As expected. The reunion between Iroh and the old crew was joy Full. Everyone laughed and cheered as they grinned.

"It's good to see you alive sir." Jee said. "We had no idea what was going on in the outside world."

"And I am truly happy to see you made it out of that disaster at the north pole as well!" Iroh said in a smile.

"All thanks to you General Iroh." Jee said.

"Like I said back then. It was the least I owed you." Iroh stated firmly. "And you have done your duty. I am forever thankful. There is no need to stick around any more."

Jee smirked. "Yes the Prince made that abundantly clear." he stated as he crossed his arms. "You finally did it sir. You seem to have gotten under his skin."

"Oh nonsense!" Iroh stated. "Zuko was always a good kid. Merely… Troubled." he finally ended.

Jee exhaled deeply. "You might be right on that. You know scratch that. You were right." he said.

And Iroh smiled warmly. "Whether you believe me or not matters little." he said. "You always kept your word and for that I am forever thankful. And I am happy, that you got to see for yourself. He is worth every little sweat and tear. And so much more."

Jee smirked just as a young water bender approached.

"Mr Iroh!" Katara gasped.

"Master Katara." Iroh smiled warmly. "Always the most amazing pleasure to see you! I hope you are well."

"I'm very well thank you." Katara smiled. "And I'm really happy to see you too. We were worried! All of us."

"You honour me." Iroh said sincerely as he bowed.

"Ge-General Iroh." A nervous voice asked and Iroh turned to see a young girl in pink.

"And who have we here?" Iroh asked kindly.

"I suppose it has been a while." Ty Lee twisted her fingers. "And it's not really like we talked… I erhm… I'm Ty Lee." she said. "From… The Whutan family."

"Oooh. You were one of those so kind to give Azula her friendship were you not?" Iroh asked. "And a very promising young lady from what I remember."

"Well… I were her friend.. Sort of." Ty Lee swallowed. "Now… erhm…"

"There is no need to explain." Iroh assured as he held up his hand. "We are all very lucky to have you here. And that you would lend us your aid." he said.

"Absolutely." Katara beamed wrapping an arm around Ty Lee's shoulders. "It's amazing having a female friend my own age!" she stated.

"Really?" Ty Lee asked.

"I never had someone to discuss hair or clothes with before!" Katara exclaimed. "I mean I have been travelling with Toph. But well… First off she's blind. Secondly even if she wasn't, I don't think she would be into hair or clothes."

"That's true." Ty Lee giggled.

"That's wonderful." Iroh smiled warmly.

"And Zuko has been great!" Ty Lee said. "He's such a good friend! When I was really scared… and thought I had to go back to Azula. Zuko told me not to. He told me to stay and be safe." she stated then looked up. "He saved me."

"Oh. That's good to hear." Iroh said. "The most important thing has to be that you are safe. Young Ty Lee."

"Well I don't know how safe it is to fight in a war. But I am ready for it!" Ty Lee stated. "Ready to serve!" she saluted as she stood straight and Iroh chuckled. Though clearly he was putting on a mask.

Looked like Iroh wasn't really that big of a fan of children on the front lines. Then again it seemed to be something most of the adults had in common.

But also everyone had recognised their accomplishments in spite of their ages, and they all had a right to be there.

"We'll be okay." Katara assured the older man. "We really learned how to look out for each other."

"That's very good master Katara." Iroh said. "Though please don't hesitate to ask for help. You young people are very important you know. To help build what comes after."

"I understand." Katara assured. "We got so much work to do after the war is over! We can't let ourselves get hurt."

"No way!" Ty Lee exclaimed. "I got so many things to do!"

And Iroh smiled, this time very genuinely.

It was hard to get any private time now they were moving in such a big group. And everyone had to be at a constant look out for trouble.

Finally in the evening though as Zuko had moved himself far away from the group did Iroh approach him. Carrying two cups of tea. Because it wouldn't be Iroh if he didn't and he offered one to Zuko.

"Thank you." Zuko whispered as he accepted the tea and Iroh settled in front of Zuko. Sitting with crossed legs.

"What a delightful day." Iroh smiled. "Everyone I talk to keeps praising my nephew. Master Piandao seems very happy as well. And he rarely praises anyone out loud."

"It's honestly kind of weird." Zuko admitted. "Everyone praising me… I don't think I'll ever get used to it."

"Humility is good Prince Zuko. How-ever.." Iroh began.

"I gotta own my accomplishments. I know. It's practically master Piandaos mantra." Zuko commented and Iroh chuckled then he silenced.

"Now then… You wished to talk." Iroh said.

"Oh… yeah." Zuko looked away. "Azula."

Iroh nodded seriously. "You say you ran into her."

"Twice… actually. Since after Ba Sing Se." Zuko said. "And she… I think she's sick uncle. Really really sick." he said. "Every time I see her she seems even further gone. She tracked me down just before the eclipse and confronted me and then… The eclipse happened. And she had no fire bending so… It was easy to take her out then." Zuko swallowed. "I had all the power uncle! And she had none. But she still wanted to fight. And then she outright asked me to kill her!"

"That is very troubling indeed." Iroh replied seriously.

"I don't get it! Why!?" Zuko asked. "Why would she want me to kill her? And… She would rather fall off a cliff than let me save her! That happened. She was falling and I grabbed her. But then she stabbed my hand to make herself fall!" she said. "Why?!" he asked. "And it's different than with Zhao. When Zhao refused to take my hand, I know it was because of his pride. But that wasn't it with Azula… It was different."

Iroh looked very seriously at Zuko. Taking in every word and allowed Zuko to rant.

"Do you have any idea uncle?" Zuko finally asked.

"No." Iroh said. "I was not there. And even if I was, I cannot peer into Azulas mind." he said. "She was always a rather troubled girl. Prideful and… with little regard of who she might hurt."

Zuko swallowed. "Even when we were kids she would hurt the birds. And frighten her friends… I don't get it. Why?" he asked.

Iroh shrugged. "Maybe it was a way to feel powerful. Maybe it was a way to gain control. Maybe she looked to Ozai and did what she knew he would praise. Ozai always viewed those under him as tools rather than people. Undoubtly he taught his daughter the same mindset. Maybe it's a mix of all I just mentioned or none of what I just said is the reason. I can't peer into her mind Zuko." he said. "And as of this moment. You have so many concerns all ready weighing you down. If I may be frank.. You should concentrate on the upcoming battle. Then perhaps afterwards you can deal with Azula…. Perhaps." he added.

"So I should just ignore this?" Zuko asked. "Just let her deteriorate even further? My own sister?"

Iroh sighed deeply, he looked both sad and tired. "Zuko… I wish to be as honest with you as I can." He said in a careful voice.

Zuko nodded. "I appreciate that."

Iroh hesitated a bit, as clearly he tried to find words then finally spoke. "I am honoured you would go to me with such a massive thing that troubles you. But I fear for this one. I am not the best one to seek answers with. I will of course listen. And help as well as I can. But on this one… I have no answers and wouldn't trust myself to give them."

Zuko frowned feeling honestly confused. "It's not like you to sound so unsure of yourself uncle." he admitted. In fact it was outright unnerving.

"Well Zuko… I also have a sibling." Iroh commented. "A little brother in fact. And the truth is… If I ever had any love or care for him. That care is long gone. As I think of him, there are no warm feelings nor any wish to see him well. So that you have it in you, to still care what happens to your sister even after all that has happened. It just proofs ones more you are a far greater man than I."

"Uncle it's not the same. Azula and Ozai are not the same." Zuko said.

"Oh?" Iroh asked. "Ozai was also a child ones. Ozai also found himself in a position where he could never win. My own father pitched the two of us against each other, yet I was always the winner and Ozai would remain the back up who could never win his father favour no matter what he tried. It always seemed like Ozai was doomed to live in the palace's shadow. A forgotten Prince and at best a pawn." Iroh sighed deeply. "He wanted to prove to the world he was my superior… And then that nothing in this world could ever stop him."

Zuko swallowed as he looked at his uncle trying to take that in. "Did you… Ever care about him? Your own brother?" he asked.

Iroh shrugged. "Maybe ones long ago." he said. "But I can never forgive his cruelty. The things he has done are… Unforgivable." he closed his eyes.

"Do you…. Hate him?" Zuko asked.

Iroh sighed deeply. "I hate him for what he did to you." he admitted. "I hate him for continuing to sacrifice innocent lives in a pointless war… Such young lives too. Just children. And I pity him." he said. "It will never be enough. Ozai might think he'll find satisfaction ones he rules the world and can say he will be remembered forever. But that wont be enough… Being worshipped as a god wont be enough. It will never be enough. And he will always suffer for it."

Zuko glanced down at the tea in his hands. "I thought I needed a throne to be happy." he commented. "At my fathers side…. These last few months as I travelled with my friends. I've never been more happy."

Iroh nodded. "You now understand what is truly valuable in this life." he said.

"Ozai doesn't know does he?" Zuko asked. "And neither does Azula… I pity her uncle. I feel… Sad for her."

"You are a far better man than I Zuko." Iroh said.

"Maybe though.." Zuko chewed his lip. "She's still under Ozais thumb right? She never got to leave! She never got to have you by her side for three years! You know how I used to be. I was horrible too!"

Iroh frowned. "Zuko… Are you trying to tell me you think you were as bad as Azula?"

"Well… yeah." Zuko said.

"Nephew…. When we were caught in a storm. The helmsman nearly fell to his death and you risked your own life to save him." Iroh reminded him. "If that had been Azula. She would have thrown the helmsman overboard herself for questioning her orders. You valued the safety of the crew over your mission. Azula are more than willing to kill those who refuse to follow orders."

Zuko halted then closed his mouth.

"You made mistakes! You were guided by emotions and clung on to a false hope that let you astray." Iroh said. "But you were never malicious. Azula is. You simply cannot compare yourself to her."

Zuko swallowed as he looked down. Squinting his eyes. "Is that why…." he whispered in a muffled voice. "Why you chose me? And not her?" he asked.

"Zuko. It doesn't work like that." Iroh said in a firm tone. "You don't choose your children! They just are."

"Then why not her?" Zuko asked.

Iroh sighed deeply. "I tried my best to treat you as equals." he said. "When you got a present, she got a present. You were always both invited to our trips. She though declined. She was her fathers daughter and wanted to stay close to him. I introduced you to Piandao so you would have a safe place to go while I was away. You were the one who might need a place to go. She didn't even want to come."

"You offered her?" Zuko asked.

"I did. She said that if I was going to make her one more cup of tea she was going to barf and Ozai laughed." Iroh shook his head. "I'm sorry Zuko. I wish there was something I could do." he said. "I don't wish to see her in pain either."

"You don't sound like you love her though." Zuko said.

"I don't." Iroh sighed. "I'm sorry but I don't. That of course is no reason not to try and help her. She still is my niece. But… I would not blame you if you abandoned her. As I said you have more than enough to deal with all ready."

Zuko looked down. "I... I can't say I love her either." he admitted weakly. "I wish I did! I feel like I should. And I want to help her! I just... I don't know."

"Well." Iroh smiled a small encouraging smile. "If there is a way to help her... I have never known you to give up dear nephew. And you are a better man than I. Seems pretty obvious to me that you will not give up on her that easily. So I'll be here for you." Iroh assured. "If we can find a way to help her. I promise. I will do all I can."

Zuko swallowed as he nodded. "Thank you… Do you think… there's a way to help her?"

"I'm sorry Zuko. That I really don't know." Iroh said. "And I'm afraid to tell you. That it is most likely up to her. She must choose a different path for herself. Otherwise any attempts to help her will be pointless."

Zuko swallowed. "Am I weak uncle?" he asked. "She has tried to kill me. So many times! She would be happy to kill me. And I still can't hurt her. I just can't. I don't want to!"

"You are not weak Zuko." Iroh said. "You are kind." he said. "And to remain kind even when the world seems to be acting against you. If you ask me. That is true strength." he said.

"I keep having this feeling." Zuko whispered. "That there will be a time where I wont have a choice. I'll have to hurt her."

"Then strike." Iroh said. "You said it yourself. She will kill you. And the world can't afford that. The worlds needs you. Prince Zuko and…" he halted. "I need you. My nephew."

Zuko looked down.

"Zuko... I know this will sound cruel. Utterly cruel." Iroh said. "But if it comes down to you or her... Don't let her win! Strike her if you must. You have given her all the chances you could. The choice is now with her! For all that is good in this world. Do not let yourself get killed."

Zuko nodded. "Yeah... yeah." he swallowed. "I know." he said. "There's too much to do." and he had to wipe his eyes with his sleeve. "Sorry. I just... I feel so... powerless!"

Without a word Iroh moved position and now sat beside Zuko instead. Putting a supportive hand on Zukos shoulder.

"There is nothing to apologize for. I am honored you would talk to me." Iroh said. "Don't ever be afraid to ask for help. I swear to you. No one will thinks less of you for it."

Zuko nodded. "Okay… Thank you." he whispered.

Iroh nodded. "Anytime. Prince Zuko." he assured as he just sat and quietly supported Zuko as they both finished their tea. And then kept sitting a bit more anyway without saying a word. Just trying to go over everything. And figure out what to do next.