A drabble series on the AU Premise, what if Iroh had died instead? Special thanks to Loveroftheflame for her help and Lost in the Woods for her impact.
Beyond Words
"But Father, I owe it to my troops to lead them. Where they go, I go. I am their commander," the prince said, towering over his sire. He was in the right here, and he would not stand down.
"I said no. I am your commanding officer, your future Fire Lord and your father. It is far too dangerous. I have spoken," the general said sternly, needing only his authoritative presence to seem taller than his actual height. He was of royal blood and had the dignity innate of the children of Agni. "Please, my son, listen to me," he continued, his voice softening.
"I gave my word, Father. I lead every attack of my men. I don't care what you say," the young prince said defiantly. "You can't baby me forever."
Ordinarily, the indulgent father would have agreed to this. He loved his son. Nevertheless, the general inside him refused to allow this. His son, the future heir to the throne could not be risked. "If you will not respond to a father's request, then you leave me no choice. Captain Hiroshi, arrest this boy for insubordination and lock him up here. I myself will lead the troops today."
"Father, you can't mean…" the young prince sputtered, as a heavy hand was placed on his shoulder and he was forced to sit down. " You make me an oath breaker. To think I call you Father!"
"There are things more precious than one's word. When you are wise enough, you will understand that," the general said leaving the room to get ready for battle.
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"The troops are returning," a messenger called. The young prince smiled darkly. He was ready to give his father a piece of his mind. Forcing him to stay back like a mere child, instead of the seasoned warrior of eighteen that he was. He didn't care what his father did, the prince would have his say the moment his father came through the door.
As a soft pair of footsteps approached, the young prince took the first strike. "I can't believe what you did to me, Father. You made me a liar in front of my men. I spent two years proving myself as more than some helpless pampered palace brat and in one decision, you undid all my hard work," he shouted.
There was a long silence. "So what are you going to do, Father? Have me whipped for insolence? Have me packed off back to the palace? Have me imprisoned? You showed you have no trust in me, what worse blow could you inflict?" he said, turning around.
A squire stood there, holding his father's helmet. "General Iroh did not survive the battle, my prince. His last words were your name," the young armor bearer said quietly, tears in his eyes. "He will be greatly missed."
Now Lu Ten had nothing to say. He had said too much already. He sunk to his knees tears running silently down his cheeks. There were things more precious than words, but he had not realized it in time.
