"Well..." I looked around the tiny apartment. "It has a more homey feel than where we're living in—"
It took Zuko all of two seconds after slamming the door to their apartment shut before he stormed up to me and grabbed me by the collar.
"Why are you here? Just—why?!"
"Your uncle invited me."
"I know that!"
He roared the words directly into my face, his hands gripping my collar so tightly that his knuckles had gone ash-white beneath the fabric.
"What are you planning?! Does the Avatar know? Where is he?!"
His grip finally loosened when his uncle stepped forward and pulled him away.
"Zuko. That is enough."
"But, Uncle—!"
"Enough."
Zuko reluctantly released me, taking a few steps back while still glaring daggers at me.
"We have an agenda here," I explained as I straightened my clothes.
"Appa—Aang's sky bison—has been kidnapped, and we're trying to find him here in Ba Sing Se."
"What terrible news." Old Iroh shook his head with a heavy sigh. "Even to this day, majestic animals are hunted down for goodness knows what. My condolences."
"Thank you."
Accepting a cup of tea from the old general, I calmly drank my tea while waiting for Zuko to calm down.
"... So," I placed the cup on the table and looked at the two of them. "What now?"
My question was more along the lines of "Do you still have a problem with the Avatar?"
"... Nothing!" Iroh laughed after giving it a thought, though not before shooting a glance at Zuko. A second later, his eyes met mine.
"We have no intention of stirring up any trouble. After escaping the FireNation, we finally have a chance at a new life here, far away from the militarism and chaos."
"We could lose all the good things that are happening to us otherwise, and that is something I am very adamant against."
I took a moment to study his face and expression.
Then, my eyes shifted toward Zuko, who looked as though he'd swallowed a particularly sour lemon, his fingers gripping the sides of his teacup tightly.
"Thank you for answering my question. It means a lot," I said, giving Iroh a slight bow.
He quickly waved a hand dismissively.
As I raised my head, I took another sip from the delicious cup of tea.
"Now," I began, setting the cup back down. "Let's talk about how I can get this every day at our place..."
============================================
As Iroh gently closed the door after Renji took his leave, Zuko immediately turned toward him.
"Have you ever thought that I want more from life?!"
Zuko roared at Iroh, who was now seated at the table, reading through the papers Renji had handed him earlier.
"More than a nice apartment and a job serving tea?!"
"There's nothing wrong with a life of peace and prosperity."
Iroh calmly folded the papers and placed them inside a chest before taking a breath.
"Most people would do anything to be in our shoes."
"I'm not most people, Uncle!"
Zuko slammed his fists onto the table, glaring at him.
"I'm not like most people."
A brief silence settled over the two family members.
"I suggest you think about what it is that you want from your life and why."
Iroh quietly advised his nephew.
All he received in response was Zuko turning away, his gaze drifting toward the sky.
His fist clenched as he gritted his teeth, his eyes fixed on Renji's disappearing figure in the distance.
"I want my destiny."
His voice was barely above a whisper.
"What that means is up to you."
Iroh's voice remained calm.
"No one can dictate who you are or what your destiny will be other than you."
Zuko remained silent, staring up at the sky for several moments before finally turning away and walking toward the other side of the room.
"... The Tea Weevil!"
Iroh stopped himself.
"Nope. That sounds stupid."
He sighed.
"Back to the drawing board."
============================================
"The Dai Li must have sent Jet to mislead us." Katara, who had her arms crossed, gave everyone a stern look. "And that janitor was part of their plot, too."
Next to Sokka, I raised my hand.
"Yes, Renji?"
"Um..." I glanced between the three of them. "I know I was late to the party, and you guys have briefed me somewhat, but who is this guy again?"
"That's her ex-b—"
Sokka barely got the words out before Katara shot him a murderous glare.
He immediately coughed into his fist and looked away.
Her glare then shifted toward me.
"Later."
"Yes, ma'am."
Terrifying lady, Katara is.
"Maybe try to think of something from your past?" Toph suggested. "Something that triggers your emotions."
"The Fire Nation!" Smellerbee quickly exclaimed, moving to Jet's side as he remained restrained. "Remember what they did to your family!"
"Close your eyes. Picture it."
Taking a deep breath, Jet closed his eyes.
For a while, nothing happened.
Then, he began to sweat profusely.
A second later, his eyes snapped open as he let out a scream.
Breathing heavily, he blinked several times.
"No! I-It's too painful..."
Taking the water from her waterskin, Katara moved behind him.
"Maybe this will help."
She placed the water around his ears before using her Water Bending to heal him, clearing his mind.
With her healing, Jet's breathing gradually slowed as he tried to recall what had happened.
"They took me... to a headquarters under the water. Like a lake!"
Sokka snapped his fingers as a thought suddenly flashed through his mind.
"Wait! Remember what Joo Dee said? She said she went on vacation to Lake Laogai!"
"That's it!" Jet exclaimed, standing up despite still being restrained. "Lake Laogai! That's the place!"
"Then let's go!" Aang exclaimed, excitement flashing across his face at the thought of finally meeting his friend again.
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