That was where Iroh found her; eyes closed breathing barely noticeable. Taking in the scene in an instant the battle hardened general had to fight the fear that threatened to paralyze his limbs. Putting a hand on his son's shoulder Iroh signaled Lu Ten to stay back, the boy had already seen too much, as he moved forward on suddenly unsteady legs.

Once at her side Iroh knelt, gently turned the girl into his arms; a soft whimper escaped her lips and her gentle golden eyes fluttered open unfocused. Sending a quick prayer of thanks that she was still alive, Iroh knew all too well how quickly that could change. Lifting her into his arms he got to his feet in one fluid motion. Whispering meaningless words of comfort to her, he rushed her barely conscious to the infirmary. "There, there I have you now."

アエ 父の日 恋仲

Prince Lu Ten was sitting outside the infirmary doors waiting for his father when he stepped out, the front and sleeves of his uniform dark and soaked with blood. The boy looked up at his father with tears he'd been able to hold back until that moment running down his face. "Is she going to be alright?"

Iroh looked at the eyes of a much older man than that of nine years reflecting out of the face of his beloved son and his heart broke a little. Even as the father wanted to protect the son, he knew to lie to him now would only insult them both. But that didn't mean the boy needed to know everything. "Your aunt and her baby are very sick; the Royal Physician is with them right now. He is going to do everything he can to help them."

Lu Ten nodded getting up he went to his father and took the older man's hand. "Are they going to die like Mother did?"

It was a mixed blessing when Iroh was spared having to answer as the Fire Lord and the younger Fire Nation prince walk into the small area where they stood. The moment his eyes fell on his younger brother Iroh felt rage like he'd never known before burn away all thought. He may not have informed Lu Ten what had really happened to Ursa but he knew. With his vision tinted blood red Iroh released his son's hand and flew at Ozai.

Iroh felt a moment of satisfaction as his fist plowed into the smug perfection of his kid brother's face with the sound of bone giving way under force before he felt a strong hand pushing him back. Shaking his head, Iroh tried for the boy again only to have a wall of orange flame rise up in front of him. Their father had stepped between them. "Enough of this! Prince Iroh what has gotten into you?"

"Why not ask your other son?" Iroh's fury rolling off him in waves of tangible heat, robbing him of all diplomacy and reason. "Ask him to explain how Princess Ursa and her child ended up fighting for their lives in the next room."

Ozai, who had been trying to stop the flow of blood from his newly broken nose, turned to face his brother; his damaged features contorted further by his resentment of the other man. "How should I know? But perhaps the Crown Prince has forgotten that the princess in question is my wife, and as such is none of his concern."

"Anyone is my concern when they are found bleeding to death on a hallway floor of my home by my son." Iroh growled and started advancing toward his brother despite the fire that still burned between them. Fire Lord Azulon looked between the two men, knowing if he did nothing there would be more bloodshed. There was only one thing to be done.

"Stop this!" The Fire Lord's voice rang off the walls of the confined space; everyone froze and looked at him. "If the two of you are so intent on fighting you will do so in the manner which it was intended for civilized men."

Iroh looked at his father, then back to his opponent with eyes gone cold. "Agni Kai, at dawn. Pray Brother, that Ursa lives out this night because if she does not; there will be no power in this world or the next that will save you."

アエ 父の日 恋仲

The challenge set, Prince Ozai turned and left without a backward glance. Iroh might have followed if in that instant a small hand hadn't found its way into his. Looking down he was surprise to see Lu Ten looking up at him. In his rage he had actually forgotten the boy was still with him.

Iroh felt the initial rush of adrenaline that came with his anger fading and was unable to stop the tremor that worked its way up his frame. Had his father not been there to prevent it he was sure he would have killed his younger brother, and he would have done so right in front of this young boy. Whether Ozai deserved such a fate or not Iroh didn't care at the moment, but he was grateful to the Fire Lord for sparing his son from having to witness an act of fratricide.

Still Iroh felt the sharp eyes of Fire Lord Azulon bore into him, and turned robotically toward him. "Such an outburst I would have expected from Ozai, but you? Explain yourself Prince Iroh."

Iroh contemplated again what he could say to his father. Bowing reverently he addressed the Fire Lord. "Forgive me my Lord; I do not know what came over me. I have no explanation to give. Since losing my wife last year it was my dear sister-in-law's kindness that made it possible for me, and my son, to move forward. Seeing my brother's wasteful disregard for his wife when my own was taken from me..."

Iroh let his voice trail off. This was as close to his true feelings as he dared get. Of course he would have much rather preferred to not have said anything at all, but he knew his father well enough to know that the Fire Lord would not have been pacified with less. He also knew that often the best lie was the one that was completely true. Glancing up from the bow he still held, Iroh watched his father's critical eyes. His heart stopped beating as he waited for the Fire Lord's reaction.

Could it be that the old man knew that his eldest son was holding back? Possible, but when Fire Lord Azulon spoke his decree gave away nothing. "Prince Ozai is very young and obviously more imprudent then I had realized. However, since you and your son have placed yourselves as Princess Ursa's champions you two will remain with her until you report to the Agni Kai arena tomorrow at dawn."

"Two?" Iroh stood then unable to keep his surprise from his face as he watched Lu Ten with a mixture of dread and pride as the nine year old stepped forward saluting his grandfather like a seasoned warrior as he bowed.

"Thank you my Fire Lord for intrusting me with this duty."

Fire Lord Azulon eyes leveled on his son for a moment longer, the look said more than Iroh cared for. Then the Fire Lord turned, bowing his head toward his grandson in acknowledgement of the boy's words before walking away without another word. As the Fire Lord's back fade into the shadows of the palace it was painfully clear to Iroh what he had to do.

アエ 父の日 恋仲

Hours slipped away until Iroh felt the calling of the coming dawn in his blood. Looking over his shoulder he glanced down at Lu Ten who had finally fallen asleep on a spare futon he'd had set up a few hours earlier. He would be asleep for a while longer yet. The young man had stood stalwart at the door of the infirmary most of the night all the while the physicians had worked to save his aunt's life.

Thankfully the physicians had managed a small miracle, and as if on cue a soft whine drew Iroh's attention. With a smile on his face the general walked over to the black and gold lacquered cradle that held a very tiny and fragile baby boy with large expressive eyes. Kneeling down Iroh reached out and took the little hand that waved unhappily. "Awake are we? The dawn is calling to you too isn't it my little Firebender?"

The baby blinked up at the man with a curious expression before screwing up his little face and starting to cry. Iroh cautiously picked up the small bundle and started to rock him. "Shh, you will wake up your mother."

"His mother has been awake for a while." Iroh turned with the child to look at the woman in question. Ursa was laying on her side on a narrow futon, her eyes intent but drowsy on the man that held the baby that could have easily fit in one of his large hands. She was far too pale from her nighttime ordeal but her smile was as warm as ever as she lifted a hand toward them.

After only a moment's hesitation Iroh stood up and went to her. Carefully he laid the crying child in his mother's arms, and the boy quieted instantly. Iroh's brow rose as he regarded the pair. "Seems the boy already knows you. How are you feeling?"

"Of course he knows me; my Zuko is a very bright boy." Ursa said softly as he gently brushed her fingers through the tuft of fine black hair on the small round head. Her eyes shining with pleasure and unshed tears when she looked back at Iroh, her smile now a bit forced. "I'll be alright. I'm only tired, it was a very long night."

Iroh felt something twist in his chest at the girl's lame attempt at humor. Giving into his need to touch her, he ran his fingers over her cheek; knowing that is would be the last time. "You should rest then, I've a feeling my nephew is destine to be a handful."

Ursa frowned at the way Iroh emphasized the word nephew. "Iroh, Zuko is,"

Iroh touched a figure to her lips halting her words. With a frown sad enough to break a heart of stone his voice rang with finality, "Ozai's son, and he is my dearest nephew, and you, you are my darling sister. I love you both, but that is all the more there can be."

"I don't understand." Ursa's voice shook, the fear and loneliness she'd felt the night before crashed over like a colossal wave. She was not sure she could handle what transpired without Iroh.

"I know." The room's door opened suddenly and a royal guard stepped in, Iroh turned addressing the new arrival. "I will be with you in a moment, get out."

The guard bowed at his prince's command and backed out once more. Once they were alone again Ursa grabbed Iroh's hand. "Tell me what is going on."

"I don't have time to explain, but all you must know is that after this morning you will have nothing to worry about. You will be safe." Leaning over he kissed her brotherly on the forehead, pulled his hand out of hers, and walked from the room. His last whispered word lingered in the air long after he was gone. "Always."