Disclaimer: I don't own Avatar the Last Airbender.

Um…wow hey everyone. To say it's been a while would be a massive understatement. I'd tell you why this story has been untouched so long but it feels like it would just be a bunch of excuses. But I've wondered my way back to fanfic and hopefully you'll still enjoy my work. Please forgive me if I'm a bit rusty though.

Without further ado here's the long awaited chapter four.

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As Zuko strode reluctantly along the tail-end of his rather unfortunate traveling party, he became more and more aware of how exposed he was. Walking along half naked with a group of people he not only didn't trust but loathed entirely, passing by ever so often a wanted poster with his face plastered on it. His slowly healing injury didn't help his case either. He was just waiting for someone to recognize him and turn him in. That is if the Avatar and his friends didn't do it first.

Ahead of him the watertribe boy continued to gripe over the fortune telling and the current dreary weather.

"Look, I'm gonna predict the future now. It's going to keep drizzling— See!"

Faster than a rabaroo's sprint, the rain had cleared up as if the spirits themselves were out to spite him. Zuko's seen some peculiar weather in his time venturing across the nations but this definitely takes the cake. Perhaps if he'd been in a less somber mood he would've taken interest in it, or at least been amused at the outraged reaction of the watertribe boy that came to follow. But as it was it wasn't the case and the prince was more bent on finding himself suitable garments and removing himself from these imbeciles as soon as possible.

A grim expression resting on his face he ploughs on, tuning out the other's conversations and focusing on their surroundings. Only an idiot wouldn't put themselves on alert when traveling in unfamiliar surroundings, especially when you're wanted by the entire Firenation military. Zuko was no idiot, despite what anyone would say to the contrary.

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Despite her current circumstances, Katara was in a fairly lighthearted mood. The man and the platypusbear had certainly lifted her spirits a bit. Though every time she turns round to steal a swift glance at their new companion her mood lessened. As much as she admired him for it, Aang's tendency to forgive and trust so easily really wasn't working well in her favor at the moment. She'd like nothing better than be rid of the arrogant firebender trailing behind. But Aang was insistent on keeping him with us and she trusted Aang's judgment even if it's led them to trouble many a times.

Sighing softly, she drifted her gaze to the messily woven necklace round her neck, brushing her fingers over it gently. Aang was so sweet to make her a necklace, even if it did pale in comparison to her original one. A necklace that a certain someone had stolen from her. At the thought she quickly threw a glower at the prince behind her. Whether or not the evil jerkbender stayed with them or not, she was getting her mother's necklace. Even if Zuko is fairly injured, that won't stop her from beating the lychee nuts out him if it means getting her necklace.

Up ahead the small mountain surrounded village grows closer and closer. It's a quaint little place, much smaller than most of the towns they've come across in the past weeks. Though admittedly, the town was at least twice the size of what was left of the village back home.

Each of the little houses resembled strongly to the others but had it's own touch of individuality to make it unique and special. The architecture around along with the beautiful mountain view made this village an ideal place for Katara to stay. At least that's as long as the towering volcano above stays dormant.

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The town was small, a plus in Zuko's opinion. The less people around him, the less likelihood of being spotted. Though even with the few people out and about the courtyard in the center of the town, he certainly did draw a bit of attention in his current state of dress. If he ever need any motivation to find himself some clothes he'd certainly gotten it.

Though without his princely status to provide him with the things he required, his options of acquiring clothes were a bit slim. He had no money and no supplies. He had nothing but his mask and dao swords which were currently in a pack strapped to the massive bison walking beside him. His only available option he could think of was theft.

Zuko is not above stealing, not when it's in order to get him what he needs and to further his journey and this was certainly one of those times. Whether he steal coins from the Avatar's group or simply steal from the clothes shop itself, it really was the only option for him.

He's got to find a way to sneak away from the group without being noticed. Surely he won't be able to do anything nefarious with Avatar Goody Goody on his back. But first he'd need to figure out how to grab his things off the avatar's bison —

But before he could continue his train of thought, his arm was taken hold of by the avatar, a tight but friendly grip squeezing his bicep. With much eagerness the airbender pulled him a long to the front of the group and deeper into the town.

"Come on, Zuko! Let's find you some clothes!"

The prince was slightly taken aback, not just by the avatars grasp but the generosity being offered to him. It's not so often that someone would treat him with such kindness and when it did occur it was mostly out of fear of him and his title. Providing supplies for a random stranger is kind enough. But he, Zuko was his enemy, bent on capturing him for however many moons it had been. Not many people would be so forgiving and certainly himself.

Not that this changed anything about his opinion of the avatar. Had he not been in his current position of shame and disgrace he'd be plotting to capture the boy at his first opportunity. But even he, determined as he was knows when an effort is in vain.

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Much to Sokka's delight and Katara's displeasure, Aang had decided to make a stop to a clothing shop before seeing Aunt Wu. Katana had nothing against clothing shops or shopping in general. What she had something against was the particular person they were shopping for. It was the principle of the thing.

Sokka on the other hand loved shopping. Some would argue that he loved it a bit too much. He can get so reckless and impulsive when shopping. She's surprised he hadn't blown all their money at this point.

Despite the fact that we were here to buy things for Zuko, Sokka had already wandered deep into the shop, picking up various knick knacks ( that they definitely didn't need ) along the way. Sighing, Katara rolled her eyes and followed her brother through the shop. Someone had to stop him before he ends up leaving the shop with twelve kyoshi figurines, seven writing quills and platypusbear rug.

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"You look absolutely dashing, my dear."

Despite what the shop clerk said, Zuko hardly felt dashing. Disastrous would be a better description of the tunic and pants he had acquired. His shirt was a extremely vibrant shade of chartreuse with a dark forrest green belt to tie round him. His pants were also the same obnoxious shade. His shoes however were a simple sandy brown. Overall he felt like the aftermath of someone eating too many limes and getting very stomach sick. But beggars can't be choosers can they? It certainly was better than what he was previously in.

He stood rather awkwardly in the uncomfortable silence as the Avatar purchased the new garments. He crossed his arms over his chest, a resentful frown across his face. He was now in the avatar's debt, for multiple reasons now.

Zuko despised being in anyone's debt, let alone his enemies. It made him feel vulnerable like they had something on him. Growing up he'd always been taught that a debt owed was a debt to be repaid. That went for any kind of debt whether it be a couple coins loaned or a life saved.

Leaving the Avatar now without repaying his debts would be the utmost disgrace in the eyes of his people. Though at this point, what harm will any more disgrace bring him? Still, he'd ought to strive to do the most honorable thing in this situation shouldn't he? No matter how much it displeased him so.

"What in spirits name are you wearing?"

The prince whipped his head around to see the waterbender peering over at him from across the shop, her brows raised in a rather quizzical expression. Behind her, the watertribe boy stood, an assorted number of random items stuffed in his arms. At the sight of Zuko he let out a snort of laughter. Clearly he wasn't the only one who thought his new clothes looked preposterous.

"You don't like them?" asked the Avatar, a little frown appearing on his usually cheerful face, "I thought it looked nice."

"Yeah — nice for making my eyes bleed," the watertribe boy quipped. Besides them the shop clerk frowned unhappily. Throwing her hands on her hips and approaching the group, the elderly woman squawked, "I don't have time for children who are going to insult my merchandise. You've payed for the clothes, now out of my shop, out with you."

"But I wanted to buy these!" protested the watertribe boy, gesturing to the many items in his arms.

"No you didn't!" his sister replied, grabbing hold of the back of his shirt collar and pulling him out of the shop. On the way out begrudgingly he placed the items in a disheveled pile on a display shelf, much to the further displeasure of the shop clerk.

Zuko had no qualms about leaving the shop. The smell of perfume and incense in there were far too intense for him to find the place comfortable. Now that he was out of there all he wanted to do was find some quiet place to hold up in and keep himself out of sight.

But again the prince hardly had very much choice in his fate did he? Once more the gleeful Avatar gripped his arm and led him along with the rest of the group towards one of the more distinguished looking buildings. Zuko resented this slightly. What did they think him a polarbear dog pup who needed to be lead along in order to behave?

The place they were approaching was one of the prettier looking buildings, though still keeping the towns pattern of simplistic charm. A circular door stood at the center of this place, above which hung a wooden sign with the name Aunt Wu carved into it.

In front stood a man with startling white hair, dressed entirely in black. Stepping aside to let them through he said, "Aunt Wu is expecting you."

At this the waterbender's eyes widen in excitement, "Really?"

Behind her both Zuko and the watertribe boy rolled their eyes. How stupid of people to fall for such nonsense. The man probably said that to everyone that approaches. Zuko had seen enough of these fortune tellers and palm readers back in the firenation and he was sensible enough to know it was all hippobull shit.

As they were seated onto the scattered cushions across the entrance floor, a dark haired girl probably not any older than ten stepped from behind the dividers separating them and the next room.

"My name is Meng and I'm Aunt Wu's assistant."

As soon as she'd uttered her introduction her eyes glossed over to the rather bored looking airbender beside Zuko. The girl, Meng gaped her large brown eyes widening in surprise as if the Avatar was her long lost friend. Or perhaps she'd just realized that the Avatar was in their presence. Honestly how many other bald kids with tattoos would there be these days.

Whatever the reason, it had caused the little girl to sport a rather dopey looking grin, bearing a quite noticeable gap between her two front teeth. "Well, hello there," she crooned ignoring the rest of them and looking directly at the Avatar.

The dull expression remaining, the airbender rubbed his nose rather carelessly and replied to the girl with a faint, "Hello." With what great power the Avatar had, Zuko did at times forget that he was still fairly young. Though admittedly even in his early adolescence, Zuko would never act in such a unbecoming fashion.

Though this hardly seemed to phase the assistant in the slightest, if anything it intrigued her more so, "Can I get you some tea or some of Aunt Wu's special bean curd puffs?"

Zuko'd had hardly eaten much since they'd left the herbalist a few days prior. Just the thought of food made his stomach rumble slightly. Though the idea of bean curd puffs didn't exactly sound the most appetizing he'd take anything at this point. The tea he could live without, regardless of anything his uncle would say otherwise.

"I'll try a curd puff," piped up the water tribe boy.

To the surprise of both Zuko and the water tribe boy, Meng raised her arm and flipped her hand in a rather disregarding fashion. Ignoring the outrage of the hungry boys, she stooped down in front of the Avatar and with that same dopey grin questioned, "So what's your name?"

"Aang," replied the airbender very a matter of factly.

"That rhymes with Meng!" she squealed growing ever more excited over what seemed to be nothing, " — And you've got some pretty big ears don't you?"

Almost simultaneously Zuko and Aang gave the girl a look of bewilderment. What sort of thing is that to say to someone? Did she ask this of all her customers? Or did she simply not understand the etiquette of small talk, something that had been drilled into Zuko's head since he was a toddler.

" — I…guess,"

"Don't be modest," interrupted the water tribe boy, holding out his arms to indicate it's largeness, "They're huge!"

This reply was met with a negative reaction from the big eared boy in question, scowling at the other as he self consciously covered his ears. Meng on the other hand seemed quite pleased with the response as her smile grew wider, "Well, Aang it's very nice to meet you, very nice." With that the girl turned and left them to wait for their tea and curd puffs.

"I can't believe we're in the house of nonsense," complained the water tribe boy. At this Zuko merely grunted in agreement. He didn't want to be in this village at all let alone this house of smoke and mirrors. If only he could find a way to sneak off and get out of this stuffy room. Even if it did mean having the Avatar trailing after him later. He hated having to sit and wait for things, especially things that pointless and had no use to him. Hopefully the bean curd puffs would arrive soon at least. It'd make this venture to a fortuneteller at least somewhat beneficial.

"Try to keep an open mind, Sokka. There are things in this world that just can't be explained," replied the waterbender cheerfully, "Wouldn't it be nice to have some insight into your future?"

"It would nice to have some bean curd puffs," Sokka retorted.

" — and how much insight can an old hag spreading lies and false fortune bring really?" muttered Zuko. It had been the first time he'd spoken among the group since they'd left the river in search of the Makapu Village. His voice felt dry and a little bit hoarse from lack of use.

The girl turned her head in the princes direction, her eyebrows raised and her eyes wide, acting almost as if she'd forgotten Zuko was present. But in a quick instant her expression changed to one of annoyance. She looked like she was about to say something when the sliding doors opened and a young woman dressed in a soft green came out into the room.

The woman looked exceptionally giddy, rushing over to Meng who had also appeared from the corner, a tray of food and tea in her hands, "Oh, Meng! Aunt Wu says I'm going to meet my true love! He's going to give me a rare pandalily."

Behind them Zuko raised his eyebrows skeptically and Sokka snorted. The girls paid them no heed however and started giggling happily and chatted on about love and flowers. The prince noted that several looks from the girls were made at Aang's direction as they prattled on.

Though at one point the woman must have whispered something to make the younger girl offended as she abruptly pushed her away and stepped closer to give the group their tray of snacks. That is until she tripped and nearly spilled all the trays contents on the floor, before Aang reached forward to catch the tray. At the same time the girl reached to catch the tray and both of them met in the middle, saving the tray and all the delectables on it. This however seemed to quickly embarrass the assistant as her face grew red and she fled the room with a brisk word to enjoy their snacks.

Almost immediately Sokka grabbed for the bowl of bean curd puffs and started chowing down on every last morsel. Had he been in the company of anyone else, Zuko would have demanded such gluttony ceased and for spirits sake give him some. But as it may the firebender already felt himself on thin ice with the group and with them on the upper hand, he'd be wise not to anger anyone.

The sliding doors opened once more and an elderly woman, more extravagantly dressed the other ladies of the village they'd seen stepped out into the foyer. Aunt Wu looked like the type of person who would be a fortune teller, dressed in massive yellow robes and covered in jewelry and makeup. Zuko had seen it all before.

"Welcome, young travelers. Now who's next? Don't be shy?"

All threw boys gave a rather unimpressed expression and sort of glanced at the girl among them who really was the only person naive enough to believe this nonsense. She jumped up from her seat, an excited grin across her lips "I guess that's me!" she chirped, happily following the fortuneteller back into the room.

As the water bender left the room, her brother continued to stuff his face with curd puffs gleefully. For what for Zuko felt like a year, the other boy offered some to the rest of them and Zuko stuffed his fist into the bowl. He began eating himself with less gusto and vigor as Sokka but just as much joy. Even if it was a few little snacks it was good to have something to eat after all this time.

"So — what do you think they're talking about back there?" asked Aang the only one who opted not to eat the puffs.

"Boring stuff I'm sure; love, who's she gonna marry, how many babies she's gonna have," replied Sokka, almost completely incoherent through all the curd puffs in his mouth.

This seemed to only stress the airbender for some reason, causing him to fidget around anxiously in his seat before making some excuse about a bathroom and rushing off. Zuko could see past that facade ( not that there really was one. The Avatar looked to be a horrible liar ), he knew what Aang was doing though he really didn't care one way or another. Though he was sure the waterbender in the other room would certainly care.

Now left alone with the water tribe boy, Zuko felt a tad awkward. Not that he hadn't been prior to this in the company of the entire group but out of the three Sokka was whom he was less familiar with. In his times trying to capture the Avatar the other boy seemed too incompetent to really take much notice to. At any rate at least Sokka paid more attention to the food before them than to Zuko.

"This is almost as good as seal jerky!" Sock exclaimed between mouthfuls. Raising an eyebrow at the other boy, Zuko took another handful. Sure these puffs were suitable but without a doubt pales in comparison to his food back in the firenation or even the food he'd been served on his ship. Though whatever seal jerky is it sounded like almost anything would taste be better than that.

The boys continued to devour the puffs until Aang reappeared from the corner, strutting happily, followed soon after by the waterbender and the fortune teller. "Who's next?" Aunt Wu asked softly.

"Why don't you go?" suggested Aang to Zuko, much to the surprise and dismay of the firenation prince. Oh no, he had signed up for food and being in the company of the undesirable group. Not to be fed pretty lies by some batty old lady.

"Uh— "

But before he could protest any further Aang pulled him to his feet and gently nudged him forward. Ah, again that polarbear pup feeling. Was he a companion or a hostage? He might as well go in. It's not like he'd hadn't been blatantly lied to before what's once more?

Following the old woman in toe Zuko stepped through the sliding doors and into the dimly lit room before them. In the center of the room was a burning hearth surrounded by four cushions. Aunt Wu sat down upon one of these cushions and gestured for him to sit on the one beside her.

"Come child, I will read your palm for you."

Zuko merely shrugged in response and sat himself down onto the cushion beside the fortune teller. Sighing, he placed his left hand in front of the woman. Aunt Wu's eyebrows raised in surprise as if he'd given an intriguing piece of literature rather than his hand.

"Interesting…" she murmured, brushing her index finger over the lines of his palm, "You are going on a journey, and not the one you'd intended or expected. This journey will bring you many struggles and conflict but through everything you'll rise above everything that originally held you down. You must be wary of who you trust for a dark shadow will overcome the light sky and cloud your judgement. This shadow if given the chance, will overcome you with darkness and despair. But fear not there is hope there will always be hope, but perhaps not from the people you'd expect."

Zuko furrowed his brows as the Aunt Wu spoke. Sure the old woman's fortune so far is incredibly vague and could easily be applied to anyone really, he couldn't help but ponder on her words. Some of it did seem to apply to his current state of being; struggles, conflict, that was pretty much all he had going for him at present. But could he really believe such an unreliable source as a fortune teller?

"As for love," Aunt Wu began again, much to the surprise of the firebender. In all honesty he wouldn't have expected something as trivial as romance to be foretold into his life. Though he wouldn't be surprised if the woman threw in a false love fortune to everyone, so many people obsessed with it and all, " — Your future partner in life will be your equal in every way. You will be like two sides of the same coin, though each side does appear far different than the other. With this person you will find much anguish but also will bring you much peace. This person will come to be your lifelong love."

Again another vague statement. Why was he even listening to this nonsense? What was he supposed to do now with this information? Go out and look for his lifelong love and stay away from shadows? This was such a waste of time.

"So we're finished?" Zuko asked rather impatiently eager to leave this smoke filled room. The fortune teller frowned, raising an eyebrow at him quizzically before giving him a short nod and rising to her feet.

"Oh! — one more thing," Aunt Wu cried, as if she'd forgotten to reveal a piece of her supposed prediction, "Watch out for gorillageese."

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There we go the very, very, very late fourth chapter. Hopefully now that I've gotten back into the swing of things I'll update more frequently or at least not take four years to update again. Hopefully you enjoyed it though!

Next Chapter: Aang will be aloof, a fight will break out and the volcano will begin to erupt.

xoxo

-Maddy