire nation and." he glanced down. "I just hope he wont turn us in."

Sokka looked up and then finally nodded as the coin finally dropped why this was so risky. "Okay… I got it."

The next morning Zuko climbed the same stairs again. This time though with Sokka next to him, he was oddly quiet as he looked up. "So this guy… Good with swords is he?"

"The best." Zuko said. "Remember the sword you picked out at Ba Sing Se?" he asked hinting at Sokkas sword on his back. "And we were told it was made by Piandao. The best swords master in the world."

Sokkas eyes widened and he gasped. "You mean?!" he asked.

"There was a time my grandfather. Fire Lord Azulon. Wanted to force Piandao into joining the fire nation army." Zuko informed. "He send a hundred men to get Piandao. Many fire benders among them… Piando defeated all of them."

Sokka gasped. "Wow."

"Somehow my uncle became friends with him afterwards." Zuko smirked amused. "That's just typical my uncle though. He sees someone he thinks would be interesting to drink tea with. And that's what he is going to do. Make them a pot of tea so they have an excuse to talk." he shook his head. "He's always been like that."

Zuko remembered. The first time he had seen the huge door in front of him and Iroh chuckled as he put a hand on Zukos shoulder. "Remember Zuko. Pay respect to master Piandao as you meet him."

"He… He'll really teach me?" Zuko asked.

"That's what we are here for." Iroh smirked. "He taught Lu Ten too."

"Really?" Zuko asked as he looked up at Lu Ten.

"He did indeed." Lu Ten grinned pulling out his own long slim sword. "Taught me everything I know." he stated making a fancy swing and Zuko grinned.

"Now it makes sense why you're so good!" Zuko grinned as Iroh shook his head and finally knocked on the door.

It took a while but finally a man dressed like a very fine servant opened the door and let all three of them in.

Together Zuko, Iroh and Lu Ten moved toward a sort of court yard and then suddenly a voice cut through.

"Prince Iroh… Prince Lu Ten… You have a lot of nerve to show your faces here again."

Shocked Zuko looked up to see a slim tall man step outside. His skin was uncharacteristically dark for fire nation and his eyes grey.

"Ah. Piandao." Iroh nodded his head at the swords master. "How pleasant it is to see you again."

"Lu Ten!" Piandao suddenly barged. "Draw your sword!"

"Lu Ten?" Zuko asked shocked as Lu Ten shook his head.

"It's all right Zuko." Lu Ten assured as he drew his sword like asked. "I can handle this."

And the next thing Zuko knew Lu Ten was being attacked as Piando jumped at him with his own sword making Zuko scream.

In the presence Zuko was ones again at the door. He hesitated as he looked at it then finally… Finally he knocked and then stood back.

Sokka glanced at Zuko. "You okay there?" he asked.

"Yeah." Zuko asked. "Sorry I just." his cheeks flushed. "It has been a really long time since I was here last. Things were very different back then."

"I can imagine." Sokka commented. "You've been through a lot of shit in your life all ready."

And Zuko honestly laughed then shook his head. "Well. I can't really argue that one." he admitted just as the door opened and they both looked up to see an older fire nation butler looking type. His hair grey and arranged in a traditional top knot as he glanced at them with a superior look in his eyes.

Zuko gasped. "Fat…"

"Hey that's not nice." Sokka stated. "He's not even that fat!"

"It's his name." Zuko replied dryly. "His name is Fat. And in the ancient fire nation language it means to be respectable."

"Oh." Sokka looked up. "Sorry about that."

Fat's eyes narrowed as he looked at them.

"Ahem." Zuko cleared his throat. "Please forgive us." he asked as he put his hands together and bowed. "We… We seek an audience with master Piandao." he said.

Fat glanced at them a bit more and then stepped aside gesturing for Zuko and Sokka to enter and then they both entered into a very familiar court yard as they looked around.

"Prince Zuko." A familiar voice called and Zuko turned to see him.

There he was! Piando! Tall, strong looking. Graceful as ever and his eyes narrow as they were on Zuko.

"You have a lot of nerve showing your face back here." Piandao commented.

Zuko blinked.

"Oh no." Sokka hissed. "We're screwed aren't we?"

"Prince Zuko!" Piandao demanded in a sharp tone. "Draw your blades!"

Clearly Sokka was panicking Zuko how-ever was smirking.

"Don't worry Sokka." Zuko assured as he pulled out his Dao Blades. "I got this!"

And then, without any warning at all Piando had pulled his own sword and jumped right at Zuko who barely even managed to dodge!

Eight year old Zuko had been gasping horrorfied as he watched it. Lu Ten dancing around with this stranger man as their swords clashed. "Uncle!" Zuko looked up at Iroh. "Uncle what is going on."

"It's okay Zuko." Iroh assured as he put a hand on Zukos shoulder and drew him in towards his own body for comfort. "Lu Ten can handle himself. Watch." he asked.

And Zuko looked up again only to gasp stunned. The sight was incredible as the two swords men were dancing across the ground, dodging, blocking and avoiding. Then clashing and then finally Lu Tens sword flew out of his hands and across the court yard.

"LU TEN!" Zuko screamed but Irohs hands held him back while Piandao was standing with his sword at Lu Tens throat.

Lu Ten who held up his hands in surrender.

Then finally Piandao removed his swords. "It's good to see you have been honing your skills Prince Lu Ten." he said. "But you have a long way to go yet before you are at my level."

And Lu Ten laughed loudly. "It's good to see you again Master!" he grinned as he put his hands together and bowed.

"And you. Lu Ten." Piando bowed in return making Zuko blink surprised and Iroh smirked amused.

Zuko couldn't help it. It had been a long time since he had been faced with a true sword master and he had been training a lot since his last time here. He had improved a lot! And he wanted to show it! You think you can take me that easy Piando?

Well think again!

The blades crossed in a flurry as they jumped up the roofs and down in the ponds. Sokka made several odd screams while he watched but Zuko had the time of his life.

He ducked and made a leg swipe which almost got Piando who just managed to jump aside. Then suddenly Piandao made his infamous move and Zuko lost a sword.

No matter… He still had one sword left and Zuko didn't falter as he returned and the moved to each other before suddenly they were in a dead lock.

Zukos sword towards Piandaos throat and Piandaos sword poking at Zukos heart.

Piandao glanced up at Zuko and then suddenly, he moved backwards getting out of the lock and kicked Zuko in the chest sending Zuko down on the ground where he lost his second sword and now had Piandos sword at his throat with Piandao standing above him.

Zuko glanced up at the swords master and then raised his hands. "You are the victor Master Piandao."

Piandao smirked. "That was a very good fight." he admitted as he removed sword and foot. "You are better than you cousin were at your age." Piandao commented as he offered Zuko a hand and Zuko accepted it. Allowing Piandao to pull him back up on his feet.

Then Zuko pressed his hands together and bowed. "Thank you master."

"What… What… what just happened?!" Sokka asked astounded.

Zuko turned to Sokka. "He's my swords master. Why wouldn't he want to know how I progressed over the years?" he asked.

"And who is this." Piandao asked.

"Master Piandao." Zuko moved towards Sokka putting a hand on his shoulder. "This is Sokka. Of the southern water tribe. He desires to learn the way of the sword. I have done my best to try and teach him. But I fear I am no replacement for a true swords master…. I ask you. No. Beg." he removed his hand from Sokkas shoulder and pressed them together as he bowed. "Please help us." he asked. "Sokka has been nothing but hard working and diligent. He will make a good student. Please give him a chance."

Piandaos eyes narrowed and then he looked at Sokka. "And what have you to say for yourself?" he asked.

"Well… I…" Sokka sighed deeply. "I have tried my best. I really have. But I am no great swords man." he said. "I need help. So I can protect my friends and my family. Please." he sat down on his knees. "Please teach me. I swear I will give it all I have."

"He really will." Zuko said. "Please Master Piandao."

Piandao looked from one to the other, his eyes narrow as Zuko sat down so now both boys were sitting with lowered heads.

Then Piandao raised his head. "Come with me." he said.

Zuko and Sokka looked up as they both gasped.

"You mean?" Sokka gasped.

"Your lessons. Sokka of the southern water tribe. Starts… now." Piandao stated and Sokka scrambled up on his legs. "Prince Zuko your thrusts needs working. I need you to make two hundred thrusts before I get back here. Fat will see to that you do it right."

"Yes master of course." Zuko said and then smiled. "Thank you."

"Thank me by honing your skills. And no slacking off." Piandao demanded as he left with Sokka hurrying after him.

"Heh." Zuko smirked. "Feels like old times huh?" he asked Fat whom just gave him a cold look. "Yup." Zuko shook his head as he walked to pick up his dropped swords. "Like old times."

"So why should I teach you the way of the blade?" Piandao had asked the eight year old Zuko. "You think that because you are the royal line you just have a right?"

"I… I…" Zuko looked down. "No."

Piandao lifted an eyebrow.

"I… I'm not very good." Zuko then admitted. "I'm not good at fighting. Or fire bending… or blades. I can't do any of the things Lu Ten can do. But." he looked up with tears in his eyes. "I want to learn! Please I swear! I'll work as hard as I can! Day and night!" he said then sat down on his knees. "I'm afraid that's all I can give." he whispered as he lowered his head. "Because I'm not really talented at anything." he swallowed.

"You say you'll work hard?" Piandao commented. "Day and night. Will you really stand by that."

Zuko nodded. "I… I will."

"Let's put that to the test then shall we?" Piandao asked. "Though keep in mind. If you falter I will no longer teach. I only teach those whom will put in the work. I don't care if you fail, I don't care if you are a slow learner. What I do care about is that you don't falter and keep going! If you fail you stand back up. If you are behind you just keep going anyway. That's all there is to it. Got it?"

Zuko nodded as he stood up. "Yes sir."

"Good." Piandao stated and Lu Ten standing next to them smirked. "Let's begin then!"