"Where are we going uncle?"
Early the next morning the ship had docked in port. Zuko felt much more at ease with his new mission. Still, being a traitor was something he had to approach carefully.
"Many years ago after I failed to seize ba sing se, after the death of my son, I left to find answers. I needed to find purpose in the war and my life. The answers I found though were not what I wanted to hear.
"I came across a man who took me in. He told me of a secret society called the white lotus. Whose purpose was to end the war."
"You're telling me you're part of a secret society conspiring against the fire nation."
"Indeed."
Zuko sighed.
"Of course you are..."
The pair headed off the docks towards town. Their conversation stopped completely with so many people around.
"How about a nice cup of tea, nephew," Iroh said gesturing to a cozy tea shop just off the beach.
Zuko only nodded in response and made his way inside.
Uncle Iroh approached an older man sitting beside a pai sho board sipping tea.
"I love pai sho," he said to the man.
"Care for a game kind stranger."
"It would be my pleasure," Iroh responded sitting down.
Zuko was curious as to how two old men playing a game could be the source of a treasonous underground society.
The stranger and general Iroh moved one after the other, much faster than any real game. When they stopped the tiles were arranged in a flower pattern. A lotus.
"Welcome, it is an honor to meet such a high-ranking member of the white lotus."
Iroh nodded pleased. He motioned Zuko over.
"This is my nephew, he is interested in learning our strategy."
"It's nice to see someone so young taking an interest in our favorite game. I am Quin Su, but you may just call me Quin."
Zuko looked around at the other people in the tea shop. Uncle Iroh took his hint.
"Quin is there any way we can talk someplace more private."
"My apartment is just above the shop. The owner is so kind as to let me rent it."
"Living in a tea shop is one of my biggest dreams."
Zuko resisted the urge to roll his eyes at the old men.
"We get it! Can we go now!"
Iroh chuckles.
"Patience is a virtue nephew, one you would do well to learn."
The trio did make their way up the steps in the back room. Quin's apartment was quite nice but, Zuko doubted he would ever want to live somewhere that constantly smelled like tea. He'd grow sick of it in the first few days.
Iroh and Zuko sat down on some mats across from Quin.
"We can speak freely in here."
"I need to find the avatar," Zuko demanded.
"Last I heard he was headed north. In search of a water bending teacher."
Iroh stroked his beard.
"Quin, my nephew wishes to join our ranks. As such a high-ranking member I have the authority to induct him. Though I require two witnesses. Is there any other member in this town who could assist?"
Quin nodded.
"My wife. She will be home soon. She works in the fabric store till noon while I manage the tea shop."
"This is excellent news. Have you by any chance heard of the blue spirit?"
Quins eyes widened in surprise.
"Why yes, I have. I heard he freed the avatar, and I have met many travelers who speak of him like a vigilante. Why do you bring up the spirit?"
"He is no spirit. He is my nephew."
All eyes were on Zuko. Like the awkward turtleduck he is, Zuko blushed.
"Fascinating. It would be my honor to see you join our ranks."
Iroh nodded.
"We wish to keep his true identity secret. So we would prefer if you kept silent."
"Of course, and my wife?"
Iroh thought carefully.
"The less who know the better. Zuko will put on his mask before she arrives."
"I understand," Quin said. "It has been a long time since the white lotus has taken action, but if you would be willing the blue spirit won't be questioned."
Zuko looked to his uncle for confirmation.
"You'll feed me information? Do you want me to be like your agent? Represent the white lotus?"
"Discretely nephew, we cannot take action without revealing ourselves. With your mask, you can."
Zuko couldn't stop the mischievous grin from taking over his face.
"I'm interested."