Author's Note: This is just something something I do for fun when I have writer's block. I ask people to give me words and I write one-liners inspired by the word that I think would begin an interesting story start.
You may read these as all separate, isolated events, or you may string them together. I realized I sort of wrote using my own timeline or sorts...
So here we follow the lives of Zuko and Iroh before the Last Airbender took place. Enjoy if you can.
Red
When he was young, he used to say it was his favorite color; however, the longer he looked in the mirror now, the more he hated it.
Rushing
The sea breeze pulling through his hair was exhilarating, yet a bitter reminder that he could not go home.
Filthy
"You may not mind mingling with these filthy peasants, but I still have some pride!"
Drenched
The rain came pouring down hard enough to hurt, and when a blur from his partially blinded side caught his attention, he instinctively held his breathe, waiting for the wave he knew would come.
Pounding
"I don't care that he spilt it, you open this door right now, Uncle!"
Slip
The moment it was out of his mouth, Iroh knew it was a mistake, and not just because of the pained expression that flashed across his nephew's face.
Excitement
It always amazed the young firebender that his uncle, esteemed general and Dragon of the West, would nearly weep in absolute delight whenever someone made ginseng tea 'just right.'
Creak
"Have pity on an old man and his tired bones!" was an excuse Zuko was getting thoroughly tired of hearing.
Aroma
He would never admit it, not even on the pain of torture and death, but sitting down for a game of pai sho, the scent of jasmine tea wafting in the air between them, was always one of Zuko's favorite moments.
Thick
"You are most fortunate you have such a hard skull, Prince Zuko, because I'm sure that plank would have split my head open!"
Thud
The young firebender sat up from the ground, eye wide in amazement, as he stared up at his uncle, who was smiling down at him, offering a hand up.
Symbol
They both knew that the scar was a symbol; it was just unfortunate that his nephew misinterpreted its meaning.
Refrain
Taking a deep―very deep―breath, Zuko decided it'd only be a waste of time to tell his uncle 'no' when the old man had already set his heart on music nights taking place on Thursdays.
Determination
"I don't care if we have to search the whole world over until the end of time, we're finding him!"
Speed
It was astonishing how fast roast duck could disappear whenever General Iroh was around.
Skeptical
The longer they were out at sea, the more ports they stopped in, the more unsettled Zuko began to feel, little seeds of doubt taking root in his mind that he just didn't want to acknowledge were the real truth.
Reserve
It was said that a reserved man was a wise man, but then, as Iroh watched his nephew scowl out over the water, not saying a word, he also knew that silence was not always best.
Grievous
There were some on the ship who believed that the former Crowned Prince General Iroh would hold a grudge against his brother for usurping his throne, but Iroh would always assure them that he did not hold his brother in ill will because of that, before he turned away, staring in sorrow and resentment at the mark left upon one too young.
Control
"How will you ever become a master or even Fire Lord if you do not learn control?!"
Fury
It was hard to always identify what he was angry with all the time, but Zuko just decided it was easiest to say he was mad at the world.
Informal
Aboard his ship, the prince liked to keep ridged control and a hierarchical structure―but there was one person aboard who was forgiven the occasional forgetfulness of his title.
Rain
Although he would never admit it, the young firebender like the rain as it cooled and tempered raging fires that were not seen on the outside.
Resounding
"I know it's my destiny to find him" - but how little the young man truly knew about destiny and how his place in history would resonate.
Synchronize
How they had gotten into a mess with a colony governor, a prostitute, and a rather disgruntled butcher, was beyond Zuko, but as they fought together side by side, the prince couldn't help but be impressed by just how well he and his uncle worked together.
Always
"You need not worry, my Nephew, I am here to help you."
Begin
"Understanding your own element is only the beginning, Prince Zuko."
Lord
It was not often that Zuko looked into a mirror, but the few times he did, he couldn't help but worry that his visage was unworthy to be that of a Fire Lord.
Howl
"It howls from the pain of separation from its pack," his uncle explains uselessly to his nephew, as Zuko knows such cries all too well.
Stalk
"Why are we doing this?" Zuko asks as he is down crawling on his hands and knees beside his uncle, who is staring intently at the cinnamon bun cart.
Shine
It is not often that he does, but when Zuko smiles, Iroh can't help but believe its brilliance can outshine the sun.
Author's Note: Again, take this how you will. If anyone wants to use one of these lines for something, please consult me! ...and then I'll give you permission. I just wanna know so I can read whatever you have. X)
Reviews are, of course, welcomed. Thanks!
