Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender in any realm. Not even the fourth dimension. I know, shocking, isn't it?

A/N: Okay so this chapter focuses on Lu Ten and his experience with the Oracle. Please read and review!

As Jet returned to the outer chamber, he felt an unexplained calm flowing through him. From the looks on the company's faces, they felt it too.

"The oracle has touched you." Oma said serenely, breaking into a dazzling smile when Jet nodded in turn.

"I didn't expect it to be so…" He searched for the words.

"Fulfilling?" Shu tried. Again, Jet nodded. A pause later he added,

"I feel…better, I guess." The earthbenders accepted his words with warm smiles.

"And now Lu Ten?" Shu questioned, turning to the prince.

"Yes. It will be good to see my father again." He answered, gazing past them all and to the mouth of the Oracle. He ventured through the curtain.

***In the Oracle***

"I'm here to see my father."

Lu Ten crouched before the pool and dipped a hand in to signal the Oracle of his presence.

"By your leave, spirits." He said, reverently. At once the pool began to swirl. In the water, the prince saw the image of his father, Iroh, take form. The old man lay snoring on his sleeping mat. As Lu Ten smiled fondly on the sight, the glistening water rose and twisted its way around Lu Ten's head. Finally, it came to rest in the (slightly bulging) figure of the Dragon of the West.

"Father. I missed you." Lu Ten said, leaning forward to embrace the seated man. Iroh responded with enthusiasm, enveloping the boy in his arms.

"Lu Ten, my child. It has been too long since I have dreamed of you."

They separated, and between them appeared a pot of steaming tea and two cups, conjured into existence by Iroh's sleeping mind, well practiced in dreaming.

"How is the living world these days?" Lu Ten asked casually, pouring the tea.

"Troubled. Our family root has been poisoned and the Firenation is slowly destroying itself in the war. Zuko and I are forced to hide as refugees even to survive." He grimaced, before taking a sip of his tea and perking up again.

"This jasmine is delicious! It is better than when I last visited the Spirit World!" He exclaimed. Lu Ten smiled behind his cup and then said,

"But you make better." Iroh chuckled at that. Lu Ten's eyebrows raised and he said lightheartedly, "Is it not true? Remember the time we mixed ginseng and white jade?"

"A blend fit for Agni himself. Though, as I recall, it was your cousin's idea to mix them in the first place. I can take no credit for that." He laughed. Lu ten sobered as he asked,

"How is Zuko?" Iroh sighed, lines of worry creasing his face.

"He is…confused."

"He's not still hunting the avatar, is he? Uncle Ozai was cruel to give him such a quest." Iroh nodded in agreement and said sadly,

"He is unsure of himself. Just the other day he freed the boy's bison, and he does not know whether it was right or wrong." Lu Ten set down his cup.

"Zuko's a lot tougher than anyone gives him credit for. He'll figure it out, I know it." Iroh inclined his head in a manner of agreement. Lu Ten took a breath before speaking. "Father, I want to tell you something. I know you of all people will understand what truly defines a traitor."

"What do you have on your mind?" Iroh asked easily.

"I think I am in love."

"Oh? With whom?" Lu ten blushed slightly at the old man's teasing tone.

"Her name is Yue. The moon spirit." Iroh's mouth opened in an 'oh'. Lu Ten jumped in before he could speak. "She's beautiful dad, I think you would like her. Even though she's a spirit of the water tribe…that doesn't matter to me."

Iroh smiled widely. He said gently,

"I know of Yue. She was the Princess of her tribe in life. She died nobly, sacrificing herself to save the moon spirit." Lu Ten nodded and waited. "I believe she would be a very suitable match indeed."

Lu Ten grinned, mirroring his father.

"Oh thank you, father!" He threw himself onto the other man, who merely laughed with joyous surprise before sweeping him into the hug.

"You're such a good boy." Iroh said, stroking his son's hair lovingly.

Drip. Drip drop. Lu Ten looked up to see tears trailing from his father's eyes. Slowly, the water seemed to come from his entire face, his hair, and beard.

"Father…"

"I love you…" Said the figure, turning to clear water, once again unrecognizable. The water trailed back into the pool. It swirled slower and slower until it stopped, leaving Lu Ten alone in the small chamber.

"I love you, too." Lu Ten said to the empty room. He turned and strode away.