Afterward Adventures (ATLA Zuko X OC)

Chapter Seventeen - Smoke and Shadow Pt. 2

"And with that, we end our meditation. Good job Air Acolytes," Aang said.

The Air Acolytes snapped off the cross-legged stance they'd been sitting the last hours. Some of them started stretching their hands, some others turned around to talk to each other. Iris yawned boringly stretching her arms. She looked beside her only to see Elin's head resting on her shoulder. Iris rolled her eyes, she was literally sleeping. Iris tapped Elin's head waking her up.

"You slept... again," Iris said.

Elin lifted her head, tired eyes opening. When she realized it, she said "Oh, shit," and she rubbed her eyes yawning. "So sorry, Defender Iris,"

"It's okay, it just needs some practice. I used to fall asleep too the first times," Iris said.

"Jingbo, Jingbo wake up!" Xin Ying said shaking the little kid.

"Wha-?"

They woke up. Some of the Air Acolytes bowed in front of Aang and Iris before walking out of the teashop.

"As always, Iroh, thank you for letting us meet here," Iris said gratefully at the old man who was drying off teacups.

"Anytime, Iris. Tea and meditation go so well together," Iroh said smiling at her.

"Hey, Iris!" Sokka's voice heard.

"Sweetie, you guys done?" Katara asked as their two heads popped in from the entrance of the tea shop.

"Just finished," Aang said.

"Perfect timing! We just got everything packed up!" Sokka said pointing his thump on Appa who was waiting out in the yard.

"Where are you headed?" Iroh asked.

"To the South Pole," Iris answered as Sokka and Katara walked in the tea shop.

"It'll be our first time back since the end of the war," Sokka said.

"We've been planning this trip ever since running into a couple of Katara's old friends at the Earthen Fire Refinery!" Aang said.

"They were right –we should've gone back sooner to help rebuild," Katara said.

"Plus, we'll finally get to see dad," Katara said.

"Freeze once again in the cold temperatures of the South... I hate it," Iris muttered crossing her arms and frowning, remembering how miserable her life was when she was protecting the Tribe.

"And eat some of Auntie Ashuna's Seal Jerky," Sokka said excitedly.

"What?! You hate Auntie Ashuna's seal-jerky," Katara said.

"You mean I hated Auntie Ashuna's seal-jerky! Absence makes the heart grow fonder," Sokka said.

"Let's go, guys, and get this over with," Iris said walking towards Appa.

"Weather's perfect, right now. If we hurry we can probably get to-" Aang tried to say but he stopped when a messenger hawk came flying towards him.

It was a Fire Nation messenger Hawk and Iris walked beside her brother. The hawk rested on Iris's shoulder as Aang took out the letter and started reading. Both siblings read the letter...

Iris, Aang, spirits are threatening the Fire Nation. Please, come help.

-Zuko

"Aang, what is it?" Katara asked.

"It's from Zuko," Aang said.

"He needs us," Iris added and they looked at each other with worried looks.