Tale of Lu Ten

Family pt. 1

Iroh knew that his nephew was hiding something from him when he returned that morning.

Iroh wanted to believe it was just nerves about the new move but he knew it probably wasn't.

That's why Iroh wasn't surprised when he heard his nephew leave the house after he pretended to fall asleep.

It had been a few hours since then and now Iroh was starting to worry.

Maybe I should have followed him? I know Zuko likes to run around at night but maybe this time he got caught.

Iroh lamented at the fact that his nephew couldn't sneak out for normal teenage reasons. Like seeing a girl or staying at a friend's house.

Instead, his nephew liked to dress up in his blue spirit outfit and run around the city of Ba Sing Se, spying on the Dai Lee.

I was going to let it go this one time since he won't be able to sneak out as much now that we're in the upper ring. But if he doesn't come back soon I'm going to drag him back here myself...

Iroh was ten minutes away from jumping out the window to look for his nephew when he heard a knock on the door.

"Uncle it's me."

Iroh sighed in relief as he heard his nephew's voice on the other side of the apartment door.

Why didn't he come in through the window? I know I shouldn't be complaining but it's still a little odd.

Iroh's eyes widened as his brain came up with the worst possibilities.

Is he injured? Can he not jump into the window like he usually does? Have we been found out?

Iroh sprinted to the apartment door and unlocked it, relief hitting him as he saw his nephew standing there unharmed.

Thank Agni...

Iroh pulled Zuko into the apartment and closed the door behind him, not wanting anyone else to see his nephew's favorite pastime.

He turned back to Zuko and froze as he realized there was someone on his back.

They were covered in blood and long black hair covered their face.

Iroh spoke swiftly, trying to get the story out of his nephew so he could start treating the wounded person Zuko brought home.

"Zuko what happened? Who's this person with you? Why are they hurt?"

Zuko gulped, realizing that Iroh probably couldn't tell who it was because of Lu Ten's condition.

I guess I can't blame him. Lu Ten looks horrible right now...

Zuko looked away from his Uncle's prying gaze as he spoke, trying not to let his Uncle know how nervous he was.

"Uncle. Before I tell you I need you to promise me you won't freak out. We need to heal him, I'll tell you the rest of the story after that."

Iroh was taken aback by his nephew's nervous energy.

Why does he look anxious? I just asked who he was. Please tell me he didn't kidnap someone. Dealing with those pirates was bad enough the last time Zuko kidnapped someone.

Iroh sighed and nodded, hoping that he was wrong.

Zuko gulped and set Lu Ten down on the mat they had in the main room.

Iroh's eyes widened as he got a good look at the stranger's face.

It can't be...

Iroh turned to Zuko who looked down, slowly speaking, "Uncle, this is Lu Ten. I found him in the dungeon under Lake Laogai. He didn't die, he's still here."