Note: I do not own Avatar: the last Airbender. Not Beta read. Please comment. Thank you for your time. End note.
Iroh is crying on a hill in front of Lu Ten's portrait. As he starts to calm down he hears crying from the base of the hill. He rises and walks down to the other side of the hill. The sun is going down and the air is nipping this evening. Long shadows are cast over the ground and the sky seems on fire. There is a young girl at the base of the hill. She's in a loose black dress of ruff fabric. Her hair is black as coal and almost colorless skin. She's holding a piece of parchment and sobbing, screaming as if her heart if being ripped out. She bangs her hand on the ground again and again and again... She slaps her face and throws the paper. Iroh moves slowly not wanting to spook her.
"What's the matter, young lady?"
She turns quickly towards him and grits her teeth. Her cheeks are hollow and her eyes look like hopless, dark, deep pools of anger. Tears are pouring down her face. "HE LEFT ME! MY BROTHER LEFT!"
Iroh looks at the paper lying on the ground. He picks it up. We regretfully inform you that Long Hui parishes in battle... "I'm so sorry. You must miss him awfully."
The girl sinks down again. "Why did they make him go? I needed him...I need him!"
Iroh slowly sits next to her and places his and gently on her shoulder. "I know you do. I'm sure he didn't want to leave you, but even though he was far away he was fighting for you for your home. He died protecting you...He loved you."
"I didn't want him to die protecting me! I just wanted him here with me!"
"I understand, I really do. And I'm so sorry. Tell me you name, please?
"Lila Hui."
"How about I walk you home, Lila? You're parents will be worried."
"I have no parents... No home. It's just me. Out here."
Iroh frowns and nods slowly. "I see."
The girl looks at him again she's slightly calmer now. Calm enough to notice the traces of tears on his face. "You were crying?"
"Yes, I was. I lost someone a long time ago, my son. Today would be his 26th birthday believe it or not."
"How long ago?"
"Six years."
"It hurts still? After so long?"
"Yes, dear. When someone leaves...something is missing and that feeling never goes away. Not entirely. There's always a laugh missing, a voice, a face at the table...and I know I'll never get him back."
"I'm sorry."
"Thank you. You look like you need some food. Yes?"
She nods.
"I have a bit of food at the top of the hill. Come with me." He offers his hand and smiles gently.
She takes it and walks with him.
When they reach the top he quickly puts LuTen's picture away before she can spot hisFire nation insignia.
"Is that your son?"
"Yes"
"May I see?"
Iroh nods slowly and covers the insignia with his thumb. "Of course, dear."
She looks at the picture for a moment. A slight bittersweet smile creeps onto her face. "He looks like my brother."
"He was probably the same age as him in this picture." Iroh hands her one of the peaches and a container of rice and meat he had brought for himself. "I wish I had more to give you, but this will help."
"Thank you, Sir. What is your name?"
"Mushi."
"Thank you, Mr. Mushi."
"You're welcome, Lila."
"I should go now...It's getting cold."
"Do you have a safe place to stay for the night? Somewhere hidden?"
"Yeah. I know a few hideouts. Goodbye."
"Goodbye, Lila. Remember that is you keep going, keep trying, things will get better, I promise."
She nods and takes the food. "Thank you, Sir." She stands up and pulls her shawl over her head. He watches as she walks down the hill, barefoot, and alone.
Note: I really enjoy receiving comments and messages but I am not allowed to reply to any of them. If you share your ideas my answer will be making them into stories. End note.