Teacher

by leslina

“I have mastered the elements a thousand times in a thousand lifetimes. Now, I must do it once again. You will teach the Avatar fire bending.”

TEACHER

By Leslina

31.05.06

Disclaimer: Avatar: The Last Airbender © Michael Dante DiMartino, Nickelodeon Studios et al.

Author Notes: Something I wanted to write after watching The Deserter and then thought over again after recently watching The Chase. Oh, and again, please do not defile this episode by assuming Zuko and Jeong Jeong have something going on... cos they don't.

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"I have mastered the elements a thousand times in a thousand lifetimes. Now, I must do it once again. You will teach the Avatar fire bending."

"Yes, yes… I will teach you…"

"What?" Zuko murmured groggily from the bedroll eyes adjusting to the opaque dimness surrounding him. "Teach… me?"

Jeong Jeong straightened, the circle of wax that surrounded him and the resting Fire Nation prince bursting with a fervor akin to a climax at passion's peak. Zuko propped himself on an elbow, his other arm shielding his eyes from the blinding brightness and peering at the man who sat opposite him in meditative repose. Amber eyes narrowed in recognition—a Fire Nation settlement and a Wanted poster—on it, four likenesses he recognized; the Avatar, the Blue spirit, a nobody-deserter and…

"You're—"

"Your uncle is dead; as should you." The old fire master forged on without apology or regard for diplomacy. "Your father has forsaken you and your sister the progeny of an evil too pure too redeem."

Zuko's head bowed in acknowledgment; his eyes burned with defiance. It was as the old fire master said. Things were as they were. He could not bring back his uncle, nor could he change his father's heart or sister's moral fiber.

But he would put an end to the madness started by his kinsmen and perpetuated by his countrymen. He would regain his honor, his throne and redeem his people.

Jeong Jeong's stare remained unwavering; locked with the exiled princes'.

Yes, he could teach this one. This one was ready. This one understood the value of discipline.

This one would teach the Avatar.

FIN

End Notes: After The Deserter I wasn't satisfied with Jeong Jeong's disappearance; and although I have a strong feeling that Zuko will indeed be the one to teach Aang fire bending, I have an even stronger feeling that Jeong Jeong is still not in the clear with Roku. Let's not forget, Roku commanded Jeong Jeong to teach the Avatar fire bending. I doubt the writers would just forget about this! My prediction is that Zuko will eventually cross paths with Jeong Jeong in book two; either alone or with an injured Iroh in tow. I believe Zuko will learn from Jeong Jeong and through these teachings, he will be able to face his sister on equal terms. For all of Zuko's lack of "talent", he has something Azula never had—sheer will and determination. To quote Ursa, "He never gives up." I also believe Iroh may indeed be dead or at the very least much too injured to be of any good to Zuko at this point in the story. Jeong Jeong would be the ideal, no nonsense, give it to him straight, older male mentor replacement he would need to fill that void. To quote Toph, "Zuko's very lucky." His father is the biggest prick in the world, and yet he's been fortunate enough to have some incredibly stable and positive male figures in his life in his uncle Iroh, cousin Lu Ten, and possibly Jeong Jeong if my prediction proves true.