Dedicated to Aviaq, for her amazing review! Okay, we get some wonderful Iroh, Zuko and Ozai action and some sibling issues come to the surface. Sorry about the Holocaust imagery, but my class on the Concentration camps is starting to get to me. Warning for child abuse, murder, mischief and little Zuko's loose tongue. Now, read, review and tell me if you wish more time spent on little Zuko or close this scroll and start Zuko's adventures as a student. As always, thank to SarahNev for her editor skills, sorting through my bad grammar. I will no longer answer reviews here but use the review response service by unless it's a question that I want everyone to know. Hope you understand. Now, read and enjoy! Have a happy holidays!
Thus Saith the Lord
Iroh had long concluded that there was a moment in every young royal's life when they realized that they were special. Of course, every toddler thought of his or her self as the center of the world. Yet, for a Prince of the Fire Nation, there would be a time when they figured out that they just happened to be right.
For Iroh, the moment had come when he had seen his father execute a man. Iroh's tutor had solemnly intoned that one day; it would be up to Iroh to administer justice. Iroh remembered that moment as a time of terror. One day, the entire nation would look to him; he would have to spend his life becoming someone like his father. Iroh had gotten sick and vomited, only the warm hand of his brother on his shoulder prevented him from breaking down completely.
Although Iroh had not been raised to the position of Fire Lord, he was still a tool of his father and brother. He spent every day killing people. When he was not killing them directly, he was planning ways to kill them better. To return sooner to his beloved nephew, Iroh found himself becoming more relentless in his attacks.
The air had become fetid with rotting bodies. There had been so much carnage on the battlefield. Iroh found he had begun measuring the days not by the rising and setting of the sun, but by the hundreds of lives who would not live to see another die. Hundreds were dying on both sides. Iroh felt like making an alliance with one of the other two nations against the others would be wise. Preferably uniting with the Earth Kingdom.
Fighting Earthbenders was hard. Earth had a smothering affect on flames, and few things could protect the troops from the massive bundlers and rockslides. Hundreds of troops over the years had been battered and smothered by massive pieces of earth. Iroh had learned not to get attached to get soldiers. They died too fast.
Of course, the Fire Nation did have the advantage of technology. Battering rams, catapults and flaming arrows were putting dents into the Earth Kingdom cities. They were being starved and bombarded; the town could not last long.
Even while Iroh was on campaign, the stewards kept a close accounting of Zuko's behavior. The letters they wrote brightened up Iroh's lonely existence on the frontlines. Today, he had received a report from the capital right after a particularly hard battle.
"My lord General Iroh, son of Fire-Lord Sajja, may you live a thousand years,
I pray that this letter finds you victorious and well. Your humble servant is pleased to report that Prince Zuko is still healthy and in good spirits. The young prince does pine for his uncle, but the servants try to fill his day as to distract him. Our young master has developed a habit of sneaking away from his servants. Half of the day is spent chasing after him and trying to find him. He is quite good at hiding, showing excellent skills that will serve him in martial arts.
The Firelord had insisted that we work on his son's lisp, as it ill befits a prince to stammer so. I am also pleased to report that he is making excellent progress. With some practice, the lisp should be entirely eliminated, as his Majesty wishes.
Prince Zuko is following the schedule you left us, though I think he requires a stricter diet that does not allow sugar. Yesterday, he wandered into the kitchen and amused himself by walking past the servants. He was quite pleased to notice that all servants genuflected to the floor when he toddled past them. Prince Zuko giggled at that, walking back and forth so that people were forced to bow repeatedly. The dear master most likely thought it was a big game. He then plopped into the lap of one of the maids and insisted on being fed cake and candy until he was sick.
Prince Zuko talks about you constantly. He keeps saying that you are off protecting him and how proud he is of you. He is working diligently at Firebending control and has managed to set only a few people on fire. As for furniture, I am happy to see that nearly all the pieces ruined by displays of temper were not precious antiques.
The Fire-Lord has come to visit Prince Zuko three days ago. Prince Zuko was on his best behavior and the Fire-Lord was pleased with the control his son displayed over his lisp. He brought the Prince a toy sword, a symbol of your master's future power.
His highness the Prince wishes me to tell you that he "misses Uncle very much and wants Uncle to come home. Prince Zuko loves Uncle!"
In service to the Flame,
Tsunayoshi of the clan Kaibara
Iroh missed Zuko so much. He sighed, he just had to keep fighting until the enemy was subdued and then he could see him. He should be allowed to just go home and care for the Nation's future, not stay here and kill people. He could read between the lines, he knew Zuko was being a hellion. No one was allowed to discipline the Prince before his Agni Shahr ceremony, so Zuko was given tacit free range to indulge all his whims. At the thought of the rite of childhood, Iroh shuddered.
Zuko still had some time before he was thrust into the cold, cruel world of adulthood. He still had until his fourth birthday before he was subjected to the tortures of royal tutors. They would hurt him, break him and transform him into a proper heir to the throne. They would prepare him to be cruel, blood-thirsty and inhuman, just like his father. And his uncle.
Iroh remembered how he had spent the day. Hundreds of prisoners from small hamlets had been captured. It had been Iroh's job to select the ones for death and the ones for slave labor. Each day, people would be marched passed him and Iroh would decide their fates. A whole range of ages, from the very young to the very old would stand before him for judgment for the grievous crime of being born to the wrong nation. Their faces were so hopeless and pale. Iroh did not like doing this but it was necessary. He barely glanced up from his maps as the prisoners would be brought before him.
A young captain, strong and healthy. He would be tortured for information and if he survived that, he would be publicly executed in front of the remaining prisoners to lower morale. Left, he would live for a few more hours.
An old man, too old to work. Right, he would be killed immediately. There was no use for him.
A young pretty maiden, perfect for sordid amusement. Left, to servitude. She would be taken to the soldier's camps. Iroh had seen many girls kill themselves before that fate, but there were always more to be captured.
A young child, clinging pitifully to his older brother. The child was too young to be much use, but the older brother would make an excellent slave. With a hand, he gestured for the pair to be separated. The child would be killed while the older brother sent to slavery. One to the right, one to the left.
Iroh tried to ignore the terrified screaming as prisoners met their fates. After twenty years, he should be numb. He kept remembering what his General had told him. "Learn to take the Fire Lords at their words. They said extermination." They meant it.
Iroh hoped this dreadful business to be over soon and him to be back with his nephew as quickly as possible. The only thing that haunted him was what Zuko would think of him if he knew what his uncle did. Iroh's innocent precious nephew would not understand why his "Unka" did the things he did. The strange thing was, Iroh did not know why either.
"My lord general, we've nearly broken through the walls. We are ready to charge!" called Captain Yumiko, her long braid flopping as she stuck her head into the tent. Iroh put down the letter. "When can we sack the city?" she said eagerly.
"Excellent, have the rhinos saddled," Iroh commanded. "Hang on, nephew. I'm coming soon!" he whispered, as he donned his sword to pay the blood toll for seeing his family. He supposed everything required a sacrifice.
"Uncle! Uncle!" came a happy voice as Iroh dismounted from his palanquin. Waiting by the garden by the stables was Iroh's precious little nephew. How much he had grown. Iroh could see he had gotten taller, and the fat cheeks had started to thin out. He was developing into quite a handsome young boy; Hanae would have been so proud.
"Shouldn't you be having your nap?" Iroh asked, kneeling down and embracing his sweet little hell raiser.
"We are going to have fun!" the little boy squealed, ignoring the question entirely. "Time to play!" He smelled so fresh and clean, without the stench of battle, like the oasis in a desert. Now he could leave sadness behind.
Being at home with Zuko was just as much an adventure as being at war and only slightly safer. The little boy was hyper and could not sit still for a moment. Iroh found himself spending his time cooling the fires Zuko created. The boy was still nocturnal and completely starved for attention. Iroh found himself out of breath, trying to keep up with his nephew.
There was one thing that had changed about Zuko. The young heir to the throne was now quite aware of the fact that the "Prince" in Prince Zuko was not merely a part of his name. Zuko was quite conscious to the fact that he was very important. He had begun at least ten sentences with the words, "When I am Fire-Lord," and had become quite gleeful at ordering others around him. Iroh hoped he would grow out of this stage.
If only Zuko would obey him! The boy refused to listen to anyone, and his winsome charm was hard to resist. One look from his golden eyes was enough to gain him whatever he wished. Iroh was at his wits end with him!
Yet, when Iroh would tuck his sleepy nephew into bed; he would forget Zuko's mischief. Iroh would be reminded in the early morning, when he would be rudely awoken by a overexcited toddler.
After a week, things got worse. Iroh was sitting through a boring dinner party for high ranking warriors, counting the hours that he could return to his rooms. He just hated talking to vapid, bloodthirsty people who often were as uncultured as Waterbenders. Although most of the court was well educated, often the newly honored lacked the polish of the court. He had no interest in discussing the finer points of Fire Nation propaganda over tea.
He had nearly dozed off when he noticed a small figure tiptoe into the room. Zuko had crept out of bed and sneaked into the dining room! That boy would be sitting in the corner for hours when Iroh got his hands on him. The little prince walked up to the nobility seated around the low table. He began to introduce himself to the guests as he put sweets and cakes into his pockets.
Iroh was too shocked to react when he noticed the uninvited visitor. He wanted to creep over and drag his young relation out but he could not do that without making a scene.
The other guests reverently bowed their heads and made small talk with their young master, but the small talk was not going as Iroh hoped. The prince was just babbling whatever came to his honest little mind. Zuko was always too honest to a fault and had no ability to control his mouth.
"Hello, I'm Prince Zuko," he chirped happily to each one before commenting on whatever came to mind. "I'm going to be your Fire Lord thomeday."
"Who are you? Can I have your cake?" he asked one astonished young Yuuyan archer, who nearly dropped her tea in surprise. The poor girl had been being courted by Corporal Zhao and had been looking for a way to get away.
"Good evening, your highness. I'm Mei of the Clan Takamoto and ummm…of course you may have my cake," she said, quite stunned. Iroh coughed nervously and wondered where the heck were Zuko's attendants. "I hope you enjoy it, my young master."
"You are nice. Can I marry you? Then you give me your dethert all the time." he asked, stuffing the cake into his mouth. Iroh would have chuckled at the child's pertness if everyone else was not looking so shocked.
"Your highness…honors me," Mei said, her cheeks aflame. Iroh made a mental note to apologize to her as soon as he could. Then Zuko knocked some tea off the table with his elbow as he reached for the rich dessert. The hot liquid landed in the lap of the young Corporal Zhao, who gave his prince a murderous glare before excusing himself to change his robes. Maybe the prince's presence was not so bad after all. "And thank you, young master," Mei said with a grin.
"You awe really fat," Zuko said, turning to a famous general of the Fire Nation, who had served as one of Iroh's tutors. Iroh had been wrong. Zuko's presence was not bad, it was a sheer catastrophe! Iroh wondered if avoiding boulders would have been easier. "You don't need dethert. Gimme!"
"Your highness is better fed then taught," mumbled the general, glaring at Iroh, who had to remind himself to breathe. This was a disaster. Ozai was going to be furious when he heard about this. Please, Agni, just let Ozai be delayed at a meeting till Iroh could extract the nephew.
Before Iroh could get a hold on the situation, all Hell broke loose. The general's fat wife furiously screamed as Zuko ducked beneath the table and stole her slipper. He held it up, giggling with glee at his new trophy. "Look, Unka!" he called out, waving his prize happily.
"For the love of Agni, Prince Zuko, put it back," Iroh demanded, realizing how badly the party had been ruined.
Zuko cheerfully obeyed, creeping below and replacing the slipper on the woman's fat foot. The woman continued screaming as red liquid flowed from her white stocking clad foot. "I'm dying!"
"It's just a cherry tomato," Mei explained, trying to pacify the situation. "His highness must have just put it inside. No harm done!" Iroh had already planned to have a long talk with Zuko once he got the boy out of the room.
Since parties were notoriously boring, everyone seemed amused at Zuko's antics. "Three cheers for our prince, conqueror of the dinner party," called out Lady Sorekai, a pretty young countess. Uproarious applause followed. Zuko blushed and bowed slightly to the audience, enjoying the attention.
Suddenly, the guards snapped to attention as a gong was rung. The rowdiness dropped to an absolute silence as every head dropped to the floor. The Fire-Lord had arrived.
"May I ask what is going on here?" Ozai asked in a dangerous voice. He looked furious. He had managed to hide his wrath well enough but Iroh could see the murderous anger in the tightness of his jaw. "Why is Prince Zuko at this party? I don't recall him being invited."
No one answered. Everyone was too busy trying to stay inconspicuous and out of the line of fire. Ozai's metal capped boots clattered against the marble floors, making everyone shudder. He slowly made his way to his trembling child, who was in trouble and knew it. The poor boy's eyes were darting about, as if trying to find a place to hide. There was nothing. The unfortunate child was trapped and all alone. Iroh wanted to run to him but knew that would only make things worse.
Mei sighed. "That poor child," she whispered sadly, obviously figuring out in how much trouble Zuko was in. "He did not mean to be naughty."
Father and son were finally united in the middle of the floor. Ozai glared down at his son for a long moment, making the boy cower. With the level of hero worship Zuko had for his father, it must have seemed like Agni Himself was glowering at him. "Prince Zuko, why are you here?" Ozai asked finally.
"I'm thorry, I won't do it again!" Zuko pleaded, wilting under such negative attention.
"Answer the question." Ozai's voice could have rivaled a Waterbender in his chilling character.
"Fada…Father. I wanted to thee you," Prince Zuko whispered, obviously terrified of his father. Iroh was disgusted by how much Ozai was overreacting to a simple innocent child. He and Ozai had done far worse in their youth.
"Did that give you the right to leave your chambers, sneak away and be disobedient and rude?" Ozai asked softly. "Did it give you the right to embarrass your family?"
Zuko had no idea what his father was saying and merely stared up at him. "I'm thowwy," he repeated, on the verge of tears. "I did not mean to be bad."
"Well, then we shall have to have a little chat about how this can be avoided in the future," Ozai said, grabbing Zuko by the scruff on his neck. "Come along."
Zuko whimpered softly as he was dragged out of the room. Iroh noticed with dismay that Ozai had heated his hands, which meant being held would be incredible painful for the poor child. This was not going to go well.
He followed silently behind his brother, wondering what he could do for his nephew. It was forbidden to strike a child before his Agni Shahr, but with Ozai's temper, Iroh truly feared for his nephew's safety.
"Father, I…" Zuko mewled, still trying to save himself from punishment. Although no one else had ever punished him, Zuko seemed to have internalized that his father was not to be trifled with. He looked so bewildered and unaided that Iroh wondered if it would be worth the punishment to try and assassinate Ozai right there.
Ozai ignored his son. Hauling his docile and rather petrified son into a side room, Ozai steered him to a large metal dresser. "If you can't behave properly in public, then you can remain alone," he informed his wide-eyed son. Before the child could answer, Ozai opened the closet door and shoved his son inside. "You can stay in here until you learn your lesson," he said harshly.
"Father, no!" Prince Zuko pleaded, tears rolling down his cheeks as the door slammed in his face. "Fadah, it's dark. Pleathe, let me out, let me out, let me OUT! I'm thcard!" he shrieked, pounding on the doors. The child kicked and screamed at the walls of his iron prison, hyperventilating between shrieks of terror. His voice was growing ragged, Zuko was not breathing properly. He was on the verge of a complete fit! "Let me out, Fada. I'm sowwy! Please…please…dark, so dark," he wept through the doors.
"Be quiet!" Ozai ordered, giving the door a hard smack. "If there is not perfect silence, I will give you something to cry about," he threatened. "The sooner you learn your lesson about obedience, the sooner I will let you out."
Iroh stepped forward. "He can't breathe, my lord. Please, you have to let him out!" he protested. He felt tears sting in his own eyes. "It's dark in there! He's afraid of the dark."
"No son of mine is afraid of the dark. My son fears nothing. He will learn courage," Ozai intoned.
"Unka! Let me out, pleath," Zuko cried, still pounding on the doors. The wheezing was getting worse, as was his lisp.
"General, this is called discipline. Perhaps it's a foreign concept to you?" Ozai purred, his voice cruel at Iroh's fury. "My son will be perfectly obedient and dutiful."
"Yes. And I remember a young boy sobbing hysterically when shoved into a closet," Iroh spat back, itching to rip the door open and rescue his nephew. "It did not teach him obedience or duty. But you would know that better then me."
Ozai stared at his brother hatefully. Iroh had pushed his luck. He motioned to two guards stationed at the door. "Guard our young prince and makes sure no one disturbs him. Should anyone try and approach the door, kill them," he ordered, with a deadly smirk. "I'll be along later to deal with my son. Everyone else is to leave the room."
Iroh knew Ozai would only need a reason to humiliate him by having Iroh dragged out. He sighed, trying to avoid looking at the closet and stormed off to his office. He had tea to drink, heavily laced with alcohol.
Iroh had long since given up hope that he and his brother would ever be close again. He had done so much for Ozai, he had taken whippings for him, he had kept his secrets, he had been his friend, he had been his general and Iroh had even damned himself in the eyes of the Gods. His hands were so dirty, soaked with the blood of his own family. He remembered the day ten years ago.
Iroh stood in the garden. He should not be here; he had better things to do then indulge Hanae's love for the dramatic. He had no idea why she felt the need to make him meet her here at midnight.
"Iroh, thank Agni," he heard a familiar voice say. Emerging from the rose bushes was Hanae, dressed in a dark cloak. Holding her hand was Ozai, looking surly and pale. "Thank you for meeting me here," she whispered.
"At your service, my lady. What can I do for the Crown Princess and her consort?" Iroh needled, knowing how easily he could anger his brother.
"Oh shut it, you deformed midget. We aren't here for your word games," Ozai fired back.
"Please, my dear ones. Can't you put aside this idiotic rivalry and just cooperate?" Hanae pleaded. Her voice was shaking. "I need your help."
"All right, all right. Just tell me how I can serve you so I can get back to insulting your husband," Iroh said, earning another glare.
"The Fire-Lord had me brought to his chambers today. He told me he was tired of me miscarrying his heirs. He said the only question was if it was because my Ozai 'wasn't a real man' to give me strong children or if it was because of my 'faults'. He said he'd test me to see the experiment. He's going to…," and with that, Hanae melted into Ozai's arms. Those cruel arms were always so gentle with Hanae.
Iroh hung his head. "I'd give my life for you, sister, but if I defended you, I would have to. I'd be executed on the spot. Even your big lug of a husband can't go up against the Fire lord," he sighed, hating his slimy father even more. The man seemed to thrive on causing misery; thousands had been hurt at his hands. Nearly all the people Iroh had ever loved had suffered at his hands and Iroh had longed to take him down. Yet, that was impossible.
"Separately, no. But together, the three of us can take down your father and put Ozai on the throne. United together, we can do this. I remember once when you loved each other more then you loved the air you breathed. I know you both hurt each other but that is not important. I need you both," Hanae explained, her golden eyes shining with determination.
"Do you have any idea what you are asking?" Iroh gaped. This was treason, patricide and worse, it was cooperating with Ozai.
"I told you he would cower out," Ozai muttered darkly, holding his wife even more tightly.
"If you have any love for me, then you will join hands and stand with me against an enemy who has mortally wounded us all. He is responsible for all the problems we suffer and I say we make him pay!" Hanae said, intensity in every fiber of her being.
Ozai and Iroh stared at each other wearily. "How do I know he won't deceive me again?" Iroh asked angrily.
"It would take someone as selfish as you to think I'd betray someone trying to help my wife," Ozai snapped back, towering over his brother. "Or perhaps someone so self-centered can't grasp the meaning of the word love?"
'Selfish? You are the most self-centered person I have ever met. I recall you betraying me to Father, you stupid sycophant. Is that too b-b-b-big of a word for you, b-b-b-b-brother?" Iroh mocked back. He wanted to strangle his brother with his bare hands, just kill every member of this depraved family.
"That's it; show Hanae your true colors. You always considered me beneath you, you pompous, self-righteous egocentric. You always pushed me to the side. Now that I have everything you wanted, you are just jealous," Ozai spat, making a flame in his fists.
"You mean everything you stole. You are beneath me, you loathsome toady. No matter what Father said, I'm still the elder son. You will always be wearing my borrowed robes," Iroh retorted, clenching his fists to hold in his rage. They knew just how to hurt each other.
"Another Agni Kai will settle this, or are you going to lose your nerve and cower again? I should never have spared your life. This time, I won't hold back," Ozai said eagerly. He wanted to fight.
Iroh tensed. He may be the cleverer fighter but no one could match Ozai in terms of brute strength. He would most likely die. Well, he would not back down this time. What happened, happened. He had nothing to live for anyway.
"Both of you will shut up before I make you. I don't want to hear another word out of both of you. You will keep your mouths shut and your ears open. Is that clear? You are both behaving like children!" Hanae broke in, stepping between them. Her glare instantly silenced both of them. She was relentless when she wanted something and neither of them wanted to get in her way. Ozai and Iroh both turned away, trying not to look at each other.
"Do you want me dead?" she continued shrilly. "Because if you fight each other instead of your father, that is what is going to happen. I'm going to be raped or worse and your father will continue to play the two of you against each other, getting what he wants. For the love of Agni, isn't this worth putting aside your hatred of each other?" she demanded, taking out a dagger. "If you two can't cooperate, then I might as well end it here. I will not allow myself to be abused by your father," she said recklessly.
"NO!" both brothers shouted, rushing to restrain her. Iroh cared deeply about Hanae and he would never allow her to hurt herself. Ozai had already embraced his bride and wrestled the dagger from his wrist. "Try that again and we'll tie you up," they said at the same time.
"Good. Now you are working together. Keep it up and we may survive this event," Hanae said, with an iron smile that chilled both brothers. "Here is the plan."
"Daughter in law, how lovely you look in the moonlight," Father said, walking into Hanae's room. Hanae had been combing her dark hair, letting it down from the elaborate coils on top of her head. She did look like a vision, fragile and elegant.
"Thank you, your majesty," Hanae said, pulling away from him in fear. "I must beg your pardon, but it is improper for me to remain alone with you. You'll forgive me but I must find my husband."
"Pride won't help you with what I am about to do with you, my pretty little miss. You are about to see what it is like to have a real man. A pretty little flower like you, it's about time you were plucked," Father whispered, stroking Hanae's hair. "Such lovely hair."
"My husband admires it," Hanae threatened, trying to get away from the Fire Lord.
"Then why can't he get you pregnant?" Sajja asked. "That worthless son of mine is inconsequential. I could make you a queen, you know. I'll get rid of your eunuch of a husband and you can rule at my feet."
"I prefer to remain at my husband's side. You'll excuse me," Hanae muttered, shaking off the Fire Lord's touch.
"On your knees, girl. I'm your master, I hold your life in my hands. I could make your life very miserable if I am not happy. Your husband could die a mysterious death. I could have you imprisoned, beaten or executed. Your life is mine, my lady," Father hissed softly, walking around Hanae. " Why fight it? I am not unattractive. I may even promise to be gentle,"
Visions of Iroh's mother filled his mind. He had tortured his first wife into a fate worse then death. He would not hurt Hanae!
"Your majesty, are you so at a loss for women that you must force them?" Hanae enquired, guaranteeing that Father would lose his temper.
"I should remove your tongue for that, you little wench. Perhaps I should be more clear. We can do this by your own free choice, or I can summon the guards and have you tied down. Either way, I will have you."
"NO!" Ozai stepped out behind the curtains. "You will not touch her," he snapped.
"Oh come now, Ozai. You should be used to second pickings by now. Perhaps you'd like to watch and see how it's done? I think it would be very educational, my son."
"Can I share in the education too, Father?" Iroh demanded, stepping out and flanking his brother.
"The two of you united together again. How adorable! Perhaps Ozai should be reminded that he stole your birthright, Iroh. This does not concern you. Get out of the way," Sajja said, a flicker of fear in his eyes.
"You can't separate us anymore. You can't torture us anymore. You can't scare us anymore. You can't divide and conquer. It's time you realized that," Ozai said. "This is for Mother!"
"You are finished. You will never bar our happiness again," Hanae smirked, holding out her hands to her two defenders.
"Goodbye, Father. You always liked pain," Iroh said. Mirroring his brother's movements perfectly, the two Fire Masters sent identical ribbon of flames into their father's nostrils. It would be a mark free death, but eminently painful. Just as Father deserved.
Sajja, son of Souzen, the most powerful man in the world died screaming in pain, his eyes shocked and confused. Yet, was that a flicker of pride in his eyes, as he writhed in agony? Iroh, Hanae and Ozai watched him thrash about, as the flames consumed him from the inside. Nothing more then he deserved.
There was a moment of shock as the three friends watched the despot die, till the light in his eyes finally dimmed. It was like breathing fresh air again. Father was gone, he was never going to hurt them again.
The three of them fall to the floor, drained of energy. "He's really dead," Hanae whispered.
"We are free." Iroh held out his shaking hand to his brother. Surely, after the nightmare of their father had past, they could finally put everything aside. "Please, brother. Let us forget the past," he begged. He wanted to embrace his brother again. He had missed him more then words could say.
Ozai looked so torn for a moment. He stared at his father's body, still lying there like an exorcized demon. "Iroh, what have I done?" he whispered, his voice shaking.
"We eliminated a threat to our happiness. Now it is all over. Hanae is safe. The torture we endured is no more, my brother," Iroh clarified.
"We can rule together, Iroh will be your loyal general, I your devoted queen and you the love of our lives. We can have everything we always dreamed of," Hanae broke in happily.
"We murdered the anointed one of Agni. We killed our own father. How could you be so cavalier?" Ozai demanded, looking angry. His eyes had narrowed in his pale face.
"The anointed one of Agni who wanted to rape your wife. The father who never touched us in caring, but only tortured us. Get a hold on yourself, brother. He deserved what he got," Iroh spat angrily. "You hated him."
"And what is to stop anyone else from deciding that I deserve death? If you were willing to kill one Fire-Lord, you are willing to kill another!" Ozai answered distractedly. "I can't trust you. I can't trust anyone."
"My love, you can depend on us. Iroh and I would never hurt you. We love you. Please, my darling one, my master and husband, I know you are afraid. But everything is all right now," Hanae soothed.
"I am master of a den of serpents. Everyone trying to kill each other, everyone consumed with a lust for power. My own father wanted to hurt my wife, my family keeps killing one another. I will not allow this to continue. I will be in charge; I will be the master unquestioned!" Ozai whispered his voice tight. "No one can be trusted."
"Can I be believed?" Hanae asked sharply, clearly alarmed at her husband's fury. "I share your bed, I share your pain, and I share in your happiness. I am completely loyal to you."
"I am not talking about you, Hanae. I would stake my life on you," Ozai said, taking his wife's hand. "You are my soul." He turned to his brother and tone softened. "As for you, Iroh, the answer is yes. I have missed you too. I just need one favor."
"Name it. Anything in the world, my brother,'' Iroh offered, ready to make some concessions for peace.
"Kneel before the entire court tomorrow and swear your allegiance to me. Declare that you have no right to the throne and that you renounce your place as eldest son. Vow fealty as my loyal vassal. Then the past will be forgotten," Ozai held out his own hand. "Then everything will be perfect."
"If you need my public humiliation to seal our friendship, then you can choke on your own paranoia," Iroh said sadly. "I will kneel to my lord, I will abase myself for my commanding officer, but I will never cower to a friend."
"A Fire Lord can't have friends, only vassals. A Fire Lord can have no higher loyalty then his people. I can't allow my personal feelings to interfere. You will take your place as my confidant on your knees tomorrow or you will cease to be a part of my private circle," Ozai said coldly. "I will not hesitate to destroy anyone who gets in my way."
"It's just a ceremony, Iroh. Please, just do this for peace," Hanae pleaded, unwilling to stop her dream of peace.
"I bowed before you once and you flung me away. This time, I will stand at your side as a Prince of the Fire Nation, a General and the brother of the Fire Lord," Iroh retorted.
"You are nothing but what I allow you to be. My will shall be done and no one shall question it. I will do anything it takes to remain Lord. Don't push me further," Ozai warned.
"You are the one who has done the pushing. If you can't trust me, then why should I want your friendship?" Iroh enquired.
"Of course you want friendship. Don't be foolish," Hanae broke in, but both brothers ignored her.
"This is your last chance, Iroh. Please, if you care about me, you'll do this one thing for me. I thought you cared about me. Unless Father was right, unless you truly want to see me pushed back into the shadows. Perhaps you miss the attention you used to receive? Don't you want to prove him wrong, brother? One simple step is all it would take."
"Why should we discuss such unpleasant topics, husband. Iroh's loyalty is unquestioned, it should not matter," Hanae whispered, holding onto her husband.
"I made the step. It's up to him to decide if he wishes to remain at my side," Ozai said.
Iroh shook his head. "Goodbye, brother. Long live the Fire-Lord," he answered, walking out of the room, leaving his destroyed family behind.
"Don't turn your back to me!" Ozai commanded sharply. "Iroh, come back here! IROH!"
Iroh heard footsteps past by his door. He opened it and found Ozai holding his son and walking with him down the hall back to his bedroom. "You are very important to me. I don't like punishing you, but it's for your own good. I am your father and I know best. So if you don't listen to me, I will have to be strict with you," Ozai was telling him in a soothing tone. "But as long as you listen to me, as long as you obey me, nothing bad will ever happen to you."
"Never dithobey you again, Father," Zuko said pathetically, his eyes still shining with love. There was a defeat in his pose that made it clear that Zuko's delightful spirit had been crushed.
"Good boy. I know you will grow up to be the strong, obedient and clever son I need. Because you stopped crying when I told you too, tomorrow we'll go rhino riding together, just you and me. Then I am going to buy you some beautiful toys, just pick out whatever you want from the craftsman. All right?" Ozai said, completely neglecting the fact that Zuko was far too young to go riding and that affection could not be bought.
"Thank you, thank you, Father."
Of course, Iroh should turn a blind eye to the whole affair. How often did a prince of the Fire nation have a happy moment?
Once I called you brother
Once I thought the chance
to make you laugh
Was all I ever wanted...
This was my home
All this pain and devastation
How it tortures me inside
All the innocent who suffer
From your stubbornness and pride...
You who I called brother
How could you have come to hate me so?
Is this what you wanted?
Then let my heart be hardened
And never mind how high the cost may grow
This will still be so!
-Thus Saith the Lord, Prince of Egypt