I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender.

This chapter will mostly be a bunch of conversations, philosophy, and plans. I hope I at least made it interesting.

Enjoy!

Iroh was holding his trusted teapot over an open flame, careful not to waste any of his spare tea leaves. The people of this swamp did not have many plants that could be made into tea, so he had to be sparse with the ones that he had.

When he saw Huu walking near his tent. Iroh decided to be a kind guest and invite the unconventional waterbending master into his tent. The pantsless man agreed.

"Good evening master Huu. How goes my nephew's training?"

"Truth be told, he's doing much better than I expected after the first day. He's starting to get the hang of water."

"That is good to hear. Now, what are the problems my nephew is having?"

Huu was surprised, but only for a moment. He had a feeling that the kid's uncle was a lot smarter than he let on. Maybe that was something they shared in common.

"He's having a hard time with the philosophy, not the applications of waterbending. He understands how to do it, but he still doesn't have the right headspace for it. He's still impulsive."

"That is something that I doubt will ever change," Iroh said as he absorbed Huu's words. He was aware of the fact that his nephew could be... high-strung. A waterbender needed to be calm and adaptable, while Zuko was much more aligned with fire and earth. Zuko's stubborn and aggressive nature complimented his connection to those elements well. But they didn't help him much with water. They would help him less if he ever made it to air, but that was a worry for another day.

What he needed was something that could bridge the gap.

"I may have an idea over how to finally bring understanding to my nephew," Iroh informed the swamp leader as his tea finished boiling. "Would you like some jasmine tea?"

Huu took a moment to just stare at the pot.

"Is it good? We don't get tea out here. I don't I've ever tried it, as a matter of fact."

Iroh fought back tears.

"Your people have my pity. Please, allow me to help you."

"Oh. Um, ok," Huu agreed to the tea, unnerved by the sudden emotion the man had shown. But the drink was decent, so he wouldn't complain.

"Was there anything you wanted to discuss?"

"Actually, there is one thing. But I'm afraid it is rather... private," Iroh inquired, uncertain of how he should ask. Or if he should continue.

"Well, I can at least try to help you. What's on your mind?"

Iroh sighed and told a deep drink out of his tea. He wasn't sure how this would go.

"When my nephew and I first arrived, we were met with the spirits long dead."

"Oh, they're not dead. Just gone from the physical world."

Iroh blinked. "Excuse me?"

"There's a difference between being dead and simply having your spirit leave this world," Huu said, though he could tell that Iroh didn't fully grasp it. "Maybe I can explain this better. Who did you see when you first arrived?"

"I- I saw my father. Though our relationship was... strained. Befoe he died and after."

"You remember your father, right?"

"Yes?' Iroh answered, not sure of the question's true meaning.

"Well, if you remember your father, then he isn't truly dead. His body just isn't useful to anyone anymore."

"Not dead? I apologize, Master Huu, but this idea is very different from the ways that I was educated. I was always told that when a person dies, their soul leaves their body and goes to embrace the warmth of the sun spirit, Agni. We were never taught to view spirits as something that could linger."

"There's no need to apologize. It's just a cultural difference," Huu calmly reassured. "And it is true, those of here in the swamp do see death a little differently. To us, death is just an illusion."

"Yes, you mentioned that before," Iroh recalled the first time he and Zuko had been taken to the tree that created the swamp. "I was wondering if you would be so kind as to expand on that. I'm afraid my mind is still wrapping around that thought."

"Sure. I'm always happy to talk about this. How would you like to start?"

"You have called death itself an illusion? What do you mean by that?"

"Well, that's how my people have always viewed the passing from life. It's not necessarily an end for us. It simply means that our spirits have passed the veil between the physical and spiritual worlds."

"I do not understand. Is that not the same as dying?"

"Yes, but notice I called it a veil. There's no barrier blocking the two worlds from one another. The spirits of those who have left are not truly gone. We can still connect with, still hear them."

"But how? How are you able to do so in this place?"

"The spiritual energy in the swamp definitely helps. But there's more to it than that," Huu explained. "Understanding is a large part of it too. We don't live our lives missing the people that are physically no longer with us. We know that the body may be empty, but the spirit is still out there. We're still connected."

"That actually brings me to another question I have," Iroh tentatively spoke. "Is it possible to choose the person you speak to? To know exactly whose spirit you will interact with?"

"No."

Iroh was surprised by Huu's quick and curt answer. "Are you sure?"

"Yes. There are a few reasons why. The main one being the fact that, just as you can't choose which direction a stream flows in or the wind blows in, you can't tell the spirits what to do. Nature has its own path to follow, regardless of our desires."

"I understand that. You said there were other reasons?" Iroh inquired. He knew from experience that the world was not a place that would bend over for any individual. No matter how important they thought they were.

"Well, the next reason might be personal. Who are you trying to see?"

Iroh was hesitant to answer. Giving too much information might be risky. But if he wanted answers, there were things that Huu would need to know.

"My son. Lu Ten. I... I lost him years ago in this war. My nephew said he saw his spirit when he arrived. I... I wish to speak with him myself."

"Oh. That is personal," Huu noticed with hesitancy. "Well, normally such a strong connection would mean that he would be one of the first spirits that you would see. I can only think of one possible reason why you two have no interacted yet."

Iroh leaned forward. "And what would that reason be?"

"Ok, you might not like this reason. Are you sure you want to hear it?"

"Absolutely. I must know."

Huu sighed before he said his reason.

"If you haven't seen your son yet, it's possibly because he does not want to see you."

Iroh's widened in pure shock at the suggestion alone. And his spirit began to sink when he considered the deeper possibilities of the theory.

If his own son did not want to talk to him, he could think of a few reasons why. Zuko had told him that Lu Ten did not blame him for his death, but Iroh could be blamed for plenty of other things.

His past as a general, his complacency in the war, his inability to save his family. The fact that he allowed his insane younger brother to keep the throne, and later use that power to abuse Zuko. Iroh was a man with a past full of mistakes. Any one of them could be the reason his son chose not to talk to him.

But Huu had not meant to cause such worries. "Master Iroh, you shouldn't think about it as a certainty. It was only an idea. Our people have a different culture than yours, so maybe there is another reason we're not seeing."

Iroh finished his tea, his appetite for it lessened. "I thank you for your time, Master Hu. I greatly appreciate this discussion."

"Will you be alright?"

Iroh nodded his head, but the conviction was lacking. "I will be fine. Now if you will be so kind, I have a training exercise to help prepare for my nephew."

Almost reluctantly, Hu left after discussing with Iroh what role he would play in the exercise. And once he left, Iroh did his best to fight against the doubts that were fighting in his mind. He needed to do this for his nephew.

If only to forget how badly he had failed his son.

Elsewhere...

"No."

"Why not?"

Zuko really wished he didn't have to go through these conversations every time he wanted to go to sleep. The fact that Druk was there and available for head scratches was the only reason he was somewhat calm. The sleeping dragon was enough to keep Zuko relaxed on his own.

"Because... it's stupid. No."

"How is it foolish? I simply want to ensure that our names are remembered for the centuries to come. Why are you opposed to it?"

"We don't need that attention," Zuko pointed out. "Part of the reason I'm having a sort of easy time learning the elements is that I'm not worrying about a bunch of Fire Nation soldiers coming to arrest me. If I had that to worry about, then this would be a lot harder."

"Perhaps for right now. But what about once you've mastered the elements? Once that psychopathic father of yours is removed from his throne? Then will you allow me to cultivate my following?"

"I... Maybe. I don't know."

"Why not? Have you not thought ahead?"

"I've thought up to the might where I have to take my father on the throne and put my uncle on it. I haven't thought too much about after that."

Vaatu was silent for a moment. Almost like he was considering saying something, but he wasn't sure if he should. He decided to say it.

"Are you sure you want to put the old dragon on the throne?"

Zuko frowned. "Yes. Why wouldn't I be?"

"You want to see your uncle on the throne because you believe it will create stability and still honor the line you descend from. Are you sure that is what you want to do?"

"You make it sound like you have a problem with my uncle. Do you?"

"Not at all. The old man is amusing to me. My concern lies with you. I am asking if you are certain of this path. There are other options after all."

"Other options?"

"Oh, absolutely. You could try and take the throne yourself. You're not as patient or as forgiving as your uncle. You could force your country to fix its mistakes or suffer our joined wrath."

Zuko knew that he technically could do that. He was an heir of Sozin, so the throne was something he had a right to claim. And with all four elements, no one could stop him from taking it. But that would cause a host of other problems.

One of them being the fact that many people wouldn't accept an Avatar on the throne. It was meant for the greatest Firebender in the nation, not someone who would make up for one bending art with three more. And given how untraditional Zuko had become, he doubted that any of the other nobles or high houses would accept him as ruler. It just sounded like a hassle best avoided.

But Vaatu wasn't done talking.

"Another option would be to burn the throne."

Zuko's eyes shot up in shock. Even Druk noticed when his back was no longer being scratched, though he didn't bother waking up.

"Burn the throne? Are you crazy?"

Vaatu was silent. He was looking at Zuko, but he didn't answer.

"Hm? Oh, sorry vessel. I was just thinking of the irony of the Fire Nation throne being burned. It's actually quite funny."

"Funny? Vaatu, you were talking about destroying a government. How is that funny?"

"I was talking about a burning fire throne. That is funny. Destroying a monarchy actually sounds glorious."

"Glorious? Vaatu, do you realize what kind of... chaos, would come out of it."

Zuko's voice lost its edge when he realized why Vaatu seemed eager to destroy the Fire Lord title. Because of course, he would like to see that sort of carnage.

"Are you really suggesting that I destroy a lineage of leaders just so you can laugh at the resulting chaos?"

"Partially. Not entirely," Vaatu answered without a missed beat. "I am not suggesting anything, vessel. I am only giving you ideas as to how to seek your destiny."

"Why would I want my destiny to be plunging my nation into anarchy?"

"To avoid history repeating itself, mostly."

"What do you mean?"

"Before Sozin, the Fire Nation had good rulers, correct?"

"Yes. Fire Lords Chaeryu and Zoryu were fair leaders," Zuko said, recalling his studies into past rulers. He didn't know where Vaatu was leading him with this conversation.

"They were good rulers. And yet, Sozin came from their blood," the old spirit pointed out. "Let's say your uncle does become Fire Lord. What's to stop any future descendants from starting another war?"

Zuko opened his mouth to answer. But then he realized that he didn't have a good one.

Vaatu, much to the boy's chagrin, had a point. Even if they stopped this war and took Ozai off of the throne, that didn't mean that another one couldn't start in the future. Fire Lords were the heads of state, the most powerful people in the Fire Nation. Their words alone would direct the fire nation on how to act for decades. Ozai's words alone were the reason that the Fire Nation was the way it was. And if any descendants had similar ideas, then the cycle of destruction would continue.

And the world would suffer for it.

But disbanding the ruling party altogether? That was... it was...

"Is that what I'm supposed to do? Go all over the world and take down leaders who abuse their power?"

"If you want to. I am not telling you what to do vessel. I only give ideas and wait."

"Wait? For what?"

"Ideas can be powerful. Plant one in the right place, and you would be amazed at the sort of results you can achieve."

"I thought you were in a tree for ten thousand years. How would you know what works?"

"Go to sleep now vessel."

"Vaatu, I'm not tired now. And I thought you would want to keep having this conversation."

"Go to sleep vessel."

Zuko was starting to smirk at the chaotic spirit. This was a first.

"Are you saying that you're bored now? I thought you would want to keep discussing this. Didn't you say you had more ideas about your cult?"

"Go. To. Sleep. Vessel."

"You know, the kids out there are looking extra susceptible. Maybe we could convince them that you're an example worth following."

Vaatu looked up at the sky outside the tent.

"I thought the karma spirit had disappeared centuries ago. Is it here to punish me now?"

"Hold on, there's a karma spirit?" Zuko was curious about that. He knew about Raava and Vaatu, but he had never thought to ask about the other spirits. He had been told about Agni his entire life, the sun spirit representing his entire nation. But just how many were there? And what did they all represent?"

"The karma spirit is only real if you believe in it. If you go to sleep and stop bothering me, I will tell you more about it someday."

Zuko wanted to point out that not letting him sleep by bothering him was exactly what Vaatu did regularly, but he decided against it. He might never get any sleep if he did.

"Fine. Good night Vaatu."

"Good night vessel."

Zuko laid down his head as he tried to rest as much as could for the next day. He didn't know what lesson Huu had set out for him, but he wanted to be ready.

Toph heard the footsteps coming long before they made it to the entrance of her tent. But rather than attack first, she decided to wait and see what was going on. The footsteps were a little heavy, so she knew who was coming.

"Ms. Beifong? Do you have a moment?"

"It's the middle of the night uncle. This had better be important."

"It is. I assure you," Iroh said as he considered what Toph had called him. Was he suddenly everybody's uncle now?

"Well? What is it?"

"I was wondering if you would like to help me set up a training exercise for my nephew."

Toph frowned. "If it's supposed to help him with waterbending, then I don't think so. Unless I'm helping him with earthbending, I don't see the point of helping him."

"The exercise I have in mind would allow you to throw as many rocks at him as you like."

"I'm in. What do we do?"

Iroh spent the next several minutes discussing his plan. It was a plan that she liked, but she was also noticing something else. His voice was eager as he discussed what to do, but his shoulders sounded lower than they should be. Like his mood was low, and he was trying to hide from her. She wasn't that easy to fool.

She let him know that once he was done.

"Do you understand what to do?"

"Crystal. Now, why don't you tell me what's bothering you, uncle?"

If Toph was capable of seeing a face, she would have seen how wide his eyes got.

"Don't ask me how I know. Just go ahead and unload."

"Miss. Beifong, it is late and you should rest. My problems are not something that..."

"Nice try uncle. You can't hide how you feel from me, so why don't you just let me hear it? Besides, you're the one who woke me up."

She had a point, Iroh had to admit. But that didn't mean he was ready to emotionally unload on an eleven-year-old.

"I simply heard some disappointing news earlier. It is nothing too serious."

"If it wasn't, then you wouldn't be upset," Toph quickly corrected. "Why don't you stop calling me Miss Beifong and start talking to me like a person? We can both go to sleep a lot faster if you do."

Iroh internally gave up. He didn't need to give much of a fight to know that Toph was not someone who would back down. She was as stubborn as her nephew and then some. So the two spent some time in the tent discussing the news of the day. With Toph offering her own grounded opinion on the matter.

And when the sun rose, it was time for their plan for Zuko to commence.

Things will be getting a little more interesting from here. Vaatu being the mischievous little instigator that he is.

I understand why it didn't happen in the show, but I always wondered what a conversation between Iroh and Huu would be like. Both are men who are wiser and more powerful than they let on. I figured it would be an interesting conversation. Hopefully, the conversation in this chapter is at least partially interesting.

The next chapter will feature a sparring fight, as well as a small bit of focus on what Aang and Gyatso are up to. I originally intended for the sparring fight to be in this chapter, but when I realized how long I could make it, I decided to give it its own chapter. That should be out within a few weeks, I hope.

Also, some people have been sending me questions about pairings, so I will just answer them here and hopefully not hear more about them for a while. Firstly, Toph will not be a love interest. Not only because of her being younger than Zuko in a way that makes it uncomfortable currently, but I just prefer the idea of them as siblings. Like I said before, Toph is probably the little sister that Zuko deserves.

If I do include a romance, it would either be Mai or Jin. I know I said that Yue was a possibility at one point, but I have since then realized that it probably wouldn't work with the plot that I have set out. Though they will interact, just nothing intimate.

Mai remains a possibility because she was in canon, I already mentioned her in this story in an earlier chapter, and I think could still work with this Zuko. If only to be exasperated by his choices. Jin is a possibility I haven't seen explored all that often, and I think could be interesting.

But as I said, this isn't a romance story, so don't expect it to be important. Just listing possibilities.

Anyway, please leave reviews, tell me what you think, and I will see you all next time.

Bye!