The Gaang was walking with the masters as they made their way to the White Lotus camp.
"So, Bumi," started Sokka, "how did you end up escaping your imprisonment in Omashu?"
"Escape?" he said. "I didn't escape. Everybody else escaped. There I was back in Omashu waiting for just the right moment. I didn't know what or when, but I knew I'd know it when I knew it. It was during the eclipse. I was able to break free from my cage and the firebenders were powerless to do anything about it."
Chiara softly chuckled as she imagined the Fire Nation fleeing Bumi's wrath.
"I destroyed their buildings and removed the Fire Lord's statue...."
"Wow!" said Suki. "You took back your whole city all by yourself!"
"So what about you guys?" asked Bumi. "Did you do anything interesting on the day of the eclipse?"
Sokka and Zuko looked at each other.
"Nah," said Zuko.
"No, not really," said Sokka.
"Master Pakku," started Katara, "you never told me you trained another girl."
"Our customs forbade women from learning waterbending, but Chiara's circumstances...they were...uh...unique," he said.
"Unique how? Because she lived in the Fire Nation?" asked Katara.
"Mostly because I lost a Pai Sho game to Grand Lotus Iroh," he admitted in a lowered voice.
The others started laughing. Chiara grinned, remembering Iroh telling her that her training was discussed over a game of Pai Sho.
As they continued walking, Chiara's hand on Zuko's arm, he slowed down a little bit so they trailed behind the others.
"So, several disappointed young men?" he asked her softly, not forgetting Pakku's comment.
She smiled. "I'm sure he's exaggerating."
"Or you are."
She softly laughed.
"So what young men is he talking about?" he persisted.
"None that matter any more."
"It matters to me," he said.
"Why does it matter to you?" she asked.
"Men being interested in my wife matter to me."
"This coming from someone who was just mobbed by a gang of zealous teenage girls wanting him to strip..."
"Okay, okay...that's not..." He sighed. "Don't change the subject."
She giggled. "It was a long time ago, my Prince."
"So he wasn't exaggerating! When?!"
Katara and Sokka looked back at him startled by his raised voice.
"Hey, Z," said Sokka, "you okay there, buddy?"
"Fine," he said flatly. He leaned closer to Chiara. "When?" he repeated in more of a whisper.
"Before the General and I left the Northern Water Tribe."
"And how many is several? Like three? Ten? Fifty?"
"Seriously?" she laughed. "I hardly think it was that many. He only mentioned that there had been a few offers of marriage, and he thought it would be wise to choose from the Water Tribe."
He thought about all they had been through.
"I'm really glad you didn't," he said softly.
"Me too," she smiled.
-------------------
It was hours before sunrise and the group was still following the four masters down a path that finally ended at a large boulder.
"Well, here we are," said Bumi as he dropped the large rock beneath the earth. "Welcome to Old People Camp."
They were surprised to see a large encampment with numerous tents. Zuko and Chiara anxiously looked around searching for Iroh, but it was still dark and the camp looked empty.
"Where...where is he?" Zuko asked.
"Your uncle's in there, Prince Zuko," said Piandao as he pointed ahead of them.
Chiara started running towards the tent pulling Zuko along with her in her excitement to see Iroh. Suddenly she stopped at the door of the tent and hesitated.
"What?" said Zuko. "What is it?"
She lifted her eyes to meet his. "The baby," she said. "I'm kind of afraid to tell him since we promised...you know."
It just occurred to Zuko that Iroh did not know about the little surprise. "He's going to kill me," he whispered.
"I-I don't think it'll be that bad."
"He'll either burn me to a crisp or throw me to a goat gorilla."
She covered her mouth wanting to laugh.
"Okay...," he said trying to muster up courage. "After what we went through at Boiling Rock, I'm sure he'll understand." He did not sound so sure. "I hope," he added, sounding less sure.
They stared at the tent, and after taking a deep breath and letting it out, Zuko pulled the door aside allowing Chiara to enter first before following her inside.
"Uncle?" he said.
They both stopped when they saw Iroh sound asleep with his back towards them. Chiara's eyes filled with tears as she was reminded of when she had visited him after Lu Ten's death. She walked over to his sleeping form. Picking up a blanket, she carefully laid it over him before leaning against his back and resting her head on his upper arm just as she had done years ago. Zuko quietly knelt down nearby.
===============================
When the sun began lighting up the sky and drawing Iroh out of his slumber, he felt something soft against his arm and hand. Looking down, he saw long ebon curls flowing down in front of him. He rolled onto his back and wrapped his arms around Chiara holding her to his chest.
"Am I dreaming?" he asked.
"I hope not this time," she said.
"I am so happy you're here." He held her tightly, tears in his eyes. "For so long I thought you were..."
"I know."
He released her and sat up with her help. After his eyes scanned over her to make sure it was really Chiara, he took her in his arms and hugged her again, tears of joy rolling down both of their cheeks.
"You were alive all that time."
"Azula kept me alive for her sadistic entertainment..."
His body stiffened, and he released her before touching her face searching for injuries. "I wish I had known."
She could see the distress expressed in his eyes at the thought of what she must have endured at the hands of his niece, and she put her hands on his in comfort.
"I wouldn't have left without you...," he said sadly.
"I know you wouldn't. But it's all good now. Prince Zuko found me."
His eyes softened before they moved to Zuko who quietly sat nearby, his golden eyes lovingly watching their reunion. Before the young prince realized it, he was wrapped in Iroh's arms.
"It was no mistake when I gave her to you for your wife," Iroh said to him.
Zuko felt touched by his words, and he relaxed as he held on to his uncle.
"I'm so relieved you're safe, Uncle. We were so worried about you."
Iroh released him.
"It's so good to be together like this again," said Iroh. "I have missed both of you so much."
"We missed you too," said Chiara.
"How did you find her?" he asked Zuko.
"On the day of the eclipse, I went to the prison to rescue you but you were gone..."
Iroh nodded, smiling. "I heard that you had planned on coming for me, and I knew we would meet again, but that was not the time."
"Before I left the prison a guard told me about a hidden passage," he continued. "I thought you might be waiting for me there, but instead I found Chiara."
"Wonderful," grinned Iroh. "It seems you were meant to find something...someone better." He looked at Chiara. "I only found out recently you were alive. I heard about Boiling Rock. They have spoken of your compassion. And of your bravery," he said to Zuko. "You've drawn quite a following. You must tell me about it."
"It was all Chiara," said Zuko. "Almost everyone loved her. She took care of them all."
"I just helped whoever needed helping," she said.
"How did you end up in Boiling Rock?" he asked.
"I was with Katara and Sokka at the Western Air Temple, and we were attacked by Fire Nation soldiers who said they were looking for me. I thought I'd be taken to Azula and executed, but Warden Idem told me he was going to hold me for a while."
"Idem," growled Iroh, fire in his eyes. "How long were you there?"
"About a month."
"A month in Boiling Rock!" He was both amazed and outraged. "How did you find her?" he asked Zuko.
"At first I thought they took her back to the Prison Tower," he said. "I'm sure Yuzo thinks I'm crazy," he added softly. Iroh chuckled at this. "But he searched for her, and Sokka and Katara went undercover and couldn't find any evidence that she was there. It was after we checked the outer colonies that Captain Tezam told me she was at Boiling Rock."
"Ah, Captain Tezam," said Iroh nodding his head. "I know him well. I'm quite sure he remembers Chiara."
"By then she had been in prison for weeks. Sokka and I disguised ourselves as guards and went in. Some of the guards we spoke to said that she was the best thing to happen to the prison. She didn't even want to leave."
Iroh raised his eyebrows as he looked at her. "You didn't want to leave?"
"There were so many sick and injured that needed care."
He tenderly caressed her head. "You've always been such a compassionate young woman."
"The guards on our side planned a breakout so we could rescue everyone," said Zuko. "But then I nearly got Chiara killed," he added ashamedly.
"What happened?"
"One of the guards was always yelling at her, making her scrub the floor or haul rocks, and when I saw him beat her, I couldn't control myself." His voice grew deep as he spoke of it. "I blew my cover when I attacked him, so the warden decided to execute her."
"I was told about your ring of fire," said Iroh with a smile.
"He performed the most amazing firebending," Chiara bragged.
Zuko felt proud of her compliment and was moved by the tone of awe in her voice.
"You would've been so proud," she said to Iroh.
"What else did you do?" he asked Zuko.
"I...I don't know really," he said. "All I know is that they were about to kill her and I just...reacted."
"He melted the shackles around his wrists," she said. "And the fire he produced threw everyone around him off their feet. He was incredible."
"Quite impressive," said Iroh.
"After that we all escaped the prison," said Zuko.
"And now your amazing nephew can bend lightning," she added.
Zuko turned slightly red, embarrassed by her praise.
Iroh's mouth opened. "Is that so?"
He humbly nodded.
"I'm so proud of you...of both of you."
Zuko glanced at Chiara and then he looked down. "You might not be so proud of us when you hear the...the news."
"News?"
Chiara averted her eyes as well.
"Umm..." Zuko hesitated.
Iroh was puzzled by their apprehension. "After breaking into and out of two Fire Nation prisons, I can't imagine what you could have done that would be so bad."
"I wouldn't call it 'bad'," said Chiara.
"Do I need to be concerned?"
"Well...," started Zuko rubbing the back of his neck nervously, "...maybe just a little...?"
"Considering how much trouble you're both having speaking of it, it has me quite concerned."
"You're a grandfather," Chiara finally spoke softly, but bluntly.
The silence that followed was unnerving to the young couple.
"A grandfather?" Iroh repeated in a whisper as the news sank in.
Zuko's and Chiara's eyes were still downcast when he grabbed hold of them hugging them both.
"A grandfather!" he exclaimed, excitement in his voice.
When he let them go they were surprised by his enthusiasm.
"You're...you're not mad? Or ashamed?" asked Zuko.
"How could I be ashamed of having a grandchild," he said as he tenderly touched their faces.
"But...we promised to...to wait," said Chiara.
"It's just that after Boiling Rock, we were so happy to be together again," explained Zuko.
"I understand," said Iroh, his face still lit up.
"So no...you know...goat gorilla?" asked Zuko.
Iroh started laughing. "Of course not, Nephew. How else will I get more grandchildren? This is such joyous news," he said excitedly as he hugged them again. "How far along is the little one?"
"About two moon cycles," said Chiara.
"You should also know something else," Zuko said to him.
"What else could there possibly be?"
Zuko and Chiara looked at each other and smirked. She held out her hand and produced a flame which she held out to Iroh. His amber eyes grew wide.
"How is this possible?" he said examining her fire.
She smiled. "The baby's a firebender."
"I...I've never heard of such a thing." He was still studying the small flame. "You can still waterbend too?"
"Yes."
His eyes met hers. "So you can do both, like the Avatar."
She nodded.
"Astounding," he said in a tone of awe.
"The only thing we can think of is that she trained with us for years," said Zuko.
"But it's the baby's gift," she said. "I can tell it's coming from him, from his flame."
"Can you do more than this?" he asked.
"She's kept up with everything Aang and I have been doing," said Zuko.
"This is quite extraordinary," said Iroh.
They told him all their adventures after leaving the Fire Nation on the Day of Black Sun, including the visit to the Sun Warriors and the firebending masters, and after Iroh told them what he had been doing since leaving the Fire Nation, they joined the others outside as the sun was ascending.
--------------------
The rest of the Gaang were sitting around a fire eating breakfast. When Izin saw Iroh, Zuko, and Chiara approaching, he stood up.
"General," said Chiara, "this is Izin. He saved me often in Boiling Rock."
Izin bowed to Iroh. "General Iroh, it's a great honor to meet you, sir, but I must correct the Princess. It is she who saved me often in the prison along with many other prisoners."
"I heard of her deeds in the prison," said Iroh. "I'm very proud of her."
More were approaching them.
"Prince Zuko, Princess Chiara," bowed Kaito.
"I'm glad you made it here," said Zuko. "How are the others?" he asked before Sokka and Katara could inquire about their father.
"The young Earth kids are here in the camp, and Ezo and Shin are currently undercover with Chief Hakoda."
"Undercover?" asked Sokka.
"They left for the outer colonies where they joined the air force."
"So Dad's joined the Fire Nation Air Force," said Sokka thoughtfully.
"I guess joining the Fire Nation military runs in the family," said Katara.
Sokka was nodding.
"Captain Sozoh, Zaro," greeted Chiara as she and Zuko bowed to them when they joined the group. "How are you doing?"
"Good," said Zaro.
"It's good to see you and Prince Zuko are safe," said Sozoh.
"And you as well," said Zuko.
"We've been in contact with the rest of the prisoners and a few of the guards from Boiling Rock," said Sozoh. "Most of the guards have been stationed on the airships that will be launching the attack."
Zuko and Chiara looked at each other with a look of hope.
"They'll be working to prevent the air assault," said Zaro.
Izin held out a bowl of food to Chiara.
She smiled. "Thank you, Izin," she said taking it from him. She looked at Iroh. "He takes good care of me."
"It's good to see you again, Izin," said Zaro.
"Zaro, Sozoh," he greeted them.
"Have you heard the good news?" Iroh asked them. "I'm a grandfather." He put his arms around Zuko and Chiara.
Sozoh's and Zaro's eyes grew wide.
"Congratulations," they took turns saying.
"Congratulations, Iroh," said Piandao as he and Pakku heard his announcement. "This is great news."
"A child of the Water Tribe and Fire Nation," said Pakku.
"It is a sign of peace and hope for our world," said Iroh to Zuko and Chiara's surprise.
"Grand Lotus, after breakfast we will have a meeting," said Piandao.
Iroh nodded. "There is much that needs to be discussed."
Zuko and Chiara sat down by the fire where he began making her tea.
"What kind of tea are you making?" Iroh inquired.
"I'm not sure," he answered. "It was given to us by a doctor for Chiara. Before we knew she was pregnant, she was passing out."
Iroh tensed up with a concerned expression. "Passing out?"
"The doctor said she wasn't eating enough."
"But I'm fine now," she assured Iroh still looking worried. "Prince Zuko and Izin have been taking good care of me, everyone has."
"The doctor said the tea would help her," said Zuko. "But it's definitely no ginseng."
--------------------
After everyone had eaten, they all met together to discuss the plans for the upcoming battles.
"According to our intelligence, we have learned that Ozai will be leading the air force to Ba Sing Se," said Piandao.
"And now he calls himself the Phoenix King," huffed Jeong Jeong.
Zuko was puzzled. "The Phoenix King?"
"It's the title he has chosen in his quest for world domination," explained Iroh.
The Gaang looked appalled.
"Azula will soon be crowned Fire Lord of the Fire Nation," added Piandao.
"So what's the plan?" asked Sokka. "How do we stop them?"
Piandao turned to Zuko and Chiara. "Thanks to Prince Zuko and Princess Chiara, many of the guards from Boiling Rock will be on the airships heading towards the Earth Kingdom, and they're coordinating plans to prevent the attack." He turned to Sokka. "That's where Chief Hakoda chose to fight the battle."
"What about Ozai?" asked Zuko. "Uncle, you're the only person other than the Avatar who can possibly defeat him. We need you to come with us."
"No, Zuko, it won't turn out well," he said.
"You can beat him! 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 Ozai."
"And then...then you would come and take your rightful place on the throne?" asked Zuko.
Iroh sat in quiet thought. He considered his nephew and the peace he had found after so much searching.
"I will take the throne...," he started in a soft voice.
He was not ready to burden the young prince with the weight of running the country, especially after a war. Zuko and Chiara were excited that he would be Fire Lord.
"...but I will need an heir...," added Iroh.
"Then we'll have to find you a wife," said Zuko immediately.
Iroh's eyes grew big, and everyone was trying to stifle their laughter; even the ever-calm Piandao and humorless Jeong Jeong were trying to hide their own chuckles at the older prince's expression and the younger prince's seriousness.
"I'm sure there are plenty of women who would love the opportunity...," continued Zuko.
"No," interrupted Iroh shaking his head. "I need you to follow me."
"Me? But...but I won't give up Chiara...our family..."
"You won't have to give her up," he said.
"But you said the Fire Nation would never accept her as Fire Lady."
"I was wrong. There will be those who may resist the idea of a Fire Lady from the Water Tribe, but I have learned that many have come to love Princess Chiara."
Zuko was not expecting Iroh's change.
"I believe your union will help the Nations heal the wounds of division between them," he continued. "And I don't plan on dying on the throne," he said in a more upbeat tone. "One day I am going to retire and re-open my tea shop in Ba Sing Se and play Pai Sho every day."
Zuko and Chiara were smiling.
"But what if Aang doesn't come back?" asked Toph.
"Sozin's Comet is arriving, and our destinies are upon us," said Iroh gravely. "Aang will face the Fire Lord. 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.
"Yes," said Iroh. "We will fight the battle here. Zuko, you must return to the Fire Nation. It is up to you to deal with Azula."
"I can handle Azula," he said with confidence.
"Not alone," said Iroh. "You'll need help."
"You're right. Then I choose the waterbenders." He gripped Chiara's hand. "Chiara, I won't force you..."
"Yes," she answered immediately.
He smiled at her before looking at Katara. "Katara, how would you like to help us put Azula in her place?"
"It would be my pleasure," she said.
"So you do have a thing for waterbenders," Sokka said to Zuko.
Remembering the play on Ember Island, the rest of the Gaang started laughing, except for Zuko who turned a bit red.
Though Iroh had not been in on the joke, he grinned at Zuko. "It's good to have waterbenders around, Nephew," he said. "Kaito will go with you to the Fire Nation too. He has informed me that there are others among the Imperial Firebenders who are allies. He can help gather them while you are dealing with Azula and he can also contact the Order as well."
Zuko nodded.
"If they're going back to the Fire Nation," started Sokka, "then I want to join my dad."
"Me too," said Toph. "Then when Aang does face Ozai, we'll be right there if he needs us."
"And as soon as we have freed Ba Sing Se from Ozai's tyranny, I will return to the Fire Nation," Iroh promised. "We will work on restoring peace and order together."
--------------------
Later in the afternoon, Zuko and Chiara were in Iroh's tent. It had been months since they had seen each other, and they were content to spend as much time together as possible before their separation the next day. After making a pot of tea, Iroh and Chiara began playing a game of Pai Sho while Zuko watched. He was to play the winner, and Chiara was quite sure she would be on the side watching the next game.
"Uncle, you don't have to stay here to fight for Ba Sing Se," said Zuko. "The Order will free it. You should come back to the Fire Nation."
Iroh was carefully studying the board contemplating his next move, but he was amused with Zuko's suggestion.
"I feel it is my duty to liberate Ba Sing Se. It will be my way of atoning for...for my past. But do not worry, Zuko. I promise I will return to the Fire Nation. I will not let you take up that burden yet..."
Suddenly, the ground trembled rattling the Pai Sho table.
"What was that?" asked Zuko.
Zuko and Chiara stood up, but Iroh looked down at the board. "Looks like I won!" he said.
Chiara playfully rolled her eyes. "Like you didn't see that coming."
They stepped outside the tent.
"What's happening?" asked Pakku.
Piandao came running towards them. "Are we under attack?"
"I hope Chey isn't setting off explosives again," said Jeong Jeong.
"It wasn't me," said Captain Chey who had just walked up.
Another tremor shook the ground underneath them.
"That's no explosion," said Iroh.
Jeong Jeong scanned the camp. "Where are the kids?"
"I'll find them," said Zuko as he took off with Chiara following him.
They slid down the side of the canyon, the others right behind them.
Zuko could not believe his eyes when he saw Bumi and Toph earthbending while a small group of spectators stood around cheering.
"What the...? Explain yourselves!" he demanded.
"It's the ultimate earthbending showdown!" exclaimed Sokka. "Two opposing styles! Two opposing age groups! One winner!"
"You've got to be kidding me," said Zuko.
"It sounds like a battle going on out here," said Chiara.
"Go, Bumi!" cheered Iroh. "So who's taking the bets?" he asked Sokka.
Zuko scowled at him. "Uncle!"
"I've seen both earthbend," said Chiara. "It'll be really close"
"Bumi liberated Omashu from the Fire Nation by himself," said Iroh. "He's quite the master."
"I still think I'd bet on Toph," she smirked.
"Chiara, don't encourage him," Zuko admonished her.
"I don't think this bending battle is such a good idea," said Pakku. "It could give away our location."
"Yeah," agreed Jeong Jeong. "Aren't we supposed to be hiding?"
"Hmm...," mused Sokka thoughtfully. "You have a point." He turned towards Bumi and Toph who were still in the middle of their earthbending competition, and he tapped on a tiny gong. "The ultimate bending battle is officially over!" he announced.
The two earthbenders continued their battle.
"I don't think they can hear the bell," said Sokka.
"Oh, really?" snapped Katara sarcastically.
Pakku looked at Iroh. "We're going to have to put a stop to this."
Piandao, Iroh, Zuko, Chiara, Katara, Pakku, and Jeong Jeong all raced towards the two earthbenders.
"This is getting really good!" said Sokka excitedly to Suki.
"Well, Toph wanted a Nation Rumble. Now she's got it."
Piandao pulled out his sword stopping Toph's stone missiles while Iroh blasted others with fire.
"All right! Break it up!" said Zuko as he and Chiara held her arms.
On the other side, Katara and Pakku drew up water which Jeong Jeong hit with fire sending it towards Bumi whose cackling turned into a coughing fit as the steam hit him in the face.
"Show's over!" said Katara.
The two earthbenders reluctantly stopped their battle. As everyone started leaving the canyon, most were grumbling either about the tournament being shut down without a winner or about having to shut down a tournament in a secret camp.
"So who won, anyway?" Suki asked Sokka.
"As referee, I have to say it was a draw."
"Both of you need to start acting your age," Zuko was scolding Bumi and Toph.
The older earthbender blew raspberries at him.
"We'll just have to have a rematch later," said Sokka
"Sweet!" grinned Toph.
"Heh heh!" snorted Bumi.
Zuko and Chiara just looked at each other and shook their heads.
=============================
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A/N: The end scene with the Earth Rumble is based on a comic in "The Lost Adventures," called "Bumi vs. Toph, Round One."
Also, I had to laugh at a typo I caught in one of my proofreads where Sokka tapped on a tiny "bong" instead of "gong" which, of course, spellcheck wouldn't catch.