Azula could hardly believe it. They could now see and interact with each other in their mindscape! Sure, there was that small matter of a shard of someone else's soul being attached to Harry, but that was gone now! "How are you feeling Harry? I recall you saying that you felt most of what your body went through in the real world."

Harry shrugged as he laid his head in her lap, "Same as I said, though I can see out of both eyes without the bandage on."

Azula felt a leap of hope spring up in her, "Maybe you'll still have your full sight then!" she exclaimed, drawing a smile from Harry. It was then that she noticed something different, "You don't have your glasses on in this world either. Maybe you don't need them?"

Harry sighed, "That'd be something. Though that'd mean that Riddle's soul shard was parasitic."

Azula ran her fingers through his hair, the effect was soothing on him, "I wonder what else was impaired? Maybe your bending will be stronger?"

Harry chuckled, "We'll find out in the morning, assuming that Prince Iroh and the healers let me bend and let us out."

Azula smirked, "Let me handle that." she remarked before furrowing her brow, "That… I'm not even sure what to call it. The one who spoke to you in your mindscape."

Harry hummed, "I don't understand it myself. But she seemed… familiar… somehow."

Azula frowned, "No ideas?"

Harry shook his head, "None. Though I suspect that she'll make herself known more often now that I'm free of Riddle's influence."

Azula hummed, and then a yawn escaped her, "Well, I suppose that we should actually rest." she remarked, "Goodnight Harry."

When Harry awoke the following morning, he felt refreshed and eager to burn some energy. Thankfully, the healers seemed just as anxious to see how he had healed as he was. They worked quickly to remove the bandages as Azula watched out of the way. He had both his eyes shut at the request of the healers. Finally, one of them spoke up, "Alright, open your right eye and let's see what the situation is."

Harry complied and had to blink rapidly as his sight adjusted to the light. He could see the healer expecting an answer and so gave one: "It's a little blurry, but it's about the same as when I don't have my glasses on."

The healer frowned and Azula noticed, "What is it?" she asked.

The healer rubbed her chin, "Swap eyes for me. I'm curious. You didn't report needing your glasses until now."

Harry did so and found his sight was much sharper, almost perfect in fact. When he said as much, the confusion on the healers' faces only grew, but Iroh interjected, "Let us not ask why the Spirits restored most of young Harry's sight, rather rejoice that they have." he said before turning to Harry, "I'm sure we can get you fitted with a new set of spectacles that will work for you. I am sure, however, that you are feeling restless, shall we?"

Harry nodded and followed the two royals two where Ron and Luna were waiting. Luna just nodded at him while Ron looked him over, "How's the face, Harry?"

Harry just shrugged, "No pain and my eyesight is improved, apparently." he replied.

Ron hummed, "Bout time something good happened." he muttered before straightening his back, "As near as I can tell, Prince Zuko has taken off towards the East. The roads in that direction lead to places called "Omashu" and "Ba Sing Se" as their big landmark locations."

Azula hummed, "By this time, Omashu should be under Fire Nation control, which will make our hunt easier." she mused before looking at Iroh, "And, since we're going after Zuko, and trying to get him without a fight, it'll be best to pick up my friends along the way."

Iroh rubbed his chin in thought, "Ty Lee and Mai, if my memory serves me right. It has been years since I've seen either of them and I am getting rather old."

Azula nodded, "Yes, Ty Lee will be the most difficult to convince to join us. Last I heard, she really enjoys the circus…"

Iroh smirked, "Oh, I'm sure that between the two of us, we can convince her." he replied before laughing, "I might well just offer stories around a campfire every night and that might well convince her alone."

Azula smiled, remembering how Ty Lee would hang off of every word when Uncle Iroh was telling a story when they were younger. "Mai, at least, will be incredibly easy to recruit, she'll join if she's bored out of her mind and since her father was appointed Governor of Omashu, she'll definitely be bored." she remarked before turning thoughtful for a moment, "Though… now that she's a big sister, it might be a little more difficult."

Harry raised his unscarred eyebrow at Azula and she responded, "Her parents… well, there's a reason why her father is so highly placed in father's court. And it's not because of his parenting."

Harry frowned and Ron could recognise the gears turning in his friend's mind. "No, Harry, we cannot kidnap a child when we are bringing his sister along." he said, causing Harry to look at him with a stunned expression, "Besides, where and how would we take care of a child on a dangerous mission?"

Harry raised his hands before him, "Did I say anything? I didn't say anything!"

Luna rolled her eyes, "We could see where your thoughts were going Harry." she replied, "But I sense we won't have a choice in the matter at the end of the day."

Both Ron and Azula looked somewhat confused, but both Harry and Iroh looked unruffled. Harry had grown used to Luna's insights seeming out there while Iroh had his own theories, considering he had the same inclination as Luna. "Well, let us cross over that bridge when we arrive at Omashu. Until then, we focus on ourselves. The Earth Kingdom may have been thrown out of the region, but skirmishers will prowl the roads and forests." he said before sighing, "This War has gotten incredibly ugly." he muttered.

No one commented, instead they mounted a trio of ostrich horses. Luna sat behind Ron and Harry behind Azula, and they set off for Omashu.

It took a few days, but finally, a collection of tents came into view. They hadn't caught sight of Zuko yet, but there was a part of all of them that was quietly glad about that. Harry had not used his bending abilities yet because he and Iroh agreed to wait until they got Ty Lee to join them. Her ability to block Chi was something that would make them all feel more comfortable.

When they entered the circus, Azula looked around. "If you'd like, everyone could go and relax and take in the sights of the circus," she remarked.

Luna frowned, "Last time we left you and Harry, well…"

Harry hummed, "Point taken." he muttered. Then he looked at Azula, "I doubt your friend will react similarly, so why don't Ron and Luna look after the entrances, just in case?"

Azula nodded, "Agreed, who knows if Zuko is near." she said before she turned to Iroh, "Coming with us, Uncle?"

Iroh smiled at them, "I think I will, it will be good to see the young Ty Lee again." he replied, "Never failed to bring a smile to my face."

Azula smiled slightly at that and they split into two groups. Harry drew close to her while Iroh looked on in equal parts amusement and concern. The former because he had never seen this side of Azula, she seemed most like any young woman at that age when courted, or hoping to be courted by a nice man. The latter was born of how his own brother had treated Zuko and how he would surely respond when news reached him of these events. However it was less concern for the couple and more concern for the unfortunate souls who would be sent after them.

Soon, they found the acrobat they were there for, doing a handstand. "Your Highness!" Ty Lee called, flipping to her feet and landing neatly in front of Azula.

Azula's smile grew by double on seeing her friend, "Ty Lee! How have you been these last few years?" she asked, drawing the girl into a hug, surprising her, "I know we haven't kept in contact since graduation but you just know that I've kept tabs on you. Just to be safe, of course."

To her credit, Ty Lee seemed more startled by the sudden hug than the idea that Azula's been keeping an eye on her. Though that could have been down to sensory overload, Harry mused, remembering his first weeks at Hogwarts. He had been so overwhelmed by everything that things like flying pumpkins at Halloween hadn't phased him. Now it looked like Ty Lee was struggling to process the fact that Azula was being so… chummy for lack of a better word. "Azula, let Ty Lee breathe." he finally said.

Azula, somewhat sheepishly, released Ty Lee. A moment later, after she recollected herself, Ty Lee took notice of Harry and Iroh standing to the side. "General Iroh!" she exclaimed, rushing over and hugging the ageing man.

Iroh laughed richly, "Hello young Ty Lee, you've certainly grown into a fine young lady. Fighting off suitors yet?" he asked, half-jokingly.

Ty Lee rolled her eyes in exasperation, "You have no idea." she groaned, "Problem being that they've all been surrounded by a red aura so I've had to literally fight them off."

Iroh made a noise as if he understood what she had said. Ty Lee then turned to face Harry, "Hello, I don't think we've met."

Harry smirked, "No, but I've heard a lot about you, Ty Lee. Her Highness has been rather enthusiastic to meet up with you." he replied.

Azula had a feeling about what would happen next, but she carried on regardless, "Ty Lee, meet Harry." she said, introducing them. "He went by the name of "James" a while ago," she said, giving her a meaningful look.

Ty Lee's eyes suddenly widened, "I've heard about you!" she squealed, "Princess Azula has told me about you often."

Harry raised an eyebrow, confused slightly but rolling with it, "Well, I hope she's boosted my image and ego then." he remarked.

Azula wasn't surprised, though Harry was, when Ty Lee giggled, "You could say that," she squeaked out before collecting herself after a few moments, "I look forward to the wedding."

Azula winced slightly before looking around, "Ty Lee, perhaps we could keep that quiet for now," she muttered, drawing confused looks from Harry and Ty Lee, "If Father found out… well I'm not convinced that the country would just accept Harry after he killed the previous Fire Lord."

That surprised Harry, while he and Azula had mused on courting, they hadn't said anything about it aloud. Ty Lee, on the other hand, merely looked at her friend slyly. "So you're saying it will happen once the Fire Lord is gone. Good to know."

Azula just rolled her eyes at her friend's antics, "In any case, we're not just here for a social call. My brother has caused some issues and it would be better if we were the ones to catch him rather than anyone else my Father sends out." she said before looking meaningfully at her, "Want to come along? We could use you."

Ty Lee hemmed and hawed for a moment, finally though, she answered, "Will General Iroh and Harry be joining us?"

Harry snorted, "Of course we will! I doubt there is a force in this world, or any other for that matter, that could keep Her Highness and I apart." he remarked.

Only Azula knew the full depth that statement took for the two of them, but to Iroh, and more importantly, Ty Lee, it sounded like the most romantic thing anyone had ever said and could never be topped. For her own part, Azula's stomach did flips when he said that. It may have just been facts, if facts that only the two of them knew, but by Agni, it made a girl happy. Uncle Iroh carried on, after recovering his equilibrium, "I share Harry's sentiment. I wish circumstances had been different all those years ago, but now that I have my niece, I wish to help her in this endeavour."

At this, Ty Lee brightened, "Let me get my things! Wait here!" she practically shouted before shooting off.

Harry couldn't help the grin that came to his face, nor could Azula, by the look of things. Instead, they let it come to the fore in full, only being outshone by Iroh's own. "Finally! Something good has happened to us!" he exclaimed.

Azula hummed, "Let us hope that it is not going to be the only one." she murmured.

Harry hummed, he knew his luck would probably rear its face soon enough. There wasn't much time, however, to muse on it as Ty Lee returned quickly with a single bag slung over her shoulder. And with that, they made their way towards where Luna and Ron were waiting, the pair of them standing tensely at the entrance. The two of them relaxed slightly when they saw the group approach. "There you are," Ron remarked. "We were getting anxious."

Harry hummed, "Well since we have Ty Lee with us now, we can leave." he said as they made their way to their ostrich horses. "You know, assuming that we get Mai to join us, we'll need another steed," he remarked to Azula.

Azula smirked, "Well, with her father as Omashu's Governor, we'll be able to resupply easily. I'm sure we can swing another ostrich horse."

Harry grunted as he mounted up before lending a hand for Azula to hoist herself into the saddle. "Assuming that things are not against us when we arrive, yes." he mused.

Iroh rode his ostrich horse to draw alongside them, "Perhaps, tomorrow, we might rest a day. Allow Ty Lee to become accustomed to our party and give us a chance to see how your bending is, Harry."

Azula nodded before ushering them forward, everyone wanting to make some progress to Omashu before nightfall, not far off now.

The morning after Ty Lee's inclusion into the group, Iroh, Harry and Azula sat in meditative poses, allowing the sun's flame to aid in their feelings. By the time that Ron, Luna and Ty Lee began coming out of their tents, the sun now fully over the horizon, Iroh stood, "Well, shall we begin with the Phoenix Rising 2 form?" he queried.

Harry raised his eyebrow, "I will be the first to admit that my bending skills are all self-taught." he said.

Iroh waved him off, "Just follow Princess Azula's lead, it is not a difficult form, hence why I suggested we start there. Just in case something goes wrong."

Harry nodded and began following Azula's lead. Neither of them consciously conjuring their flames, but a few moves in, their Chi manifested itself regardless. Iroh wasn't surprised that it happened, he had chosen this particular form because it had a habit of manifesting flame no matter how hard a Master of Firebending might try and prevent it. No, what surprised Iroh, Azula, and everyone really, was that the spout of azure flame was joined by a spout of emerald flame.

Needless to say, that stopped all activity quickly, and they all turned to Iroh, recognising that he would be the greatest authority on Firebending. "I must admit." Iroh began, "As far as I remember, there has only been one Firebender who could manifest a green flame, and that is just a legend."

Everyone sat around him in various states of interest and wonder, from the mildly curious Ron to the very concerned Azula. Iroh continued though, "It is said in our legends that there was a man who could conjure any colour of flame. But that he preferred an emerald green. At that time, the world was in strife, not unlike how it is now, and the Avatar was doing his best for the world. Our people, however, remained defiant. And not for the better." he said. "However, this Emerald Dragon, as he was known, arrived in Caldera and made his way to the Palace. There, he challenged the Fire Lord to the first Agni Kai, assuming that this story is more than legend of course. However, instead of taking the throne himself, he elevated one of the Fire Lord's sons to the position while marrying one of the Royal Daughters."

Ty Lee spoke up after Iroh didn't say anything for a few moments, "What happened after that?"

Iroh shrugged, "Presumably, the Emerald Dragon had a happy ending. I don't see anyone challenging someone who defeated the Fire Lord and then stepped down from the power. At least, no one with any sense." he said before stroking his beard, "Perhaps he opened the Tea Shop that bears his moniker."

Ron and Luna looked at each other in confusion, but Harry just shut his eyes and began massaging his forehead. "I am well versed in the court of public opinion, but what will the Nation see when I bend green fire?" he finally said. When Iroh didn't answer immediately, Harry answered his own question: "They will see me as a continuation or reincarnation of the Emerald Dragon and beg me to end this war."

Iroh hummed, it did make an unfortunate amount of sense that the series of events that would bring an end to the war would be as Harry described. However, he also knew a few things, "That Avatar is the embodiment of balance in the world. It will be he who brings the prospects of peace to the world."

Harry just looked at Iroh with an expression Iroh had not seen since his participation in the war. An expression of one who has seen the abyss. "And would the Fire Nation accept the words of The Last Airbender? Or would he be cast aside the moment Ozai has been defeated, should such a thing be possible for a twelve-year-old?"

Iroh couldn't answer that. Not because he didn't want to, but he couldn't risk the Lotus, and he didn't know the answer. "Well, it could just be a story. The events are supposed to take place some four thousand years ago so there will always be uncertainty about these things." he finally concluded.

Harry shook his head and rose, "Time matters not for Matters of Prophecy. Which is what people will call my bending abilities. And since reincarnation is a thing…" he replied, trailing off.

Without another word, Harry walked to their campfire and began preparing breakfast. He left the group in silence, those who knew him worried about what would be asked of him while those who didn't worried about what he already had done and what that would be in comparison to what lay ahead.

It was mid-afternoon that day when they finally reached Omashu, the ghost town that it was. The lack of civilians around threw both Azula and Harry on edge, while Ron and Iroh, for their part, were coming up with reasons for what had happened, surely this wasn't normal. However, they soon came to the Palace of Omashu where a tall black-haired girl stood. "Your Highness." she intoned.

Azula smiled, "Mai! It wouldn't be too far off the mark to say you've been bored since coming here, would it?" she exclaimed, wrapping her friend in a hug.

Mai, looking just as much as, if not more perplexed by Azula's behaviour than Ty Lee had been, darted her eyes between the back of Azula's head and the others of Azula's group. She did, however, unlike Ty Lee, retain enough mental power to return the embrace. "You put it mildly, Your Highness." she replied, "Though matters have become mildly more exciting, what with the resistance and the fact that Tom-Tom is missing."

Azula abruptly pulled back as both Iroh and Ty Lee started, "You could have led with that!" she all but shouted. "What happened?"

Mai shrugged, "Supposedly, a large part of the city came down with Pentapox and were evacuated. After that happened, I… we realized that Tom-Tom was missing."

Azula cocked her head to the side, looking at her friend as if she had sprouted a second head, "Pentapox? There's no such thing!" she exclaimed, "Septapox, sure, but that hasn't been around for centuries."

Mai shrugged, "Tell that to my father." she replied. "He reacted as you would expect and ordered the "infected" to be evacuated from the city. It seems that, in the chaos, Tom-Tom went missing."

Iroh hummed, "It is reasonable to assume, then, that the populace has him. Wherever they might be."

Mai nodded, "Yes, though my father has decided that their former King is worth getting back Tom-Tom." she replied.

Harry couldn't see the sense in that, though he understood the emotional logic behind it. "If they had any sense of honour in their hearts, they wouldn't use a child like that," he muttered.

Azula hummed, but Mai turned and looked at him, "Who are you? I've never seen you in Her Highness' company before."

Azula smirked slightly, "Mai, meet Harry, formerly known to me as James." she said.

Mai shocked Ty Lee and Iroh when she grew a large smile before turning to Azula, "If I search hard enough, or just decide to recreate them, I'm sure I could find the plans I wrote down for your wedding to "James"." she said, "Probably wouldn't take much to bring them up to date."

Harry looked at Azula, who was blushing quite heavily, "Azula? Just how many people did you tell about me?" he asked. "Moreover, what did you tell them?"

Azula flushed even redder, "Just these two." she squeaked.

Iroh chuckled, "Perhaps we can continue embarrassing the both of you after we've seen to the safety of young Tom-Tom." he remarked.

Mai sighed and nodded, which Azula used to collect herself, "Yes. Mai? Why don't you have your father stay clear of the trade while we handle the negotiations?" she suggested before frowning, "Knowing him, he'd likely muck everything up and make Tom-Tom's safety an impossibility…"

Mai could only grimace and agree. Her father wasn't exactly the most competent of people, at the best of times…

The midday sun beat down on the group, Ron, Luna and Iroh were busy distracting Mai's parents while Ty Lee, Mai, Azula and Harry stood with an encased Bumi in the city centre. It didn't take long before the assembly of teens entered the city by the gates with one toddler in their arms. Harry, though, recognised one of the boys from every report he'd heard. "The Avatar is here," he whispered to Azula.

Azula simply nodded without changing her expression. The arrival of the Avatar would make things both easier and more difficult. She didn't get too long to think about it, however, as they stopped within a comfortable distance. "So… how are we going to do this?" the tan boy asked.

Azula took a step forward, "I figure that, now that you are here, we can begin proper negotiations to ensure a peaceful resolution." she replied.

The tan girl started angrily, "So you weren't even going to give back King Bumi!" she exclaimed.

Azula raised her hands slightly, "I didn't say that, but Governor Ukano preempted matters and the only solution I see is to create a lasting peace between the citizens of Omashu and the Fire Nation." she replied before gesturing to them, "Besides, you've still got the Governor's son which he clearly places a high value on so you've got an unprecedented amount of power here."

The girl spoke again, anger slightly abating, "How can we be sure that you'll abide by the treaty?" she asked.

Azula smirked slightly, "Because if the Governor doesn't, he'll have to answer to the Fire Lord why he felt that his own initiative outranked the Princess of the Fire Nation. And I keep my word."

They could tell that the Avatar's group grew somewhat nervous at the fact that she was the Princess of the Fire Nation, but everyone's resolve hardened at the chance to start a chance that the War could wind down, or even end.

The terms that they came up with were generous on all sides: no armed resistance, no unreasonable taxes, limited autonomy, lip service to the Fire Nation. All things that ensured that there was some independence, but enough Fire Nation oversight that the Fire Lord wouldn't go snooping around. Eventually, though, Azula looked at the group, "Unfortunately, I doubt King Bumi will go with you to take on the Avatar as his student in the ways of Earthbending." she remarked.

The boy Azula assumed to be the Avatar raised an eyebrow, "Why do you say that?" he asked.

Azula just sighed, "Because this whole time we've been talking, he could have freed his restraints. And yet, he hasn't."

Everyone looked at the Earthbender who merely raised his chin, breaking the coffin-like thing containing him. "Well, since everyone was getting along so well, I saw no need to make a mess of things," he said when everyone, except Harry and Azula, sent him looks of disbelief. "Besides, the Princess is correct. I will do what is best for Omashu, and that is remaining here, ensuring the peace bought is not broken."

The Avatar looked broken at that, and Harry spoke up, "I'd recommend you look in Gaoling for an Earthbender, I hear tale of someone who might one day take His Majesty's title of "Most Powerful Earthbender" when she's older." he said, ignoring Bumi's scoff, "Look for someone calling themselves the "Blind Bandit" and you might well have your teacher."

The Avatar nodded, but the girl by his side raised her eyebrow, "How do you know that my friend is that Avatar? We've not even told you our names!"

Harry merely raised his eyebrow in return, but Azula answered, "The Army has been given the directive to bring in the Avatar, and are competing with the Navy to do so. As such, composite sketches have been given out so most Fire Nation military personnel know what the Avatar looks like." she replied before looking the Avatar dead in the eye, "You'll want to come up with a lot of disguises and all of them be varied greatly. You've got a long way before you'll want to face the Fire Lord."

The three kids looked confused, but they just passed Tom-Tom to Mai, who practically smothered him, and left with the treaty. Harry looked to Mai, then to Azula, who was looking a little misty-eyed at the scene. Being a gentleman and… whatever he was to her, he still didn't know what to call their relationship, he wrapped an arm around her shoulder.

Eventually, Mai came over to them, "I want to come along with you." she began, "There's nothing here for me now, except for Tom-Tom. And I don't trust my parents to function as parents."

Azula was only mildly surprised at this. In all honesty, she was more surprised that Mai was vocalizing these thoughts than that she was having them. "They did alright with you," she remarked, more as an observation than a defence.

Mai grimaced, "I took care of myself. No Mother or Father helped me through my life or my struggles." she retorted. "If I come with you, we're taking Tom-Tom."

Harry kept his mouth shut, he knew what he would say in Mai's position and he didn't find any fault in her reasoning. The little hospitality from her parents they had received and the quality of it had him on edge. But he also knew that Luna and Ron were also right. They were going to be travelling the world to find Zuko, who, the last they knew, was more likely to attack them than not. Azula though, vocalized some of his thoughts, "Are you sure? I know your parents aren't good at their job as parents, but our mission is dangerous. Zuko might well attack us. Would you want to risk Tom-Tom in that?" she replied, not unkindly.

Mai only grew more stony-faced, "What is the alternative?" she asked, "Yes, he would be physically safe, but I am worried about what my parents' neglect will create."

Azula turned to him and Harry sighed, knowing that he was more experienced with that scenario than she was, just by virtue of Voldemort's existence. "In my own experience, a guardian's neglect will result in the universe flipping a coin. Heads, and the child will rise above his past. Tails, and the world may well suffer for it."

Mai nodded, "And I cannot take that chance." she replied. "He…" she began before a dam broke and she couldn't hold back her emotions

Harry knew what she was getting at. "He sees you as a maternal figure. More than your parents have ever been, and you see him, not as a brother, but as a son, since he might damn well as be."

When Mai nodded, Azula knew her decision had been made, "I'll handle your parents, you take Harry and Ty Lee and prepare for departure."

Mai's lips curled into a slight smile, a sense of urgency evident in her every step as she practically sprinted towards her chambers. Harry and Ty Lee struggled to keep up with her pace while the sound of heated arguments echoed through the halls as Mai hastily packed a bag filled with essentials for Tom-Tom while grabbing another pre-prepared bag for herself. As the commotion subsided, the trio exited the room only to be greeted by Luna, who wore a knowing expression. "It probably won't come as a shock to you that Princess Azula has already informed the Governor about what transpired," Luna remarked, her voice tinged with resignation. "The part that seemed to bother him the most was the terms he would have to agree to, rather than the fact that his son was not going to be returning to him."

No one in the group reacted with surprise, prompting Luna to glance at Tom-Tom before gently ruffling his hair. "Let's regroup with Her Highness, the General, and Ron before we depart from this place," Luna declared, her tone firm yet reassuring. With that, she turned on her heel and began to walk away, leading the way as the others fell into step behind her, happy to be on their way, at last.

That night, around the fire, they all tried to relax, some more successfully than others. Iroh had cooked a wonderful meal for them and they appreciated the relaxed nature he brought to the group, the benefit of having someone of his age and wisdom with them. He was, however, not all-knowing, which led him to speak after they had all gotten comfortable around a fire started by him, "Tell me, young Harry, how do you know of this "Blind Bandit" you told the Avatar of? I've never heard of him."

Harry chuckled, "Her, actually," he corrected before letting Azula lean into him, "And before joining Her Highness, my friends and I ran a Tavern in Caldera. You'd be amazed at what people tell you when they have a small amount of alcohol. Unprompted, as well."

Iroh chuckled, "Being on both sides of that situation, I understand." he replied.

Quiet conversations followed, largely meaningless, before, after an hour or so, Azula and Harry rose to retire for the evening. Once they were out of earshot, Mai smirked, "Five gold Ban says we're officially preparing and planning their wedding before this mission is over." she challenged.

Ron raised an eyebrow towards her, "You are relying on them, not only acknowledging their feelings, but to say as much to the other." he remarked. "Now, I may not know Her Highness, but I do know Harry. Not gonna happen."

Ty Lee looked confused as her head lay in Luna's lap, "Why do you say that? They seem pretty inseparable to me."

Ron huffed, "I didn't say that they wouldn't eventually get married, I'm just saying that relying on Harry's limited social skills is like drawing water in the desert. Not impossible, but extremely difficult." he replied before turning back to Mai, "Twenty and you're on."

Mai nodded her assent before turning her attention back to Tom-Tom. Iroh, on the other hand, raised an eyebrow in thought, "There is the possibility, however slight, that by the end of this, it will be Azula on the Dragon Throne." he remarked, drawing everyone's attention, "What will Harry do if such comes to pass?"

Luna shut her eyes for a second, looking for a moment as though she was communing with some higher power or spirit. When she opened her eyes, she spoke in a tone of voice that would broker no argument: "He would do as he always does: Stand firm beside those who are loyal to him and those he cares about." she said before a small grin appeared on her face, "Of course, since he cares very deeply about Her Highness, I would almost pity the fool suicidal enough to try and disrupt either of them."

Suddenly, Iroh had a feeling that a chill just went down his brother's spine, because he knew just who was suicidal enough to try. Fail, but try nonetheless. "The question then becomes," Ron remarked, interrupting Iroh's train of thought, "What would a Fire Nation, led by Princess Azula and Harry look like? And would that be the ideal situation?"

Ty Lee sat up, nearly pulling Luna over as her hand was tangled in Ty Lee's hair. "Well, it would certainly be better than the Fire Nation under the current Fire Lord, no offence General Iroh."

Iroh was certainly bemused by her admission, "None taken," he replied, "Though I certainly agree. I think that because of Harry's long-standing influence, Azula has taken a path counter to that of her father. One that I'm not sure that she would have taken otherwise."

They all discussed the matter a little longer before turning in for the night, unaware of another conversation taking place on the other side of the camp, in a world that they would never see.

Azula laughed as music was conjured in their mindscape. Neither of them yet knew the extent this new power over this facet of their world could be controlled, but they were eagerly finding out. "Come on Harry!" she called, pulling him to his metaphorical feet and into an energetic dance.

Harry followed her lead, his own ability to dance being dismal at best, and smiled at the carefree nature they were able to express themselves here. "So, what's next on the Great Peacemaker's agenda?" he joked.

Azula smiled back at him, "Dance with the man I love, and that's all I've got." she replied before spinning.

Harry smiled brightly, he could feel her happiness and he knew she could feel his. Yes, this was what he wanted, if it was being done quietly, and secretly. They both longed for the day when they could openly court, and more than just in front of their friends, but in front of the entire world. If only they knew how soon that would be and how perhaps they would have remembered the most important lesson they ever learned.

Be careful what you wish for. You might just get it.