All Ways But One - AtLA

[sunlit_stone]

Title: All Ways But One
Fandom: AtLA
Rating: G
Notes: I've always been fascinated by Iroh's relationship with his country and his nephew.

It is excellent news that the Avatar has returned, of course, the best hope for peace there has been in...decades. And yet—

He glances across the ship. His nephew is standing at the railing, staring straight out across the water, his arms crossed stiffly, his back turned to the rest of the crew. If we capture the Avatar...

Iroh has betrayed his father: a monster, a man who took more delight in Lu Ten's first flames than he himself had. He's betrayed his country, and his brother, and his men.

He had hoped he could avoid betraying his nephew.

Comments

[allekha]

Oh, Iroh. This is really touching.

[sunlit_stone]

Thanks :)

I've always figured Iroh must have had an interesting time of it, especially when it comes to his nephew. I mean, he is fighting *for* Zuko, and his nation, for a goal that's both more important than and opposed to the success they're looking for--he's fighting to save their souls, really, as well as for peace for their victims. But there's no denying he's also fighting against them, working towards opposite ends, and especially since he cares so much about Zuko I can't help but wonder how he feels about that part of it..

/essay *coughs* Sorry about that. Like I said, I find Iroh's relationship with Zuko really fascinating :P

[sideways]

Ohhhh...well-captured.

[sunlit_stone]

Thank you!

[jainas]

I love Iroh (who doesn't?), and this is an interesting point of view on his slip loyalties... It feels right.