Through Uncle's Eyes
Chapter One: Scars of the Past
I had just let my nephew, Prince Zuko into a war meeting. Although Zuko probably didn't realize this, I looked upon him as my second son. Allow me to explain; my son, Lu Ten had been gone for three years now. He was killed by and Earth Kingdom general during a 600 day siege that I, General Iroh, otherwise known as the Dragon of the West was leading.
Well, that was in the past, and this was now. Zuko listened carefully as my brother's favored General revealed his plan.
"But the 41st Division is made up of completely untrained troops." Someone spoke up. "How do you expect them to defeat a powerful Earth Kingdom battalion?"
"That's the thing." The General grinned cruelly. "I don't. They'll be used as a distraction as we mount an attack from the rear. What better to use as bait than fresh meat?"
I turned my head in disgust at this plan, Zuko dropping his mouth in horror at this revelation. He started to stand up; knowing this would be a problem, I tried to grab hold of my nephew's arm, but he shook away.
"You can't sacrifice an entire division like that!" Zuko protested. "Those soldiers love and defend our nation! How could you betray them?"
The General took a step back, as if he'd been slapped. I would have grinned, if my nephew's outburst had not been as serious. I sensed the heat go up in the room; I turned to see my livid brother walking towards Zuko.
"Prince Zuko," he growled. "How did you get in here?"
I was about to stand up, but my nephew beat me to it.
"I snuck in here." He answered, quite bravely if I don't say so myself.
"Zuko," Ozai seethed. "Not only have you disrespected this man, but you have also brought shame on me and everyone else in this room! You must be punished! Agni-Kai, in one hour! For your honor!"
Zuko turned to look at the infuriated General, he then turned back to face his father.
"I accept."
As Zuko stepped out of the war room, I rushed up to him.
"Zuko, what have you gotten yourself into?" I demanded.
"Don't worry, Uncle." Zuko smiled. "I can take that old general." He then turned and walked away.
&
In one hour's time, I was seated in a large crowd, sitting by Captain Zhao and my niece, Azula. I watched as my nephew stood up and turned around to face his opponent. However, just as I expected, his expression turned from one of confidence to one of horror. Shaking, Zuko sank to his knees as my brother slowly approached him.
"Father, I meant you no disrespect!" Zuko begged. "I only had the Fire Nation's best interests at heart! I'm sorry I spoke out of turn!"
"You will fight for your honor…" Ozai's cold voice rang out.
"I won't fight you."
"You will learn respect…" Ozai spoke. "…And suffering will be your teacher."
I watched fearfully as Zuko looked up to face his father with tear-felt eyes. By the look on Ozai's face, I knew that this wouldn't end well. Shutting my eyes, I turned my head shielding myself from what truly what must have been a horrific sight. My ears filled with the sound of a fire blast and Zuko's agonized screams.
Smelling burnt flesh, I forced my eyes open and saw my beloved nephew lying motionless on the ground, a large black wound over his eye and blood flowing from the wound.
How many people I pushed through to reach Zuko, I do not know. What I do know however, is that soon I was at his side.
&7&
After I had made sure that Zuko was getting the medical treatment he needed, I found myself storming into my brother's throne room. He was currently sitting on the throne, drinking tea, as if nothing had happened. He looked up at me and grinned cruelly.
"I bet you came here to tell me how angry you are about what I did to Zuko."
"How could you?" were the only words that came out of my mouth.
"Now I'm going to tell you something that will most likely infuriate you." Ozai paid no attention to my question and stood up. "I'm banishing him."
"What?"
"I'm banishing him for showing cowardice and shameful weakness." Ozai lectured.
"How could you do this to your son?" I felt myself shaking with rage.
"I have no son." Ozai replied. "With Zuko out of the way, Azula can become my heir. She'll make a much better Fire Lord than that weakling."
"So, that's the end of it?" I asked. "You won't give Zuko a chance to redeem himself?"
"Redeem himself?" Ozai laughed. "There is no way that that pathetic excuse for a human being can redeem himself."
"There's nothing he can do."
"Oh fine…" Ozai sighed as he sat down. "I suppose he could redeem himself if he sprouts dragon wings and turtle-ducks come out of his ass."
"I'm serious!" I replied.
"So am I." Ozai looked away. "Perhaps, there is a way…"
"Really?"
"I suppose." Ozai stood up. "If he can find and capture the Avatar."
"That's not likely." I told him.
"Exactly." Ozai took a sip of his tea. "He'd have a better chance with those turtle ducks."
"Well, I can tell you, Zuko will never give up." I told him as I left the room. When no one could hear me, I spoke: "Wait until you get yours, brother."
END CHAPTER