A Puncher's Chance

by RDF

Zuko understands what true fighting spirit is all about.

1. Chapter 1

Disclaimer: I'm not a part of Nick and in no part am I involved with the Nickelodeon Corporation.
Rating: I'm rating this story T for violence and blood. I will not include language, except the word hell. Yes, I am a Christian but I don't believe the world hell is a cuss word. If you are offended though, please tell me and I will not use the word. There will also be no sexual content.
Content: I'm going to be direct on speech and fighting. However, I'm going to try and avoid emotions and looks because I want the reader, you, to imagine what is going on. I want to let the reader in a way write the story themselves in their mind. This story is set after chapter 15 of Book Two: Earth and Zuko is the main character.
"A puncher's chance."
This story begins after Zuko's date with Jin in Zuko's part of the Tales of Ba Sing. Right now Zuko is having a nightmare. I hope you enjoy this story and God Bless.
(Zuko is on an endless landscape of glass. He turns around to see his Father standing.) Zuko-"Father, is that you?" (Zuko makes his way to his dad, but as he's about to embrace his father Ozai's fist slams into Zuko's face sending him to the ground.) Ozai-"You disgrace me. The Avatar was in your grasp so many times and you let him slip away. You're a mockery to our nation." Zuko-"No father, I tried my," (Then Zuko's mother appears in place of Ozai.) Z. Mother-"You failed my son. I believed in you son and you let me down. You let your country down." Zuko-"That's not it mother. You said," (Then Azula appears on his right.) Azula-"You disgrace the Fire Nation with your foolishness and stupidity! (Then Admiral Zhao appears to Zuko's left.) Zhao-"You're lucky you were even born." Zuko-"Noooo! You're all wrong!" Zhao-"Are we? Your own father doesn't even love you." Azula-"How father could've loved you before you tried to coward yourself out of a fight is beyond me." (Both Zhao and Azula disappear and Zuko's mother stands in front of him.) Z. Mother-"You failed me son." (She then disappears and Ozai takes her place.) Ozai-"I gave you the chance to restore your honor! I gave you the chance to make yourself the greatest hero of the Fire Nation! You had the Avatar so many times and you let him get away! All those chances you were given and still you failed. You're not worthy to be called my son." Zuko-"No." (Zuko gasps awake from the nightmare, panting from the horror of what he just experienced. Tears run down his face. Uncle opens the sliding door.) Uncle-"Zuko? Are you are all right? (Zuko quickly wipes away his tears.) Zuko-"Yes, I'm fine Uncle." Uncle-"Get some rest nephew. We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow." (He closes the door and Zuko tries to rest.) Zuko's thoughts-"Is it true what they said about me? Is that really who I am? A weak and honor less coward? Who am I?" (Zuko slept that night, but not well.)
(The next day Zuko and Uncle were preparing and serving tea to the customers.)Uncle-"Zuko. Could you please take this tea over to the table by the entrance?" Zuko-"Sure uncle." (Zuko takes the tea to the customers and watches them savor their tea with delight as he cleans their table.) Customer1-"This has to be the best tea in the entire city. What is your secret to this amazing tea?" Zuko-"Uhh, trade secret sir." Customer2-"Well however you do it I have to say it is the best I've ever had." Uncle-"The secret to it all is love." (Zuko, still trying to understand why his uncle loved tea so much, sees Jin out of the corner of his eye.) Zuko-"Boss, may I go take out the trash?" Boss-"Well of course my boy!" (Zuko grabs the garbage, takes it out the back, and throws it in the dumpster. Jin then pops around the corner and Zuko faces her.) Jin-"Hello Lee." (Zuko decides to get to the point figuring Jin wants an explanation to his hasty retreat last night.) Zuko-"Jin, about last night I," (Jin cuts him off with the edge of her hand touching his lip and gives him a short kiss.) Jin-"No, I understand. You're in love with someone else but not me." Zuko-"No, that's not it. It's something else." Jin-"Do you want to talk about it?" Zuko-"Are you positive you'd want to hear what I have to say?" (Jin nods her head.) Zuko-"Meet me here tonight and I'll tell you about it."
(After work at the tea shop Zuko waits for Jin in the area he said he'd meet her. It's already late and Jin still hasn't arrived. Zuko decides he's waited long enough and begins to head home, when he hears it.) Jin-"Let me go!" (Zuko immediately heads over to the source of the sound. Behind the teashop to the right there is an alley way where Jin is being robbed by 5 thieves and a very muscular thug.) Thief3-"What has she got?" Theif2 (who's holding Jin)-"Just five bronze coins." (Jin struggles to get free.) Jin-"Let me go you jerks!" (Jin throws her head back into thief two's face.) Theif2-"Ahhh!" (Jin tries to dart free but thief1 grabs and restrains her while the thug pulls out a knife.) Thug-"You're going to pay for hurting my friend girl." (Jin tries desperately to break free as the thug approaches.) Zuko-"Hey!" (Everyone turns to Zuko's direction.) Zuko-"Let her go now." Theif3-"Lets get the kid!" Theif4-"Yeah. He's probably got some money on him." (Thieves 3 and 4 move in as Zuko get in his fighting stance. Those thieves are in for one big surprise.)
(As thieve3 charges Zuko with a right hook, Zuko evades the shot and front sweeps him causing thieve3 to fall. Thieve4 charges, but Zuko incapacitates him with several powerful shots to the face. Thieve3 turns and tries to get up, but Zuko sends him a powerful kick up his jaw making thieve3 see stars. Thieve2, astonished at what just happened, turns around to his partners in crime.)
Thieve2-"How the hell did he,"
(But Zuko doesn't give him time to finish. With his back turns, Zuko quickly kicks thieve2 in his side, causing thieve2 to cringe forward. Zuko grabs him and throws him into a window of an abandoned building on the left side of the alley. Thieve2 goes throw the window and falls one story, since the building had a lower layer blow the ground level. Because of the fall, thieve2 is knocked unconscious. Zuko turns to face the remaining thugs.)
Zuko-"Let her go and I won't harm you."
(Thieve5 immediately takes off running.)
Thieve5-"I'm getting out of here!"
(Thieve1 still holds onto Jin and the thug stands his ground. The thug begins to laugh though at Zuko's performance.)
Thug-"All right kid, you did pretty good taking those guys out. However, I don't think your going to be able to beat me. I'm the champ kid."
Zuko (in a sarcastic tone)-"The champion of what? Thieves?"
Thug-"You don't know who I am? Well it doesn't matter whether you know or not, I'm the champ and there is no chance that you'll be able to defeat me here. Look at me. I'm much stronger than you are and you're far too young. Now you get out of here before I hurt you."
(Zuko has other plans however. He charges the thug attempts to throw a straight jab into the thug's chin. But with amazing reflexes, the thug just grabs his fast and twists it to the side. Zuko throws a left side kick into the side of the thug hoping the pain will lessen the thug's grip on him, but the thug barely winces."
Thug-"Nice try kid."
(The thug then kicks Zuko sending him back 5 yards and landing on the ground.)
Zuko (his thoughts)-"Now what?"
(The thug pulls out his knife.)
Thug-"I'm going to teach you a lesson kid."
(The thug moves in with knife in hand and Zuko quickly tries to get up. The thug attempts to send the knife into Zuko, but Zuko got up just in time and with both hands grabs the hand with the knife. The thug takes his free hand and puts it with the hand containing the knife. The knife, which was edged toward the thug, now slowly edges toward Zuko. Zuko begins to use all the strength he can muster, but the knife still moves closer.)
Thug-"Face it kid. You've lost."
Zuko (his thoughts)-"Is this how my quest for redemption ends. Murdered by a thug in the streets? They were right in saying I was,"
(Time seems to slow down though, and Zuko sees himself in front of his father in the Fire Nation's Commander Armor.)
Ozai-"I'm proud of you my son. You have restored your honor and are now a hero of the Fire Nation. I'm proud to once again call you my son and heir."
Zuko-"Thank you father."
(Zuko and Ozai embrace each other and Zuko finally receives the love of his father he's been waiting three years for. Zuko realizes in order to get the life he once had back, he's going to have to fight.)
Zuko-"I will not die here."
(Zuko immediately shift his and the thug's hands to the left and then right of them sticking the knife into the wooden wall. The thug throws a straight jab. Zuko dodges the shot and 5 powerful lightning fast left jabs into the thugs chin sending his head back. The thug steps back and Zuko exploits his momentary unstable movement by front sweeping the thug causing him to fall to the ground. Zuko backs up into his favored fighting position. The thug gets himself off the ground.)
Thug-"Well done kid, you surprised me. However, you're little streak of luck is about to run out. Haaaaa!"
Uncle continued to sip his. He was still worried about Zuko. He hadn't turned up for a long time. Zuko had said he had to run an errand, but it couldn't have possibly taken this long to take care of. Uncle put down his teacup and put on his sandals. He walked out the door and headed out to the tea shop to begin his search.
Uncle (his thoughts)-"Is Zuko in trouble?
(Uncle pondered about this for a few seconds.)
Uncle (his thoughts)-"Of course not. I'm just overreacting. I'm sure Zuko is just fine."
(Zuko's face is rocked with a tremendous hook.)
Zuko (his thoughts)-"His style, I've never seen this style of fighting before. He completely relies on his arms to strike and block. He simply uses his legs to move and shift his weight into another striking area. It's even more aggressive than my form, and it's beating me."
(Zuko evades some strikes, giving him time to think. However, he fails to avoid the next jab. The thug follows up that jab with a right hook to the face causing Zuko to spit out blood. From this event, everyone knows Zuko cannot take much more.)
Jin (her thoughts)-"He can't take any more shots like that."
(Another great punch rocks Zuko's abs.)
Theif1-"All right Reick!"
Jin-"Lee!"
(Zuko strikes with his right leg, but the thug grabs it and kicks Zuko against the wall. As Zuko makes contact to the wall, he looks at Jin.)
Zuko [his thoughts-"I have to protect her. She's one of the only people who have actually cared for me. No matter what, I've got to fight."
(The thug stopped for a minute to catch his breath, which gave Zuko time to think. He then walked forward with a clenched fist.)
Thug-"Well done kid. However, I'm adding your name to my knockout list."
(The thug throws a left hook, but incredibly, Zuko dodges the shot by moving in close to the thug where it's harder to evade punches and throws a hard left hook into his chin. The thug is backed up from the shot and tries to stiff jab Zuko with a right, but Zuko goes under the shot, jumps, and throw a murderous right hand into the chin of the thug. Zuko stops expecting a counter, but instead the thug falls over, unconscious.)
Zuko-"Well, that was easy."
(Zuko looks up, but is shocked to sea a knife at Jin's throat.)
Theif1-"That was impressive kid. I didn't expect you to win. However, I'm still walking away with the prize."
(The thug begins to pull Jin back. Zuko moves to stop him."
Theif1-"If you wish her dead by all means keep moving forward."
(Zuko stops dead in his tracks, while the thieve keeps moving.)
Zuko-"Don't move another step!"
Theif1-"You're not in a position to be giving me orders."
(Theif1 was still moving and was nearing the end of the alley.)
Zuko [his thoughts-"What can I do? I can't run at him, or he'll slice Jin's throat. How can I,"
(Then it came to him!)
Zuko [his thoughts-"Lightning! But I haven't mastered it yet. Uncle said to simple let the lightning travel through you, don't force it somewhere. I have to try."
Zuko-"You made a grave mistake not listening to me."
(Theif1 was finding this comedic.)
Theif1-"Kid, I've got a hostage while you have nothing."
(Zuko began to move in the motion his uncle taught him.)
Zuko-"Oh I have something you don't."
(Theif1 stopped moving.)
Theif1-"What are you talking about?"
(Zuko was finally read to let it go.)
Zuko-"It's called lightning!"
(A brilliant blaze of lightning traveled out of Zuko's fingertips and struck theif1 hand causing him to yell in pain to the ground while Jin got out of the hold she was in.)
Theif1-"AAAAAAH! My hand! How did you,"
(Then it came to him. He stared at Zuko.)
Theif1 (his thoughts)-"He's a fire bender."
Jin-"Hey jerk!"
(Theif1 turned to face Jin but instead saw her fist slam into his face. He fall back, got up, and took off. Jin ran to her rescuer and they embraced. She was so happy Zuko was alive, but confused at what just occurred.)
Jin-"Lee, how did you do that? That was amazing?"
(Zuko didn't want to tell her. He was just intending to tell her he was having emotional and self problems, but now with all this… how could he explain.)
Zuko [his thoughts-"I need to tell her."
Zuko-"Jin…I'm a fire bender."
(Jin stared at him, but not in shock as Zuko expected, but in confusion.)
Jin-"So?"
(Zuko is shocked.)
Zuko-"What do you mean so? I'm a fire bender!"
Jin-"And what is that supposed to do with anything?"
Zuko-"It means I'm part of the nation that is at war with yours."
Jin-"War? Lee, there hasn't been a war for more than 3 centuries."
Zuko-"Jin, what are you saying? The Fire Nation and the Earth Kingdom have been at war for almost a century!"
Jin-"Lee there is no war. I think you were hit harder than I thought. Come on. Let me take you to a,"
Uncle-"Zuk… I mean Lee!"
(Both of them turn to see Uncle running toward Zuko and then helps hold him up.)
Uncle-"Are you alright Lee?"
Zuko-"Yes, I'm fine Uncle."
(However, Uncle could tell from the blood coming from his mouth and a new cut on by his left eyelash that he was in pain.)
Uncle-"Lee, you're bleeding and cut. Come, I'm taking you home. Help me please young lady."
(Uncle and Jin both put Zuko's arms across their shoulders. But before they move Uncle asks Jin a question.)
Uncle-"Excuse me young lady,"
Jin-"My name is Jin."
Uncle-"Jin, please tell me what happened to my nephew."
Jin-"I was walking down this alley to speak to your nephew when all of a sudden these thugs, wait! Where did they all go?"
(Uncle, Zuko and Jin look up and down the alley, but none of the thieves were anywhere to be seen.)
Uncle-"First, let's get my nephew back home, but while we walk explain to me what happened."
Jin-"As I said earlier, I was walking down the alley when…"
Some time later, in a wealthy home in the Noble's District, the thieves are nursing their wounds and explaining to their crime boss what happened earlier.)
Theif2-"I'm telling you it was a teenager who was able to defeat us."
Crime Boss-"You're telling me a teenager was able to overpower 5 thieves and knock out the Boxing Champion of Ba Sing Se. Surely you must be jesting. There is no possible way a teenager could have beaten you all."
Theif1-"We're serious! That is what happened. Look at my hand for crying out loud! My hand is scarred now!"
Crime Boss-"Any fire bender, even a novice, could turn someone's into that with a simple flame."
Theif5-"Well if you don't believe us ask Reick what happened."
(All the other thieves, the crime boss, and Reick, who was standing against the wall in the corner, looked at theif5.)
Crime Boss-"As I recall from what I've been told, you ran away when he incapacitated three of your friends."
(Theif5 felt he was going to feel sick.)
Theif5-"Well I,"
Theif3-"Spare us the garbage you're going to say."
Theif4-"You never even fought the kid!"
(The crime boss stepped in front of theif5 with his two bodyguards.)
Crime Boss-"When you run away without a fight, you look bad. Now when you look bad it makes me look bad. Now, you get out of here and never step back in here again."
(Theif5 was escorted out by the two bodyguards. The crime boss turned to the rest of his men.)
Crime Boss-"Now, where was I? Now I remember. Reick, the man who was just escorted out said I should ask you if it is true. Well, is this true?"
(Reick didn't answer, nor did he take his gaze off the ground. The crime boss was not in the mood for games. He slowly walked over to Reick and grabbed his chin and pulled his face to face his.)
Crime Boss-"What the hell happened earlier!?"
(With his face to his, the crime boss let go of his chin, and Reick spoke.)
Reick-"We were in this alley and found this girl. We saw a quick chance to get some money so we tried to rob her. Then this teenager came down the alley and we tried to rob him too, but he quickly took down three of us. I told the kid to scram but instead attacked me. I tried to cut him with my knife, but incredibly he found the strength to stick the knife into the wall. We then started fighting, and I was clearly beating him. But, just as I was about to finish him, he came back. He jumped at me and threw an uppercut, I fell to the ground, and then I woke up and snuck away."
(The crime boss was disappointed in him. He dared call himself a champion. He'd made a mistake in choosing him.)
Crime Boss-"You're not lying to me are you."
(Reick was silent. The crime boss knew if this got out it was going to hurt his reputation badly. He had to fix this thing quick. He had an idea.)
Crime Boss-"Reick, I have a solution to this problem we have."
(Reick turned to face him, intently listening to what he had to say.)
Crime Boss-"How would you like to face this kid in the ring for the title?"
Reick-"You want me to fight this kid in the ring?"
Theif3-"He'll be the laugh of the century."
Theif2-"Yes! Who in the world is going to take this seriously out there?"
Crime Boss-"Shut up. All of you."
(The thieves were silent.)
Crime Boss-"Yes, I'm serious. Get this kid to challenge you for the title, and we can solve the problem of your hurt dignity and my power in this business."
Reick-"No offense boss, but no one is going to promote a teenager to fight me."
Crime Boss-"In other circumstances yes, but this is not one of those normal circumstances. Once people hear of what occurred on the streets earlier, people will take this kid seriously. I'll take care of everything else."
(Reick gave a bit of a smile.)
Crime Boss-"Fix yourselves up boys and get some rest, especially you Reick. You have a long 2 weeks ahead of you. I must be going now. I have a championship bout to announce."
(The crime boss walked out.)
Theif1-"Reick, I have to warn you not to take this fight."
(Everyone looked at Cain.)
Thief4-"What are you talking about Cain? That kid just got lucky; there is no other way he could've won."
Theif2-"Yeah, he's right. The only reason he threw me threw that window was because he surprised me."
Reick-"Cain, be honest when I ask you this. Do you think I can beat him?"
(Cain got up and went up to Reick and everyone one else got up close to hear what he was going to say.)
Cain-"Reick, I saw you punch that kid so hard, like no other man before; he still kept fighting you. Reick, I know what you're feeling right now. Let it go man. You're the champ; just let it go."
(Reick's eyes were facing down for a second, but then they rose up.)
Reick-"Thanks for the advice. All right, listen up. Tomorrow we're going to around that area to find that kid. We're going to get that kid into the ring, whether he wants to or not."
Zuko saw himself in front of his father, and then he realized it was the same memory that haunted his thoughts almost everyday.)
Zuko- "I meant no disrespect. I am your loyal son."
Ozai-"Stand and fight prince Zuko!"
Zuko-"I don't want to fight you father."
Ozai-"You will learn respect, and suffering will be your teacher."
(The flaming hand of the Fire Lord touched Zuko's face. Zuko felt the scorching heat torch his skin. Though Zuko screamed in pain he did not back up or falter.)
Ozai-"You disgrace me and your country for your cowardliness. All I asked of you was to stand and fight like a true warrior! Leave my sight."
Zuko-"Father, I beg your forgiveness."
Ozai-"Guards!"
(Two fire nation soldiers dressed in the same armor that Azula's personal soldiers of her flagship quickly step forward behind Zuko.)
Ozai-"Get him out of my sight."
(The two quickly grab Zuko by his arms and take him away.)
Zuko's thoughts-"No! This can't be happening!"
(Zuko gasps out of the nightmare and realizes he just had another nightmare. Surprisingly, he wakes up to see Jin by his right side.)
Jin-"How are you feeling Lee?"
Zuko-"Much better than last night, but I still feel some pain."
(Jin leans in and kisses him on the cheek.)
Jin-"That's to help you feel better."
(Jin leans in again and kisses him on the lips.)
Jin-"That's for rescuing me."
(Jin leans in again gives Zuko a more passionate kiss that Zuko goes along with.)
Zuko-"What was that one for?"
Jin-"That? I just wanted to kiss you again."
(They both smiled at each other. They both loved each other. They could see it in the other's eyes.)
Zuko-"Where is my uncle?"
Jin-"He left to work at the teashop. Don't worry, your uncle got you the day off and I got a friend of mine named Tycho (The guy who tried to rob Uncle in Tales of Ba Sing Se.) to be your replacement."
Zuko-"Thank you Jin. I owe you."
Jin-"It was the least I could do for you saving me from getting robbed. I owe you a lot more for that."
(Her hand was at the back of his head. They stared into each other's eyes for what seemed like eternity, but Zuko once again ruins a romantic moment. Why does he always do that?)
Zuko-"So how does my face look?"
Jin-"The bleeding has stopped fortunately, and your face didn't swell up to much. I'd say from the beating you took last night no one would completely notice. If I had to give it a number 1 through 10 I'd give you an eleven."
Zuko-"Thank you Jin."
(They both smiled.)
(At the teashop, which was a full house again, Uncle was making tea while Tycho took their orders and served it to them.)
Tycho-"I never realized you got so many customers. I new your tea was good but I didn't know it was this popular."
Uncle-"What can I say? I love my tea and so do the customers."
(The boss looked around at his full teashop and saw the crowd of people who filled his teashop. He also noticed the long line of people that continued out the door of people who were just dying to try some of Iroh's delicious tea.)
Boss-"I think you're in need of another raise. You're bringing me an incredible amount of customers."
Uncle-"Thank you very much boss."
Tycho-"I'm sorry to interrupt friend but there are some men at that table who want to speak to you."
Uncle-"Thank you Tycho."
(Uncle walks over to the table in the corner of the tea shop containing five men.)
Uncle-"I was told you gentlemen wanted to speak to me."
(Unknown to Iroh, these are the same men who tried to rob Zuko the night before.)
Theif4-"Yes, we wanted to compliment you on the quality of your tea."
Thief3-"It's just superb."
Uncle-"Thank you very much. Is there anything else I can do for you?"
Reick-"Yes, there is. I was wondering if I could speak to your nephew Lee."
(Rieck smiled as he finished his question.)
(Jin brought Zuko some water and he drank it all up.)
Jin-"Lee."
(For a second there he didn't answer.)
Zuko's thoughts-"I wish I could tell her what my real name was."
Jin-"Lee."
Zuko-"Yes Jin?"
Jin-"You told me that you would tell me about why you left in a hurry on our date."
Zuko-"Yeah, I did."
Jin-"If you don't want to speak about it I understand completely."
Zuko-"No, I don't mind telling you the details. You see, I haven't had many people in my life who have cared for me the way my Uncle and you have. At one point in my life before I came here I was trying to find the love of my father by doing what he wanted me to do. I never was able to accomplish his goal for me, although I sure came close at times. So I lived off the idea that we should have no friends or family, just allies and enemies. However, when I was with my uncle he taught me that in this life you can't just be a lone wolf, you need the comfort and love of others at times. There was one time when I once thought I had lost him, and the thought of losing him was like a thousand knives stabbing into me. You have no idea the relief I felt when I saw him healing. I thought that was all the kindness someone like me could get. Then you came along and you…you cared for me in the way I thought could never happen. You actually loved me. Not the way a friend loves a friend, but the love only a man and a woman can share. That is why I ran. I couldn't understand how someone could love me like that. It was…a lot to take in."
Jin-"Is that why you left?"
Zuko-"Yes that is the reason I ran."
(Jin held Zuko's hand.)
Jin-"Lee, I don't know what causes your father to not love you, but always know that God and I will always love you."
(Zuko was overjoyed at what Jin said, but confused at the same time.)
Zuko-"Thank you Jin, but please tell me. Who is God?"
(Jin was surprised.)
Jin-"You don't know who God is?"
Zuko-"I've never even heard of God before."
(Jin walked out and grabbed a book. It said The Holy Bible. Jin opened the book up to the book John chapter 3.)
Jin-"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God did not send his son into the world to condemn it, but to save it."
(Zuko was curious to learn more about God, but still was confused about what the words meant.)
Zuko-"Wait a minute. Who was God's son? Why was he sent to save the world? Why,"
Jin-"Hold your questions. I'll explain everything to you. First I'll go to the beginning in Genesis. It all started with…"
(Zuko and Jin walked out of his apartment building and headed in the direction of the teashop.)
Zuko and Jin walk out of his apartment building and head in the direction of the teashop.)
Jin-"Lee, I don't think there is any need for you to go to the teashop. Your uncle already got you the day off and I got you a replacement.
Zuko-"I know that. I just think I can still work today. While we're walking please explain something."
Jin-"Sure."
Zuko-"Okay, if God created people in his own image, then why does everyone look different?
Jin-"We look different because God doesn't have just one set face. Everyone you see, including you and me, is a face of God."
Zuko-"Even that guy over there?"
(Zuko pointed over to a man people would call hideous.)
Jin-"Yes, even that person is also in the image of God. It was very disrespectful of you to joke like that."
Zuko-"I'm sorry Jin. I was just…I really have no excuse for that right there."
Jin-"You've heard that beauty is in the eye of the beholder right?"
Zuko-"Yes, I've heard of that."
Jin-"Well that isn't true. I know everyone and everything out there, no matter how strange or unusual people it or they look to people, is beautiful. God created us all right?
Zuko-"Well that is what your book says."
Jin-"So everyone shouldn't be ashamed at how they look. No one has the right to call someone or something hideous or ugly because it is all how God designed it."
(Zuko and Jin stopped at a bridge. They both hung over the middle looking down at the water.)
Zuko-"Ok, Jesus is the son of God who was sent to save mankind from their sins right?"
Jin-"Yes, that's correct.
Zuko-"So why then do people still do horrible and despicable things?"
(Zuko didn't expect her to answer but to his surprise she did.)
Jin-"It's because they haven't accepted God's salvation and love. Remember when I read you that scripture that said Christians are new creations?"
Zuko-"Yes, but what is your point?"
Jin-"My point is that when we accept Jesus into our lives by accepting that he is the son of God, believing that he died on the cross for our sins and rose again, and accepting him as our lord and savior we're not the same person. We don't do those kinds of things when we're Christians."
(Jin opened the bible and opened it up to Galatians 5:19.)
Jin-"Here we go. When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, your lives will produce these results: sexual immorality, impure thoughts, eagerness for lustful pleasure, idolatry, participation in demonic activity, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, divisions, the feeling that everyone I wrong except those in your own little group, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other kinds of sin. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Now I'm going to skip to Galatians 5:24. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there."
(Jin then changed the pages to Romans 8:9.)
Jin-"In those days, you were slaves to sin; you weren't concerned about doing what was right. And what was the result? It was not good, since now you are ashamed of the things you used to do, things that can end in eternal doom. But now you are free from the power of sin and have become slaves to God. Now you do those things that lead to holiness and result in eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord."
Zuko-"Okay, you proved your point on that. Well I've sinned but I'm not dead."
Jin-"It's talking about a spiritual death. Not just the death of someone but the death of their spirit. With sin ruling our lives our spirit is dead. We can't see the light unless we accept to look at it. Can you give someone water when they need but don't want it? The point of this is that when we were sinners we were dead in our spirit because we were without God's forgiveness of sins."
Zuko-"Fine, well what about hell huh? I'm going to go to hell if I don't accept Jesus as into my heart. Look I'm not an evil person; I'm not a bad guy. So why should I go to hell?"
Jin-"Say you died today and went to see God. He asks you why he should let you into heaven. You tell him you're a good person. Well let me ask you this, have you ever lied?"
Zuko-"Well I don't think anyone ever hasn't."
Jin-"Well have you?"
Zuko-"Yes, I have lied to people before."
Jin-"So you're a liar. Now, have you ever committed adultery? Now before you say no did you know that Jesus said that even if you look upon someone with lustful intentions it is adultery."
Zuko-"Okay so I'm an adulterer."
Jin-"Have you ever stolen something?"
Zuko-"Yeah but it was only something small."
Jin-"But you still stole it didn't you?"
Zuko-"Yes I did."
Jin-"So you're a thief. Now have you ever murdered someone?"
Zuko-"Of course not."
Jin-"I wasn't finished. Jesus also said that if you hated someone that was also murder. So you're a murderer, a liar, a thief, and an adulterer. Now you're going to tell God you're a good person."
(Zuko was silent. He really didn't know what to say. Jin opened her Bible again to Roman 3:10.)
Jin-"Jesus said, nobody, not one, is good."
(Zuko really didn't know what to say.)
Zuko-"So Jesus came to save me from my sins that would keep me from going to heaven."
Jin-"Bingo."
Zuko-"Jin, about Jesus dying on the cross, why did he ask God to take to take the cup of suffering from him."
Jin-"He was taking on the sins of the world and you upon himself and therefore had to be without God. How would you feel if you had to be without the love of the one you've loved more than anyone else for a time, especially your father? Wouldn't you not want to go without that love, even for a few days?"
(Zuko thought about the love he hadn't got from his father in three years. He understood now.)
Zuko-"So Jesus went through all that for me?"
Jin-"Even if you had been the only one to ask for God's forgiveness, he still would've done it."
(Zuko stared into the sky. He wondered if God really did care.)
Zuko-"Does God have favorites? Did he make one sex or race better than the other?
Jin-"No, neither any gender nor people are superior or inferior."
(Jin opened her Bible to Galatians 3:28.)
Jin-"There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female. For you are one in Christ Jesus. Now God says in his word also that all men are created equal and in Genesis God called people man, he separated them by naming one female and one male. Now if we're all equal then no one is born superior, not in any way or form."
Zuko-"Well I've heard that guys have more muscle mass."
Jin-"If God created a different gender or people physically or mentally superior or inferior to the other then that would mean God is not love. A father doesn't treat one better than the other if he loves them. Now if God loves all then he wouldn't make one better than the other."
(Zuko understood much more from Jin than he ever had in his life from anyone else. There was such wisdom from the book she read.)
"Why don't you ask me in right now?"
(Zuko heard the voice, but it was neither Jin's nor his.)
Zuko-"God?"
(There was no answer. Zuko wondered.)
Zuko's thought's-"Did God really love all people and treat them equally, including me?"
Zuko-"I need to think about what you've said Jin. I… I need some time to take in this."
Jin-"I understand, but just remember, Jesus will be there for you when you say yes."
(Jin came in and hugged him and Zuko hugged her back. She kissed him and Zuko kissed her back. They then let go of their embrace and headed towards the tea shop again. When they opened the door to the teashop, after struggling to get through the crowd that was lined up trying to get some of Uncle's tea, they saw a the business inside was busting at the seams.)
Jin-"Wow! This place is packed!"
Zuko-"You're telling me!"
Iroh-"Lee, what are you doing here? I thought you were at the apartment."
Zuko-"I was Uncle but I decided I was well enough to work. Besides the bleeding on my cut stopped and my face looks pretty good."
Iroh-"Well good to see you're doing well. Oh by the way there is a new friend of mine I'd like you to meet. Reick, meet my nephew Lee. Lee, Reick. He and his friends have been wishing to speak to you."
(Zuko and Reick's eyes met. They new who each other was. Zuko clenched his fists. He wanted to hit the Reick, and Reick wanted to punch Zuko to a pulp.)
Reick-"Hello Lee, I've been dying to see you."
(Reick once again, was smiling as he finished his sentence.)
(Zuko wanted to beat Reick again, but now was not the time.)
Reick-"Excuse me Lee but could I speak to you outside please?"
Zuko-"Of course, I'd be happy to speak to you."
Reick-"It was nice to meet you sir."
Iroh-"The pleasure was mine."
(Reick, his friends, Zuko, and Jin all walked out of the teashop and stood 5 yards from the entrance.)
Zuko-"If you want a rematch we could do it at night. There is no need to involve all these people."
Reick-"I didn't come here to fight you here. My plan is to fight you, but on a different scale. I'm asking you; actually I'm forcing you, to fight me for the Ba Sing Se Boxing Title."
(Zuko and Jin were stunned. Then Jin realized it.)
Jin-"Wait one minute; you're the Ba Sing Se Boxing Champion aren't you?"
Reick-"Guilty as charged."
(Zuko had to chuckle a bit.)
Zuko-"You're telling me I knocked out the Boxing Champion of this city?"
Reick-"Don't rub it in."
Theif2-"You just got lucky last night.
Theif3-"Yeah, that's all it was."
(Reick moved right in front of Zuko.)
Reick-"I don't know how you did that last night. I'm going to tell you this now though, it will never happen again."
(The eyed each other for a second. Then this girl popped out beside them.)
Bystander-"Excuse me sir, but can I get your autograph?"
Reick-"Of course you may."
Bystander-"Not your autograph! I want this kid's autograph. Now move out the way chump."
(The bystander pushed Reick out of the way and got in front of Zuko.)
Bystander-"Please let me have your autograph? You're the only person to ever knock out this guy."
Zuko-"Sure. Here you go."
Bystander-"Hey thank you so much! Hey everybody, this kid was able to knock out the Ba Sing Se Boxing Champion!"
(Everyone around the area immediately stopped what they were doing.)
Storekeeper-"What!?"
(Immediately people were crowding around Zuko asking for his autograph. There were so many people that he and Jin felt like they were going to be crushed by all the people. Reick and his pals pushed their way through to Zuko and Jin. Immediately things once again got quite.)
Reick-"Alright kid, do you accept the challenge or what? Will you fight me for the Boxing Title?"
(The entire crowd looked at Zuko. They wanted to hear him say yes, and Zuko new it. Jin nodded at him to say no, but could he? Reick was trapping him with the question in front of this crowd, forcing him to say yes or be humiliated.)
Theif4-"Do you want to fight him or not?!"
Zuko's thoughts-"Can I do it again? I was able to knock him out, but can I do it again. He clearly has more skill and strength than I do, but do I have a chance?"
(Zuko lifted his head to Reick.)
Zuko-"I accept your challenge."
(The crowd gasped in surprise and Jin looked at him with complete shock.)
Jin-"Lee, what are you thinking? Do you know what you're,"
(Zuko raised his hand, motioning for Jin to be silent.)
Zuko-"I accept your challenge, any time and anywhere."
Reick-"Tomorrow you'll go to the town center and we'll officially announce the bout in front of the reporters. The fight date will be in two weeks from today. And I warn you, you'd better show. You made a fool of me once; you won't be doing it again."
(Reick and his pals walked away.)
Cain-"Reick, two weeks is not enough time to train for a real title defense."
Reick-"I don't need one week. I'll train so hard that when I face the kid in the ring he won't last 2 rounds. Besides, it was luck that got him through last night."
Cain-"Reick, don't be foolish. This kid isn't normal."
(Reick immediately stopped and looked at Cain.)
Reick-"Cain, you're sounding like you're with the kid. Now are with me or him? Pick!"
(The group all looked at Cain. It took a moment but Cain gave them the answer.)
Cain-"Yeah, I'm with Reick."
(Reick smiled. He was happy Cain was with him.)
Reick-"Alright boys lets get to the gym, I have some training to do."
(As Reick and his friends walked away, the crowd got back to badgering Zuko for his signature. He immediately grabbed Jin and pushed his way back into the teashop and escaped with Jin out the back door. Jin wasn't going to hide her feelings just yet.)
Jin-"Lee, what the heck were you thinking back there?! Do you realize what you've gotten yourself into?"
Zuko-"Yes, I realize what I did back there."
Jin-"Then why did you accept his challenge!?"
Zuko-"Because I had to, because if I hadn't I would've been humiliated in front of the whole crowd for being a coward."
Jin-"Lee, you accepted the challenge to fight the Ba Sing Se Boxing Championship. Do realize that!"
Zuko-"I already told you that I understood what I did back there. I beat him once; it is possible to beat him again."
Jin-"That was a completely different situation! You took him by surprise and gave it your all; he didn't. Let me tell you a little of the history of this guy."
(Some time later, she and Zuko were eating lunch, but quietly. Finally Zuko broke the silence.)
Zuko-"So this guy has won 40 fights with 35 knockouts?"
Jin-"Yes, and his other five fights didn't even last ten rounds. For the others the ref stopped the fight or the corner threw in the towel."
Zuko-"I can beat him Jin."
Jin-"I know you can Lee. It's just…I saw you get hit so many times. He hit you so hard and you still kept fighting. I admire that about you Lee but it makes me afraid too. You could have walked off with a serious injury, maybe even brain damage. I just don't want to see you get hurt like that again."
Zuko-"I thank you for your concern Jin."
(Jin and Zuko were staring into each other's eyes. Zuko turned his head down but Jin just used her hand to touch his chin. She brought it back up and kissed him on the cheek.)
Jin-"Lee, I'm with you on this. No matter what happens, but we have to find you a trainer or a gym for you to get prepared for this fight you're going to do. Otherwise, you won't stand much of a chance. You remember what he did to you last time right?"
(Zuko nodded his head.)
Jin-"Then you have to realize that he's going to be much faster and tougher than he was before."
Zuko-"Maybe he won't really prepare like he should."
(Zuko just said that though to try and calm Jin, but Jin knew the truth.)
Jin-"Do you really believe that?"
(Reick is in the crime lord's personal gym, built for Reick though, preparing for the fight. He stares into heavy bag and sees Zuko, not the bag. His anger fuels him. He follows the combinations Cain tells him with power and might.)
Cain-"One two! One two! That's right! Hit it! There you go! Dig! Dig! Dig!"
(Reick is hitting the speed bag as fast as he can, and though he's tired his anger fuels him to go farther.)
Cain-"Speed! Speed! Beautiful! Keep your aim right. That's it!"
(Reick begins hitting the sparring partner without mercy. He pounds away. The man futilely attempts to cover up but he continues to be hit without remorse.)
Theif3-"Reick ease up on him.
Thief4-"Yeah man calm down."
(Reick doesn't listen. As the man staggers along the ropes Reick continues to throw hooks into the man's face.)
Cain-"Reick time!"
(Reick still continues to hit him.)
Theif2-"Reick, whoa, whoa stop Reick time!"
(While Theif2 was saying this Reick hit him two more times until a left hook to the face sends the man falling to the ground.)
Reick-"Get up!"
(The man was did try but he was just too much in pain. He grabs a rope but then falls back to the ground.)
Reick-"Get me anther one."
Cain-"Reick you can't do this; you're pushing them too hard."
(Reick swished the water he'd received in his mouth and spit it into the bowl. He wasn't listening.)
Reick-"You just get me someone else!"
(As they got another sparring partner in there, the crime lord was speaking to the reporters who were asking questions about the fight.)
Reporter1-"Has the fight date been set yet?"
Crime Lord-"That will be answered at tomorrow's press conference. I'm only, as I said before, going to answer questions relating to Reick's training for the upcoming fight or on the events that lead up to this."
Reporter2-"Is it true that a teenager was actually able to knock out the present Boxing Champion of this city?"
Crime Lord-"Yes, it is true that Reick was beaten by a teenager although it may be hard to believe."
Reporter3-"Do you think this is going to further hurt the champion's bad reputation, especially with this event?"
Crime Lord-"No comment."
Reporter4-"Do think the champion is preparing well for the upcoming fight, despite that it will be an easy victory?"
Crime Lord-"Look at him yourself and see."
(The Crime Lord motioned for them to look at Reick pound the sparring partner continually.)
Crime Lord-"As you all can see here, the results of Reick's training will be and are quite obvious."
Reporter1-"And, what result is that?"
(The sparring partner tries to clinch, but Reick sends an upper cut into the chin of the man and sends him flying back onto the mat. The Crime Lord smiles and answers.)
Crime Lord-"Whatever he hits, he destroys."
(As the man tries to get up, Reick throws a right hook, imagine this in slow motion, and the man's face is sent sideways. He falls to the ground, still in slow motion, onto the mat face flat.)
(Jin and Zuko were at the same area that Jin showed Zuko on their first date together at 3 pm. They were sitting together on the edge of the fountain staring into the water.)
Zuko-"What am I going to do Jin? I'm in situation that I can't get out of. I'm going to fight a man who is stronger, tougher, faster, and more skilled than I am. I'm strong and have kept myself in great physical shape, but do I even stand a chance against this guy?"
Jin-"Humanly speaking it is impossible, but with God, anything is possible."
(God. Zuko thought more about God, this being who was said to have created the entire universe. Did he really exist? Did he really even care? So many terrible things had happened to Zuko in his life, but as he thought, more of the pain Jesus experienced on and off the cross, he realized his pain was only a fraction of what Jesus had experienced. It said in that book that those who are suffering would find peace, but it had been years and still Zuko had found no true peace. Three years he had suffered with what had happened in thirty seconds, and ever since then he was never the same.)
Zuko-"I don't know what to do Jin. I've got so much pain that I've got inside me and now I…I don't know what to do. I just…I just don't know how to get this pain out of me."
Jin-"You mean the pain of your father's rejection of you?"
Zuko-"That and that I never was able to fulfill his mission to me. I was so close, so close. Yet just when I was about to succeed it was snuffed away from me. I've had to deal with failure for so long; it's all I've known. Jin, I'm just a failure."
Jin-"Lee, don't say that. You're not a failure."
Zuko-"Yes I am."
(Jin slaps him in the face.)
Jin-"Don't you ever say you're a failure, ever!"
(Zuko stared at Jin and Jin stared at Zuko. Jin brought her hand to his face, but not to slap it. This time she caressed it.)
Jin-"Don't think that of yourself. God has plans for everyone and they're all for good, and you're included in that. The only question remains; will you yield or keep moving? Life will beat you to your knees and keep you there if you let it Lee. Lee (pause) I know you're not a failure. God made you who you are and being a failure was not part of that. You can't change who God made you to be, but you can always change what you become."
(Zuko's face turned from Jin to the water.)
Jin-"You are who you are Lee, but will you let life's problems shape you? Is that what you want?"
(Zuko still stared into the image of himself in the water.)
Jin-"Lee, please look at me."
(Zuko looked into Jin's eyes.)
Jin-"The past is the past Lee. You can't change the past, but you can always change your future. Lee, your one of the closest people I've got and I've only known you for two days. I don't want you and neither does God beating yourself up for what you've done in the past. You've got your whole life ahead of you don't ruin it."
(Jin brought out her bible and opened it to James 1:2.)
Jin-"Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance is fully developed; you will be strong in character and ready for anything. So Lee listen to me when I'm saying this, keep getting up and don't lest past failures change what you are."
(Jin then opened up Matthew 5:4.)
Jin-"God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted."
(Zuko turned his face and saw his image in the water. He thought about what he saw.)
Zuko's thoughts-"The past is the past. Jin and that book are right; I've got to move from the past."
(Zuko looked back into Jin's face that'd been waiting for Zuko to finally answer her.)
Zuko-"It's strange how close we've gotten over a span of less than two days."
(They both smiled.)
Jin-"Well the past day hasn't been normal."
(They looked at each other in silence for a minute, just enjoying the peace of the moment.)
Zuko-"Thanks Jin, for all your advice."
Jin-"Don't thank me, thank God. He's the one who got me to think this way. I used to think like you did."
Zuko-"You did?"
Jin-"Believe it or not, I've had to deal with a lot of failure too. I used to have relationships with guys who would treat me like an angel, but all the while were using me or cheating on me. Did that stop me from loving though? No, I dealt with that pain and put it behind me. Before I met you, I decided I would wait until I found the one, and when I first saw you and your scar, (She brings her hand to his scar.) I saw someone who had felt pain. As I watched you, I saw you had a seriousness about you that came from pain. I knew it wasn't from yourself, and I didn't even know who you were."
(Zuko was surprised at how much she knew when she had only known him for less than two days.)
Jin-"I wanted to get to know you more and maybe help you with what you were dealing with. I…I also felt…no it's stupid."
(Zuko raised his hand to lift up Jin's head that had looked down after she said it was stupid to say. This surprised Jin, it even surprised Zuko!)
Zuko-"Jin, whatever it is you want to say, please say it."
(It took a minute, but Jin was finally able to say the words she wanted to say but didn't have the courage to.)
Jin-"I…I felt that God was telling me that…that you were the one. The one that I could…the one I could spend the rest of my life with."
Jin's thoughts-"Please let him think the same about me."
(Zuko was surprised. I took a minute for it to come through his mouth, but he let it out.)
Zuko-"I've felt the same way about you Jin, although I've only known you for a short time. I…I think I love you."
(Their lips came together in a kiss that seemed like it lasted forever. But then they were interrupted.)
Klay-"Excuse me?"
(They separated their lips to see who was speaking to them. It was a man, probably in his forties and pretty muscular. He had short brown hair, green eyes, and his eyes looked like they sunk into his head. He had a short nose, his cheeks sank in a bit, and he had a goatee. Most noticeable though was the thin scar that ran across the bottom of his left cheek.)
Zuko-"Yes, can we help you?"
Klay-"Your name is Lee, right?"
Zuko-"Yes, who wants to know?"
Klay-"My name is Klay. I'm here to help you."
Zuko-"Help me with what?"
Klay-"It's simple. I'm going to help you prepare for your fight. I'm going to be your coach."
(It was 5pm in the merchants' district where Reick and his pals were walking. They stepped to the entrance of a gym with the name Knockout's Gym.)
Theif3-"I never liked this place's name. It's dull and stupid."
Theif4-"Reick, why are we here again? We should be back at the other gym."
Reick-"I need to talk to someone, someone who can help me."
(The guys were confused. Clearly Reick could take the kid on but here he; was going to the one place no one thought he'd ever go back to. Reick moved first through the door and entered a gym with boxing hopefuls preparing themselves for their fights. Reick moved through a group of boxers chatting, and as he passed, was met with stares.)
Boxer1-"Is that him?"
Boxer2-"Yeah, that's him alright."
(Reick and his pals still continued moving through to the fighting platform on the second story by walking up the stairs.)
Boxer3-"Hey champ! No wait, I forgot, your name is chump! Heard you got knocked out by a teenager."
Boxer2-"Yeah, it makes me wonder, who you were fighting in the ring all those times. No wait, I know who they were! They were kindergartners!"
(The entire area burst out with laughter. Reick was already angry with all that had happened the past day, but he still kept moving upstairs.)
Boxer1-"No, they couldn't have been kindergarteners; they would've gone past the tenth round against him."
(The area didn't burst out in laughter but a few chuckles came out from the group. It wasn't a very funny joke but it was insulting and Reick was fed up with it.)
Reick-"Shut the hell up! I know you wouldn't last two rounds with me, let alone two minutes with a girl."
Boxers-"Ohhhhhh!"
(Although the guys thought the joke funny, the girls in the gym weren't laughing.)
Boxer1-"Oh yeah, I wasn't the one that got knocked out by teenager!"
(The whole crowd of boxer started laughing once again at Reick. Reick dropped his baggage and immediately headed to the boxer who had insulted him one two many times.)
Reick-"Yeah, well I could stomp you in no time flat."
Boxer1-"Oh yeah, come on!"
(They were about to charge each other until the other boxers around held them from killing each other.)
Cain-"Reick listen to me! It's not worth it man. Come on forget him."
(Reick calmed down. His friends who let him go and they continued their walk upstairs.)
Boxer1-"Yeah that's right! Walk away chump."
(Reick and his friends still kept walking upstairs two the second story. After getting upstairs, they headed to the fighting platform. They reached the area and Reick found who he was looking for. It was his old trainer Mical. His hair was gray and his face had the look of an aged man. He still however had kept himself pretty muscular, even though he was in his sixties. Mical noticed Reick but turned his eyes and ignored him. Reick and his pals walked over to Mical who was watching his new prospect work out his double jab.)
Mical-"Keep your aim at the nose."
Reick-"Hey Marcus, how are you doing?"
(Mical ignored him and still looked at his prospect, still checking his jab.)
Reick-"Look, I'm having another title fight soon and I know I can win it but I'd like your help."
(Mical still ignored him.)
Reick-"I'd really appreciate it if you'd train me."
(Mical continued to ignore him.)
Reick-"I'd pay you plenty of money if you did, and I'd be in your debt if you would help me out."
(Mical called his prospect to stop and finally gave Reick his attention.)
Mical-"What the hell are you doing here?"
Reick-"I need your help Mical. I've got another title fight and I'd like it you would train me again. You know like old times."
Mical-"Get out here. Don't waste my time."
Reick-"I'll do whatever you want Mical. I'd go through whatever training you have, just train me please."
Mical-"Like I said earlier, get out."
(Reick hung his head, raised it and began to walk away.)
Theif2-"Look Reick it's all right."
Theif1-"Yeah man. It's no big deal."
(Reick stopped at the edge of the stairs. He was tired of the lack of respect he didn't have from his old mentor and Mical.)
Reick-"No guys, it's not okay."
(Reick dropped his stuff and walked within 5 yards of Mical.)
Reick-"You know you used to be like a father to me! I trained 2 years at this gym to be the next Boxing Champion under you! I knew that if anyone could train me, it should be you! I won 30 regular fights under you and then I won the title and ever since I won that title you've been treating me like dirt and I want to know why."
(The entire building became silent.)
Mical-"You want know why?"
Reick-"I want to know!"
Mical-"Okay, I'll tell you why! It's because you used to be a great fighter! You had the heart of a true champion and could've gone places! But instead, you took your skills to a criminal. Instead of becoming a true champ, that you could have been you became a low down thief, who isn't worthy to even have his title belt!"
(The gym was as silent as a graveyard. Reick had heard Mical say his mind, and realized he was right. Reick turned around, grabbed his stuff, and walked out of the gym in shame.)
(Jin, Zuko, and Klay were at a warehouse in the merchants' district, not to far from the spot of were Jin and Zuko first kissed. It was pretty large for a warehouse and was filled with all sorts of gym equipment; it even had a fighting platform.)
Klay-"This is my gym. This is where you'll be training for your future fight."
Zuko-"How did you turn this place into a gym?"
Jin-"Yeah, this place is filled with equipment."
(Klay motioned for them to look at the wall next to the fighting platform. It had on it a championship belt, trophies, and posters announcing fight dates.)
Klay-"I'm an amateur fighter. The little money I got from my fights, including with some good investments enabled me to do this. However, I never went professional because it seemed to me too full of bickering and squabbling instead of just true fighting. You see, some fighters are just in it for the purse while others are in it for the love of the game. More often than naught, you usually will find the fighters who love the sport more than the purse in the amateur fights than you do the professional."
(Jin and Zuko walked over to the area and eyed the trinkets. Jin noticed the belt said World Wide Amateur Champion.)
Jin-"You were the World Wide Amateur Champion?"
Klay-"No, I still am. Haven't quit yet and don't intend to. I found that the one of the greatest loves in my life third to God and my family is boxing."
(Zuko noticed a painting on the wall that had Klay on it with two girls with a lady.)
Zuko-"You have a family?"
Klay-"Yes, I have two daughters who love fighting and are as hard headed as their father, but as caring as their mother."
Jin-"You have a very lucky wife."
Klay-"I did yes."
Jin-"Did?"
Klay-"She died, two months ago."
Zuko-"I'm very sorry for your loss."
Klay-"She was one of the greatest joys in my life besides my twins. She's in Heaven now though waiting for me so to me I'm sad that she's gone, but I'm also happy for her."
(Zuko was confused on how he thought of his wife's passing.)
Zuko-"Your wife is dead though. How does that make you happy that she's gone? Doesn't that make you feel hurt that she was taken away from you?"
(Klay turned to Zuko.)
Klay-"Dead? As a Christian, I know that both Heaven and Hell exist. My wife accepted Jesus as her savior and went to Heaven. My wife's not dead but is alive in Heaven with Jesus and his loving care, so what do I need to be sad about? She's experiencing love and peace, no pain, death, sickness, war, just pure peace. I miss her of course but I know that I'm going to see her again someday. The only question is when."
Jin-"So you're a Christian too?"
Klay-"I've been one for the past few years yes. Look, I think you two are getting too sidetracked by asking me all these questions. Okay, your name is Lee correct?"
Zuko-"Yes."
Klay-"Lee, I'm going to make a deal with you. If I train you for your upcoming fight, will you promise to give it your all and not make yourself, and more importantly me, look like a joke?"
(Zuko and Jin were both surprised. They expected him to say something about money, but instead he was asking him to give it his all.)
Jin-"That's it?"
Zuko-"Exactly why are you helping me?"
Klay-"Because I'm the best and your going to need the best to teach you. I really don't think you're going to be able to do it without me."
Zuko-"You still didn't answer my question. Exactly why are you helping me?"
Klay-"Do you anyone around kid?"
(Jin and Zuko both took a look around and didn't see another soul.)
Zuko and Jin-"No."
Klay-"Exactly. You see, I opened this place up for business hoping I could make some money training some fighters, but as you can see the only people here is us. So here's the deal, if you fight really well in your fight people will know that I trained you. Once they know that people will come to get trained by me and I'll have a very nice source of income. First thing is first though, are you serious about this fight you're having?"
(Zuko looked at Jin, and then looked back at Klay.)
Zuko-"I'm dead serious."
Klay-"Excellent. Now, do you have a job?"
Zuko-"Yes, I work at a teashop."
Klay-"Quit your job. Most of your hours of the day from now on will be spent here."
Zuko-"But I just got the job a few days ago!"
Klay-"You're going to need all day to train for your fight. You're going to be fighting this city's professional champion. This guy will beat you to your knees if you're not in tip top shape. Now looking at you, I may have something to work with, but in order to beat this guy your going to need long hours of training and conditioning. If you're not going to commit to what you've got to do than just leave."
(Jin walked over to Zuko. Zuko knew what he had to do.)
Zuko-"Fine, I'll quit my job."
Klay-"Good. Now, take off your shirt. I need to see how strong you are."
(Zuko, reluctantly of course, took off his shirt and let Klay examine him. Jin of course blushed and giggled.)
Klay-"I definitely have something to work with. You've got a very muscular body, no wonder you were able to beat this guy. Although you're not as tall or as strong as he is, you're in excellent physical condition for someone your age. Now that I know what I have to work with, oh yeah, you can put your shirt back on now."
(Zuko, already embarrassed that his shirt had to taken off in front Jin, puts his shirt back on.)
Klay-"Now, I want you both to meet me here tonight okay? Just before sundown hits."
Jin-"Why do want us to be here tonight?"
Klay-"You'll find out when you get here. While you're out kid I suggest you quit your job and start thinking about what you're going to say when you speak in front of the press tomorrow."
Zuko-"How did you know about that?"
Klay-"I was there when the champ challenged you, but before I could speak to you, you slipped off and disappeared. Thank God, I was able to find you on my way back home. I was just about ready to give up trying to find you."
Jin-"Well you sort of caught us off guard at the fountain."
(Jin was smiling and clinging to Zuko's right arm, and Zuko was smiling a bit. Something he rarely ever does, duh!)
Zuko-"Sundown right?"
Klay-"That's the time. I expect to see you here tonight."
Jin-"We'll be here, and thank you."
(Jin and Zuko headed out the double door and left. Klay turned back to his family portrait and looked at his wife. A tear strolled down his eye. That horrible memory of her death came back to him. He wiped the tear off his face and regained his composure.)
Klay-"They remind me of us, those two."
(He still looked at his wife's image.)
Klay-"I'll see you soon baby. I'll see you soon."
(Zuko and Jin headed down the street.)
Zuko-"Why do you think he wants us both here tonight?"
Jin-"I'm not sure. What are you going to do about your job though?"
Zuko-"Well like that guy Klay said now I'm going to have to quit my job. Uncle is not going to be happy about this. I'm also going to have to explain to him all this mess that's going on right now."
Jin-"Maybe he'll understand."
Zuko-"Hopefully he will. Listen, can you get your friend Tycho to take my again place for a while?"
Jin-"I'll see what I can do. If I can't get him I'm sure I'll find someone else."
Zuko-"Thank you Jin; I'd really appreciate that."
Jin-"So what do you think your training will be like?"
Zuko-"I don't know, but it sure isn't going to be easy. I can guarantee you that."