Iroh woke with a start. Someone was clanging the keys to open his cell door. Iroh wished it was someone with more food, but had a feeling who it really was, and was proved right when Azula walked in.

"Well hello Uncle," she said as she slithered in, "and how are we today?"

"Very well, considering the circumstances," Iroh replied

"Good. We don't want our prisoners unhappy."

"Is that all I am to you, a prisoner?"

"No, you're also a captured fugitive and a disgrace to the Fire Nation."

Iroh turned his head. Though he was too wise to take Azula's taunts seriously, he did not feel like listening to Azula any more.

"Awww, are you tired of our little chat, Uncle?"

"Yes, as a matter of fact."

"Then let me get straight to the crux of this visit. I have sent word to Father of your capture. He will be here in about a week, at which time your trial will begin. Oh yes, we will be fair and give you a trial. But I must admit, I don't think it shall be a long one. And when you are found guilty, you will be put to death. In the traditional Fire Nation way, of course."

Iroh shuddered. A traditional Fire Nation killing was very brutal: the prisoner was put in a center ring, stripped, and handcuffed to the ground by the hands and feet. Then, the council and Fire Lord surrounded the prisoner, and, one by one, let out an enormous blast of fire.

"Yes," said Azula, breaking Iroh's train of thought, "after you're dead, your body should make Zuzu's scar look like a beauty mark."

Iroh started.

"Aww, do you miss Zuko? Well the feeling's not mutual. I've never seen him happier. I think he's happy that he's finally being allowed to reach his full potential. I think he was miserable with you. Well, who couldn't be?" asked Azula as she turned. "Eight days, Uncle, that's all you have to live." And with that, she left.

Iroh slumped against the wall. Although not entirely unexpected, this news was devastating. He knew that his brother was brutal, and would have no trouble murdering him. But then there was Zuko- part of Iroh told him to ignore Azula, but another part reminded him how much Zuko wanted Fire Nation glory. Maybe Zuko was sending troops out to capture the Avatar right now. Iroh hoped they failed. Aang was the world's last chance for hope and peace, and was probably still wounded from his last confrontation with Azula and Zuko.

The doors clanged again. Iroh, assuming it was Azula back for round two, turned his body as far away from the door as possible.

"Uncle?" said a shaky voice.

Iroh turned slowly. Zuko was at the door.