Author's Note: Here we go, Chapter 3. This is coming along pretty rapidly. Anyway, I hope you enjoy, and please review!

Ba Sing Se, 100 years after Sozin's comet

Lu Ten looked into the mirror. He was feeling way better since the Gaang freed him from his imprisonment. He had even gained back some weight, mainly in muscles. Thanks to Katara's healing abilities he had been able to train more than he usually would've been able to. He was still thin, but his shoulders were a bit broader already and his upper body was on the way to being toned, not starvingly slim. His hands were still tightly bandaged, it would stay this way for the next weeks, maybe months, until it was safe that the reattached muscles would stay in their place.

His gaze wandered upwards. His hair and beard were still a catastrophe. But he was not able to shave himself, not with these hands. He would probably risk cutting his own throat. His clothing situation was also a bit depressing. The other group members had tried to find him something fitting, but, together with his non-existent haircut and his scruffy long beard, he still looked like he slept under the next bridge. The scar doesn't necessarily help either, he thought.

Another thought shot through his head; it had only been a few days since he got his track of time back. He suddenly remembered which anniversary was the next day. Looking into his own amber eyes in the mirror, he made a plan. He might have to go out into the city anyway.

Later that day he was training Aang. He proceeded teaching him defensive stances, where it was necessary, he would describe certain hand positions to him. "Aang, you have to act more decisive if you want to firebend. If you're unsure you will most likely hurt yourself or get hurt otherwise. You can be creative with this element, if you really want to you can try stances from the other elements and implement them in your fighting style, create your unique pattern. But you have to commit to it. Never doubt your own movements.", the young monk looked at him with large questioning eyes.

Lu Ten sighed, "Ok, let's try another exercise. This will probably help you with your self-assurance. You know how I sometimes bend fire from my mouth?", the boy nodded, "A lot of firebenders do, especially the stronger ones. It often has to do with their raging emotions, but it can also be reassuring to oneself, to see that the flame in you is burning. So, for now, I want you to go ahead and do so as well. And I want to hear you roar like an angry dragon with it."

Aang looked at his teacher. No way he would be able to do that. He gulped as Lu Ten motioned with his arms for him to do it. Taking a deep breath, he steadied his stance and roared, or at least he tried. Yet, there was no flame at all.

Lu Ten didn't want to show his disappointment that much, but he was not thrilled about what he saw, "Come on, Aang, I said roar like a dragon, not meow like a kitten."

Aang's voice was shaking, "Is this really necessary?"

The older man looked at him questioningly, "Well, here I thought I was your sifu. You see, the reason I want you to roar is that the roar makes the firebending easier. In the next step, we'll leave the roar out, and just bend with the breath. Understood, student?"

Aang looked to the ground, but nodded, "Yes, Sifu Lu Ten."

This earned him a clap from a bandaged hand on his shoulder, "That's what I wanted to hear, now try again.", they've spent the rest of the day training, and just as the sun was setting, Aang finally roared, and a good-sized flame came out of his mouth. He looked over to his master, who nodded in approval. Then they were called inside by Katara, who had finished to cook dinner.

Aang slumped down on his seat. He was totally exhausted, while Lu Ten sat across the table, smiling contently. When they had all finished their meal, Lu Ten spoke up, "Aang, before I forget it. There will be no training from me tomorrow. I'll have some important business to do in the city. But I would suggest that you try to follow up on our lesson today and try to breath fire without roaring. Otherwise, I think your other Sifus will have some exercises for you as well. And if you're terribly bored you could do a few hot squads.", they all looked at the firebender in shock. Did he just say, he had business to do?

It was Sokka who spoke first, "What business would you have, since you've been imprisoned for seven years?"

Lu Ten smiled at him, he gestured towards his head and beard, "Well, Sokka, I thought I could use a barber shop visit and some clothes that actually fit.", seeing Katara's worried face he added, "Don't worry, I'm sure my condition is by now up to the task. I'll take a break if I get too exhausted, I promise. I'll leave as early as possible, and I'm sure I'll be back for dinner.", there was no use trying to talk him out of it, so they just went to bed afterwards.

At the next sunrise Lu Ten packed a little bit of money in a small pouch, put that in a bigger bag and for the first time in more than a week, set a foot outside the front door. At first, he felt unsure, as if Dai Li agents would come around the next corner and imprison him again. But since no one came after a few minutes he proceeded quicker in his way to the lower ring. He figured, with his current appearance he would just cause unwanted attention in the upper and middle ring. He also did not take the train, but rather walked. Yes, it was tiring, but then, there were far less unwelcome glances.

Arriving at the lower ring he soon saw a sign, "Cho's Barber Shop", and went straight in. It had just opened, and no other customers were in sight. There was only a man swiping the floor. "Good morning, master.", he greeted him, smiling happily, "You must be Mr. Cho.", and as the man looked questioningly at him, he added, "I could use your help.", he gestured towards his face.

The barber understood and led him to a chair. He put some cloth around his neck and looked at his new customer, "What do you want, Mr."

"Lee, my name is Lee. I must admit, I was not really able to follow the latest fashion trends lately, so I'm not entirely sure what I want. Personally, I would like both beard and hair considerably shorter in any case. Otherwise, you might do as you please.", Lu Ten said, again, smiling at the barber.

Mr. Cho thought for a moment, then his face lit up, "Oh, you won't be disappointed, Mr. Lee, I promise.", and with that he began working on Lu Ten's head. The firebender closed his eyes and just let the procedure happen. He did not want to see the vast amount of hair fall.

After what felt like an eternity, Mr. Cho wiped the sweat from his brow, "Finished. Mr. Lee, just look at you. You easily look twenty years younger."

Lu Ten looked in the mirror, the man was right. His hair was shorter now, it was held up in a neat bun, it would probably reach a little over his chin when open. His beard was also trimmed. It was still a full beard, but now it was only covering the contours of his face, accentuating them. Fascinated, Lu Ten looked at his own face in the mirror. It had still a few marks from his starving in that cell, but the eyes weren't as deep set and weary as they had been after he had been freed. He was becoming more and more his old self again, he thought. Remembering where he was, he stood up quickly and bowed before the barber, unintentionally ignoring the pile of hair at the ground. "Master Cho, you did miracles today, how much may I owe you?", touched by Lu Ten's words, Mr. Cho named him only half the price he would've usually charged.

The first point on his list was checked. So, Lu Ten started his search for a clothes merchant. He found one quickly at a small market. He was a tiny man with a large stomach. Lu Ten went through the pieces of clothing himself, finally deciding to buy dark brown trousers, the closest thing he found to combat trousers, white socks and black shoes that would hold onto his feet when running or fighting, a yellow-brownish shirt that was accompanied by green bindings for his arms, which had the nice effect that they would hide most of his bandaged hands and a green robe with light green trimmings, that would fit in in either ring of this city. From another merchant he also got a conical hat, you could never know when you better hid your face.

Second point also checked. Now, there was only one thing left on his list. On the same market he found a merchant selling incense and bought some together with a small flower bouquet. To the inappropriate question if he wanted to impress his girlfriend he just said, "Not exactly, no.", before he went on.

He needed quite a while to find his way. This city was almost too big for his taste, and way too complicated in any way. But finally, he found the place he was looking for, it was already sunset though.

When he came closer, he was surprised to see a kneeling figure at the spot. At first, he was not sure who it was, yes, the figure reminded him of somebody very dear to him, but it couldn't be, it just could not. Then he heard the singing, of course, it was him, no doubt. His father sat on the small hill he was headed to as well. He sang a song Lu Ten would always remember, he had sung it so often to him when he was small, "Leaves from the Vines". The old man was singing and crying at the same time. He had a picture set in front of him and burnt some incense. Lu Ten could imagine which portrait it was, he had gifted it to his father once.

But why was his father in Ba Sing Se? A thought shot through his head. If his father was here, his cousin would most likely be here as well. And most likely still hunting Aang. He had to warn the air nomad. But for this moment he just couldn't. He just stood there while all kinds of people roamed about, staring at his father's crying form. He wanted to walk up to him, hug him, tell him everything was alright, but he could not. First, he had to protect Aang. Also, he did not know how the old man would react, he probably wouldn't even believe him. It would just hurt him more. Looking to the ground he decided that he would return to his father, but after the war was over. He just had to wait until then. Then they would be together again, and he would tell him of Lian and his child. Straightening his back, he put on his hat and disappeared in one of Ba Sing Se's many streets.

Zuko was quite worried about his uncle this day. He was not at home when the old man had left, and it took him a while to conclude where he might be. He had totally forgot, today was the anniversary of Lu Ten's death. Since his only child had died in Ba Sing Se, his uncle would probably be at the very place today, burning incense and mourning about his son. Zuko felt bad for leaving him alone in such a situation, so as it became afternoon, he went to the lower ring to search for his uncle. Around sunset he finally saw a kneeling figure on a small hill. He immediately knew it was his uncle, even before he heard him singing "Leaves from the Vines".

He just wanted to walk up to his uncle, put a hand on his shoulder and support him when he saw a green clothed figure. The man stood out to him since he was the only passerby that did not move. He just watched Zuko's uncle. The banished prince couldn't really read the man's expression, he was just a bit too far away. Suddenly he got worried. What if that guy was a Dai Li informant? What if, after the incident with Jet, someone did give them a tip? So, when the guy turned, put his hat on and started to walk away, Zuko followed him swiftly.

Lu Ten soon noticed that he was followed, but he did not turn around, that could prove a major mistake. After the next corner he quickened his steps and when his follower did so as well, he started to run at some point. Panic shot through him, he did not want to return to that damned prison. Not by any means.

Zuko got aware that the guy knew he was followed when the green clothed man started running. He began to run as well, he quickly noticed that the man started to pant after running down just a few streets, he could not be in such a good conditional state. This would make things easier for him, a smile appeared on the banished prince's face. He would get this guy. Then he came to a sudden halt when he turned around the next corner. No running figure in any direction. Perplexed he looked around.

Suddenly he saw a sitting figure on a bench facing a small park. The man was breathing heavily, still with his hat on. Quickly Zuko walked up to him and grabbed him by his collar, forcing him up from his seating position, "Hey, who are you?", and after the man did not answer, not even looked at him from under his hat, the prince got angrier, "Look at me when I speak to you! Answer already!"

The man did not look at him, he just let out a low whisper, "Let go of me.", there was something about his voice, Zuko felt like he should remember it, yet he didn't know where to put it. All of sudden the man's leg shot up in between them. He kicked Zuko's hands away to the side, causing the teen to turn a bit towards that direction, then he kicked him in the kneecaps, and finally in the lower back. Zuko laid on his stomach, the man standing above him, a foot with a good part of his body weight standing between his shoulder blades. It had been so quick, he had trouble realizing it. The prince struggled a bit, but it was to no avail, the only thing he could move freely was his head.

The man now got down on one knee, speaking into his ear, "Why don't you answer my questions first? Why are you here, in Ba Sing Se?"

Still struggling, Zuko answered, "My uncle and I are refugees, nothing more."

This caused the man to chuckle, Zuko again had this feeling that he should know him, but yet he did not. "I'm sorry, but I do not believe you. Why would the Prince of the Fire Nation come to Ba Sing Se as a refugee and nothing more. Just to start a new life? Sorry, but I don't get the joke.", the tone of the man's voice was very serious. Zuko waited for him to call a guard or something next. Why did this guy even know they were Fire Nation?

So, he asked, "How do you even know who we are? Who are you? A spy? A bounty hunter? What are you going to do now? Turn me in to the Dai Li or the city guard? Or just kill me?"

The struggling prince still under his foot, Lu Ten realized, he really didn't think this through for once. Now that he had his cousin under control, he couldn't really turn anywhere. He cursed inwardly, but he did not have the chance to run anymore, he knew his body would give in. Slowly he stood up and took his foot off of Zuko's back. "Don't worry, Baby Cousin, I won't kill you. Now come and get up."

This caused a sudden flashback in Zuko's mind. It was back in the Fire Nation. His four-year-old self got a little to self-assured and challenged his cousin to a fight. Reluctantly the older prince agreed. The fight was over rather quickly. Lu Ten didn't even move that much, nor did he use firebending. He had just grabbed the little one's foot, whirled him around and suddenly the little prince found himself tightly wrapped in his cousin's strong arms. When Lu Ten had let go, Zuko knelt before him, begging for his very life. His cousin seemed shocked, then smiled at him, kneeling in front of him and petting his head, "Don't worry, Baby Cousin, I won't kill you. Now come and get up."

Suddenly he knew who the man was, but this was not possible. Lu Ten was dead. He died in the Siege of Ba Sing Se. It simply could not be. But then again, no one but Lu Ten called him Baby Cousin. Slowly he first rose to his knees before standing up, facing the man. He saw the smile on his face and felt his heart sink, it really was him. He did change, of course, he wore Earth Kingdom clothes and hairstyle, and there was a scar on his left cheek. His frame also seemed thinner than before, yet he did not know how precise his memories were at this point, since he had been only nine years old when his cousin went to war, never to return.

Lu Ten sat back at the bench he had been sitting on before and gestured towards his cousin to sit next to him. He removed his hat while Zuko sat down beside him, still staring at him, wondering about his cousin's sudden reappearance.

The younger man whispered, "But how? You were dead, how are you here?"

Lu Ten's smile started to disappear. With a grave voice he said, "I was never dead, Zuko, though there was a time where I wished I had been."

Zuko tried to get his mind around that, "What do you mean? Why are you even in Ba Sing Se? Uncle needs to hear about this."

Lu Ten grabbed his arm, and Zuko saw the bandages covering his entire hands, "No. Zuko, my father does not need to hear about this. I think, this will only cause him more pain. Leave him out of it.", the words were spoken with such determination that Zuko did not dare to speak up.

Zuko's cousin then continued, "Concerning me being in Ba Sing Se, it is not like it was my decision to make."

The banished prince looked at him questioningly, Lu Ten raised his bandaged hands, "What do you think, happened to me?"

Zuko looked perplexed at his cousin's hands. They were completely bandaged and seemed somehow stiffened. He gave Lu Ten a puzzled look.

Lu Ten sighed, "During the siege a part of the wall my unit was fighting on exploded. When I got back up I was at the other side of it, and quickly surrounded by Dai Li agents.", he left Zhang out of the picture, Zuko had never known him, "They took me prisoner. Do you know what happens to captive firebenders in this Kingdom, Zuko?"

Zuko thought about it for a moment, then he remembered how he had to save his uncle from a group of earthbenders who wanted to crush his hands, so he could deal no damage anymore. He thought of Lu Ten's bandaged hands and shivered. No, it couldn't be. Not his cousin. The man who had been like a brother to him, who taught him new firebending techniques whenever at home, who had been a hero to him, he could not have lost his bending, not suffered such a cruel fate.

Lu Ten saw that his cousin was realizing what had happened to his hands but was still in disbelief. He nodded at him, "Yes, they did crush my hands. This is already a way better variation that what it has been like for the past seven years. They tried to interrogate me, but I didn't talk, so I got this.", he pointed towards the scar on his face, "In the end they threw me in the deepest hole they could find in their whole base under Lake Laogai."

Zuko shivered again, he had been there. He knew that there was no light in these cells. Imagining being a prisoner there was a scary thought, "But how are you now here, I mean, you're definitely not in prison right now."

"Yes,", the smile was reappearing on Lu Ten's face, "I was freed about two weeks ago." and seeing the expression on his cousin's face he added, "Don't ask, it is not of your business who freed me. Just know that I'm in good company and a healer watches over my hands. Now, Baby Cousin, what brings you to Ba Sing Se?"

Zuko looked down, "What I said was true. Uncle and I came here as refugees. We're hiding because my father actually set us on the most wanted list and Azula was behind us for some time. We thought, with a lot of people around us, hiding would be easier."

Lu Ten raised an eyebrow at his cousin, "So, no hunting the avatar to get your honor back, and no plan to destroy Ba Sing Se from within? I did not expect that. Yet with Azula in the picture we'll all have to be extra cautious."

The sun had almost completely disappeared when Lu Ten stood up. "As much as I enjoyed talking to you, Baby Cousin, I've still got to complete something today, besides I promised to be home by dinner. I won't make that, but I shouldn't exaggerate on that though.", as Zuko raised as well, his cousin hugged him tightly, "It really has been a pleasure, I hope we can do that again in more peaceful times. Stay safe, ok? Watch yourself and keep an eye on the old man for me, yes?".

Zuko nodded, "I will, stay safe as well, ok? And maybe you'll think about it again and come back to your father, I know, he would be overwhelmed with joy. He misses you greatly."

Lu Ten looked at the ground and sighed, "I know, I miss him too, more than I can tell. But now is not the time, nor would it do any good. But I'll come back once this war is over, if I still can, that is, I promise."

Then he hugged his cousin again. Zuko felt like a child again, after all these years, Lu Ten was still over a head taller than him. Then he and his cousin parted ways. He walked back to the Jasmine Dragon. Lu Ten on his part walked back to the small hill where he bowed down, laid down the flower bouquet and burned the incense he had brought, whispering, "I'm sorry, Zhang. I hope you found some peace now.", a single tear escaping his eyes, before he stood up and hurried back into the upper ring, where a surprised Gaang wondered if this man really was the same Lu Ten from yesterday, with his beard trimmed down and all of that.

In a forest in the eastern Earth Kingdom

A boy walked through the woods at the side of his grandfather. The old man would take him out on a walk every day, but today was a particularly long one. He knew why, today was some kind of anniversary, but not a good one. He didn't know exactly about it, but he knew that on this particular day his mother was always very sad. More than usual. She always had a certain sadness in her voice, her movements, almost everything, but on this day every year she would cry her heart out.

This year though, he was happy that his grandfather was there, he had moved in with them only about a few months ago, and instantly started to shower his grandson with affection. He would even take him out into the woods to train him firebending. The boy still beamed at the thought of the praise he had earned the other day.

He pulled on his grandfather's cloak, making the old man halt, "Grandpa, why is mommy so sad today? I mean, even sadder than usual."

The old man turned to him with a somehow sad smile and ran a hand through the boy's short hair, "Don't worry about her, little fire bug. Your mother is a strong woman. Today is just a particularly hard day for her since it is the anniversary of your father's demise. She misses him greatly at all times, but especially today."

Now it was the child's turn to look sad, "I didn't know that, Grandpa. Why didn't she tell me, she told me so much about him."

The old man sighed, "Of course she did, she wants you to feel like you know him, since you weren't born when he went away. I guess, she did not find it age appropriate for you, to know about the day of his death, but I know, deep down, she also does still believe there could be a chance that he is not dead at all, even though it's slim. But you must know, his body was never found, so there is at least a theoretical hope."

The boy listened with his mouth opened, "You know,", his grandfather continued, "You remind me a lot of him, your looks, but also your behavior, your personality, the genetic influence of your mother is way more subtle on you.", he chuckled, "Now come on, here should be a safe spot. Show me what you learned yesterday."