Chapter 2 – Acquaintanceship

Jess was not happy. Not one bit happy. She cursed Onabi viciously for her present incarceration – she knew that Lu Ten was trouble. Jess had momentarily entertained the idea that he was one of those fabled 'good ones', but she was wrong. And look where trusting a man had gotten her: riding off to the Fire Nation, hands cuffed onto a komodo-rhino, being held upright by the most loathsome man she had ever encountered. And she had encountered a lot of men in her line of work. He had claimed her like a piece of meat and for that she hated him. And from the looks he was receiving from his comrades, they hated him too.

Something extremely bad had happened and as curious as she was, Jess really didn't care. She was right in the middle of a job when this squad kicked in her front door. They had allowed her to collect some personal belongs, but nothing mattered to her other than her money. They TOOK that. Still, no matter how much she complained or how uncomfortable she was –or even that she was admittedly terrified– the most annoying thing about the situation was how much she worried for Onabi's safety.

Damn emotions.

The man behind her shifted and she elbowed him out of reflex. "Hands to yourself."

The man rubbed his ribs painfully. "Damn it woman – I didn't ask to keep an eye on you."

"No? You made it perfectly clear that I belong to you. Let's get this straight –" To emphasize her point her jabbed him with every word. "I. Don't. Belong. To. Anyone!"

"You got your hands full with that one Lao!" A soldier jeered.

"I like a challenge." Jess elbowed him again. "I have had it up to here with you woman –"

"Don't ever call me woman again you dog!"

"This dog knows a bitch when he sees one."

Jess's eyes narrowed. "Is that so . . . so that's why you smell like shit, had your nose sniffing peoples asses?"

Lao's eyes narrowed. "Nope. Just yours."

Jess gasped incredulously– this meant war. "You'd better watch your tongue."

Lao smirked and leaned closer to the woman in front of him. "Go ahead and see if you can bite it off." He licked her shoulder, daring Jess to bite him.

He never thought she actually would.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH! FUFFING 'ORE!"

Jess smirked to herself and causally wiped the smear of Lao's blood off her chin. She giggled in satisfaction listening to the sweet sounds of victory as he slurred out inaudible curses on his bleeding tongue.

They halted shortly after that incident which gave her enough time to take a thorough look around the procession. The sun was just starting to haze the sky with color and the shape of an imperial Fire Nation warship was directly in front of her. Strangely, there was what looked like an Earth Kingdom platoon boarding the ship of their own accord. Other's Fire Nation soldiers were there to greet them on bended knees, but the thing that interested her most was the large palanquin at the foot of the gangplank. The march had continued through the better part of the night and it seemed to Jess that having men carry anyone in that manner would be a waste of recourses. She also hadn't seen Onabi or Lu Ten during this march so she determined they must be hidden on the palanquin.

Unless. . . she'd been tricked.

Jess thought for a moment – the soldiers said that she had been named as a friend of a young woman named Hikari and that she was in need of assistance before presenting her with a letter. Maybe she should have read it rather than ripping it into bits and throwing it in the soldiers' faces. It had all happened to fast; Jess had to think hard about what exactly conspired. They had said something about Hikari – and Lu Ten as well . . . Hikari was going to the Fire Nation with her husband Lu Ten for questioning. Lu Ten must be from the Fire Nation. Spirits, what had that girl done? Of all the people to be in trouble with the Fire Nation, Jess never would have guessed it would be Onabi. But then – why would the couple go to the Fire Nation for questioning? Couldn't they question them in one of the colonies? Or have some ranking officer –

No.

Jess was hoisted off the rhino, when the realization hit her. Lu Ten must be a Fire Nation officer– an officer fraternizing with the enemy. What if he was a commander or general of some kind? He had been sneaking out in the evenings to see Onabi the last time Jess had seen him. Onabi never gave her details as to why Lu Ten wasn't coming back. They must have been found out by his people. Or perhaps they had deserted together after her friend was thrown out of the house by Madam. Whatever it was, it was not good; by now, there could be a baby involved.

Jess shuttered.

Something was draped over her shoulders and she looked back at the man who had been holding her: he had mistaken her trembling for a cold chill and had given her his cloak. He didn't say anything, nor did he look happy with her, but a moment passed between them. Jess couldn't explain what it meant, but she nodded with determination and thanks. Life was going to get complicated.

The man –Lao– gently took hold of her arm and Jess's attention went to the palanquin. In one fluid action Lao had them both kneeling with their heads down. Jess wrenched herself out of his grip to see what was happening. The curtain opened revealing a short, older gentleman with a dangerous look in his eye. He was a striking man despite his stature, probably quiet handsome in his youth. He was nice to look at now as it was. Jess could have sworn that she had seen this man somewhere before. The way the soldiers carried on, he could be the bloody Fire Lord for all she knew. He signaled the men to rise with a single finger and instantly the remaining company began their march onto the warship.

"Who's that guy?" Jess didn't expect an answer but she needed the question to be out in the open.

Surprisingly, the man holding her leaned in supplying answer. "General Iroh; the Crown Prince of the Fire Nation." Her face must have betrayed more confusion than she wanted, because the man continued. "He's the leader of the Siege of Ba Sing Se."

"Why is he here?"

The man took a fortifying breath. "His leaving Ba Sing Se to deal with some . . . family matters."

"What could be so important that he would leave the Siege?" It was at that moment all the breath in her lungs vanished and Jess paled a ghostly white. The next person out of the palanquin was Lu Ten with Kimi hiding her face in the crook of his neck – he bore an uncanny resemblance to the princely general.

The man beside her cleared his throat. "I think you're acquainted with the General's son. Prince Lu Ten."

Now, Jess was not an emotional woman –in fact she hated the feeling of weakness– but seeing her best friend follow after the two Fire Nation princes drew tears from her eyes. Cradled in Onabi's arms was the bastard child she had refused to give up: future heir to the Fire Nation throne.

"Spirits Onabi . . . what have you done?"

Lu Ten did not – could not – take his arm off his wife. He felt as though he was walking naked onto the warship and didn't even have a free hand to protect his family. He tried not to appear nervous or look around at the soldiers in attendance, but he just couldn't keep his gaze ahead of him. What made matters worse, was that every time he made eye contact with someone they looked away to conceal their loathing.

Hikari pressed closer to him, but she looked on ahead with her chin held high. It amazed Lu Ten that she could be so poised in such a hostile situation. Sure, he was the one they hated, but she was the outsider who caused it. The walk from the palanquin to the deck of the ship could not be over quick enough in Lu Ten mind. But it did finally end, as the young family followed Iroh below deck.

The General dismissed the soldiers flanking their group and silently led through the corridors of the barge to the royal suites. The memory of the trip to Ba Sing Se flashed in Lu Ten's mind. He would be separated from his comrades on this voyage and a part of him disheartened remembering his father's words: You must be an example for the men; one of dignity and strength. Yes they will follow your orders, but you Lu Ten; you must live each day among them. Show them that their nation rests in capable hands. Anything else would be shameful. Had he brought shame to his Nation and his family? It was a question that would haunt him for his sheer lack of an answer.

Once safely behind closed doors, Iroh, Lu Ten and Hikari audibly exhaled. The infant hiccupped and Kimi wriggled down to the ground to hide herself behind Lu Ten's pant leg; her doll squished in the crux of her armpit. Lu Ten gently ran him hand over Kimi's hair and smiled down at his son before leaning into his wife for a much needed kiss. Hikari happily obliged, humming a sigh softy onto her husband's lips. Lu Ten pulled her and the baby into an embrace when he glanced at his father's mixed expression. It was an emotion Lu Ten couldn't quite place, something akin to wistful.

Iroh broke the silence of the room, and even then his voice was no more than a whisper. "I do not envy the adversity the two of you are going to face, but I do hope for both of your sakes that it doesn't destroy your marriage."

Neither Lu Ten nor Hikari made any attempt to answer him.

Iroh continued, changing the glum atmosphere when his gaze landed on the baby. "At least here I can play grandfather." He held out his hands and looked at Hikari with a glint of elation in his eyes. "May I?"

Hikari smiled, carefully passing the newborn into his grandfather's waiting arms.

"Ah yes, this is what I've been waiting for."

Lu Ten tensed. "Support his head."

"He told me the same thing." Kimi piped in helpfully.

Iroh chuckled. "Did he?" The General scoffed playfully at his son. "Calm down Lu Ten, I've had some experience with babies."

Hikari giggled and kissed her husband's cheek sweetly, taking hold of his arm and laying her head on his bicep. "He's just nervous, General."

Lu Ten scowled at all of them; they were conspiring against him.

The child's eyes widened as he inspected the unfamiliar new person holding him. With a hiccup and a yawn, he nuzzled himself into the warmth of his grandfather and went to sleep.

Iroh smiled and looked back up at the lovers with a grin. "My congratulations to you both; I couldn't ask for a more prefect grandbaby."

Lu Ten pulled Hikari into him as if she would disappear at any moment. "I'm a very lucky man."

Hikari buried her face in his collar gripping the hair at the base of his neck. As is reminding herself of something important, Hikari breathed in his scent and spoke quietly. "I love you Lu Ten."

Lu Ten swallowed hard, closing his eyes and pretending no one else was there to saver the intimacy of his wife's touch.

Iroh smiled and turned his eyes to Kimi. "Now then, what about you? How do you feel about everything that's going on?"

Kimi shrugged.

"You do know we're going to be sailing to the Fire Nation?"

She nodded.

"And you want to go with us?"

She shrugged again, this time offering him an answer. "I don't have anywhere else to go."

Iroh's face fell and he knelt down in front of her to speak gently. "Unfortunately, war has that effect on many people. But you don't have to worry little one, no harm will come to you while I have breath."

After the briefest pause, Kimi beamed and hurled her arms around the Iroh's neck. "Thank you Mister General!"

"Whoa there, we have to be careful of the baby." Lu Ten was already taking the boy from his grandfather before Iroh had disentangled himself from the little girl.

"I'm sorry."

"It's quite alright little one, no harm done."

"I make mistakes sometimes."

Iroh smiled at her, but glanced poignantly at his son as he handed the baby off to its mother. "Mistakes help us learn."

"I will try to be a good girl – I'll help with chores and dishes and I won't be loud or run on the deck and I'll eat all my vegetables, but Kimi Two might not eat her vegetables because she doesn't have a mouth but I still like her and –"

"Kimi." Hikari gently warned.

Iroh boomed with laughter. "And here I was under the impression that you were shy."
Kimi stood up proudly. "Nope – I'm not shy with people who are good."

Iroh's eyebrow rose. "And what do you mean by that?"

Kimi shrugged. "You're good." The statement was spoken as if it was common knowledge. She looked up at Lu Ten then. "Where is Lao?"

"He's getting Jess settled. We'll find him later."

"Can I stay with Lao?"

Lu Ten looked to his wife for an answer. Hikari smiled. "We'll see."

Iroh cleared his throat. "There are some things that we need to go over." Everyone's attention went to Iroh. "First off, I don't want any of you to leave this room without an escort. I will assign my most trusted men to stand guard of the door, but you must still be cautious. Some individuals have taken personal offence to this situation and I don't know how they're going to handle themselves. There's already been an attempt on your life, Lu Ten."

Hikari blinked up at her husband. "What?"

Lu Ten mentally kicked himself for not telling her. "We'll talk later."

Hikari's brow twitched but she looked back at Iroh without a word.

"Second, you have responsibilities to your men, Lu Ten, and I expect you to continue your duties. Under the circumstances, however, I have decided that Shi Nu will take over command of your unit."

Lu Ten nodded, grinding his teeth.

Iroh meaningfully focused on his son. "I'm not going to say that I approve of any of this, but I won't say that I am entirely against your resolution either. This siege has gone on far too long, but we have made it through the wall. Control of the Earth Kingdom is within our reach – that is what the Fire Lord is going to be focused on when we return. Never mind the legitimacy of your union."

"Father," Lu Ten chose a formal address, "What good is victory if it means the destruction of another culture?" Lu Ten aided Hikari in sitting on their cot.

"Lu Ten," Iroh continued informally, "The destruction of the Air Nomads is regrettable, but these things happen in war. The Earth Kingdom will see they are better off under our control once we have established ourselves after the war."

"Why couldn't we have asked to assimilate into the country rather than attacking?"

"That was Fire Lord Sozin's decision. But as a member of the royal family, you should trust the wisdom of your forefathers."

"And what of the earthbenders? Are we just going to keep rounding them up and shipping them out of their homes?"

"Yes. Your great-grandfather believed it was imperative that all benders who pose a threat to our people be disposed of."

"So he slaughtered the easiest targets in their beds – and probably the Avatar with them."

"Watch your tongue, Prince Lu Ten." Iroh's warning was firm and his temperature had gone up considerably. "Comments like that will give credence to those who already believe you've betrayed our Nation."

Lu Ten swallowed his rising temper and corrected his speech. "And so Fire Lord Sozin, destroyed the greatest threat first, regrettably killing millions in the process."

Iroh took a breath but his next comment was cut short as Hikari spoke. "Isn't the Fire Nation still looking for the Avatar?"

Iroh answered her kindly. "It's a matter of prestige rather than precaution really. Lu Ten would have his go at hunting the Avatar once the Siege was won."

"If it was won."

Iroh smiled at her. "Yes. If."

Where both men were beginning to lose their composure, Hikari had tactfully broken up their growing argument simultaneously asserting her stance on the matter. She was a bright young woman. But Iroh wondered just how bright. If she wasn't so sincere with her devotion to Lu Ten, the General's instincts would have named her a spy. A very good one at that. Even now he was wary of her, all be it cordial. But his son had never been much of a lady's man . . . Ever. How Hikari had managed to get him to bed was beyond the General's comprehension. Was she a well-trained enemy infiltrator? Had this girl somehow brain-washed his son? Or was she a prostitute who led Lu Ten astray with her charms? She was a beauty to be sure.

He didn't like suspecting his apparent daughter-in-law and wanted to trust his son's judgment, but Iroh simply didn't know enough about the woman to think anything else. And for the moment Lu Ten's better judgment was in question.

"That's enough of this depressing conversation," Iroh cleared his throat to change the subject with a broad smile. "So tell me, how did you two meet?"

Lu Ten pinked, panic all over his face. Hikari giggled and answered for him playfully. "I caught him spying on me while bathing."

"I wasn't spying!"

Iroh laughed hard. "My son?! I can't believe it!" Kimi quickly joined in the laughter, flopping back on the cot next to the young lovers.

"I wasn't spying!"

Hikari blushed continuing her tale. "I've never known a man who'd tell you he was spying or turn his back while you dressed. Or come back the next day to make sure you're okay." She paused to turn a secret smile onto her affronted husband. "I've never met an honorable man before I met you."

Lu Ten melted, drawing her close until their brows met and Hikari slipped a hand up to cup his jaw. Softly he still protected, "I wasn't spying."

"I know." Hikari tenderly brought her husband in for a kiss. Lu Ten could feel her trembling and pulled back to search her eyes. Though she was smiling, something was definitely wrong.

Iroh continued merrily, oblivious to Lu Ten's change in demeanor. "I'm glad my son conducted himself appropriately. And I must say, I think he has great taste in women."

Hikari briefly bit her lip. "You flatter me, General."

Lu Ten eyed his father warily. Was it jealously he felt just then? His father had always been a shameless flirt, but he wouldn't make a move on his wife. Would he? "Dad, when do we need to be on deck?"

Iroh waved his hand dismissively. "Oh, we have plenty of time. Besides I want to hear more about my beautiful new daughter-in-law." Hikari seemed to relax immensely and smiled almost thankfully at the General while he continued his questioning. "So tell me, my dear, did Lu Ten steal the first kiss?"

"Dad!"

Hikari laughed. "Actually sir, I had to kiss him."

"Lu Ten! I'm surprised at you!" Iroh slapped his upper arm in reproach.

They young prince began rubbing his temples.

"After all the instructions I've given you."

"Dad . . ."

"What instructions?" His wife teased.

"Hikari . . ."

Kimi snickered mischievously. "I saw them."

"Kimi . . ."

Iroh laughed. "Dare I ask who proposed?"

Hikari flushed crimson and Lu Ten piped up, "I did."

"Well I'm thankful for that!"

"Me too." Hikari's eyes saddened suddenly. "General, if you don't mind I'm a little tired. I think I'm going to lie down for a while."

"Of course! You deserve a good long rest. I should return to the men anyway. Will you be able to join us for the evening meal?"

Hikari nodded. "I think so."

"Oh good. Lu Ten, I'll need you on deck as well."

"Can I come?" Kimi asked. "I want to find Lao. Do I get to stay with him, Onabi?"

"I don't know Kimi."

General Iroh smiled. "I'll take you to see him."

"You will?!"

"Yes, and I'll give you the grand tour of the ship myself."

"Can Kimi Two come too?" She held up her doll.

"Of course!" The two celebrated by dancing a jig about the room as Hikari clapped along with their rhythm

Lu Ten smiled, seeing his chance to speak with Hikari alone. "I'll meet you up there in a while."

Iroh glanced from his son to his young wife as Kimi pulled him out the door. "Don't be too long."

"Yes sir." The door closed and Lu Ten hung his head.

"Lu Ten?"

He turned to her with a smile. "I'm fine love. But are you?"

Hikari's eyes were tired but she nodded. "I should probably see Jess soon."

Lu Ten nodded and looked her over, the baby slept deeply in her arms. But Hikari couldn't hold him forever. With a quick scan of the room he pulled open the top drawer of their dresser and placed it on the bed, carefully rearranging the miscellaneous garments. "It's not the best place for a baby but–"

"It's prefect." Hikari laid the infant into the makeshift crib. Lu Ten let the babe hold onto his finger as he settled into his new bed. The prince watched his wife pull her legs onto the cot, hissing as she began to lie down.

Lu Ten was quick to support the small of her back and straighten her legs for her. "You need to rest. I'm going to have a meal brought down to you. Is there anything you need?"

Hikari worried her lip. "Just Jess. And a basin of water maybe? To wash?"

"Should I send for a washtub?"

"You have them on the ship?"

"It's an imperial ship. It . . . has a lot of things."

"Okay . . . If it's not too much trouble."

"It's not." Lu Ten brought her hand to his lips keeping his eyes on hers. "I love you."

"I love you too." Hikari's lip trembled. "How long will it take to get to the Fire Nation?"

"We should cross the Serpent's Pass within the week, and from there it shouldn't be more than a month."

"A month?"

Lu Ten nodded.

Hikari sighed. "Okay."

"Are you sure you're alright?"

She shrugged. "Just – really anxious."

Lu Ten leaned in to kiss her. "I'll make sure you have everything you need. And I'll come back to take you to dinner." Lu Ten kissed her once more and reluctantly stood.

"Wait." Hikari caught his hand and Lu Ten turned back to her. She couldn't find the words she wanted to say. There was so much.

But thankfully, Lu Ten saw her fear and sat back down. "I'm scared too."

Hikari smiled lovingly. "I guess this is all becoming real to me. I'm not sure what I expected."

"What do you mean?"

She raised her eyebrows. "Lu Ten, the most feared man in all the Earth Kingdom was just cuddling our child. I mean – do you think he even likes me?"

Lu Ten had never thought of his father as 'feared'. He was Dad – benevolent, steadfast and sometime completely inappropriate and embarrassing. But he was also the Great Dragon of the West. Songs had been written about his conquests. No wonder Hikari had been uneasy.

Gently Lu Ten took up both of his wife's hand and leaned in to look her directly in the eye. "Love, I don't honestly know what he thinks of you – or me for that matter. But I know my Dad, and he would never hurt you or the baby. And if for any reason I'm wrong about this," Lu Ten licked his lips pushing away his doubts. "I won't let him."

"I don't want to come between you two."

"You won't." He kissed her forehead. "I promise, Hikari, I will never let anything happen to you."

"Don't make that promise."

Lu Ten was taken aback. "I mean it."

Hikari nodded. "I know. But you can't promise something that you have no control over." Lu Ten cocked his head and his wife smiled. "If I could be with you every moment of every day, then maybe you could make that promise. But even if you weren't a prince, that's just not plausible." She kissed him sweetly. "I love you. And I'm scared out of my mind – but I trust you. And I've made a promise to walk through life with you as my partner. It's not going to be easy, so I don't want us to start making empty promises to each other. I mean, you don't know how many men leave women after . . . but you didn't. Well, you didn't want to–"

"Hiakri," Lu Ten wet his lips. "I know– I know what you're talking about, because I've seen it happen. I'm so glad that you believed me. No, that's not it – I've never wanted anyone but you by my side and I don't want to make empty promises either. I love you. And I meant what I said. I'm just really fortunate that you understand what I actually mean. And that you're here to ground me." Hikari smiled her secret smile for him. "I won't make that promise, but I will do my damnedest to be the best man I can for you, for our boy, and for this world."

Hikari reached up to pull him close. The weight of the excruciatingly long night nudged Lu Ten to lie beside her, nuzzling and kissing tenderly. As their mouths heated with desire, Hikari pulled away. "We can't. I need to heal."

Lu Ten nodded somewhat amused by her. "I know. Am I not allowed to kiss you anymore?"

Hikari blushed. "Maybe not; I might not be able to stop. . ."

Lu Ten exhaled. "I love –" A knock at the door, had the young prince on his feet helping his wife sit up. "Who's there?"

"You're escort Prince Lu Ten."

"I forgot . . . Thank you, a moment." Lu Ten looked back at his wife. "Jess and the tub will get here in no time. Don't leave the room today though; I need to meet the guards before they lead you anywhere."

"I wasn't going to leave anyway, walking isn't very fun. And I need to sleep a little."

Lu Ten smiled. "I'll be back as soon as I can."

"I'll be waiting for you."

He would have preferred a private dinner after a day like this, but Iroh knew that wasn't going to happen. It was important to share the first meal on board the ship with the men. If only to keep them from killing each other. What was he thinking agreeing to let Earth Kingdom soldiers accompany them? Yet, out of respect for the Order, he had consented to General How's terms. The soldiers were there as a gesture of good will and faith in their pending 'peace negotiations'.

The General had to shake his head at the very idea. Fire Nation forces were beyond the wall – How knew as well as he did that it would only be a matter of time before Ba Sing Se fell, and the Earth Kingdom with it. Peace would come with their victory. This whole situation would simply prolong the inevitable. Sending the troops with them was yet another tactic in a futile battle.

But then, there was his son.

Iroh sighed. It was not something he wanted to think about. There was no telling what his father would have to say about his wayward grandchild. Iroh had always known Lu Ten to be a good and noble and loyal son – a boy that had grown into the kind of man fathers proudly brag about in their old age. Iroh did that as it was. He was not the kind of man who would abandon his men in the middle of a war, or betray his country, or falsify military documents, or frequent whores, or sire illegitimate children . . .

The old General pinched the bridge of his nose wearily. Where did he go wrong? How had it come to this?

Iroh rounded the corridor that would take him to his son's room when he saw the resurrected Lieutenant Lao leaning next to the royal guards posted outside. Upon closer inspection, he also spied little Kimi doing her very best to copy the Dead Man's stance. "Lieutenant Lao, I am surprised to see you at my son's door."

Lao bowed deeply mimicked by Kimi. "Another muscle spasm, General Iroh sir."

Iroh chuckled. "And to what do I own this visit?"

Lao was smiling. "My charge is still with your son's wife."

"I see."

Someone was suddenly yelling on the other side of the door. "WHERE'S MY DRINK?!" The guards shared a look before the door flew open to reveal a very angry young woman who was no Hikari. "What is taking so long?!"

"Jess please –" His daughter-in-law attempted from within.

"I said I wanted it over five minute ago – the incompetence of these buffoons!"

Lao gestured with a smirk. "General Iroh, this is Jess. Charming, isn't she?"

"Shut up you." Jess all but spit venom at the Dead Man, before turning the most sugary sweet grin toward Iroh. "A pleasure to meet you General."

Fear gripped him, yet Iroh swallowed his rising disquiet. This woman was sweet Spirit, and she was the person Hikari named as a friend. Lu Ten's ardent claim that his wife was not a harlot seemed more doubtful by the moment. With a smile, the General extended hand. "Jess, it's good to finally meet you. And allow me thank you for accompanying us on this voyage. I hope my men have made you comfortable?"

Jess crossed her arms under her breasts and popped a hip to one side. "I will let you thank me – though I didn't have much choice in the matter."

There was the slightest touch of spite behind her words, but Iroh pressed on. "Needless you say, I am glad for your presence aboard my ship." Jess smirked as though she could see right through his façade of propriety.

Hikari was at the door then. "General, I'm so sorry for shouting. It won't happen again."

"No harm done, my dear, we're all simply adjusting." Hikari smiled in thanks. Spirits be true, she did have a lovely smile.

"What's going on here?" Lu Ten had turned the corner and worry dripped from his query.

"Ah– there you are my son. Good, now you can dress for dinner."

"Yes please do."

The saucy comment brought Iroh's attention back to Jess. From his son's immediate tension, Iroh knew at once that this was not a woman Lu Ten felt comfortable with at all. Strangely, he realized then that he had never seen his son completely comfortable with any woman other than Hikari. Lu Ten even seemed to dodge Jess as he passed to group to stand with his wife.

That's when Iroh noticed Hikari's change of clothes. "My! Don't you look lovely! I see you found the dress I sent for you."

Everyone looked, making Hikari feel a bit awkward and uncomfortable. Red became her skin and her thick, wavy hair favored a half top-knot– her hair was meant to cascade over her back. Iroh was also pleased with the fit, hiding what was left of her pregnancy while hinting at the womanly curves Hikari would soon reclaim. "Thank you General Iroh. You're very generous to think of me."

"Generous?" Jess piped up. "Well, I'll say that again. Where're my dresses?" Lao pinched her. "Hey! What was that for?!" And Jess elbowed him.

Iroh could only laugh. "Oh I haven't forgotten you. Now that you're settled in you room, I will send them to you."

"You're too good, General." The woman's eyes beckoned him.

Iroh stroked his beard flirtatiously. "And perhaps you can model them over a private meal."

"I'm sure we could arrange something."

The looks they were getting made him laugh heartily. "But now, we have things to do. Lieutenant Lao."

"Yessir?"

"Would you be so kind as to take Kimi up to the Capitan's quarters? I have prepared a special meal for her there."

Kimi beamed. "Can Lao eat too?"

"Of course!"

"Thank you Iroh!" Lao rolled his eyes and heaved the eager child onto his shoulders. "To the Capitan's quarters!"

"I'm not a pack-mule-pig." The Dead Man growled through his teeth. "What did I ever do to deserve this?"

Iroh waved them off before addressing his son. "And Lu Ten, you're supposed to be changing."

The young prince had only half heard him. "Um, what?"

"You need to change into your imperial blacks for dinner with the men. Your wife is already dressed, and doesn't she look stunning?"

Hikari looked curiously up at her husband whose mouth hung agape. "Lu Ten?"

"I . . ."

"He looks like he's swallowed a bug." Jess observed curling her lip.

"Say something to her! A gorgeous woman deserves to be complemented!"

Lu Ten shook himself and cleared his throat. "Hikari, you look . . ." A long moment passed where even the stoic foot soldiers waited with bated breath to hear what the prince would say. ". . . nice."

Jess slapped her forehead while Iroh slapped his son's arm. "Is that all you can think to say to your wife?! Honestly LuTen – it's times like these where I can't believe you're my son!"

The words were wasted, because Lu Ten hadn't taken his eyes off his wife. If fact he had pressed his forehead to hers while Hikari raised a hand to steady him. His vision was hazy, his balance a bit off, and being forced to speak hadn't melded well with the blood rapidly leaving his brain. A mere two days after bearing their son, Hikari was more stunning to him than being electrocuted. "I'm-I'm sorry."

"Don't apologize." Hikari smiled for him.

Iroh chuckled. "Words can never be as strong as actions." Lu Ten blinked up at his father. "Now, I expect the both of you in the gallery presently."

"Of course, General." Hikari answered, tugging her husband inside their room. "Come change."

Lu Ten's palm found the door and the young prince could just be seen attacking his lovers mouth as the door slammed behind them.

Iroh chuckled to himself, meeting Jess's amused grin. She leaned back easily on the doorframe with a hum, the shoulder of her robe falling haphazardly down along her shoulder. "So. What're your orders, General?"

The Dragon extended his arm. "I thought we could get better acquainted."

Jess smirked, winking at the guards as she took Iroh's elbow. "I am looking forward to this."

"But, please don't misunderstand my intentions; I simply want to ask you a few questions." Jess glanced at him out of the corner of her eye and Iroh made sure they were out of earshot before he spoke again. "I heard that a rather large sum of money was confiscated from your apartment."

Whatever sweetness Jess had shown him but a moment before was nowhere to be seen. "Taken. It was taken, and I was dragged out into the snow without my breast wrapping or slippers."

Iroh maintained his decorum. "An lamentable event."

"Hmn, not as lamentable as our current situation." Jess pulled away and crossed her arms. "Look, let's get one thing straight, General. I don't care who you are or how powerful you might be – I don't even care about you little bastard grandchild. There's only one reason why I'm here and it is not out of the goodness of my heart."

Iroh didn't appreciate her attitude –or her vulgar reference to his grandson– but he chose to ignore it. "I didn't think you were. However, that makes me question your loyalties."

"It's not to you."

"Granted. May I assume that it's my son's wife that keeps you here?"

"Your daughter-in-law?" Jess corrected.

"Yes."

"Maybe. But I don't know how long that will last."

The old general smirked, she was baiting him. "Where we are going, it's very important that I know exactly what kind of people I have in my service. So what would it take to reaffirm your loyalty to your friend?"

A glint of knowing flashed over the woman's eyes. "Depends who pays."

"You would betray this woman for money?"

"I didn't say that. I said it depends."

"On what?"

"On who pays." Jess sneered talking to no one in particular. "Spirits, even if you spell it out for them they don't listen."

"Alright," Iroh began slowly. "But please understand, I cannot leave her well-being to chance. I will allow you to remain onboard as her aid, but only until I find a suitable replacement–"

"A 'suitable replacement'?!" Well those weren't the right words to say. Iroh even ignored that she cut him off. "Please – please, tell me who would be more suitable."

Iroh cleared his throat. "Young lady, as I said, I can't leave anything to chance. If there is even the slightest hint that you may jeopardize the safety of my son's family or put into question his wife's character, I must find a replacement who is trust worthy. It has nothing to do with you; it is simply what needs to be done."

Jess sized up the general, for a long time she said nothing. But Iroh waited patiently, tucking his hand into his sleeves. When she finally did speak, he wasn't expecting the malice of her words. "How dare you."

"I beg your pardon?"

"Onabi is not a whore."

Iroh's shoulders fell.

"And how dare you compare her to me. That woman is the best person I have ever known and your precious wittle soldier boy does not deserve to have her."

"I understand your anger –"

"I wasn't finished." Jess had the audacity to interrupt the Crown Prince twice, but Iroh still listened. "I owe her more than I could ever repay– and that is why I'm here. Because every time some guy beat me within an inch of my life, that woman –your daughter– would scrape up what was left of me and put me back together when everyone else in this world would have turned a blind eye and let me bleed to death in the gutter. She's even buried a few of your Fire Nation soldiers while everyone else just spat on the bodies."

Iroh was ashamed of himself for asking, but it had to be done. "You are sure she is not a prostitute?"

Jess shook her head. "She hadn't even slept with a man before your son. Had something to do with her dad or something, she never really went into detail."

A huge wave of relief swept over the Old Dragon, everything his son had claimed was true. "Thank Agni for that."

Jess rolled her eyes. "You should have a little more faith in you son. Pathetic."

"I deserve that." The two were quiet for a moment, both thinking about nothing and everything at the same time. "She is a good match for my son. Lu Ten hadn't known a woman before Hikari. He is a better man than I."

Jess smirked, again takinghis arm. "Oh, I won't say that General. Your reputation with women is pretty impressive."

Iroh had to laugh at that and the two shared a smile.