Goodbye, uncle Iroh

by Mortycja

Uncle Iroh passed away. Gaang helps Zuko went through the grief. Zuko helps Gaang with their family matters.

Hey, that's my first fanfic written in English, hope you enjoyed it even it wasn't probably the smoothest thing you've read. I'm not native speaker so I'm sorry for that mistakes, misspelings and comas in weird I haven't found and corrected.

---

'Fire Lord Zuko' he heard just at the moment his feet touched the ground. They've merely landed, he and Druk.

Quick look back and Zuko spotted the court clerk in a deep curtsy, waiting for the signal to continue. He waved impatiently, giving the approval clerk to continue, still focused more on his dragon than on the man.

'Fire Lord Zuko, you wife, Fire Lady Mai, and your daughter, Princess Izumi, are waiting for you in the palace garden, upon the turtleduck pond. They've sent me here to summon you, Your Highness, immediately as you return from your voyage' the clerk said quietly.

A shiver ran down his spine. Why are they summoning him to gardens immediately? Does something terrible happen? Have they been attacked in his absence? Did anybody try assassination once again?

Once again he gave a pat on Druk's neck scales, caress which his dragon loved most, and hurryingly but still with the dignity he took a route to palace gardens. To the turtleduck pond. Jaw clenched, eyes predatory squinted, ready to bend fire and fight for the life of his family. Few flashbacks crossed his mind, flashbacks of past troubles, painful memories of his sister's last attempt to ruin his life.

Almost five years have passed since that day, and he still couldn't forgive himself. How could he be so stupid to trust her when she stated that she wants to reconcile with the family. That she changed. He naively believed her and almost paid the highest price. Not his life, no Azula wanted him to suffer more than that she was planning to take Izumi's life. Thankfully Kyoshi Warriors were less trustful, and when Azula was about to strike, Suki interfered. She took the deadly blow instead of Izumi, giving her life to protect Zuko's family. He shrugged, trying to push away that memory. But anxiety clung to his soul.

'Zuko, here!' Mai shouted and waved to him. They both, his beloved Mai and their daughter Izumi, were sitting upon the pond, feeding turtleducks with grain. Everything seemed normal. So why they've hurried him?

He took a deep breath, relaxed a bit, and stopped few steps away from them. Arms crossed on chest, a tiny smirk on face, happy inside, a bit annoyed outside.

'So what's the hurry? I know that you girls could miss me a bit, but I was worried that something happe-' he said, but Mai cut him off.

'Something happened, Zuko. Please, sit with us' her voice was serious.

Happiness flew away.

'Wha-' he tried to ask, but this time Izumi cut him off. Her tone was the same as her mother's.

'Please, dad, sit with us first, okay?'

When he sat with them, Mai handed him a letter. A brief look and he understood why they've summoned him immediately. Uncle Iroh passed away. Uncle Iroh who was more like a father to him than Ozai, uncle Iroh who taught him more than anybody. Uncle Iroh who treated Izumi as his own granddaughter. Uncle Iroh...

'How long ago this came?' finally he asked. Pale on his face, merely he controlled his voice.

'Messanger hawk brought this an hour ago' Mai gently touched his back. 'Do you wish us to stay with you, Zuko, or should we leave you alone?'

How grateful he was that Mai understood him so well and that she asked.

'You can stay with me if you want to' he whispered. This was the only way to control emotions in his voice. 'I need to plan a journey to Ba Sing Se, I could use your help with that'.

Talking with his girls helped him. Their presence was like a balm on his soul, calming his emotions, letting the grief go away for now. He knew that it'll come back later, hit him harder, make him cry like a baby. That he'll be forced to pass through all stages of grief. Now he had to stay focused, plan all the moves he needs to do to say his last farewells to his uncle.

'Father, you are Fire Lord of the Fire Nation you can't enter Ba Sing Se without causing diplomatic mess' Izumi stated after half of hour. As his only child, she was well educated and prepared to take the throne after him, so she knew a thing or two about diplomacy. More than he knew when he was about her age.

'Yeah, I know. We have quite tense relations with the Earth Kingdom, ever since with Aang, we pushed Earth-King Kuei to recognize the sovereignty of the United Republic of Nations those years back. But I have to go there' he sighed.

'Diplomatic journey is the way then' Mai caressed his hand gently. Izumi rolled her eyes seeing this – she was at that age when any sign of affection between parents is perceived as disgusting.

'No, it's not' Zuko closed his eyes for a while and breathed deeply. 'All this will take too much time. And horrific effort to arrange everything'.

Thoughtfully he touched his chin, making so signature pose that Izumi rolled her eyes again. What's funny she was taking the same pose when she was intensively thinking about something. Like father, like daughter.

'There is one way to do that without engaging diplomatic structures. There is one person in the world who can travel across the whole world without problems. And thankfully he is my best friend' Zuko finally stated.

'Uncle Aang!' Izumi's eyes sparkled with excitement – another inherited trait. She loved all members of Zuko's old group almost as her true family.

'I must excuse you ladies, there are letters to write and send' Zuko got up and left his girls upon the pond.

He decided to not write about Iroh's death in a letter. No, it was not something that he could put on a paper. If he would write something like that, it would be definitive and final. And it couldn't be like that. It was childish, inappropriate behavior for forty-six years old Fire Lord but screw that! It was not something to tell in a letter, the whole Gaang treated Iroh as their uncle. They deserved to hear that from Zuko personally. The message sent to Aang was short: 'we're (and by that I mean Mai, Izumi and me) coming to visit you in Republic City. Don't have to write back. Zuko'.

---

'I couldn't write to Aang that Iroh passed away' Zuko said later that night. He was laying with his head on Mai's lap, letting her to gently comb his long hair. She untangled his top knot, now caressed him with a hot comb and fragrant oils.

Mai said nothing, comforting him with delicate movements of comb and her hand. She knew that there were no words to cheer her husband up at that moment. And even relaxing activity like this was only pushing a bit away what was inevitable. Zuko's complete breakdown.

'It would mean that he's really gone' he let tears go.

Mai put the comb away and let him cry. Zuko curled up on her lap, with right unscarred part of his face cuddled up to her body. Now he wasn't Fire Lord, he was just a man who lost the closest member of his family. He wasn't even a man, he felt like a boy again. A boy, who has been left alone in this world. And even it wasn't true – he had amazing family and friends who were always for him if he needed their support – it seemed like that. Iroh's death ended some part of his life.

Preparations for the journey took the next day and half of the day after. Kiyi agreed to take regency for a time of their absence as she always was doing.

One and half day later, on the third day since the moment Zuko sent a letter to Aang they've finally arrived at Republic City. Avatar and his family welcomed them on the Air Temple Island at the moment when the last rays of sun touched the top of the Air Temple Tower.

'Fire Lord Zuko!' Aang shouted.

'Aang, stop, it's not a diplomatic visit, I'm here unofficially. See I'm not even wearing crown' Zuko sighed. 'You look tired, friend'.

'As you too' Aang smiled shortly. They hugged. 'Something happened?'

'Yes, but we'll talk about it later. Now let me greet your whole family'.

After all greetings, hugs, and initial teasing, all of them entered a dining hall where Toph and her daughters, and Sokka waited for them. Another series of hugs, greetings, and teasing started again. Izumi immediately merged with the rest of the Gaang's children, leaving her seriousness behind. She was leading them, trying to engage all children in games, even the youngest of them, four years old Suyin.

Meantime adults sat to supper, and soon all were chatting as usual. For the moment Zuko forgot why he traveled here and just enjoyed the company of old friends. But soon after supper was eaten and dessert was served, the question was asked.

'So what brought you here, Zuko?' it was Toph.

'Always straightforward, aren't you Toph?' Zuko smirked. And without any break, he added. 'Uncle Iroh passed away'.

It stroked him like a lightning and hurt alike. Almost immediately they've hugged him. They've sympathized with his loss, they knew how close he was with his uncle. And they cared about Zuko because they were friends.

'How can we help you?' Aang finally asked.

'I need to... I need to enter Ba Sing Se and do not cause diplomatic scandal. And I should do that as soon as possible if I want to pay my respects to Iroh' Zuko whispered.

'Well, it seems that we're gonna visit Ba Sing Se' Aang stated. 'Avatar can travel across the world with whomever he wants and can stay wherever he wants to stay. If we get up early tomorrow, Appa can get us there for the morning of the day after tomorrow. Is that okay for you, Zuko?'

'Yes, thank you. Is Appa able to take us all?'

'If we want him to travel with full speed, there is room for five to six adults. With a bigger group, he won't be able to travel that fast' Aang put his signature smile on his face. With that smile, he looked younger and healthier.

'What about kids?' Zuko quickly looked at Izumi. 'He treated her like his own granddaughter. Your children were quite close to him too'.

'We just can't take them all. Even Appa can't travel fast with so big group on his back, and Suyin is too small to have such journey' Katara said before Aang even opened his mouths.

'I'll stay with children' Mai stated. 'Izumi if she is willing to travel to Ba Sing Se can take my place on Appa's back. Let me ask her if she wants that or would she stay here with the rest of the children. We can organize something here, while you go to Ba Sing Se'.

'Mai, are you sure?' Aang and Zuko asked at the same moment.

'Yes, I'm quite sure. I'm not a big fan of Ba Sing Se, and somebody should look after them' Mai pointed with her head on kids, now close to starting a fight, with anger in their eyes – the tension between almost eighteen years old non-bending Bumi and eleven years old air-bending Tenzin was quite easy to feel. Izumi and Kya tried to separate boys, but they were close to joining the fight.

'Tenzin' Aang shouted over them 'you are airbender, you can't use your skills to fight with your brother. We, airbenders, are pacifists!'

But father's words, even if father was Avatar, are easy to ignore by eleven years old boy, who definitely was quite angry with his brother.

'Bumi' Katara tried 'your brother is seven years younger stop harassing him!'

Nothing happened, they were even more enraged when adults stepped in. Kya in some moment joined Bumi's side, and Izumi, mad at them, allied with Tenzin. Or Tenzin and ten years old Lin, Toph's daughter.

Only one look into her father's eyes, squinted a little, observing carefully, and Izumi knew that she has to be the reasonable one. Or just teach each of them a little respect. With a smooth move, she circled Tenzin and Lin, and with few quick touches, she just blocked their chi. And before Kya and Bumi could react and she was behind their backs.

'Chi blocking techniques? That's unfair!' Kya mumbled, laying on the ground.

Later, when children were sent to their rooms (including the oldest ones), Katara and Mai were cleaning up the dining room, Aang asked Zuko for a walk. Something heavy was resting on Avatar's shoulders, something which caused unrest in his soul.

'You said that I'm looking tired' Aang said. 'I'm tired. It's thirty years after the war, but the world isn't in balance, and I'm the one who should restore it. I should rebuild Air Nomads, but only one of my children is an airbender. What will happen with Tenzin after my death? There are air acolytes, those former members of the fan club, but they are not benders. They cannot restore our culture they cannot produce more airbenders. Tenzin won't rebuild the population singlehandedly. And, well, I'm trying to preserve as much as we know about my culture, but I'm feeling that separates me more and more from my family. From Bumi, who clearly is non-bender and who is not even interested in Air Nomads culture, because he doesn't fit. Each time I'm taking Tenzin with me I feel how I'm moving away from him, from Katara and Kya, who inherited her mother's water-bending and seems to be closer to her Water Tribe roots. Zuko, what should I do?'

'Aang you can't restore balance in the world without restoring balance in your life' Zuko said and smiled sadly. Words he spoke brought back memories. Sweet and sad memories, Western Air Temple and forest above them. And sixteen years old banished prince who tried to think what would his uncle said. The memory of Iroh brought him back to reality and to Aang's problems. 'Rebuilding of Air Nomads is a task for many generations, you can't bring them back immediately. You shouldn't risk your family relations just because you are the Avatar. If you find the balance here, between duties to the world and duties to Katara and your children you'll be able to bring more balance to the world.'

'And maybe go for a vacation? You know that you can come to Ember Island, our house there is always open for you' Fire Lord added after a while. 'In few weeks, we'll have a Festival of Szeto, Avatar-related celebrations. Szeto was Fire Nation Avatar before Avatar Yangchen, you could learn more about your past lives. I'm sure that Fire Sages gladly share their knowledge about him'.

'Thank you, Zuko, it would be lovely to visit Ember Island again!' Aang smiled brightly. 'You seem tired too'.

'That's just a grief' Zuko sadly said. 'Ever since I can remember, uncle Iroh was present in my life. And since I was thirteen he was like a father to me. I knew that day will come sooner or later, but it hurts, Aang. Badly hurts, and trust me, I know something about pain' he winked and laughed shortly.

'Let's go, it's late, and we have a long journey ahead' Aang finally said.

---

Izumi hasn't decided to join Gaang on the journey to Ba Sing Se. She loved Iroh, and she treated him like her own grandfather, but there were reasons why she wanted to stay in Republic City. First and most obvious – she was sixteen and Gaang was a generation older; she would feel really odd as an only child in the group made out of her dad and his friends (even those friends were like aunts and uncles to her). If one of the Aang's kids go with them, she would go more likely. The second reason was less obvious, in her opinion, but both her parents knew that – she loved to spent time with Bumi and Kya. As little kids, they were inseparable any time they were meeting. Now, even if the ties of friendships loosened, she liked their company, and always impatiently waited for the occasion to meet them. And even uncle Iroh's death was sad she was happy to be here with her friends – three months earlier than it would usually happen.

It was the first journey on Appa's back since Bumi was born. Eighteen years they weren't in that saddle together as a whole group. Well, many things changed, they've changed, but immediately bison rose into the air, they felt like in the old days. Toph squeezed in the brim of the saddle muttering something about not touching the blessed ground. Sokka sat down as a king, preventing his sister from sitting back to back with Aang. Zuko threw his head back, letting the wind caress his cheeks and tangle his hair, enjoying the ride and freedom he always felt on the Appa's or Druk's backs.

'Aang, do you have something more than fruits in your sacks?' Sokka asked.

'You ate breakfast just two hours ago, councilmen Bumerang' Toph replied more harshly than usual.

'It was two hours ago! And we got veggies for breakfast! Not a single bite of meat' Sokka whined again, and he sounded like a teenager again.

'Stop whining, Sokka! You're not a child anymore! You can survive a while without meat?' Katara responded.

Zuko rolled his eyes, reached to his bags, and a second later, he threw a small bag of komodo meet jerkies on Sokka's lap.

'Thanks, buddy!' Sokka mumbled and immediately put a full bunch in his mouths.

'Carefu-' Zuko tried to say something but has been cut off by Sokka's scream. 'Carefully, buddy, they're extra hot. Even I would not put more than three at once into my mouth and remember I'm Fire Lord and I'm used to hot dishes' Zuko flashed his teeth in a short smile. 'Besides, those are Druk's favorites'.

'You... You gave me dragon snacks?' Sokka seemed a bit shocked.

'Meat is meat. And well, I haven't said that is only for dragons, I said that my dragon loves them. But seriously, Sokka, next time, don't take the whole bunch' Zuko sighed. 'It's just me, or we really started to act like teenagers again?'

'Just you, I've never stopped to act like that' Sokka laughed.

And seconds later they were laughing, teasing each other, and act very inappropriate for their age. And positions. And life experience. Thankfully none of them would share this secret with the world. It was their time, their happy time together, even in such grim circumstances.

In a company like this, with all the laugh and freedom, grief had no enter into Zuko's mind. Of course, it couldn't last forever, night was the time when he was all alone with his thoughts. Since news of Iroh's death came, he had troubles with sleeping even through all those previous nights he had Mai on his side, and she was giving him all the comfort he needed. This night was different with Mai half across the continent he wondered if he could sleep at least a few hours.

When they've camped for the night, he snuck out of the encampment, looking for a place for meditation. Fire Lord doubted that it will help him with grief troubling his mind, but, at least, it was worth trying. Thankfully, Aang found some secluded valley upon the shores of the West Lake, not so far from the Serpent's Pass, and few hours from the outer walls of Ba Sing Se - chances for interruptions were minimal.

The night was calm and beautiful. Full moon put a delicate light upon the lake's waters, and in other circumstances, Zuko would appreciate that beauty. But with grief attacking his mind so brutally, with sorrow making meditation impossible, with grief extruding tears out of his eyes, he could not.

'I can't sleep on nights like this, buddy' Sokka's voice came from behind his back. 'She is so close, and I can't reach her. I just stare into the moon and imagine that she is smiling to me'.

There was something so sad in that sentence that Zuko opened his eyes and looked at Sokka, who stared into the moon.

'Who is so close, buddy?'

'Yue'.

'Who's Yue?' Zuko wasn't sure if he heard that name before.

'My first girlfriend. The girl who turned into the moon. Wait, have I never told you that story?' Sokka paused. 'As far as I remember, you were there on the Northern Pole when General Zhao killed the moon spirit'.

'Yeah, I was' even after those years, it was clear that he didn't like to go back to days before the solar eclipse and before the day he joined Gaang. Even if he accidentally made jokes about that times, it wasn't his favorite period in life.

'Why don't you remember that Yue, Princess of the Northern Water Tribe gave her life to bring back moon? She literally turned into new Moon Spirit'.

'I guess it happened when I was chasing Zhao around the city' Zuko sighed. 'She turned into the moon? You said that when we were flying to Boiling Rock, and it was so random that I couldn't find any reply better than that's rough, buddy. I'm sorry, Sokka'.

'No harms done. Yue... Well, she lived because of the Moon Spirit, and she gave her life back to protect the balance in the world. But she is always with me. During the nights with the full moon, I almost can feel her touch'. Sokka wiped away a tear from his cheek. 'Come on buddy, they are waiting for us'.

'What?' Fire Lord was surprised. 'Why they are waiting for me? They should go to sleep, it's a journey ahead tomorrow'.

'Have you thought that we could let you be alone? We know what you feel because we feel that grief too. It's hundred times easier for us, but we all share it. Come on before Toph decide to force us to come back'.

They've come back to the encampment, where the rest of the Gaang was waiting for their return. Sleeping rolls were put in a group, partially laying on Appa's fur.

'Why aren't you asleep? Why do you wait for me?' Zuko asked, even if he knew the answer.

'Gaang sleepover!' Aang shouted. 'Like in the old good times, Sifu Hotman'. A quick wink.

'We've thought that you could use our support, and sleeping squeezed together like in the old days can a bit ease your pain' Katara added.

'Aren't we too old for that'? Zuko tried to oppose. He knew how it would end but still made an effort to persuade them.

'Oh come on, Your Firesness, don't be so ridiculously responsible. I'm head of police in Republic City, and I'm not against some group cuddles in special circumstances' Toph muttered.

'Jump in the middle, we'll use you as a human heater' Sokka winked. 'Come on buddy, it will help you'.

'Sometimes I hate you, people' Zuko mumbled, with Aang and Katara cuddled to his left side, Sokka's arm under his head, and Toph wrapped around his right side.

Was that Avatar's presence around or memory of the good old days, Zuko had no troubles with falling asleep, no bad dreams, and no grief lurking in his subconsciousness. Almost happy he woke up with the sun, and then he realized, why they were having this journey. Good mood vanished, grief attacked stronger than ever, bitting his souls with sharp teeth of remorse. Gaang was sleeping on him, he couldn't move nor make any noise. He gritted his teeth, fighting with the need of howling like a hurt animal and with tears coming to his eyes.

A half hour later, they were back on Appa's back and in the air. Closer they were to Ba Sing Se, more gloomy Zuko was. Yesterday's mood was gone, the whole Gaang was serious and sad. Grief got them all.

With heavy hearts, they've landed at the backyard of Iroh's residence in the Upper Ring of Ba Sing Se. On the threshold of the house stood Piandao, clearly waiting for them.

'Fire Lord Zuko! Avatar Aang!' he greeted them as soon as they've left Appa's back.

'Master Piandao' Zuko nod respectfully. 'I would like to pay my last respects to uncle Iroh. Please show me the way to a place where is his body is resting. Is he still in the residence?'

'I'm sorry, Fire Lord, but the funeral rites were held a few days ago, and Iroh's ashes were spread on the four sides of the Ba Sing Se' Piandao calmly said.

Zuko's face changed – first became white as a clean sheet of paper or traditional mourning robes, and when the first shock passed it changed color to deep red. His eyes, usually warm and amber-like, now became darker, burning like fire. He was furious. How could they've done that? Why have they not waited for him?!

'Fire Lord, please it wa-' Piandao tried to say something more, but he spotted Zuko's gesture.

Aang spotted it too and quickly jumped to his friend and caught his hand before anything happened.

'Leaf me alone, please!' Zuko moaned, pulled his fist out of Aang's grip, and hurryingly entered Iroh's residence.

'Did he said leaf me?' Sokka asked, shocked.

'I think so. We'll leave him for a while he needs to pass through the grief he needs to have his moment to process all those feelings. Master Piandao, is the Jasmine Dragon opened? We can wait for Zuko upon a cup of tea' Aang suggested.

Without looking where he is heading, Zuko furiously crossed the residence from the backyard doors to the tea room, where he fell to his knees, torn by the desire to burn everything to the ground. Maybe it could ease his pain.

His eyes stopped on the tea table and the things on it. There was a teapot and envelope rested against it. Envelope with his name on it.

With a hand shaking Zuko reached out for the envelope. The handwriting was familiar. Painfully familiar, it was Iroh's. Carefully he tore open the envelope, trying to not destroy it too much, and took out the letter.

Dearest nephew,

If you are reading this, it means that my time in this world is over, and my body turned to ashes was spread on the four corners of Ba Sing Se.

Forgive me that I'm leaving you like this and that I've decided on such a form of funeral. For the past years, Ba Sing Se was my home, and I couldn't imagine anything better for me than to be scattered around it. Forgive me that, and please don't be mad at my fellow members of White Lotus, they've just fulfilled the last wishes of an old man.

I'm leaving this world with peace in my heart and quite optimistic about the future of The Fire Nation. They have a wise leader who successfully leads them into a new era of peace, love, and prosperity. I'm so proud of you, Zuko...

Tears ran down from Zuko's eyes. He realized, more than before, that Iroh is truly gone and that letter is the last message from him. That he would never hear any advice from uncle. Iroh's death became final and definitive.

He forced himself to read the letter to the end.

I'm so proud of you Zuko, you become a wise man and great Fire Lord, even if your beginnings weren't the easiest ones. I was so glad to see your family happiness and that you became a great, supportive father to your daughter. I'm sure that you'll raise her for an intelligent woman, who one day ascends the throne, and continue your work.

This is farewell, my dearest boy, Dragon of the West is going for his final journey. Don't stop the tears cry is natural and purifying.

Even if I'm gone physically from this world, my soul will always be with you.

Iroh

It was everything. Nothing more.

Zuko couldn't move from the place where he was kneeling, letting tears go. It was only the beginning of the healing process, the process of accepting that loss. He knew that many tears have flowed down from his eyes to ease pain and grief.

Finally, before sunset, he was ready to do something, pay his respects more properly. Thankfully Appa was still in the backyard and on the Appa's back were his bags. What could be taken as super weird he always had Iroh's portrait with him. But when he was lost, and he couldn't ask Iroh for advice, he was looking at that portrait, thinking what would uncle do. This time he'll use it as a shrine.

He took the portrait, incenses, and tea in the teapot for the hill in the outskirts of the city, the same hill, and the tree where Iroh was spending all sunsets in the days of Lu Ten's birthday. Zuko learned about that two years after his coronation for the Fire Lord – he paid a visit to Iroh because he needed a piece of advice. One of the days Zuko spent at the uncle's place was Lu Ten's birthday. Iroh disappeared and after few hours of search, Zuko found him on this particular hill, overlooking whole Ba Sing Se, with Lu Ten's portrait, incenses, murmuring old lullaby.

He set the portrait, poured the tea from the teapot to a cup, and lit the incenses with a single touch of his fingers.

'Goodbye, uncle Iroh' Zuko whispered, taking a sip of tea and pouring the rest to the ground and roots of the tree. Tears run down again, untamed stream, grief finally found its exit.

He didn't know how long he was sitting like this, but it felt like an eternity. Somebody touched his shoulder, another hand did the same thing on the opposite side. He had no need to look back he knew that his friends found him. And joined that silent ceremony, all tearing down and saying goodbye to the old wise man.

Later, when they came back to Iroh's residence, Zuko apologized to his friends and Piandao for his earlier behavior.

'May I take a look into Iroh's belongings? I would like to take few things, something that could remind me of him?' he asked.

'Of course, Fire Lord, you can take whatever you want' Piandao said.

It wasn't a big search: Zuko knew what he wanted to take home with him. He had an idea to commemorate uncle Iroh and Lu Ten with a shrine in the Garden of Tranquil Souls. A place where he could lit incenses for their birthdays. And where he could go if he has doubts.

During the search, Zuko found what he needed and even more. Not only Lu Ten's portrait and last letter but also a small lacquered box containing his cousin's top knot cut off after his death during the Siege of Ba Sing Se those thirty-five years ago. Zuko was not aware that Iroh had such memorabilia of his son. Seeing that, he hoped that White Lotus kept Iroh's top knot, and they will agree to give it to him.

There was no need to ask and worry about – when he came back to the tea room where Gaang was seated, Piandao handed him the lacquered box with White Lotus on top.

'Thank you, master Piandao' Zuko whispered with tears in his eyes again. He let them go, a cry was purifying and natural consequence of such loss.

Katara took boxes out of his hands, whispering that she'll pack them into his bags. Aang handed him a cup of tea and forced him to sit, Sokka and Toph cuddled to his sides, just letting him know that they are with him. Zuko once again took the letter that Iroh left. And spotted that the envelope contains a second, smaller piece of paper. Carefully he took it out and read what was written.

What would say tea lover circled by his enemies in the scrubs? Leaf me alone, I'm bushed.

Somebody told me that you really love this joke but haven't remembered the beginning.

Iroh

'Is that famous Iroh's joke?' Sokka asked peeking above Zuko's arm.

'Yes, it is. And it's just as hilarious as I remembered it' Fire Lord handed the note.

Giggle was spreading around the room when the paper was handed over until it came back to Zuko. Only Toph sat with a slightly offended expression.

'Maybe somebody could tell me what is that funny?!' finally she said.

Sokka whispered something to her ear. Toph giggled and punched Zuko's arm. Grief faded away a bit.

They were sitting in the tea room almost the whole night, sharing memories of Iroh, jokes, anecdotes. Laugh through the tears, more laughter, fewer tears, and finally no tears.

'How did you find me on that hill?' Zuko whispered finally, putting a pleasantly hot towel on his face.

'Thanks to Toph' Aang smiled.

'Yes, after HOURS of waiting for Your Firesness to show up, I had enough, and was going to force you to get out of the residence, even if it meant, that I would pull you by the hair through the whole Upper Ring. But when I came out to the street, I realized that you were no longer inside the residence – I saw you on that hill.'

'You could see me in such distance? It's half of the city, so many footsteps and other things which could interfere' a note of admiration were heard in Zuko's voice.

'It wasn't so hard. You are quite unique -don't make me explain this, it's something beyond your understanding. And besides, I know your footsteps, your heartbeat, and you for thirty years, I couldn't mistake you for someone else' Toph punched him in the arm.

Finally, they've felt tired – the day was long and full of emotions. Again they've cuddled around Zuko, who this time accepted that without a word of disagreement, and fell asleep. And they shared the same dream, a dream which soothed remaining grief.

They've woke up around noon and immediately started to pack themselves up and ready to journey back to Republic City. There was no reason to stay any longer in Ba Sing Se as they got a chance to mourn Iroh yesterday at that hilltop and then during the evening talks. They had to move on, get back to their families and to their duties. 'What will happen to the Jasmine Dragon and to this house?' Sokka asked during the late breakfast they've been eating outside.

'I think uncle left some instructions to his White Lotus companions what should they do. I think they can use both locations as their post and headquarters here in Ba Sing Se' Zuko responded. He again was calm and a little distanced. He cried most of his tears yesterday, and even his eyes were clouded and sad, his mood was higher thanks to the company of his friends and thanks to yesterday's evening. 'Are we ready to come back to Republic City?'

'As ready as you are' Aang said. 'If you need a while, let us know'.

'I'll just want to exchange few words with Master Piandao, and we can start.' Zuko sighed, and then in a fit of mischievous mood, he added 'Sokka do you want a second breakfast packed for you?'

'Buddy, you are life-saver. I always have known that accepting you into Gaang was the right choice'.

Zuko shook his head and once again, for one last time entered Iroh's residence. Piandao was waiting for him in the tea room.

'I've just wanted once again apologize for my yesterday's behavior' Zuko said. For past years he learned that apologizing doesn't mean that he is weak. 'I was enraged, and I shouldn't. You just fulfilled a word given to old man'.

Piandao said nothing but handed Zuko one last thing. Pai sho's white lotus tile.

'I c-can't. I can't be part of the White Lotus Order, at least not now. I know, that you are mostly working to bring peace to the world, and you are helping and protecting Aang. These two things are the most crucial tasks for me, and I'm already doing this. But I'm present Fire Lord, becoming a member of the White Lotus it's not the wisest idea to do. I am fully aware of the schism Xai Bau caused after White Lotus declared protecting Avatar as their mission. I know that he wanted to cut ties with all nation governments. I don't want to fuel their cause'.

'Iroh was right about you, Fire Lord. You've become a wise man and even wiser ruler' Piandao smiled. 'But take this tile as a gift and symbol of friendship between White Lotus and Fire Nation. Goodbye, Fire Lord!'

'Goodbye, Master Piandao' Zuko gave one last look to the tea room, checking if he hasn't left anything, and walked away, squeezing the tile in his hand. He totally forgot about the second breakfast for Sokka.

'Let's go' Zuko said when he finally joined them in the saddle. He put the white lotus tile into his bags, securely with the Iroh's last letter and Lu Ten's memorabilia. 'Aang can we fly directly to Republic City? Without any unnecessary stops? Of course, if the rest is okay with that'.

'Well I could use a stop or two for my second breakfast' Sokka looked imploringly on Zuko.

They were far away from the Inner Wall of the city above the agrarian area.

'Sooooo, I'm sorry. I forget about that, buddy' Zuko smiled sadly. 'But still have komodo jerkies'.

'Any fruits we have left, Aang?' Sokka grinned.

They've laughed out loud. Again mood rose higher, even if Zuko felt stings of remorse for having a good time with his friends. But deep in the heart, he knew that uncle Iroh would be happy to see that his nephew is not allowing grief to take away happiness from spending time with Gaang.

'Will you stay a bit longer in Republic City, Zuko? I think Izumi would be happy to have a few days more with my kids' Aang asked later. It was almost the middle of the night, the rest of the group was sleeping, and only he and Zuko were awake.

'I'll talk about that with Mai. But I could use few more days before we come back home. It's so refreshing to spend time with you guys. Honestly, I feel like a teenager again. Shh about that, don't tell anything to Mai but sometimes I feel old (I'm forty-six for flame's sake, should I feel like an old man?!). Especially when I think that Izumi is in the same age I was when I was crowned Fire Lord' Zuko sighed. 'How quick those years have passed. I could swear, that last year she had her fifth birthday and she was happy bubbling kiddo, which I was carrying to her bed when she was too tired after a whole day of running around turtleduck pond'.

'And now, she's sixteen and thankfully has no stupid ideas for her future, cause she is destined to succeed your throne. Bumi is almost eighteen, and lately, he started to mutter something about joining the United Forces' Aang said harshly. 'And I can't persuade him to not do anything like that. He is determined to prove his usefulness to the world'.

'Maybe let him make his own choices? He is in a difficult situation – you told me a few days ago that he feels no connection to Air Nomads, he is looking for his place in the world. His sister feels a connection to his mother's roots, Tenzin is quite close to your own philosophy and way of life and Bumi has nothing. Aang, I know that is difficult, but you can't force him to anything because it's gonna be worse than now. If you'll force him to leave his plans behind, he'll run away and you'll never see him again'.

'Zuko, I can't let my own son join the military forces. It's dangerous and totally against my philosophy'.

'You said that. It's your philosophy. Not his. He has to find his way, his philosophy. Aang, you can't force him' Zuko sighed. 'Ever since I was banished by Ozai, I was raised by Iroh. And even he knew better what was right, he let me make my own choices. He let me make mistakes. He was worried of course, he was sad because I betrayed his trust, but finally, I found my way, and I've done that totally on my own. You have to let Bumi make his mistakes' one more sigh went out of Zuko's mouth. 'And about danger... The world is a dangerous place, you know that. And you did many dangerous and risky things when you were about Tenzin's age'.

'Monkey feathers, Zuko, don't tell me that. We had to take those risks. There was no choice. We had to do that. Now Bumi doesn't need to risk anything, he does not have to put himself in danger'.

'Aang, listen to me carefully. Danger can meet him anywhere he'll go. Two years ago, you ended the reign of a powerful bloodbender who was unquestionably terrorizing the city. He was a danger to Bumi's life. And not only. Yakone was a threat to your family in your own city. Want to hear more? I can't even count assassination attempts on my life. Almost five years ago, my crazy sister tried to kill my daughter in my own palace, almost in front of my eyes. Have I locked Izumi on the tallest tower because I am afraid of her life? No. I taught her everything I could about sword fight. She is learning the fight techniques of Kyoshi Warriors and chi blocking. Still, I'm afraid, but it's a father's thing to be afraid of his child. Trust me, Aang, you can't save Bumi from every danger' Zuko yawned. 'And it's time to accept that he is mature enough, that soon he won't ask about your permission nor for your opinion. Support his choices, don't limit his freedom. And trust him'.

Aang had no reply for that – maybe because he didn't want to fight with Zuko in that matter. Or maybe because the sun was raising and the rest of the Gaang was waking up. And definitely that they were few minutes from Air Temple Island in the Republic City. They could see the shape of Air Temple Tower, bigger and bigger with every second. Appa lowered his flight, and soon they've landed in the Temple's courtyard.

---

'Hope they haven't been too much trouble to you, Mai. Those three can be intense even without any other kids around' Katara said when all of them, Gaang, and their kids sat together in the dining room for breakfast.

'No, they were perfectly fine' Mai seemed to be bored a little even. 'How were the Ba Sing Se and other things there?'

'Not like I've imagined' Zuko sighed and moved closer to his beloved wife. 'There was no classic funeral ceremony, uncle left clear instructions, and White Lotus fulfilled them before we even reached the city. But I managed something on my own to pay him respects'. He forced a smile. 'By the way on the way back here, Aang asked me if we would stay a little longer here'.

Sparks of excitement in Izumi's eyes could not escape Zuko's attention. Aang was right – the young princess really missed her friends.

'A few days more won't make a great difference. Just send a word to Kiyi, she needs to know that our absence will be a bit longer' Mai kissed Zuko's cheek. 'You haven't slept this night, have you?'

'It's impossible to keep any secrets from you? I plead guilty, high tribunal, not a second of sleep this night, and, well, I could use a nap. But the message to Kiyi first' he kissed Mai back what met with a disgusted look on Izumi's face. 'Aang, you have messenger hawks here or I need to search something in the city?'

'We have few birds here, you don't have to leave the island' Aang yawned. 'I think I'll use a nap too'.

Gaang split out – Toph decided to go back to the city, where she was needed, but promised to come for dinner once again, before the Fire Lord and his family leave Republic City. Sokka immediately dragged out Bumi to show him some tricks with the boomerang. Izumi joined them without hesitation. Katara engaged her other children in the house chores. Aang showed Zuko and Mai a messenger hawk station and left them there, scootering away to his rooms with the idea of taking a nap.

Zuko felt how heavy was his eyelids, how heavy was the hand, which he used to write a short note to Kiyi. Mai saved him from accidental spilling ink all over his clothes.

'You are awfully cute when you are so clumsy' she smiled a bit.

'Have I ever told you that I love moments when you are smiling like this?' he smiled too, pulling Mai closer.

'No, my love, not now' she whispered to his ear. 'Now you're going to take a nap. But I'm glad that you're mood improved. The place for gloomy one in this marriage is permanently taken by me'. They've both chuckled.

'But I'm serious about one thing. Come with me, join me, take a nap with me' Zuko sniffed Mai's scent. 'I've missed you, my gloomy Fire Lady'.

'Zuko, you've been away only three days' Mai sighed.

'Nay, it's been longer. Since the letter from Ba Sing Se came, I was a bit away.'

'Okay, officially,you're raving. Go get some sleep Zuko' Mai kissed Fire Lord's cheek and pushed him in the direction of their rooms. 'I'll check upon Izumi. Sleep well'.

Mai's wish came true – Zuko slept well and woke up five hours later, around noon, totally refreshed and relaxed. Mind clear, calm upon his soul, grief buried deep in heart – still present but not disturbing inner peace and mood.

The day was beautiful – the sun shone on the skies, light breeze from the sea was giving refreshment and carried the aroma of sea salt. Temple Island was quiet, suspiciously quiet. Aang's children, Izumi and Mai weren't nowhere to see. Katara and Sokka also were missing. One of the air acolytes, a tall woman with a headband over her forehead, came closer to Zuko and handed him a note.

Katara and Sokka took us for little trip around the city. Don't worry, we'll be back around noon.

M.

She always was singing her letter like this. Not the full name, just the initial.

It was around noon so they were probably on their way back to the Island. Zuko decided that he will use this time for fire-bending exercises. He used to do them every day, but since he was preoccupied with planning and realizing his journey to Ba Sing Se, he had no time and head to bending. Now, relaxed and refreshed, he felt his inner flame burning inside him, brighter than through that last few days. As he remembered from past visits, there was a secluded lagoon, surrounded from all sides by high cliffs of the island. When the kids were younger and they had more time for visits, they used to make picnics there.

He started easily, with basic forms, using them to stretch himself. Steadily breathing, controlling the inner flame, and bended fire, smoothly he was changing forms, positions, and ways. His moves were so subtle that seen from the side it could be taken as a dance.

'Mind if join you, Sifu Hotman?' Aang's voice came from behind.

Zuko ended another form and opened his eyes.

'Join me if you can follow up' Fire Lord smirked. 'How often are you fire-bending those days?'

'You think that I've forgotten your teachings?' Aang laughed. 'Are you kidding?! You weren't that terrible, Sifu Hotman'.

'Okay, then roar like tigerdillo' Zuko smiled widely. It brought a memory of Ember Island and the early days of their friendship.

Aang smiled in response and roared nicely, with a deep voice and flame high. It was clear that Avatar hasn't forgotten how to firebend.

They've trained together, mirroring each other moves, mostly even don't looking at each other. Even they haven't practiced together for years, they still were able to act as two halves of the same person. Or like double dao blades, Zuko's favorite weapons.

'Maybe a little duel, Aang? I haven't fought against you since... Let me count... almost thirty years. Maybe twenty-nine. If we count our fight in Yu Dao, it's something around twenty-nine or eight. If we don't count that as a proper fight, last time we fought in Ba Sing Se' Zuko said, while he was washing off sweat after bending training.

'You haven't counted the day before Sozin's comet when you attacked me on the Ember Island' Aang smiled and straught on the sand.

'It wasn't a fight. You weren't fighting back, mostly trying to avoid my fire blasts and projectiles' Zuko smiled and found a nice shaded place for rest – he was never a fan of sunbathing. 'Of course, we'll do that for fun this time. Only fire-bending, no Avatar state, no weapons. I bet kids will find it entertaining'.

'Speaking about kids, shouldn't they come back from the city?'

They've heard voices coming from above – concerned Katara was asking acolytes about Aang. Soon Mai joined her – clearly, she hasn't found Zuko where she was expecting him, so they've started to search them around the Air Temple buildings.

'Not a word' Zuko whispered. 'Let them have some fun from searching us'.

Soon not only their wives but also their children were looking around the upper parts of the island. They've even asked Sokka to help them, and after additional minutes Aang and Zuko finally have been found – Bumi was the one who spotted them. 'Were you hiding from us here?' Katara asked, a bit irritated. 'I could expect that kind of behavior from Sokka, but not from you Aang, and definitely not from the responsible head of state!' she pointed Zuko with her chin.

'We've been practicing fire-bending with Sifu...'

'Aang, how many times I should tell you that I hate that nickname?!' Zuko angrily cut Aang off. 'Please, a bit of respect in front of your children' he whispered. Louder he added. 'Yes, we have been practicing, Katara. And enjoying this lagoon, it's a nice place.' A wide smile appeared on his face. 'I remember when Toph sandbended maze here and Izumi you were so angry that you lost Bumi and Kya from your sight...'

'Dad! You are embarrassing me!' Izumi blushed a little. 'It was eleven years ago! And yet you still remember how I broke through the maze walls and demanded... Argh! I was five years old!'

'Your father remembers everything' Mai smirked. 'Also very embarrassing things from his own past. Have I ever told you how jealous he can be? Thirty years ago few days before sun eclipse, we went for group vacation...'

'Mai, please, don't' Zuko cast a pleading look. 'Not that story. Everything but not that one'. He was truly embarrassed and ashamed. There was one more reason – Azula was part of that story. And he had a wish to never heard about his sister again. 'And I think Aang told everybody how I was jealous about Kei Lo...' he smirked.

Sun shone, they were teasing each other, perfect vacation day. They've all missed that – children needed their friends, Gaang needed themselves and relax. Nothing weighted over then – nor world peace and politics, neither grief.

'Tomorrow we're going to the theater' Katara said later when they've changed and sat together in the pavilion. Aang, Tenzin, and air acolytes used that place for meditation, but now, the whole group, adults, and children were sitting there, drinking tea and playing pai sho. Izumi was winning against Kya, Bumi couldn't decide which girl he should cheer.

'Hope they are better than troupe from Ember Island' Aang whispered. After all those years, he couldn't forget about Boy from the Iceberg, and seen a few years later Avatar's Triumph. And haven't forgiven that he was portrayed by an actress.

'I don't know if they are better than Ember Island players, but the play is really well received. And tickets are almost impossible to get. But thanks to that I'm the councilman, I managed something.' Sokka smiled and showed them tickets.

'Is that one of your jokes, Sokka? Love amongst the Dragons?!' Zuko couldn't believe his own eyes.

'I thought that you would like it. And because we have never seen the whole play as a group...' Sokka hesitated.

'You kidding. It's amazing! Haven't seen that in ages!' Zuko smiled brightly with sparks of excitement in his amber eyes. 'Hope you get some decent seats on the ground level, so Toph could watch...'

'She won't go with us' Katara cut off Fire Lord in the middle of the sentence. 'She has a lot of work lately. You know, police business'.

It was a lie, Katara never knew how to lie.

Even Zuko lately was a bit away in those past days, he still was good at observing people. And all the little details in their behavior. He spotted tension between Toph and Sokka, how they've tried to not get in a way of each other, how she was spiteful towards councilmen. At first, Zuko was willing to blame his attitude and grief, as it could change his perception. But Toph's early eviction today and Katara's lie have proved that the observation Zuko made earlier wasn't affected by his grief and imaginations. Something was not right.

There was one unspoken topic inside their group: Toph relationships and her daughters' parentage. Ten years ago, when Lin was born, she ordered them to not put their noses into her life. So they haven't asked, haven't commented, made it taboo. After all, it was her life, they had no right to intervene.

Zuko had his assumptions about what could happen between Sokka and Toph lately. Well, he was a quite good observer, seen Suyin complexion and could count. Maybe it was time to confront his assumptions with the suspect? But did he have the right to do that? He should consult that with Mai, she could know what to do.

---

'Mai, my love' Zuko whispered.

It was a late-night they were lying in their room. Mai put her head on Zuko's chest, with her fingers circling around the scar on his belly, a reminder of comet-enhanced Agni Kai between him and Azula.

'Hmmm' she murmured softly, tickling his skin with her warm breath.

'I need your advice' he said a little louder.

'Shhhh, you're ruining mood' she moved a little higher with her head, now resting it on his shoulder. Her hand slowly copied her own movement and moved from his belly to his chest.

'Mai, not now, please. I'm quite concerned about Gaang. And as much as I am inflamed by your actions, I wish to hear your opinion upon one matter' he kissed the tip of her nose. 'And then I'm all yours'.

She rose on her elbow, looked on him with disaffection, and after a while finally nodded, giving him permission to speak.

'Something happened between Sokka and Toph. I think he... he probably suggested that he wants to be part of Suyin's life as a father. One part of me wants to talk with him about that, ask how can I help him. The other is trying to push me away from that, and discouraging me from sticking my nose into not my business'. Zuko sighed. 'Do I have any right to intervene? Does my friendship justify my concern? Or I'm just looking for new troubles to put them on my head? Maybe it's totally not my business and I can't make them happy? Why I am even bothering with this?'

'I can't tell you what to do, Zuko' Mai touched his face gently, slowly moving her fingers around his burning mark. 'You can try to talk with Sokka, but will it help? Maybe'.

He smiled, closed his eyes when Mai's hand move to his jawline, stroking him gently. She touched him only with the tips of her fingers, and with every touch he felt how his blood was running faster through his veins. Oh how he yearned for that touch, how he needed that!

'I just... I just want them to be happy. As their friend, I can't watch them suffering. And they suffer' he said, catching her hands and kissing them. 'I spoke with Aang last night, he asked me for advice. He is troubled, he feels that he is growing apart of his family. Especially he has problems with Bumi, who wants to seek his own way and future. And now I clearly see how Sokka is miserable'. Long sigh. 'Twice he lost the women she loved. And Suki's death five years ago complicated his relation with Toph. Argh, it's my fault, I am one to blame here. And maybe it's why I desperately want to help him'.

'Suki's death was not your fault' Mai said. They've talked about that lot of times, and he still was taking the blame on himself. 'I understand that you want our friends to be happy. But you can't solve their problems, my love'.

'I know' another kiss he pressed on Mai's fingers. 'I'm just so genuinely happy, having you as my wife and having Izumi as our daughter, that I would like to help my friends to be happy too. Because they are willingly helping me when I need them'. He helped Mai to settle on his hips. 'But I'm hushing about that, now as I promised (because Fire Lord should keep his word) I'm yours'.

'Yes, you are' Mai kissed him passionately.

---

Throughout the whole day, Zuko was waiting for a chance to talk with Sokka. But all the time, somebody was around – mostly Bumi, who clearly liked to spend time with his favorite uncle. Well, they've shared similar life experiences – being the non-bending brother to bender siblings. With both bending parents, he was searching for somebody who is more like him.

Where was Bumi, there was Izumi. From all of the Gaang's children, she always loved to spend time with Bumi and Kya (because their age difference wasn't that big), but Kya was spending most of the days with her mother, learning and mastering water-bending, so mischief trio, as they sometimes were called by their parents, this time was reduced to mischief duo.

Sokka was showing them how practically use a boomerang, which was, as he stated, the most dangerous weapon in the whole world.

'It's super effective especially against Fire Nation nobility' he said, looking at Zuko, who joined them a few seconds before, with a grin on his face.

'Yeah, he's right. He knocked me down with that twice' Zuko grinned back. Izumi stared at her father with surprise in her amber-like eyes. 'But I knocked him countless times in a swordfight'.

'Well, you did that in the past, but can you do that now, buddy?'

'Are you challenging me into a duel, Sokka?' smirk on Zuko's face, and his eyes squinted a bit gave him a more predatory look. In moments like this, he was more like his old, old, angry self.

Bumi and Izumi were watching them with eyes wide open. What does that conversation suppose to mean? Was that code of some sort or men were teasing each other? Or have they really had the intention to fight?

'Get your blades, Your Highness' Sokka stretched himself. 'Let's see can you still use them'.

'Izumi' Zuko looked upon his daughter 'will you be so kind and bring me my swords? And if you'll find your beautiful mother, please tell her, that I'll beg her to stand on watch. We need to be sure that Katara won't know about this fight.'

'Yeah, mum can be overprotective sometimes, and she doesn't like when I'm around weapons and stuff' Bumi mumbled. 'I'm almost eighteen, I'm technically adult, but nobody treats me like this!'

'Awww, man, I'm treating you as an adult' Sokka grabbed clothes on his chest, showing how his nephew's words hurt him.

'Yeah, thanks, uncle. And yesterday, father mentioned something about thinking more positively about me in United Forces. I guess, I should thank you, uncle Zuko' Bumi smiled widely, now looking just like Aang, but with hair and no tattoos.

Soon Izumi was back with her father's swords and words from Mai. Fire Lady promised that she'll stand on watch until she gets a word back from Zuko.

'We'll fight till one of us yields or be knocked down. We fight for fun so let's try not to wound ourselves. And... no bumerang, Sokka, hand it to Izumi. I won't firebend. Before we'll begin, stretch yourself, buddy, you don't want to hurt your muscles. And torn tendons aren't funny especially in our age' Fire Lord flashed his teeth with a smile.

'In your age maybe it's not funny' Sokka grinned while stretching a bit 'but thanks spirits, that I'm still young and don't have such problems'.

After a quick burst of laughter, they've taken positions on opposites sides of the air-bending practice site. And slowly they've started, first circling around one another, carefully watching for the tiniest gestures and steps of their opponent. In a safe distance, they were waiting till one of them make the first move. Even Zuko had an advantage because he was wielding dual blades, he wasn't going to be the first to attack. Years of practice made him a patient fighter, who was controlling ground and his opponent's moves. So he patiently waited for Sokka's move to counter on.

Sokka on the other hand, even he in past years made some progress in a swordfight and mastered other martial arts, still was a bit impatient. He rushed to attack, with his first hit trying to disarm Zuko. A bold move, and if it would be successful, Sokka would get the advantage or even win a fight with his very first attack.

But it wasn't. Zuko parried and countered, Sokka evaded. They jumped back, and again circling started. Both were luring and deceiving each other with false movements, marked blows, and strikes. They've clashed again, jumped back. Sokka rushed once again, but Zuko simply avoided his attack. And countered, pushed forward, letting his opponent only defend. There was no time and opportunity to counter, Sokka hurryingly was blocking both blades, without a chance to attack back. But they both were determined to win, and sometimes the determination is enough to change the result of the duel.

This time, determination hasn't done that. Another series of attacks pushed Sokka out of balance, and he fell to the ground. Zuko won.

'You're better than I remember' he said, helping Sokka to stand back. 'In the first attack, you almost got me by surprise'.

'And you are still deadly with those two' Sokka smiled, dusting off his clothes. 'But I could take you down with my trusty boomerang. It was fun, hope it was fun to watch too'.

Bumi nodded, still clearly in awe of the duel he has watched seconds before. But Izumi seemed to be bored more than impressed. She clearly knew that her father hesitated and haven't fought as hard as he could.

'Hey, daughterduck' Zuko called daughter with her childhood nickname 'you seem unimpressed'.

'It wasn't your best fight, dad. I've seen you training with those blades, I've seen you fighting your training opponents' Izumi took a breath. 'You weren't using your whole skillset, I saw few moments when you could take down uncle Sokka with a pommel strike...'

'Yes, daughterduck, I could do that, but I did not have the intention to hurt Sokka, and you know that pommel strike could break a nose. And yes, you've seen me in more aggressive stances, but I've always fought with armored opponents' Zuko replied. He was so proud that Izumi was able to catch those tiny details, that she paid attention during training sessions and now. 'But I'm glad that you caught those details'.

Since the beginning of his fatherhood, he tried to be supportive to Izumi, completely changing the way of how Fire Nation royal family kids were raised. He was closer to Izumi than his father was to him and to Azula. He was encouraging his daughter to ask questions, speak and express her opinions. It was revolutionary, especially older members of nobility found it unacceptable and suggested him to use old methods, to punish this insolent kid, teach her a lesson she won't forget. But Zuko would never punish his daughter in a way he was punished just for speaking out of his mind. So sometimes she was questioning his actions, sometimes she was giving opinions. And he always was listening to what she was saying, discussing with her, and patiently explaining if she had doubts.

---

Before their trip to the theater, Zuko made several more attempts to talk with Sokka, but there was no rush. All the time there was somebody around, and even with Mai's help, he had no chance to approach his buddy without any witness. Maybe after the play, there will be a chance to talk.

'Aang, Zuko, both of you have to disguise yourself' Sokka said during the late dinner.

'What?!' they both were surprised.

'You know, Avatar's and Fire Lord's presence can be a little intimidating to theater staff' Sokka was serious.

'Katara, was he drinking cactus juice again?' Aang asked his wife.

'Let me be clear: both of you have your statues here in the city. Zuko's face is the very first thing which people see when they are leaving the train station! Aang you're the Avatar, you saved the world! How do you think people react to both of you? I don't want to stress out people with Fire Lord and Avatar casually entering the theater!'

'For flames' sake, Sokka, I won't disguise myself' Zuko gave Sokka an irritated look. 'I don't know if you're trying to jump into some nostalgia train or something but I'm who I am, and I won't hide my identity'.

'Is it for nostalgia?' Aang asked. 'I am living in this city for years, people won't be shocked'.

'Fine, fine' Sokka sighed with resignation. 'I thought it would be funny'.

They've entered the theater minutes before the play. Most of the people there were seated, and there was nobody to spot their presence. Sokka did the best, and they got places in the biggest loge. It has nine seats in three rows one above another. The mischief trio sat in the front row (Izumi between Kya and Bumi). The middle row was taken by Aang, Katara and Tenzin between them, and in the highest row Sokka, Zuko, and Mai sat.

During the intermissions, Gaang was not moving from their seats – just to not cause a disturbance.

'They are quite good' Zuko said during the first intermission. 'Not the best troupe I've seen performing Love amongst the Dragons but close to the top. And you can trust me, I've seen it so many times that I think I could quote Noren's parts without any problem' he chuckled.

'They are better than Ember Island Troupe' Aang muttered.

'Thank the spirits that you weren't forced to watch how they were butchering this play' Zuko giggled. 'But shhhhh, intermission is over, and the best part is just ahead. Soon Noren will face...'

'Shhhh buddy, we want to watch it' Sokka cut him off.

Reviewers were right – the play was good, and the time in the theater was quite pleasant. Things turned worse after they've left the building. It seemed that Aang told Katara that he was going to allow Bumi to join United Forces. When she asked why he changed his mind, he said that he asked Zuko about a second opinion. She became furious about it, stated that he had no right to do that because it is their family business. She took Kya's hand and dragged the girl with her in an unknown direction. Mai and Izumi run after them with the hope to calm Katara down.

Aang threw them an apologetic look and nodded to Bumi and Tenzin. They've scootered away (Bumi on air-scooter bended by his father). Sokka and Zuko have been left alone. Finally, they have a chance to talk.

'Don't worry buddy' Fire Lord said 'Mai'll calm your sister down. They come to the terms with Aang. We have all night before us, I would wait till morning to see Tara again. She was so furious that Aang asked me for a piece of advice and I don't want to make any trouble'.

'It's because... Well, in Water Tribe we are quite protective and sensitive in family matters. There is an unspoken rule that people keep family matters in private. She is following those rules strictly, she does not want to talk about anything even with me' Sokka whined. 'Well, let's find any place to sit, drink and talk'.

They've entered the first place they've found. It wasn't the top-notch bar but a den of some sort. Zuko probably would never enter that place, but Sokka insisted ('Hey, I'll show you the place where locals are spending their time'), so he had no choice. Just to not be conspicuous, he untied his top knot and let his hair fall down, covering his scar.

Somehow they've found a place to sit, deep in the corner of the place, where Zuko could have eyes on the rest of the bar. He was just cautious, even it seemed to be paranoic.

Sokka brought them drinks, but Fire Lord refused.

'Alcohol is mind-killer, and true bender has to have his mind clear and sharp. Besides, in a place like this, I would not take any sip of anything'.

'You're snob, you know that, right?' Sokka grinned and drank his first drink.

'Maybe I am. A little' Zuko grinned back. 'But back to the topic, we've discussed on the way there... I had no idea that you, Water Tribesman are so sensitive about your privacy...'

'Tara is trying to follow traditions, she tries to preserve as much as she can. You know South Water Tribe was heavily affected by Hundred Years War, no offense buddy, but your ancestors almost wiped out our bending style, our culture, and traditions. And my sis, she feels responsible for preserving as much as she can' Sokka sighed and drank the second one. 'I understand her, but sometimes she's overreacting. Aang had no idea that she would be mad for asking you for advice. Or... Oh my, it's not about keeping things private but about letting Bumi join United Forces. Remember, he told us earlier that she is not letting him anywhere near weapons and stuff'.

'Yeah, you can be right. They are clearly worried about Bumi, and they are letting fear rule them' Zuko was intensively thinking about how to bring the topic of Sokka's problems to the top. 'I'm worried about Izumi, all the time but... I did everything to be sure that she can handle anything the world will throw at her. If I would let fear rule me, after Azula's last try, I should lock my daughterduck in the highest of towers'.

Sokka shuddered a bit, hearing Azula's name. After a second he got up from a chair, crossed the way to the bar and back again, and brought another two drinks.

'I told you...' 'That's for me' Sokka took a sip. 'Zuko, I know that Aang and Tara's family issues are not the main topic here'. Another sip. 'I'm almost sure what is it, but I have to hear it from you. To the point, buddy'.

Zuko bit his lip, furiously, a bit angry for such a direct question. But maybe it's the best way?!

'I'm worried, buddy. About you' he said, staring deep into Sokka's blue eyes. 'I've spotted how you and Toph relate to each other. Something is not right, and I have an idea of what happened. But' he paused 'I don't want to be too nosy. I'm worried because I have the right to believe that anything is going on between you two, it's my fault'.

Sokka laughed. And drank another drink.

'Buddy, it's not your fa-'

'Let me tell you what I have to tell you, okay?' Zuko cut Sokka off. 'I believe that I'm the one to blame because I'm the ultimate reason. It was my fault to trust Azula those five years ago, and Suki's death was my fault too'. Quick pause. 'For flames' sake, she died protecting my daughter! And I understand that her death hit you hard. Toph was there for you, wasn't she? Soothing night and nine months later little Suyin was born' Zuko squinted his eyes. 'Am I right, Sokka?'

'Although she never confirmed that I am damn sure, you saw Su's complexion. And math is right' Sokka sighed. 'But it was my decision, not yours! Suki died, and I was heartbroken. I've just found consolation in Toph's arms. You haven't pushed me into her bed'.

'What happened lately? Have you asked to be present in Su's life?' Fire Lord's voice softened. 'I'm worried about you, buddy. I just... Just want you to be happy'.

'I did that just after Suyin was born' Sokka sobbed. 'And she refused. She was right to refuse me. I'm not going to be a councilman here for my whole life. My father isn't the youngest man, and when the time comes I'll become High Chieftain of Southern Tribe. I'll come back to the South Pole, which means that I won't be present in Su's life, cause Toph won't move with me there and won't let me take my daughter with me. She told me that she doesn't want to make a mess in Su's life. And I agreed'. Another sob. 'Buddy, I agreed but seeing my girl and being unable to tell her that I'm her father. It's torture... Lately, I asked Toph once again to let me be a father to Su. We had a terrible quarrel two days before letters from you came. So it's quite fresh'.

'Is there anything I could do?' Zuko put his hand on Sokka's shoulder.

'No. Toph is stubborn and if she learns that I've told you, I lose my chance to be at least uncle to Suyin. And she'll kick our asses'.

'That's rough, buddy' Zuko couldn't stop himself from that pun.

They've giggled and finally left that place. It was nice to breathe breezy night air instead of that den's stench, it was nice to walk through empty streets of Republic City and do not be stared at as they've been in that bar. The night was quiet, dark, and deep, inhabitants of Republic City were sleeping deep. At least those who were honestly working.

'I know a perfect shortcut, in few minutes we will be at my place. We'll come back to Air Temple Island tomorrow morning, will give my sis time to cool off' Sokka mumbled, taking a turn to the right, and entering a dark alley between two warehouses.

'I'm not sure, buddy, if this is a good idea' Zuko said carefully. He had a vague premonition that this alley is not safe for passage. Maybe it was the combination of his highly heightened hearing, those years he spent chasing Avatar summed up with his experience with assassination attempts on his life, but he literally felt upcoming danger. And that alley was screaming to him about danger.

'Nah, it's the best idea, I was using this shortcut...' he broke off. Few thugs were blocking his way. 'Maybe we should go back...'

'No way that they will allow us' Zuko whispered, looking on the way back where another group of thugs stood. Calmly he tied his top knot, slow moves, just to not provoke anybody. He was readying himself for a fight, focusing on his inner flame, calming his breath, and stretching his muscles with delicate, almost invisible moves.

'Wot 're ya doin' 'ere golden dove birds?' one of the thugs asked. His accent made him almost impossible to understand.

'Just passing by. We've used the wrong shortcut, if it's your area, we'll turn back and won't disturb you' Zuko tried to find a peaceful solution. He had no intention to fight those thugs. Theoretically, he and Sokka were outnumbered – three thugs visible in front of them, and three behind their backs; maybe two or three waiting deep in the shadows. But he knew that he could take down probably all of them. After all, he was a master firebender.

'Ya 'ave entered Triple Threats alley, golden dove birds. Ya pit your foot 'ere, ya 'ave ter pay' hissed thugs leader. Again merely they've understood what he said. 'Knock those golden dove birds daahhhn and brin' me their Bread and Honey'.

'What does it even mean?!' Sokka whispered.

'Duck!' Zuko when thugs attacked.

Sokka bent down, letting Zuko bend over him. Wall of fire divided them from thugs in front of them but still, they had those three behind their backs. Quick pirouette, and Zuko was facing charging thugs. Those three clearly weren't benders, they've attacked him physically, trying to bind and beat him in melee combat. Probably they've thought that as a bender he had no experience in hand-to-hand combat. They were wrong, as wrong they've been trying to rob them. One of them he tackled, putting him immediately down. The second tried to grab his wrist, but Zuko used the thug's momentum to push him into the direction of the alley entrance. Third almost grabbed Zuko's top knot, but, thankfully, Sokka pushed him away. All three have been knocked down easily.

But the wall of fire died out, leaving them vulnerable to the leader's and his two henchmen. No, there were more. One, two, three more. Well, Zuko was sure that he heard more footsteps and just smirked when it became clear that he was right. And two of the new thugs were benders – on front line woman stood and was bending flames in her hands, heavily focused on controlling the burn. On the opposite side of their boss earthbender stood, who, when the fire died out, tossed a huge rock in their direction.

With a simple fire blast, Zuko pushed the rock away from its trajectory. A fire-bending woman attacked, pushing her flames into their direction. Using moves took out of water-bending (he learned them years ago observing Katara's movement) Zuko caught fire, and with a smooth movement, he redirected it in thugs direction, fueling the fire missile with his own flames. Thugs had to scatter even when earthbender made a rocky wall.

Most of the attackers were running away, and even their boss wasn't able to push them to the next attack. Only those two benders stood their ground, ready to keep the fight. Clearly, they weren't the brightest ones. Or just they wanted to let their leader escape.

'Buddy, aren't you cold?' Zuko asked. 'It's chilly evening and I could warm the air a bit'.

And he breathed fire. ('Show off' Sokka mumbled). Nothing special, the flame wasn't big, but it was enough. Bending thugs run away in panic. Their leader was running too. Soon they've heard screams, something happened at the other end of the alley. As screams fell silent, someone came out of the shadows. Familiar figure.

'What are you two doing here?' Toph asked. She was in her police armor.

'Good evening to you too, Toph' Zuko said politely. 'Working night?'

'What are you two doing here?' she asked again.

'Just passing by to my place' Sokka mumbled.

Toph sighed. She knew that he said truth. She felt that.

'I'll order my men to escort you to your place or directly to the Air Temple Island' she said. 'I have to clean this mess'.

'Mess?' Sokka wanted to add something else, but Zuko put a hand on Sokka's shoulder. And shook his head slightly to give his buddy a sign to not continue the topic.

'Thank you, Toph' Zuko said.

---

They came back to Air Temple Island the next morning after breakfast. Mai waited for them on the pier with the pieces of information. Katara calmed down a bit but still, she wasn't in the best mood, and she refused to speak with her husband. Aang closed himself in his study and was not letting anybody in.

'Go and talk with your sister, I'll try to reason with Aang' Zuko ordered. 'Mai, my love, would you be so kind, and organize something for kids? I don't know if Aang kids ever been on the airship, maybe they could use a tour on Fire Nation Royal Family airship?'

'Yes, my love. Go talk with Aang' they've shared a quick kiss.

They've spread out, all three focused on their tasks.

Aang's study was located near air-bending training grounds. Doors were shut, no voice came from the inside. Zuko knocked on the door.

'Aang, are you there?' he asked.

Silence.

'Aang, I'm worried about you. We're worried' Zuko continued. 'Let me in, please, I just want to talk'.

Nothing.

Zuko sighed and sat in front of the doors. He'll wait, he has time. He was accustomed to waiting. He learns patience through the years. Some could say that he started to change into his uncle, and there was a simple truth in that. Over the years Zuko learned and understood Iroh's attitude towards the world.

A half-hour later the lock clicked, and Aang came out.

'Zuko, what are you doing here?'

Well, it was a frequently asked question lately.

'Waiting for you to come out and act like an adult. Hiding from your problems won't solve them. Come, it's time to talk with Tara'. Zuko sighed. 'I have something to tell her, maybe it'll help. But then I'll leave you and let you clear things between you'.

Aang wasn't convinced but he followed his friend. They've found Katara and Sokka in the dining hall.

'Katara' Zuko whispered when he sat in front of her. 'I think that we all need to talk'. He made a pause. 'Yesterday, thanks to Sokka, I learned that in Southern Water Tribe culture family matters are private things, and they are not supposed to be shared with strangers. But Tara neither I am a stranger, nor an enemy. I'm your friend. And I have just been asked for advice'.

A minute of silence passed.

'I haven't meant to... put my nose into your family matters' Zuko hesitated. 'And I'll say you what I have said to Aang when he asked me for advice. After that, I'm gonna leave you here and let you discuss things between you, okay?'. He waited for an answer, but it hasn't come. 'As all you know, five years ago, Azula stroked once again, making one last attempt to ruin my life and bring me to the road of anger and destruction. This time she tried to kill Izumi, and thanks to Suki's sacrifice, she failed'. Second of silence. 'After that, I was terrified, more than ever in my life. I was afraid that somebody would try this again. But my mother shared a piece of wisdom she learned years back, after her comeback to Royal Palace. She told me that it is a parent thing to be afraid of their child. That I won't be able to protect her forever and from everything. That the fear of Izumi's life will stay with me forever. But she taught me one thing: to see the fear with unclouded eyes. To not let it rule over you. And because of that, I haven't locked Izumi in the highest tower. I taught her how to defend herself'. A sigh. 'That's the wisdom I wanted to share with you both. And now, as I said earlier, I'm going to leave you'.

He left without hesitation and without looking back. He could join Mai and the kids on the deck of the airship, but he felt a bit disturbed. Going back to that day when his sister almost took Izumi's life two times in the past twenty-four hours made him feel uncomfortable. Emotions of that day came back, disturbed his inner peace. He needed solid meditation, to clear his mind and regain control over himself.

The meditation pavilion was empty, most of the air acolytes were occupied with chores. To cut himself even further from all surroundings Zuko sat back to the island, facing the bay and open sea. As he learned from Great Sage Shyu, he focused on the sound of the wind, silencing any other voices and sounds. Then he even stopped hearing the wind. And then he let emotions flow.

With the emotions, images came. Memories.

Azula for the first time meeting Izumi. How they've shared greetings. How his daughter was cautious. How his sister looked genuinely honest with her intention.

Zuko gritted his teeth, knowing what will happen next.

Another image. They share a hug. Something is not right, he feels that in his spine, but he does not know what. He finally sees that. Azula put only one hand on Izumi's back, he reacts but he knows that he is too slow. Thankfully Suki is in her way to Azula and Izumi. When the knife flashes, leader of Kyoshi Warriors pushes princess away and strikes with her own weapon. Both blades are reaching their targets. Kyoshi Warriors surround his wounded sister, blocking her way out. Suki in growing pool of blood. Izumi completely shocked in Mai's arms.

Another flashback, another image.

He is kneeling in Suki's blood, with her head on his lap. She tries to say something, he hushes her. More blood, he tries to stop bleeding. She shakes her head, paler and paler with every second. 'Tell Sokka, that I'm sorry...' her last words. He closes her eyes and cries.

Zuko let the images flow. He let the emotions flow. He felt everything he had felt that day. He let it go, emotions fading, his mind became clear and his own again. Deep breath after a deep breath. Slowly he came back to reality, sounds came back.

'Dad, are you okay? You weren't reacting to anything' he heard Izumi's voice.

He opened his eyes just to look into his daughter's eyes.

'Everything under control, daughterduck, just needed to clear my head' he smiled. 'What's going on?'

'Uncle Aang asked me to find you because they want to take us all to picnic outside of the city'. Izumi seemed excited. 'We'll fly on Appa's back!'.

She did it a few times before, and every time she was super excited about that.

If they were going to the picnic, it was clear that Tara and Aang came to terms. And seemed that everything was okay between them – when Zuko and Izumi joined the rest there was no tension between them. Katara took him on side and apologized for her outburst of rage.

The picnic was fun – Aang knew sweet valley north of the city. There was a small lake, nice shaded copse, and as much space as they needed – for bending practice, for eating lunch and later dinner, and for playing kuai ball (Sokka and Katara with Bumi and Tenzin versus Zuko, Mai, Izumi allied with Kya; Aang served as referee).

'Tomorrow is your last day in Republic City, Zuko?' Aang asked.

'Yeah. Even if I'm glad that we've spent more time with you guys, we have to go back. I don't want to put too much on Kiyi's shoulders, and knowing my ministers, they probably got brilliant ideas just after our departure. I'm Fire Lord I cannot be absent forever' Zuko took a sip of tea, put another tile on pai sho's board, and sighed. 'But Festival of Szeto is coming, come visit us. How long you haven't been in my place? Come, you all need some vacations! We can spend the Festival in Caldera City, or we can enjoy it on Ember Island. What do you think about that?'

'Sweetie' Katara said to Aang 'maybe we should do that? I don't remember when we were on vacations together, as a family'.

She called Aang 'sweetie'. It meant that the crisis between them has been averted. Zuko sighed with relief, happy that at least one problem he found here (or even caused) has been solved. Price had been paid – Zuko had to once more feel the pain he felt five years ago, but it was a fair price for solving Katara and Aang's problem. He would even pay more if he could solve also Sokka's problem, but that one was out of his reach, without a doubt.

The next day was tough – everybody felt that fun time is coming to an end. They clearly hated that feeling when you knew that you would soon say your goodbyes and won't see your friends for the next few days/weeks/months? Even if this time they had Szeto festival upcoming as a chance to meet again, even if the traditional Gaang meeting in the anniversary of their victory was coming in months, they've felt sadness. On a daily basis they haven't felt that longing, too busy with their everyday duties, but when they were meeting, they immediately felt that something was missing in their lives.

Early in the evening, the whole Gaang with Toph and her girls gather up for farewell dinner. Zuko for the third time invited the rest of the Gaang to visit Fire Nation during the Festival of Szeto. And once again, he thanked them for their journey to Ba Sing Se and their support there. There was fun, there was laughter, but ultimately time came, and they had to say goodbyes. Finally, Zuko, Mai, and Izumi entered the airship, and soon engines started. One last farewell, waving hands, and Air Temple Island left behind them.

---

'Mom, Dad, can I sleep today with you?' Izumi asked unexpectedly coming to their cabin a few hours later. The last time she asked such a question five years ago, so both Izumi and Zuko rose their eyebrows.

'What's going on, daughterduck?' Zuko said, making space between him and Mai and pointing it to Izumi.

'I don't know. I'm just sad, very sad. And when I came to my cabin I felt very alone. You know, during the last few days I've always had someone around: during the days was Bumi, during nights I've stayed with Kya. And I had no time to think about grandpa's Iroh death and I think it's just grief' she whispered. They've seen tears in her eyes, something rarely seen there, that immediately they decided to cuddle her. 'And I just wasted my chance to say last farewells in Ba Sing Se because I preferred to stay with my friends' she sobbed.

'Shhhh, you haven't wasted anything, my little Spark' Mai pressed her head to Izumi's head. 'And it's quite natural that you have chosen to spend time with your friends over mourning'.

'I'm sure that Iroh would understand you, daughterduck' Zuko stroked Izumi's hair. 'I know that you loved him very much, but you haven't missed anything. Actually, I'm glad that you've stayed in Republic City' a sigh. 'There was no funeral ceremony, and thankfully you haven't seen my complete breakdown. It hit me harder than I could imagine, and it wasn't the state you should see'.

They both hold her close. Even after her parents reassuring words, she sobbed a little and felt like a child again. But with their presence so close, with their parental love, she was calming down. With her father's hand stroking her hair, with mother's forehead pressed to her own, she felt better.

'Mom, Dad, thank you' she whispered. 'I love you'.

'We love you too, daughterduck' Zuko kissed the top of her head with paternal tenderness. 'Sleep tight, Izumi'.

---

Two days after their return to Capital City, there was a small, almost private ceremony in Garden of Tranquil Souls. Just a few people: Fire Lord with Fire Lady and princess, alongside Ursa and Kiyi, all clothed in traditional white morning robes, gathered around a small shrine. Zuko put there two lacquered boxes: one with Lu Ten's and the second with Iroh's top knots. Then Fire Sage sealed the shrine and left the family to let them have their time to mourn.

Zuko was the last one who stayed around. Last tears were running down his cheeks, those tears he hasn't cried in Ba Sing Se.

'Leaves from the vine...' he murmured. 'Goodbye, uncle Iroh'.