Iroh sat gently at the pi sho table, having finally found a formidable opponent. He felt the spirit world shimmer with a sense of anticipation, Iroh had long grown numb to the world's antics. Aang however, stiffened slightly. Iroh glanced at him with the oddest of expressions.
"Something troubling you Aang?" He asked gently, his eyes on the game.
"Just a feeling, something has changed. I… Oh spirits! Iroh, I can feel her again. I can feel Korra, this is brilliant!" He leapt from the table in a rush of cheers. "Somehow, she must have restored our connection." Iroh smiled knowingly before his thoughts travelled to a certain Waterbender.
"She never ceases to amaze me, that woman." He laughed gently, his thoughts on Katara. The two felt another energy shift and both looked towards each other in a confused awe. Iroh stiffened, assuming this shift was someone crossing over from life, not the portals. The wave rocked over them again and both Iroh and Aang were filled with a sense of warmth. "Aang, I sense that the spirits are trying to tell us of a crossing over. You should great our new friend." He smiled gently, trying to hide his true knowledge of the matter. He sensed a familiar energy nearby.
"But I got the last one, surely it's your turn." He laughed at Iroh lightly. "Nevermind, I'll great our new friend, General Iroh." He bowed before following the pull of the new source of energy.
Katara nearly had to laugh. Entering the spirit world through life was entirely different from entering it through death. She glanced at her hands and watched as the aged skin began to change and darken. The hair she had kept in a bun for years fell loose in waves of chocolate and her parka shifted into a robe she hadn't worn in years. It was a gentle blue tunic that was paired with a sash of red and gold that was fastened with a white tie. Beneath it she was wearing her brown leggings and boots. It was a garment from her younger years, just after she had given birth to Tenzin. She smiled at how light she felt and how free her mind felt.
"Well, this is an unexpected delight!" A deep, husky voice called from behind her. It was a voice she would know anywhere. Katara turned and found herself faced with the man she loved more than anything. He looked slightly older than she did but still retained the childish joy she loved. The only difference was his face was clean-haven instead of bearded. She grinned widely before running into his arms.
"It has been far too long, sweetie." She planted a sloppy kiss on his cheek before laughing lightly. His arms cradled her back and she leaned into them to gaze up at his face. "I've missed you love," She said gently, her eyes sparking with content.
"I've missed you too love. You have no idea." He pulled her into a gentle but firm embrace and held the woman he loved most in the world.
"You should see them Aang, gosh, our babies did good." She rested her head on his shoulder lightly, absorbing the smell she had long since lost.
"I know they did. I couldn't be more proud."