a/n So I have FINALLY updated! First and foremost, a huge THANK YOU to all you wonderful people reading / following / reviewing this story! You guys are the only reason I put fingers to keyboard.
So this chapter is kind of fluff. Some of the conversations were quoted directly from Sozin's Comet, Part 2: The Old Masters. I actually struggled with this chapter because of Uncle Iroh. He's such an awesome and wise character I really wanted to do him justice. I read a bunch of Iroh quotes to try to get me in the right frame of mind (I even drank a cup of tea). Hopefully, I managed to capture some of his spirit in this chapter.
Side note: when you see stuff underlined, it's supposed to indicate a flashback or something. ANYWAYS, here's the chapter!

Chapter 19 ~Destiny~

-Katara-

She watched him enter the tent. Please was all she thought. A part of her wanted to just lie down and go to sleep on the grass in front of the tent, waiting for him.
"He'll forgive him." Said Sokka, appearing next to her. She stared longingly at the tent before looking at him.
"What makes you say that?" she asked sadly.
"He has to." Zuko would be broken if his Uncle didn't forgive him, but Iroh didn't 'have to' forgive him.
"What makes you so sure?" Even she could hear the distrust in her voice. Well, maybe not 'distrust' but insecurity. She felt so powerless. Aang disappeared. Zuko could potentially be losing his last family member… Not to mention the imminent destruction of the Earth Kingdom. Sokka seemed to sense her anxiety.
"Come on," he said, putting an arm around her shoulders, "let's get some sleep. Tomorrow will be a big day, regardless." She nodded woodenly and allowed him to steer her away.

-Zuko-

"Uncle?" he asked tentatively, closing his eyes, preparing for the worst. No one spoke. A rumbling sound was coming from the other side of the tent. Zuko opened his eyes to discover his Uncle sound asleep facing the tent wall. Zuko felt a smile creep onto his face. Uncle, he sighed in his head, closing his eyes and remembering all the times his Uncle's snoring had kept him up. He reopened his eyes, took a few more steps into the tent, and sat down next to Uncle. He would not interrupt his Uncle's sleep. He would wait.

The camp was quiet. Rays of sunlight started to appear over the surrounding mountains, but still he sat quietly, using this time to meditate. Then Uncle began to stir. He sat up, stretched, and yawned. He glanced over his shoulder and noticed Zuko. He turned back sullenly and Zuko's heart sank. Of course, he doesn't want to see me. I betrayed him. thought Zuko, closing his eyes to block out the sight of his Uncle's rejection. Zuko's bottom lip twitched as he felt tears form in his eyes.
"Uncle," he said, his voice thick and scratchy, "I know you must have mixed feelings about seeing me." He hung his head in shame. Uncle did not move, but stayed with his back to Zuko. "But I want you to know," it was getting hard to speak and he felt his tears spill over, "I am so, so, sorry, Uncle. I am so sorry and ashamed of what I did. I don't know how I can ever make it up to you. But I'll-" He was cut off by the crushing embrace Uncle gave him. What? "How can you forgive me so easily? I thought you would be furious with me." Zuko asked, clinging onto Uncle.
"I was never angry with you." replied Iroh, threw what must have been tears, "I was sad because I was afraid you lost your way."
"I did lose my way." Admitted Zuko. He had lost his way and messed up everything. Uncle released him, but Zuko could not meet his gaze.
"But you found it again." Zuko looked up and could see tears on Uncle's face. "And you did it by yourself. And I am so happy you found your way here." Zuko knew the tears were streaming down his face, but he didn't care. Uncle had forgiven him.
"It wasn't that hard, Uncle. You have a pretty strong scent." Uncle smiled and pulled him back in for another hug.

Zuko sighed while Uncle soothingly rubbed his back.
"You should get some sleep." Uncle suggested. Suddenly, Zuko felt tired.
"But it's almost time to get up…" he sighed wearily.
"All the more reason to rest now, we have a long day ahead of us."
"I don't know…" Zuko's resolve was crumbling.
"You can sleep here."
"Okay," he agreed. A grin flashed across his face.
"Sleep well, Nephew." Uncle whispered as he exited the tent.

-Katara-

She had woken up very early. Stress and worry prevented her from sleeping well. So many thoughts were tumbling around in her head she decided to sit alone, looking at the rocky scape around her. The wind was cool and comforting, like a caress.
"Oh, good morning Lady Katara," a voice said behind her. She stood up and whirled around to see General Iroh on the footpath.
"Good morning General Iroh." Smiled Katara. It had been a while since she'd seen the older man. Something about him seemed so serene and safe. He was an oasis of calm.
"Do you mind if I join you?" he asked.
"Of course not," she replied sitting back down. He smiled and sat down facing her.
"You look even prettier since our last encounter," he complemented her.
"Oh, well thank you," she blushed, "And you…" Uh…uh…uh… "look happier since our last encounter." The words sounded silly as soon as she said them, but he just chuckled.
"Yes, I suppose I do." The two of them sat quietly for a moment before he spoke. "Was it difficult for you to welcome my nephew into your group? I know you have a strong resentment towards the Fire Nation, and who could blame you."
"Well…" She remembered quite clearly the day he came to their camp at the Western Air Temple.

"Hello ... Zuko here." The prince said waving his hand as if they were friends. How did he find them so quickly!? When he spoke, he acted like he wanted to join the group. What was he playing at?
"You can't possibly think that any of us would trust you, can you? I mean, how stupid do you think we are?!" She was furious with the dare he! He had tried to capture them countless times and he betrayed them not too long ago!
"If you won't accept me as a friend, then maybe you'll take me as a prisoner." He said as he knelt down. As if she scoffed in her head.
"No, we won't!" she yelled, blasting him with water, "Get out of here, and don't come back! And if we ever see you again… well, we'd better not see you again!" He was at least smart enough to retreat.

He didn't stay away though. When they were under attack from Sparky Sparky Boom Man he may have saved their lives…BUT he has sent the assassin after them in the first place! So when Aang asked if Zuko could join the group she had agreed, but only because Aang thought it was a good idea. Now Zuko was moving right in and acted as if everything was great. She had to let him know just what she thought of his sudden alliance. So she went to his room. She stood at the doorway just watching his pompous-self unpacking. He must have heard her because he looked up.
"You might have everyone else here buying your ... transformation, but you and I both know you've struggled with doing the right thing in the past." She walked into the room, glowering, "So let me tell you something, right now. You make one-step backward, one slip-up, give me one reason to think you might hurt Aang, and you won't have to worry about your destiny anymore. Because I'll make sure, your destiny ends ... right then and there. Permanently." She could have sworn he gulped. Good she thought.

Yet, she had grown to love him. She actually, sincerely, and deeply loved him. He was such a contradiction sometimes though. He was strong, yet gentle. Loud, but quiet. Callous, yet caring. Invincible, but vulnerable. There was so much more to him than a prince with a ponytail and a scar. Now he didn't act like an arrogant prince, he didn't have a ponytail (thank Agni), and all of his scars (both physically and emotionally) seemed faded nowadays.

"Lady Katara," Iroh's voice snapped her out of her thoughts, "Do you know what I've been thinking?"
"No, what?" she asked softly, trying to shake off her daydream.
"Well," he smiled, "you will first have to forgive an old man if I've overstep my mark."
"Of course," she returned his smile and nodded, "go on."
"You are in love with my nephew." He stated, nodding deeply to himself. She sputtered (fully out of her daydream), blushing like crazy. "What? Don't say it isn't true." Iroh chuckled.
"I…I…" she stuttered. At this, his face became suddenly serious. "I do. I won't deny it…" At this, he beamed, "I was just… surprised that you already knew. Has he…?"
"No, no," he quickly answered her unspoken question, "You see Lady Katara, when you have lived as many years as I have you can tell when two people are in love." He paused, "And if you had spent as long as I have with Prince Zuko you could see the change in him clearly and immediately." She blushed some more, "Or maybe you already can." His eyes twinkled. It seemed like he knew what she thought and how he felt before she was even sure. "He changed while we were in Ba Sing Se, but he sadly failed his first test when Azula came..." His eyes grew sad now, "But at least he has found his way again…and with you. It's funny. I once told my Nephew that 'life happens wherever you are, whether you make it or not.'"
"Uh…err…" she really wasn't sure what to say to all of that.
"Well, I see I have made you uncomfortable. I will leave you to enjoy your morning." He rose to his feet, "Goodbye Lady Katara."
"Uh…yeah…Goodbye General Iroh,"
"Please, call me Iroh… or Uncle."
"Okay, Uncle." She whispered once he disappeared around the bend.

-Zuko-

The sun had now fully risen when he woke up. He yawned and stretched. It was some of the best sleep he'd had in a while. But it would've been better if Katara was here he thought. He then realized he had no idea where she was or where anyone else was actually. He was alone in his Uncle's tent. He threw off the covers and stood up. Just then, Uncle walked in.
"Good morning, Prince Zuko." Uncle beamed.
"Good morning, Uncle," Zuko replied, "Where is K- Where are the others?" he asked, barely catching himself. Uncle didn't act as if he heard his mistake. He hadn't told Uncle yet… I hope he approves…
"They're getting breakfast ready with the Masters. We can join them in a minute."
"Oh good," he was surprised at the relief he felt just knowing where she was.
"I think we have a little more catching up to do." And with that, he took a seat on the ground.
"Yes, yes of course." Zuko readily agreed, sitting back down.
"So tell me, Nephew," Uncle asked, "What have you been up to?"
"Uhm…" Zuko scratched the back of his head. It was harder to answer than he thought. What had he done? Joined the Avatar, started to teach Aang Firebending, broke out some prisoners from the Boiling Rock, seen Azula, Ty Lee, and Mai, helped Katara find the man who murdered her mother…, oh and fell in love. He smiled at the thought of Katara. She loved him despite everything he'd ever done. A part of him was sure he didn't deserve this unequivocal love, but he would just have to work hard at being the man she deserved. And his beautiful Katara deserved the best.
"Have you found a Lady yet?" Uncle asked out of nowhere, grinning. The question snapped Zuko out of his thoughts.
"What?!" he asked surprised. How did he know? Uncle chuckled. It was so good to hear that deep laugh again.
"Well?" there was a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.
"Maybe…" Zuko answered evasively. Uncle raised an eyebrow at him and Zuko sighed. "Yes, I have." Uncle beamed.
"I've been waiting for this day!" he smiled happily, clapping him on the shoulder.
"Wh-what?" Not too long ago Zuko was sure he would never find the degree of happiness and love that he managed to find with Katara. So how did Uncle know he'd actually find someone?
"Zuko, I've only wanted your happiness."
"Thank you…"
"So, tell me, who is the lucky lady or do I already know?"
"I'm sure you already know." Zuko grinned in spite of himself.
"Yes, I think I do." Just then, who should open the flap to the tent, but Katara.
"Katara," Zuko whispered quietly. By the grin on Uncle's face Zuko was sure he heard him.
"Uhm…breakfast is ready." She said, wringing her hands nervously.
"Excellent!" said Uncle, "Let's go eat!"

The five of them ate their bowls of breakfast around a small pot. Other members of the White Lotus sat in other groups nearby. Zuko noticed that Katara didn't sit next to him. Odd. Instead, she sat on the other side of Uncle, facing him. Of course, Sokka and Suki sat beside each other, leaving Toph slightly apart from the group.
"Uncle," He said. He had to get down to the main reason they had come, "you're the only person other than the Avatar who can possibly defeat the Father Lord."
"You mean the Fire Lord." Sokka said. What? Yes. It didn't matter that this horrible man who had to be defeated was his father. It had to be done.
"That's what I just said!" Zuko angrily retorted. Everyone was quiet for a moment.
"Hmmm..." was all the noise Uncle said.
"We need you to come with us!" entreated Zuko.
"No, Zuko, it won't turn out well." Uncle said, shaking his head solemnly.
"You can beat him!" Zuko encouraged. Then looking for support gestured to his comrades. "And we'll be there to help."
"Even if I did defeat Ozai, and I don't know that I could, it would be the wrong way to end the war. History would see it as just more senseless violence, a brother killing a brother to grab power. The only way for this war to end peacefully is for the Avatar to defeat the Fire Lord." I should have known he'd say that.
"And then... then you would come and take your rightful place on the throne?" Zuko asked, unsure now.
"No." Uncle replied firmly. "Someone new must take the throne. An idealist with a pure heart and unquestionable honor. It has to be you, Prince Zuko." Zuko looked away. Me? He thought.
"Unquestionable honor? But I've made so many mistakes!"
"Yes, you have. You've struggled; you've suffered, but you have always followed your own path. You restored your own honor, and only you can restore the honor of the Fire Nation." Uncle really believed he'd be the one. And if Uncle thought so, Zuko would just have to come to terms with it.
"I'll try, Uncle." He said, his eyes not meeting anyone's.
"What if Aang doesn't come back?" Toph asked, speaking for the first time. Something in her voice sounded off. Was she worried? Fearful? Annoyed?
"Sozin's Comet is arriving, and our destinies are upon us. Aang will face the Fire Lord." Even though everyone faced great danger, there was something reassuring in Uncle's words. "When I was a boy, I had a vision that I would one day take Ba Sing Se. Only now do I see that my destiny is to take it back from the Fire Nation, so the Earth Kingdom can be free again."
"That's why you gathered the members of the White Lotus." Said Suki. She was quite perceptive really. Sokka could've done worse.
"Yes." Uncle replied smiling at her before turning to him, "Zuko, you must return to the Fire Nation, so that when the Fire Lord falls, you can assume the throne and restore peace and order. But Azula will be there, waiting for you." This time he would not fail.
"I can handle Azula."
"Not alone. You'll need help." He knew Uncle was right. It was an obvious choice to him.
"You're right, Uncle." He looked across to the only person he'd want by his side in this fight, "Katara, how would you like to help me put Azula in her place?"
"It would be my pleasure." She smirked. A tiny part of him was sad that she agreed. He just wanted her safe. But of course, that was foolish. She was a warrior.
"What about us?" asked Sokka, "What is our destiny today?
"What do you think it is?" asked Uncle.
"I think that, even though we don't know where Aang is, we need to do everything we can to stop the airship fleet."
"And that means when Aang does face the Fire Lord, we'll be right there if he needs us." Added Toph. Uncle smiled at them all. It was going to be a long day.

-Katara-

They were almost ready to leave. Zuko and she were already aboard Appa.
"So if I'm going to be Fire Lord after the war is over, what are you going to do?" asked Zuko his Uncle on the ground.
"After I re-conquer Ba Sing Se, I'm going to re-conquer my tea shop," he said, pulling a Pai Sho tile from his sleeve (most likely a white lotus piece), "and I'm going to play Pai Sho every day." And he flipped the token into the air. She looked over at Sokka, Suki, and Toph aboard a creature called a giant eel hand, according to Master Piandao. Sokka and she shared a nod, understanding passing between them. There were no words left to say to her brother or anyone really. Everyone knew the risk. Death was a possibility for any of them.
"Goodbye, Iroh." She said to the man as he smiled up at her. There was a secret sparkle in his eye.
"Goodbye, everyone." He said, "Today, destiny is our friend. I know it." With that, the eel hound and Appa took off to face their destinies.

a/n Thank you for reading! What did you think? Please review