Avatar: The Last Airbender Created By: Michael Dante DiMartino, Bryan Konietzko
Avatar: The Last Airbender Owned By: Nickelodeon, a subsidiary of Viacom
All original content and characters © Acastus


Chapter VII – The Road To War

"Ohhh! You've got to dismiss me for a toilet break! Please! I swear I'm about to float away here!"

Trimazu's booming voice brought the audience back to the present with an almost audible crash. Gao, who a moment ago had delivered the Fire Lord's final command, dropped the arm he had just used in an imperious gesture of dismissal. The audience began to titter as their host jumped up from his seat, evidently in some distress, and began to jog as fast as his portly frame would allow toward the exit.

As Trimazu gained the doorway, he turned and announced without a trace of shame, "Potty break, my friends! Let's all refresh ourselves before we continue. I shall return presently."

With that the merchant of Shanxi disappeared through the door. The room filled instantly with the low buzz of dozens of conversations, most of which contained various expressions of shock at their host's latest faux pas. Several guests, including Chen Ho, rose from their seats and followed Trimazu, presumably to find the washroom. An attendant ran forward to Gao with a curule chair. The storyteller accepted the proffered seat with a smile as well as the glass of water the servant offered next.

Iroh's expression during the first part of the tale had remained carefully controlled. His gaze fixed on the floor, the retired general had successfully avoided eye contact with his nephew and everyone else. Beneath his stoic countenance, however, his spirit was in turmoil. How strange and disturbing it was to hear one's life recounted by another in such a public venue.

Worst of all, old wounds long since healed now bled again freely. Iroh thought the hurt of Xian's passing had long since faded, but he was wrong. He was surprised at the sharpness of the pain that stabbed his heart as the storyteller played his cousin. Either through skill or, perhaps, direct observation, Gao had even mastered many of Xian's mannerisms. Iroh clenched his fist tightly at the memories, fighting back tears for the umpteenth time that evening.

A surprisingly gentle touch on his right hand prompted him to open his eyes and look over at his nephew. A slight shock ran through the retired General as he suddenly realized that he had forgotten to release his grip on Zuko's arm. More surprising still was the knowledge that his nephew had allowed him to hold on for so long. The moment now passed, the banished Prince removed his uncle's hand.

"Uncle," Zuko, his eyes wide, began in a low voice, "is any of this true?"

"Much of it, yes," replied the retired general in a whisper.

Zuko felt suddenly ashamed at how little he really knew of his uncle's past. Though young, he remembered many of the events of the siege of Ba-Sing-Se and its aftermath. He even recalled the glorious triumph Iroh celebrated on his return from the Battle of Five Forks. Zuko had been thrilled when he was allowed to ride with his uncle in the parade. But those events now seemed distant, unreal, as if part of a play or even the story being told them tonight. The sudden realization of this disconnect with the one man who cared for him added to his feelings of shame and isolation.

"I'm sorry, uncle, this must be painful for you." Despite his curiosity to hear the rest of the tale, Zuko took pity on his guardian, "Why don't we just leave? We've had our fill."

Iroh considered this, but rejected it quietly, "No, not only would that be rude to a host that has treated us with genuine kindness, but it would also draw too much attention. It is better to endure, enjoy a good night's rest if we can, and leave in peace." Then, even though he did not himself believe it, "After all, it is only a story."

A few minutes of silence passed between them before Zuko finally yielded to his curiosity and asked, "Who was this Nikon, uncle? You've never spoken of him before."

Iroh drew breath to respond, but was preempted by the return of their host. He swept through the door like an emperor, in complete command of his surroundings.

"Pardon, dear guests, but I'm sure you'll be thrilled to know I feel at least ten pounds lighter!" Trimazu patted his enormous bulk for emphasis as he proceeded back to his seat. Chortles were heard round the room at this totally unnecessary announcement. Governor Tao shook his head slowly in an express of both disbelief and exasperation.

Chen Ho followed Trimazu through the door, remarking snidely, "Well, not to worry, there's still plenty of you left to go around."

Ignoring this barb the host sat down and replied, "So Chen Ho, did you enjoy using my new guest bathroom? I believe it's larger than your whole entrance hall! Why, the glazing alone cost eight hundred gold pieces," then leaning towards his neighbor he emphasized with glee, "eight hundred! Haha!"

Chen Ho snorted in disgust as he reclaimed his seat. With a snap of his fingers he signaled a nearby servant for a refill of his wine. Chen routinely found himself drinking heavily whenever he was required to attend one of Trimazu's "events." This inevitably resulted in a loud exchange of insults which some viewed as the highlight of the entertainment. Most, however, dreaded the altercations as just another impropriety they were forced to suffer. Strong drink had been flowing freely, so tonight would prove no exception.

Trimazu then continued, saying to no one in particular, "And how about that Nikon? He's my kind of fellow. I'm partial to rogues, of course, and if I remember the stories right he was quite the ladies man." Then with mock sincerity and an exaggerated sigh, "Ah, he reminds me of myself when I was young!"

"Oh please, Trimazu," Chen Ho shot back acidly, "Gao gave at least some indication that this Nikon was good looking, which certainly rules out any comparison with you. Everyone knows you remain unmarried because your morbid obesity would scare a canyon crawler into fits."

"Why Chen Ho," their host replied with delight, "I believe you're actually developing a wit! Perhaps your brain is finally beginning to work? Of course, it's entirely due to my influence, you mustn't take any credit."

"And, as a matter of fact, I was in love once, but it didn't work out. Different worlds, you see? Now that I'm rich, though, I get marriage proposals at least once a week. The latest was from Lau Bei Fong from down south. He wants me to marry his twelve year old daughter. Do you believe that!?"

Once again adopting his conspiratorial tone Trimazu leaned over to address Iroh, "It's positively immoral! These snobs look down at farting in public, but will gladly sell their own daughter to a man they hardly even know, half a world away – just to stop me from ruining their iron and nickel business! It's scandalous! I have half a mind to take them up on the offer, just to rescue the poor little soul from such horrendous parents!" He nodded once quickly for emphasis before turning back to the storyteller who waited patiently.

"Gao!" he barked.

The old storyteller rose from his seat and the guests began to quiet as fast as if the lights had been dimmed in a playhouse. He bowed once to the audience then turned back to Trimazu and enquired, "Shall I continue, Master?"

The merchant lowered his wine glass after a long drink, burped, and replied, "By all means, my good man. Now that my bowels have been evacuated, I think we should continue. You had just finished telling us about Iroh's unhappy chat with old Azulon. What a miserable old man. Glad I wasn't there!"

"As it happens," the storyteller began as he turned back to his audience, "that's exactly how most members of the War College felt, and perhaps even Prince Xian…"


Xian and Iroh looked out from under the awning of the command tent. The capital's naval base bustled with activity below them. Dozens of Fire Nation warships lined the docks and hundreds of yard workers busied themselves loading the ships with the supplies and instruments of war.

Yet to be loaded, but lined up in neat rows on the shore were the tanks that now made up the main body of the Fire Nation land forces. They were large, ugly metal contraptions whose unpainted steel reflected dully in the failing light of the early evening.

Iroh adjusted his heavy coat as a rare snowfall began to descend from the heavens. Spring was now less than a month away, but winter still held its icy grip over the Fire Nation. After observing the scene for a few moments, Xian broke the silence, "So, how did it go after the rest of us were dismissed?"

Iroh did not reply. His eyes remained fixed on the scene below.

"You're still angry about Tien Shin," stated Xian simply as he turned and sat down at a table loaded with tea and refreshments behind them.

Iroh turned to his cousin and suddenly shouted, "Of course I am, Xian! Why shouldn't I be? Why aren't you? He patronizes you as much he flaunts his contempt for me!" Beside himself, Iroh continued, "You know what he's doing, don't you?"

"Peace, cousin," implored Xian, offering Iroh a steaming cup, "Sit down and have some nice, calming tea."

"I don't want any calming tea!" Iroh spread his hands wide in a gesture of frustration, "Don't you understand? Step by step Tien Shin is removing everyone who's a threat to him and paving the way for his own ambitions – and Father is helping him do it!"

Xian regarded his cousin coolly. Slowly he put the cup back down on the table. "How much of this did you say to the Fire Lord?"

His anger ebbing, the Crown Prince sat down heavily and admitted, "Pretty much all of it."

"That may not have been wise."

"I don't care." Iroh replied glumly.

"Yes, you do." Xian contradicted confidently, "What else did he say?"

"Nothing much. Something about asking the wrong question if I was so interested in his decisions. It didn't mean very much to me."

Xian took his tea cup and leaned forward, cradling it in his hands for warmth. After a moment or two of silence he replied, "You've been upset that Tien Shin was made daimyo instead of you. Fair enough. He's a filthy blackguard who, I'm sure, the Fire Lord has promoted into this position to discourage insurrection."

Iroh's eyes went wide at his cousin's insight. "Uh, yes, that's exactly what he said." How could Xian know this?

"But, has the question never crossed your mind why he put me in command?"

The question was sudden and at first, quite preposterous to Iroh. He replied without thinking, "Well, of course you should be in command, cousin. There is no other suitable candidate for this honor!" replied Iroh in a shocked tone.

"Oh? What about Master Chen? Or Field Marshall Jeong Jeong? You know and respect them both. Their experience is far greater than mine."

"I had… forgotten them."

"Do you still not understand why Uncle has put me in command?"

"What do you mean?"

"Have you not heard the whispers, cousin? They say the Fire Lord fears another rebellion if he places the power of this new technology into the hands of anyone but a member of the royal family. Worse, they say if he took command himself – and lost – it would surely ignite the civil war that all fear." Xian took a sip of the tea he had offered Iroh and concluded, "They are right."

"So, what of it? Father is paranoid. We know this. That doesn't mean you are any less suitable to lead."

"True, but it doesn't make me any more suitable either. Uncle is taking a terrible risk, Iroh. He is trying to balance the need for strong leadership and experience against a powerful external enemy with the need for loyalty." Xian looked down and with simple dignity uttered the truth he had known since the night of the Harvest Moon Feast, "I am not the best choice to command this army, just as Tien Shin is not the best choice to be daimyo. My concern is for our men and our nation. This campaign could yield the victory we seek, Iroh, but it could also be our end. My dreams are so dark."

A few moments of silence passed as Iroh looked closely at his cousin. The anger that had animated him for most of the conversation evaporated instantly. Xian, whom Iroh had always known as a pillar of strength and wisdom, seemed somehow to shrink amidst the uncharacteristic expressions of doubt and foreboding on his face. He was clearly upset to have spoken so to the Crown Prince.

Trying to find words of comfort for a man he admired and loved Iroh began, "I would choose no one else, cousin." The Crown Prince smiled and continued, "So get used to use it. When I am Fire Lord, hopefully many, many years from now, I too will settle for no one other than you in times of trouble. Especially since I doubt I'll be able to tear Nikon away from whatever brothel he's currently frequenting."

Xian looked up and rewarded his cousin with a little laugh. Then in a serious tone, "You will make an excellent Fire Lord, Iroh. I hope I live to see it."

Iroh frowned at this, saying, "None of that, cousin! I forbid it. We will be victorious, we have no choice." Looking down himself, Iroh continued, "I won't give you up."

Then the Crown Prince raised his head and locked eyes with his cousin, an impish grin on his face "Tien Shin, on the other hand, I would gladly hand over to Nifong with a thousand gold pieces and the governorship of any province he wants!"

Xian laughed as Iroh poured himself some tea. "Ah, you'll join me for some tea after all, then?"

"Yes, on second thought, maybe some nice, calming tea would be good."


After finishing their tea the pair caught a carriage down to Showa Field. The infantry were assembling there for inspection that afternoon and Xian insisted that he conduct these exercises personally. Xian dozed much of the trip as Iroh looked out the window.

As the carriage mounted the hill overlooking the training grounds the sound of someone grabbing the exterior cleats was heard. Nikon's face then popped in through the window, startling both of the passengers.

"Welcome, General Xian, Prince Iroh," Nikon inclined his head in a slight bow to each of them as he hung onto the moving carriage, "You're going to be early. We should be ready in about twenty minutes. I just learned Chieng Shung won't be here for another hour or two, though."

Recovering from Nikon's sudden appearance Xian responded, "Greetings, Commander. Why won't Chieng be here on time?"

"I don't know. She didn't give a reason. We were supposed to have met her weeks ago when we first found out we were having so much trouble with the fuel filters, but she's blown us off every time. What's her problem?"

Xian coughed and replied, "Well, let's just say she's like her father."

Iroh raised an eyebrow at this, for he had never met Chieng either. Her father's surly behavior was just as legendary among the nobility, however, as was his inventive genius.

"Why? What is he like, General?" asked Nikon.

"He is an arrogant, nasty old man. But…," Xian continued with a slight, knowing smile, "you may like her. Or appreciate her at any rate."

"Oh?"

At that moment the carriage came to a sudden, lurching halt. Nikon was almost thrown, but managed to hold on. The tank commander jumped off the carriage's sideboard as Xian and Iroh got out to investigate the source of the delay.

Their carriage was driving through the training base at the edge of the main training grounds. A dozen state barouches were parked in front of the headquarter building. A party of men had just exited. They were escorting a figure in white towards the parked carriages. As they drew nearer the identity of those at the head of the procession became clear.

A company of military police were escorting Master Chen, his hands bound in chains. He was flanked by Tien Shin on one side and by Yotaku Macro, the infamously cruel Commander of the Fire Lord's Guard.

"What is this? Master Chen – what's happened? Why are you with these guards and that – that…" Nikon sputtered, pointing at Tien Shin as he searched for the words to express his shock.

"Master Chen is under arrest for treason," Tien Shin supplied.

The prisoner looked solemnly at his former student, then turned to Iroh and explained in his sonorous voice, "It seems I made some disparaging remarks at dinner a few months ago about your father. I don't recall them."

Shaking his head incredulously, Iroh addressed his step brother, "This is nonsense, Tien Shin! This time you've gone too far – you'll be laughed out of Court for this."

"I don't think so, Prince Iroh. Now stand aside. I am on state business and may not be interfered with – even by the Fire Lord's son!"

Thrusting Nikon out of the way, Tien Shin marched past Iroh and Xian with his prize. The prisoner was loaded into the closest carriage and spirited away before any of them could utter another word.