Ten years. It's the longest he's stayed in one place. Wan Shi Tong's Library had served its purpose. Now a decade older Ranma was leaving. Older, wiser, more mature, and more powerful. He, the great owl, and his knowledge seekers have gathered in the main hall of the library. "Finally leaving?" The owl would never admit it, but he would miss the boy. Their talks about the Bending Nations and Ranma's Earth were the highlight of most days. And the boy had proven himself by defended the library from that terrible Fire Nation soldier.

Ranma smiles. "Yes. Roku visited me last night."

Wan Shi Tong sighed. "That man is up to something, I can feel it." He stares at the boy. "Be wary of those with hidden agendas."

Ranma nods. "Thank you." He bows. "This place has become my home."

The owl turns, trying to hide his emotions. "If you ever come back this way, I suppose you could visit."

Ranma straightens up. "Thank you," He looks down on the knowledge seekers. "If I see any of your foxes, I'll make sure nothing happens to them."

The owl turns to one of the foxes and makes a motion. "Take one with you." One of the redder foxes nods. It hops up Ranma's leg and sits on the boy's shoulder.

"Are you sure?" Ranma pets the fox.

"I just said so didn't I?" The owl makes a shooing motion with a wing. "Now get going."

Ranma bows once more. "Thank you, Wan Shi Tong-sensei." He reaches back and pulls his hood over his head before turning to the rope hanging from the tower.

The owl's eyes go wide for a moment. He turns and bows his head. "You are always welcome here, Kokuen."

Hu Xin Province

"I can't wait to get off the ship and stretch my legs," Iroh says with a smile. "Have you ever been to Hu Xin, nephew?"

Zuko looks towards the port with no emotion. "No."

Iroh stretch. "It's a wonderful place," He thinks for a moment. "There were a few lovely tea shops last time I was here. We'll have dinner at one of them."

Zuko sighs at his uncle's lazy attitude. "This isn't a vacation Uncle. We're going to resupply and check and see if there are any rumors about the Avatar."

Iroh looks a little dejected. "Doesn't mean we can't enjoy a meal."

The boat is finally docked. "Fine. We'll eat at the restaurant of your choosing."

Iroh smiles. "That's the spirit."

A little while later the two are seated in a restaurant eating. "It's been two years," Zuko mumbles.

Iroh sighs. "I know."

"Two years and no sigh of the Avatar."

Iroh reaches across the table and puts his hand on his nephew's. "If it takes a thousand years. I will be by your side nephew."

Zuko smiles at that. "Thank you, Uncle."

Iroh smiles, "Now enough of that. Let's…," His words die.

Zuko looks up. "Is there something wrong Uncle?" The Prince looks in the direction his uncle is staring in. Nothing. He looks back at the older man. His eyes are wide with shock. "Uncle, what's…," Iroh is up and dashing out the door before Zuko can finish. Zuko tosses some money on the table and follows. He finds his uncle outside looking around rapidly. After a moment he sees something and runs off. "Uncle!" The Prince follows behind the General for some time. Finally he catches up with him in a small park. Zuko would never admit it, but he was surprised by how fast his out of shape uncle ran. "Uncle what is going on?"

"You can see him too?" A voice asks.

Immediately Zuko is on alert. He wheels in the direction of the voice. "Who's there?" He demands. The moon comes out from behind some clouds allowing Zuko to see a figure. A hooded figured, dressed in black, with a fox on his shoulder. "Who are you?" Zuko demands as he bends some flames into his hand.

A hand is placed on his shoulder. "Don't," Iroh commands. Zuko looks at his uncle. Gone is the bumbling old man. This is the Dragon of the West. His tone and his eyes demand that the Prince listen and obey. Zuko's fire is gutted. Iroh turns back to the man. "I spent some time in the Spirit World. So yes. I can see him."

"That's good," The boy says.

"Who are you?" Iroh demands.

One of the boy's arms appears from under his cloak. He points to the empty spot next to him. "He'll explain."

"Uncle, what," Zuko starts.

Iroh holds up a hand silencing the boy. There is no sound, not even the rustling of leaves in the wind. Iroh's eyes go from the boy to the empty space beside him. After a moment he sigh. "Nephew, we'll be staying in port for three days."

Zuko's eyes go wide. "Three days? Why? It will only take one to resupply." His eyes go to the boy. "Who is this? What is going on?"

Iroh sighs, "I can't tell you. But we will be staying here for three days."

Zuko growls. "We don't have time to waste! We have to find the Avatar if I'm to restore my honor!"

"One year!" The boy calls out.

Zuko looks at him. "What do you mean one year?"

"The spirits have informed me that the Avatar will reappear in one year," He explains.

Zuko scoffs. "Oh, the spirits informed you? Don't insult me!" Fire appears in Zuko's hand again turning night into day. His eyes go wide. There beside the boy is an old man with a long white beard. A man Zuko has seen in many paintings. "Avatar Roku?" The image is gone almost as quickly. Zuko shakes his head and looks again. Nothing. But he is sure of what he saw. He glances at his uncle. The old man nods. So it wasn't a trick of the light. He eyes the boy. "Where?"

"I will tell your uncle after our time together is done."

Zuko nods. "We have an agreement."

Iroh nods. "Wait for me back at the ship. I'll return in three days."

Three days later

The sun was starting to slip behind the horizon when Iroh finally returned. He was dirty and walking with a limp. But he was smiling from ear to ear. "Are you all right, Uncle?" Zuko asks.

Iroh laughs joyfully. "I am fine." He sits down and sips some tea. "It's been a few years since I worked that hard."

"What did you do for three days?" Zuko asks.

Iroh shakes his head. "I can't tell you. Part of the agreement I made."

"Speaking of the agreement," Zuko prods.

Iroh smiles. "The Avatar will reappear in one year, in the territory of the Southern Water Tribe."

Zuko smiles as he stands. "Set course!" He calls out.

Ranma stands on a hilltop watching the Fire Nation ship leave port. "Are you sure telling him that was a good idea?"

"Zuko must find his own way." Roku explains. "As long as Iroh is at his side there's a chance he will find the correct path."

Ranma nods. He smiles up at the dead Avatar. "And where does my path lead?"

Roku snorts. "Figure that out yourself."

"Stingy!" Ranma shouts.