They moved to the rendezvous point, a small uninhabited island close to the Fire Nation capital with hidden coves for all their ships. Sokka caught Lu Ten up on the events that occurred in Ba Sing Se, and why they were going for the smaller attack. He also explained the exact plans for the invasion. Lu Ten helped clarify points on the maps and other defenses they might face when they got to the palace. Sokka seemed really excited by Lu Ten's knowledge.

They arrived on the island under cover of darkness. It was still several days to the invasion. That night, as everyone was settling to go to sleep, Aang called Lu Ten to speak to him privately.

"Lu Ten, I want your honest opinion," Aang said. "Do you think we can do this?"

"Well, I don't know much about you, Aang, or anything about the allies you have coming to your aid," Lu Ten replied. "But the plan is careful and I know how badly you want it. Yes. I think you can do this."

Aang heaved a sigh of relief. "Okay. And one more thing."

"What is it?"

"Can you teach me some basics of fire bending?"

Lu Ten was shocked. "The eclipse will block out fire bending."

"I know," Aang said. "But I feel like I should know some before we face off with the Fire Nation soldiers. Who knows what will be at the palace?"

"Alright, I could show you a few solid attacks," Lu Ten said. "But you can't expect to master it in four days."

"Four days?!" Aang cried, loudly. "The invasion's in four days?!"

From that point on, Aang was unable to relax about the invasion. He dreamt the first night that he was unable to defeat the Fire Lord because he had no pants or something like that. He became obsessed with training. Lu Ten grew nervous at the thought of teaching him fire bending in this state. The following day was their first lesson.

"Now, Aang, fire is a dangerous element," Lu Ten began. "You must control your emotions in order to master the flames."

"Yeah, yeah, emotions, got it," Aang returned distractedly.

"Have you ever tried it before?" Lu Ten asked.

Aang looked at the ground. "Just once. And it didn't go well." His eyes suddenly grew wide with horror and he gazed desperately at Lu Ten. "What if I can't do this? I'll end up hurting people on our side! I'm just gonna stick to practicing what I know! Fire is too dangerous!"

With that, he took off toward the woods and began sparring with a bush. Lu Ten blinked in surprise. He looked at Toph.

"Is he always like this?" he asked.

"It's not usually this bad," she answered. "But if you mean emotional, then yeah."

"He's just scared," Katara interjected, coming to Aang's defense. "He has his destiny to face. You'd be freaking out too."

"I really doubt I'd be fighting the plants, Katara," Toph returned.

Lu Ten had to laugh.

The remaining days carried on similarly. Lu Ten tried to teach Aang fire bending, but each time, Aang grew too nervous, referenced some disaster that had occurred in a dream, and refused to train. Finally, Lu Ten gave up all together. Aang also decided not to sleep, and was consequently losing his mind. It was a harsh reminder to Lu Ten that the Avatar was just a boy. A very frightened boy.

Aang finally got some sleep the night before the invasion. Lu Ten woke that morning feeling nervous. He was about to return to his childhood home, where he never thought he would go again. This time, he was going as an invader. It felt unnatural, but also right. He was sure he was doing the right thing, but he was terrified of what would happen if they failed. He took a deep breath and pushed that thought to the back of his mind. He walked over to Sokka, who was still pouring over maps. Katara forced some water into his hand. Aang sprang cheerfully from the bed his friends had made for him.

"Top o' the morning, Momo," he said.

"Sounds like you slept well," Katara said, getting to her feet.

"Like a baby moose-lion," he replied. "I'm ready to face the Fire Lord."

"So what's your strategy for taking him down?" Toph asked. "Gonna get your glow on and hit him with a little Avatar state action?"

"I can't," Aang answered, hanging his head. "When Azula shot me with lightening, my seventh chakra was locked, cutting off my connection to all the cosmic energy in the universe."

"You know what I just heard?" she returned. "Blah, blah spiritual mumbo-jumbo, blah, blah something about space."

Lu Ten felt the corners of his mouth turn, but then followed Katara's gaze out across the water. A cloud of fog was creeping along the surface.

"Oh no," she said. "Sokka, do you think the fog will delay the invasion?"

"No," her brother assured her. "That is the invasion!"

They went down to the beach to meet the Water Tribe ships. Aang and Toph made docks from earth while Sokka and Katara rushed to embrace their father. Lu Ten was interested in meeting Hakoda. He did not want to say too much, since Ursa had not yet told him her complete past. To preserve his aunt's secret, he asked that the children introduce him as Ping and say only that he used to be a Fire Nation noble before he abandoned it. This protected Lu Ten and the people he would be fighting with.

"Were you able to locate everyone I told you to find?" Sokka asked his father.

"I did," Hakoda said. "But I'm a little worried, Sokka. Some of these men aren't exactly the warrior type."

He glanced back at some of the strangest men Lu Ten had ever seen. They wore no pants and leaves on their heads. Sheets of wood covered their torsos in what appeared to resemble armor.

"Is it just me or are those fellas a little loose in the leaf hat?" Hakoda wondered.

"I just wish they would wear pants," Hakoda's associate remarked.

A third swamp person appeared. "Pants are an illusion, and so is death."

Hakoda blinked and then looked at Lu Ten. "And who is this?"

"This is Ping," said Sokka. "We met him a few days ago. He used to be a Fire Nation noble who lived in the palace."

Hakoda raised suspicious eyes toward Lu Ten.

"I've agreed to help the Avatar in this invasion," Lu Ten added. "I know first-hand the cruelty and wickedness of Fire Lord Ozai."

Hakoda's skepticism seemed to melt away and he extended his hand. Lu Ten shook it, and then Hakoda introduced Bato. Lu Ten was not surprised Ursa fell for the Water Tribe chief. He was everything Ozai was not: kind, giving, and warm.

"Hi, Katara," came a smooth voice from the boat.

"Haru, it's so good to see you!" Katara cried and quickly hugged him.

Aang explained to Toph how they met Haru and Haru's father, Tyro, explained how Katara had given them the courage to reclaim their village. Then two earth benders approached Toph, who apparently had fought her before. Lu Ten actually recognized them as fighters from Ba Sing Se who faced off for entertainment. Toph seemed glad to know they were helping with the invasion now. Lu Ten was shocked by all the friends the Avatar had made. The inventor gifted him with a new glider. People from all over the world had come to aid in this invasion. It was touching to see how many people had hope for a better world.