8 Years in the Future

Chapter 1: Letters from a King and Queen

Part 4: Iroh's Guest


Iroh sighed and put down the letter. He glanced at the included polished invitation and then passed it across the table.

"So, it looks like I'm going home. Will you be going to the Fire Lord's Ball as well?"

The young man seated across from him sipped his tea, as he picked up the piece of parchment. He cringed, rubbed his hairless head, and sat back.

"I haven't been to the Fire court in six years."

"Well then, don't you think it's time?"

"But, what I did…I don't know if they can ever forgive me. If she can forgive me."

"You underestimate Katara. She has proven herself to be a woman of great valor and honor. Do not so easily presume she holds grudges. Especially against you."

"I know. That's my weakness, I just don't understand people. Even the ones that were close to me. We've been writing each other for years. But lately, nothing really passes between us. I have so much to say to her that can't be explained in a letter."

Iroh contemplated this. He took a sip of tea.

"Do you still lover her, Aang?"

Aang stiffened. He hesitated than hung his head. He whispered,

"I don't know."

"It is always good to find someone you care for. But if that someone does not return the affection, it can be poisonous. The best antidote is to confront the problem."

"Maybe it's my destiny to be alone."

"Destiny? There is no such thing. Destiny is what you make it."

Aang softly smiled. "Is this the way it was with Zuko?"

Iroh chuckled. "You know, it was for much of the time."

Both sipped their tea in silence.

Aang had grown tall as well, taller than Sokka even, to whom he delighted in reminding. Aang was agile, and thinner than he should have been. His muscles were not entirely developed yet, but he still possessed impressive strength. His voice had deepened considerably. He had a contagious hearty smile, and his calming attitude gave others the impression of innocence. But Aang was far from innocent now. Not after what he had been thorough. Not after what he had seen.

The past few years, in between helping the nations of the world restore order and peace, he had been on a constant search for any remaining air benders. Or at least that's what he told everyone. Aang had actually given up hope of their survival three years into his search. He only kept it going to feel like he had some purpose, a family to find. All of his friends were growing up, getting married, and invested in their own projects. He felt the outsider in all of their homes, and never stayed in one place for long. He supposed he truly had become an air nomad, if he even really knew what that meant. He was only twelve when he left his people, after all.

Iroh set down his cup.

"You know the rebels need to be stopped."

Aang swallowed and nodded. "Innocent people are being hurt everyday. I know what you're going to say. I need to get over myself and get to work."

Iroh smiled. "Perhaps we have been spending too much time together."

Aang smiled and bowed before the general.

"Thank you Sifu Iroh." He stood up taking a look at the invitation one more time. It had been so long…..he took a deep breath.

"I guess the next time I'll see you is at the Fire Palace."

"Goodbye Avatar."

After Aang left the room, Iroh whispered,

"You will find them Aang."