(North Pole) Third Person

There was no sign of Skylar and Snow is very sad at the lose of her rider. But the gang have to move on and bring Snow with them. So they're saying goodbye to Master Pakku. " Katara, I want you to have this. This amulet contains water from the Spirit Oasis. The water has unique properties. Don't lose it" he tells her handing her a necklace with a flask on it.

"Thank you Master Pakku" Katara says accepting the necklace.

"Aang, these scrolls will help you master water bending. But remember, they're no substitute for a real master" Master Pakku states handing them to Aang. "I pray you are reunited with you air bending pupil soon" he adds.

"So do I" Aang says smiling sadly looking at the young bison in Appa's saddle. She hardly moved since they lost Skylar. Appa got her to eat, but she hardly flies now. Master Pakku tells Sokka to take care.

"Fly straight to the Earth Kingdom base to the east of here. General Fong will provide you with an escort to Omashu. There, you will be safe to begin your earth bending training with King Bumi. I pray during the the journey you find your friend" Pakku tells the trio. They get onto Appa and leave.

(Somewhere in the middle of the Ocean) Skylar's POV

I wake up on a raft in the middle of the ocean. But I wasn't alone. I immediately get into a defensive position and nearly fall into the cold water. However, Zuko grabbed me and sat me down. "Don't touch" I snarl slapping his hand away.

"Relax" Iroh tells me and I look at him. "We mean you no harm young air bender" he assures me.

"Then why did you kidnap me?" I ask them confused.

"I have questions that need answers" Zuko states shrugging.

"Still doesn't give you the right to kidnap me" I snap annoyed. "Wait where's Snow? Where's my flying bison?" I ask the pair.

"Most likely with the Avatar and your friends" Iroh tells me. I sigh in relief, glad she's with them. She'll be safe with them.

"Why does the fire nation want you?" Zuko asks me. I look at him confused. "Zhao captured you, but didn't kill you. Why did he keep you alive?" he demands.

"If you must know, it's because I'm an air bender and a girl" I snap.

"You mean they were going to?" Iroh asks and I nod my head solemnly. "My brother has fallen far if he'd allow his man to treat a teenage girl that way" he says stroking his beard.  "I'm afraid you're stuck with us until Zuko tracks down the Avatar again" he tells me.

"That's ok I guess, as long as he keeps his hands to himself" I grumble.

"One more thing, why did you fight Zhao with me?" Zuko asks me.

"He killed the moon spirit and wanted use me as a broad-mare. I wasn't going to let him get away with either of those things" I state. "By the way, my name is Skylar" I tell Iroh.

(Three weeks later)

Iroh and I are getting a massage. We'd arrived at a spa next to a waterfall surrounded by cherry blossoms. We're separated by a curtain while Zuko sat by a pillar with a hat on relaxing. "This is what I've been missing. Who knew floating on a piece of driftwood for three weeks with no food or water, and sea vultures waiting to pluck out your liver could make one so tense?" Iroh asks.

"So true" I say contently. I've been with the duo for three weeks. I love hearing Iroh's stories, he's really wise. Zuko and I bickered, but never had a full on fight. He's actually tolerable once you get to know him.

"I see. It's the anniversary, isn't it?" Iroh asks Zuko. Who had remained silent. I lift my head and lay my cheek on my arms to look at Zuko's still solute.

"Three years ago today, I was banished. I lost it all. I want it back. I want the Avatar, I want my honor, my throne. I want my father not to think I'm worthless" Zuko says solemnly. I frown, poor Zuko.

"I'm sure he doesn't. Why would he banish you if he didn't care?" Iroh asks. Zuko just gets up and walks away. "Uh, that came out wrong, didn't it?" Iroh asks us.

"Yes, you should go talk to him" I state. "Thank you girls" I say getting up and put on the pink dress they provided me. Then allowed them to do my hair. (Dress and hair: https://i.pinimg.com/originals/df/d2/44/dfd244163e83b1db557cd418e200e89e.png).

The sun was setting when Iroh and I return to his & Zuko's room with sea shells we had collected. "Look at these magnificent shells! I'll enjoy these keepsakes for years to come" Iroh says smiling examining one of the shells.

"We don't need anymore useless things" Zuko snaps. "You forget, we have to carry everything ourselves now" he reminds us.

"How can we forget with you reminding us every five minutes?" I grumble.

"Hello brother, uncle, new friend" a feminine voice says. I turn around to see a fire nation girl with dark hair and golden eyes like Zuko's.

"What are you doing here?" Zuko demands as Iroh stands in front of me.

"In my country, we exchange a pleasant hello before asking questions. Have you become uncivilized so soon, Zuzu?" she asks him.

"Zuzu?" I ask with a giggle.

"Don't call me that" he snaps.

"To what do we owe this honor?" Iroh asks her.

"Hmmm ... must be a family trait. Both of you so quick to get to the point. I've come with a message from home. Father's changed his mind. Family is suddenly very important to him. He's heard rumors of plans to overthrow him; treacherous plots. Family are the only ones you can really trust. Father regrets your banishment. He wants you home" she tells Zuko. Must be his sister, younger by the look of it.

"Did you hear me? You should be happy. Excited. Grateful. I just gave you great news" she says smiling. But something was off about her overly sweet smile.

"I'm sure your brother simply needs a moment" Iroh states.

"Don't interrupt uncle" she snaps.

"You'd think a princes would know to respect her elders" I grumble.

"I still haven't heard my thank you. I'm not a messenger. I didn't have to come all this way" she tells Zuko.

"Father regrets? He ... wants me back?" Zuko asks still shocked.

"I can see you need time to take this in. I'll come to call on you tomorrow and your female companion is welcome to come too. Good evening" the girl says before leaving.

"Skylar you need not go" Iroh tells me.

"Like I would want to" I tell him. "I'm going to find my bison and friends" I state. "I wish you both luck on your journey home" I say before leaving the room. Once I returned to my room I put my water tribe clothes back on, they had been washed for me. I take my hair out and brush it. I then lay back on my bed looking up at the ceiling.

"May I come in?" Iroh asks from the other side of my door.

"Sure" I say sitting up as he entered the room and shut the door behind me. "Something wrong?" I ask him.

"I don't believe Azula means it when my brother wants Zuko back" he states.

"Tell me something I don't know" I tell him.

"I'm going to stop Zuko from going tomorrow, if I can't I'll go with him. But could you follow in the shadows. Encase there's trouble?" he asks me.

"Guess I could do that, but only because I enjoy your stories and you still need to teach me how to play Pai Sho" I tell him. He thanks me and leaves.

(Next morning)

I follow Iroh as he went after Zuko who left after shouting at him. "Wait! Don't leave without me!" Iroh shouts.

"Uncle! You've changed your mind!" Zuko exclaims happily.

"Family sticks together, right?" Iroh asks him.

"We're finally going home" Zuko states as they continue their journey to the docks. Me following them while staying in the shadows.

"Brother! Uncle! Welcome! I'm so glad you decided to come. Though I wish you brought your girlfriend Zuzu" Azula states smiling. Girlfriend? In his dreams maybe.

"She wasn't my girlfriend" Zuko assures her.

"Are we ready to depart, Your Highness?" the captain asks her.

"Set our course for home, captain" Azula tells him sweetly. As Zuko and Iroh start to climb aboard.

"You heard the princess! Raise the anchors! We're taking the prisoners home!" the captain states. I immediately get ready to fight.

"You lied to me!" Zuko shouts at Azula.

"Like I've never done that before" Azula says smugly. Zuko clenches his fists and prepares fire daggers. Meanwhile Iroh fights the guards on the walkway. Zuko charges at Azula with his fire daggers. He attempts to strike Azula, only for her to dodge all of his blows. Zuko keeps attacking and Azula keeps avoiding. I realizing she's doing deliberately to wear him out.

Azula manages to grab Zuko's arm but I blast her away and land beside him. "Not today" I sneer and grab Zuko's hand. "Run" I tell him and we run away with Iroh. We reach a river bank and kneel beside it breathing hard.

"I think, we're safe here" Iroh states. Zuko's pulls out a small dagger, its blade reflecting the sunlight. He holds the knife under his ponytail and slices it off with the knife. He holds it in his hand and looks at it for a moment before passing the knife to Iroh, who cuts off his topknot.  Before handing it to me.

With a sigh take it and gather my hair just below my shoulders. I bring the knife to it and cut it off. We each release our hair into the river and watch them float down the river. I knew we weren't done yet, we'll need new clothes too.

A/N

Picture above of Azula and picture on the external link of Zuko & Iroh cutting their hair.