Chapter Four –

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The clatter of pots and cups sound in the distance as the scene for the next interview comes into focus.

"Welcome back!" the interviewer greets the camera with great enthusiasm. "We're here on the set of Avatar: The Last Airbender at the Jasmine Dragon with a man who needs very little introduction – the Dragon of the West, General Iroh."

Iroh's grin is reserved as he pours some tea and places it in front of the interviewer. "Welcome to my tea shop. It is an honor to serve you."

"Thank you, General Iroh," the man replies, lifting his cup and bowing his head. He takes a sip and sets it down. "It's an excellent brew."

"Thank you." A slight blush creeps into Iroh's cheeks.

"I have to ask this question first. The viewers are dying to know. Were you surprised by your nephew's decision?"

"Which decision are you referring to?" Iroh's gaze narrows and he smiles. "He's made so many decisions that it's a little hard to keep track of them all."

"I am referring to the decision to side with his sister, Princess Azula." The interviewer elaborates before taking another sip of coffee.

"Oh, that one!" Iroh chuckles. "My poor nephew. He has been inundated with fan mail ever since. I believe he started to burn the letters."

"Were you surprised by his decision?" the interviewer prompts again.

Eying the interviewer thoughtfully, Iroh contemplates his answer and pours some more tea. He sets the pot down and settles back in his chair. "Yes and no."

"That isn't much of an answer," the interviewer laughs softly.

"It is the only answer I can give at this time," the former Fire Nation general replies. "Azula is a formidable opponent, probably more formidable than even her father. I had hoped that some of her mother's goodness would have balanced my niece's darker tendencies, but I am afraid that did not happen. Zuko, on the other hand, is very much like his mother. I believe there is still good in him."

"How can you say that after everything he has done?"

"Life is full of decisions," Iroh continues. "The paths one choose often go through dark shadows. Just because the path is in shadows does not mean it is dark in nature. A wide line of ambivalence separates good and evil. Just because one chooses the darker path does not necessarily make them evil."

"What of Azula? What of her path?"

"The journey is what one makes of it. Although I hope for redemption for my niece, I feel that she is beyond it."

"Are you saying that she is evil?"

"She is misguided."

"By whom?"

"Her loyalty to her father."

"What do you mean?"

"I was groomed to take my father's place. I was told how to think…how to feel. I was led to believe that there was nothing more important than the divine right to hold Agni's crown. It was only later that I realized how insignificant that divine right was. The Avatar is Agni's true representative."

"I don't understand. What do you mean?"

Smiling, Iroh leans back in his chair. "I could spend two lifetimes trying to explain the complexities behind the religious philosophies of my people. Wouldn't you rather discuss something else?"

The interviewer clears his throat and nods. "Yes, of course. One more question. How did you get out of the crystal enclosure?"

Iroh sits up straight, grasping his teacup tightly. "The crystals are very brittle. Any amateur Firebender could melt them and escape. Once free, I knew that I needed to help the Avatar and his friend. Azula is a formidable opponent. Teamed with her brother, she is even more so."

"General Iroh, thank you for your time and the tea." The interviewer stands and faces the camera. "Next up, we'll be talking to Toph Bei Fong. Stay tuned!"

Fade to commercial…

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TBC