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People can surprise you
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This morning Toph and I both ran Aang through some bending forms while Iroh watched. He had told Aang over breakfast that he would be taking over as Aang's firebending teacher and Aang had been rather pleased with this. Well, he said Yippee and raced around on his scooter a bit – and Iroh had been most amused. Iroh had even turned to Zuko and made a wry comment about how Zuko had never shown Aang's level of enthusiasm for his teaching. Iroh had warned Aang that his lessons would be irregular for the next little while, but assured him that he would do his best to 'make time' to teach him and he had in fact made some time this morning.
Zuko had to stay and work on his coronation speech (which has become colloquially known as the speech of doom – as he is dreading it to an extraordinary level). Sokka also declined joining us. He wanted to go check of the airship's progress and do science-y things. Zuko asked if Sokka thought he could invent a speech writing machine – but that is beyond Sokka's powers.
After breakfast, Iroh had taken us to a place called the Azira Gardens near the Palace. He thought it would be the best place to practice different forms of bending. It was private. There were plenty of ponds and small streams and as well as a large variety of different rocks and terrains that imitated different environments. Iroh had to dig around in the Palace vaults last night to get the keys for the place. It apparently hasn't been opened in years. He seemed oddly wistful when the lock clicked open.
Iroh thought it would be a good idea if he could see where Aang was at in terms of his other bendings, before he started to teach him fire. He wanted Toph and I to demonstrate both our teaching methods and how far Aang has progressed. I went first and it was great to be bending fiercely again. I started with a few easy forms – to help Aang warm up. We haven't done this in ages after all. Slowly I made the forms harder, until I got up to the forms around Aang's level. I encouraged him to try a little harder and extend himself – until we reached the limits of his abilities.
Toph took over after me and she took to her normally (and terrifying) teaching method with gusto. She blindfolded Aang and threw boulders at him and he had to "feel" them coming and stop them. She was scant with her praise and abrupt with her insults. As always, she was very demanding. At the end of their session she told Aang that he had been too lazy since the war had ended and had lost some conditioning.
We all reconvened and Iroh pulled a little teapot out of this bag he had brought with him. I bended some water into it and he made us all a cup each. We had a chat. Iroh asked Toph and I about where we thought Aang was at in our bendings. Toph was rather blunt and said that she wasn't going to lie - Aang still had a long way to go with earthbending. Aang gave her the reproachful look he always gives her when she goes on about how crap his earth bending is right in front of him.
I tried to be a bit more encouraging. If I had to come up with an official level from the structure that Pakku used, I would say that I think Aang is probably at Orca level – which is very good. It is only three levels below being a master. Iroh was a bit confused, so I explained that Pakku made up the system as a way of streaming his classes and in an uncharacteristic act of whimsy – he named all the levels after polar creatures, rather than just numbers. Aang has a great deal of raw talent, but he has been at Orca level for a while. Iroh nodded.
At Orca Level, the forms get much more technically complex and violent. To do them properly requires a great deal of practice and study. During our time at the north, I had devoted all my time to learning bending and I had rapidly gone through the levels, but Aang had reached octopus level with Pakku and stayed there for a long time. He had made it to octopus level on raw talent alone – but after that he had needed to study. It was only through constant practice with me after we left the north that he had reached Orca level.
Aang turned to Iroh and asked what sort of firebending Iroh was going to teach him this morning. Iroh looked thoughtful and then said that both Zuko and Jeong Jeong thought that Aang needed to work on his breathing excerises – so they would do a very quick one now. Aang sighed deeply when Iroh said breathing exercises – but agreed. He asked what he had to do for this exercise and Iroh told him he had to answer one question. How long does it take for tea to be shipped from the Earth Kingdom to here? Aang looked momentarily panicked because he thought that he was being asked a maths question. Aang and Mathematics are not friends. Aang started saying that he didn't know and how fast was the ship travelling? He'd need to know how fast the ship was travelling and how far it had to go before he could work it out. Iroh waved off his maths-induced-panic and said the answer was much simpler. It was Oolong time…Get it?
It was such a lame pun, but I couldn't help but chuckle. Toph laughed next to me. Aang looked confused for a fraction of a second and then he burst out into giggles – when he too, got the joke. Aang laughed a bit longer than us. Iroh smiled at him indulgently and said he was glad that Aang liked his joke. Iroh explained that laughter exercised all the muscles needed for good strong breath control. Because there lessons would be irregular for the next little while, Iroh had homework for Aang to do between his lessons. Firstly, he wanted Aang to practice the basic firebending meditation that he knew Zuko taught him. He gave Aang a slightly warning look here. Secondly, Aang was to find a joke – preferably about tea, but Iroh did enjoy jokes about all subjects. Iroh wanted Aang to find a joke that made him laugh till his sides hurt, till he was worried he would rupture something – and then they would go from there.
Aang looked at Iroh perplexed and asked if his homework was really just mediating and finding a joke. Iroh confirmed that that was all he required Aang to do. Aang appeared absolutely delighted with this rather light-hearted approach to firebending. He exclaimed you're the best firebending teacher ever! enthusiastically. But then he seemed to recover himself somewhat and bowed and said I mean thank you, Sifu Hotman. Iroh chuckled at being called Sifu Hotman, but said that Aang could just call him Iroh. Aang smiled at him and bowed again. He seemed a bit eager to get to his "homework" and turned to Toph and asked if she knew any jokes. Toph gave him her trademark punch in the arm and said that she wasn't doing his homework for him.
-0-
Iroh showed us to the gate and we left for the house. He paused as he pulled the door closed and locked the garden back up again. He told us that he would get some keys made up for us – so that Toph or I could bring Aang here to practice, when we got the time. Toph smiled at him and said she had a better idea. She asked Iroh to give her the key and she took off her bracelet. She held the bracelet in one hand and the key in the other and concentrated. In no time at all she had made a perfect replica of the key. She didn't say I'm that awesome, but I know she thought it. Instead she said that she'd make copies up for me and Aang back at the house and sashayed off.
Toph and Aang were a little bit ahead of us. Toph had caved and was telling Aang a few of the cleaner jokes she'd heard around the earth rumbling ring. I asked Iroh quietly if laughter really was helpful for firebending breath control. I had a feeling it wasn't as important as Iroh had made it out to be. Iroh gave me a cheeky smile and said nothing gets past you, does it? wryly.
Iroh said that laughter was important enough. He had gathered that Aang didn't feel the joy in firebending, and Iroh was striving to remedy that, first and foremost. Aang had such a heavy burden on such young shoulders – Iroh wanted to make his load a little lighter, if he could. He said this almost sadly. He added that he had all the time in the world to teach Aang now that the imminent arrival of Sozin's comet wasn't hanging over our heads. He wanted to take it slowly with Aang and teach him the basics – but in a way that made the basics fun. The he turned to me and said besides; I truly enjoy a good joke. I knew he did.
Iroh explained that it wasn't a completely frivolous activity. His best firebending teacher had started every lesson by telling him a joke. And he used to try to do something similar with Zuko. I asked how that had gone, with a smile. Iroh grinned back at me and said not so good a little ruefully. Apparently the crewman on the ship had all seen fit to share the most ribald jokes they knew. Iroh feared that Zuko had never looked at koala-sheep the same way, after the joke that Lieutenant Jee had told him. And jokes were not Zuko's strong point anyway. He could only ever remember the punchline and always mangled the joke upon retelling it.
I said he still does that in an offhand manner. Iroh looked at me in astonishment and asked when Zuko had told me jokes? I explained about how he'd tried to tell us a few of Iroh's jokes at the beach house, but he always mangled them. Then he'd try to fix it and he'd say the punchline. He'd say something like it's funnier when Uncle tells it. Iroh seemed a bit flabbergasted by the thought of Zuko telling jokes of his own volition. He shook his head a little and said mostly to himself, sometimes people really can surprise you.
-o-
People really can surprise you. I had two surprises come to meet me back at the gates to Zuko's house. When we arrived back after training, Bato and Sorrak seemed to run up to me from nowhere. Bato asked if they could have a quick word with me. I agreed and waved the others off. I told them to go inside and I'd catch up in a sec.
I actually assumed that Bato was probably relaying some message of my father's. I wasn't sure what Sorrak was doing here. We've never really spoken. Well Sorrak doesn't really speak to anyone. He's rather quiet most of the time. He trains the snowdogs back home, and when I was a kid, he'd had some daft idea about domesticating the polar bear dogs. It hadn't worked out so well. My Dad said that he always thought that Sorrak was more comfortable around animals than he was around people. They both bowed at me and then Bato said that Sorrak had something for me. He gave Sorrak an encouraging nod.
Sorrak is even taller and bigger than Bato and he had to hunch a fair bit so he was on my eye level. He reached into his pocket and gave me a large walrutoise tooth that had been carved into a rectangular bead. It had the symbol for warrior on one side and brave on the other. I took it in astonishment. It was tradition in our tribe that warrior beads be given when a young man had proven themselves. They normally get made into decorations for wrist guards, but my Dad had all his warrior beads on a necklace that he wore on ceremonial occasions. I didn't understand. Why had Sorrak given it to me?
Sorrak shifted uncomfortably and said he thought I deserved it, because it was very brave of me to say what I had said last night. I looked at the bead in my hand. I wasn't sure if I deserved it. I hadn't made a boat, or killed anything, or mastered the boomerang– and that was what first beads were normally given for. I had just stood up for what I felt was right. I told Sorrak that I couldn't take it and he seemed a bit taken aback. He really wanted me to have it. I asked him why.
He looked me in the eye and said I was raised by my mum as if that explained everything. I tilted my head curiously. Sorrak said that his mum had worked hard – everyday of her life- and she was stronger than ten men put together. But they'd had to be part of his Father's brother's household, after his father had died – and the way his Uncle treated his mother made his blood boil. His voice shook and his fists clenched when he said that. There was an old anger there - just simmering below the surface. He looked me in the face again and said what bothered me was that there was never any question that things could be different….. That life could be better….. Not for her. He trailed off and looked sadly off into the distance before he turned back to me and said that he thought I was right. What I had said last night was right. That was why I needed to keep the bead. Then he bowed and took his leave quite abruptly.
Bato and I looked at his retreating form in astonishment. Bato remarked that's the longest speech I've ever heard out of him quietly. I was surprised – didn't Bato know that he was going to say that. Bato said that Sorrak had come up to him after Bato had made a small statement at breakfast, and said that he had made something for me. He'd shown Bato the bead and Bato thought that Sorrak should give it to me himself and cajoled him into coming and waiting for me.
What was this small statement of Bato's?
Bato smiled and ruffled my hair a little bit and said that someone as smart as I was should be able to make a guess. I feigned incomprehension. Really, I just wanted to hear him say that he agreed with me. I needed to hear it. It gives me hope to hear that some of the men agree with me. Then I know that I'm not alone in thinking the way that I do, when it comes to my tribe. Bato said that he just wanted me to know that not everybody thought like Kuba and Hasa. It would be hard to convince everyone else, but he wanted me to know that he was with me – for what it was worth.
I smiled at him and gave him a hug. His good opinion did mean a great deal to me. Bato is like my uncle. It was Bato who took Sokka ice dodging and who gave me the mark of the brave, after all. He was so much a part of our family and I was so glad he was on my side. I felt so much better knowing that the three men who meant to most to me from my tribe (My Dad, Sokka and Bato) agreed with me.
-o-
When I found the others, they were all sprawled out in the living room… except for Iroh, who was off organizing things – like he does, and Zuko, who was stressing out – like he does. He was sitting at the tea table, which had been strewn with writing utensils, and was surrounded by a veritable snowfall of crumpled up bits of paper – some had obviously been torn up in frustration. I asked him how it was going. Apparently the speech of doom still sucks monkeyfeathers. I went and sat behind him on the couch and sent for tea and ginger snaps – as they improve any situation. As soon as I said brightly tea and ginger snaps will help! I realized that I was probably hanging out with Iroh too much. His philosophy that tea and some sort of biscuits help any situation was contagious.
Toph was sitting cross-legged on the floor next to Zuko, metalbending spoons into replicas of the key for the gardens. Suki and Sokka were sitting squished into the plush loveseat together. Suki had the afternoon off from being 'the leader of the Kyoshi warriors'. She had given her warriors a break to 'explore the city' which really meant perve on hot-arse guy in the Wandering Cat Teahouse. Several of the warriors had become a bit infatuated with the sexy waiters in the teashop and were going to ask them to come to the coronation feast tomorrow. Ty Lee had also taken several of them home to raid her and her sister's wardrobes for party clothes for everyone. I was told that Suki had asked Zuko last night if her warriors could bring a plus one to the coronation party – and he'd given his permission freely, because according to Zuko, this party is going to be ridiculous anyway and his Uncle always had a "the more-the merrier" approach to parties. And he wanted his new body guards to not-hate him. When Suki had passed this information on to her warriors this morning there had been much excitement. She was sitting on Sokka's lap and idly polishing her fans as she relayed this information.
Aang was sitting on the couch opposite – playing with Momo. He was blasting little air drafts for Momo to glide on and Momo was chirruping happily. Suki asked him how firebending with Iroh had gone and Aang started going on about how great his lesson with Iroh was and how cool it was to be assigned finding a joke for homework.
He had apparently exhausted Toph's supply of Aang-friendly jokes. Toph told me later that most of the jokes she learnt from earth-rumblers would lead to awkward discussions involving penguin sledding, if she were to repeat them to Aang. With this in mind, Toph had for the sake of our collective sanity, refrained from telling these jokes.
Suki offered that she knew a joke – Aang was well acquainted with Suki fondness for terribly lame puns, laughed politely after she said I used to have a fear of hurdles, but I got over it… Geddit? Zuko, who was clearly looking for anything else rather than the speech of doom to concentrate on, said that he knew a joke. He couldn't remember how it went….. but the punchline was….. Aang said thanks Zuko, but it's okay. You don't have to tell jokes.
Immediately after this, Sokka who had been waving his hand about to get attention, volunteered to provide Aang with plentiful hilarious jokes. Sokka, for his part, saw the directive to find the funniest joke in the world, a joke that made Aang laugh till he ruptured something – as some sore of challenge. He had committed himself firmly to the task of making Aang laugh till he ruptured something.
Sokka nearly succeeded when he told Aang the one about the two penguins in the bar (the one with the misunderstanding about the first penguin's mother). Aang laughed loudly and suddenly and startled Momo – who had been sitting on his shoulder. Momo scampered off in fright and ran all over Zuko's latest (possibly billionth) attempt at the speech of doom and smudged the ink everywhere. Zuko swore loudly and Momo scampered back to Aang.
Momo chirruped at Aang in a distressed fashion and Aang smoothed his large ears affectionately and said No, don't worry - he's just a little stressed at the moment. Momo chirruped again and Aang said No it's not you. Believe me. There's a wall there. And he tapped his chest solemnly. Momo nodded in understanding. Zuko watched this exchange with a rather bemused and incredulous expression, while the rest of us muffled our amused snorts. Zuko asked Aang slowly are to talking about me with momo? Aang confirmed that he was and Momo had suggested that Zuko just needed to relax.
Zuko went a little red in the face and his hand gripped his ink brush so tightly he accidentally snapped it. He dropped the broken brush and started fussing around in his pocket for a replacement. He bemoaned that he couldn't just relax when the coronation was tomorrow dramatically.
Aang who, when he becomes determined to cheer somebody up, always persists long after the point where his various antics become unwelcome, continued to try and make Zuko relax. He said that he thought Zuko just needed a good joke too and Aang had heard lots of good jokes today. Zuko looked like he was about to argue, but then he sighed deeply in resignation and said fine, tell me this joke. Aang started with how long…. Zuko interrupted and asked if the answer was Oolong time? Aang looked startled and asked how Zuko had known. Zuko deadpanned I can read minds. Toph sniggered next to him, but Aang said Really? with genuine astonishment and interest. Zuko said No, not really. I just know you've spent all morning with my Uncle. He didn't add you idiot – but the you idiot sort of lingered at the end of that sentence silently.
Sokka said that he had a joke for Zuko and Zuko got a bit cross and said he didn't need anymore jokes. He needed to finish this speech of doom and we were all being most distracting and unhelpful. And none of us would have to stand on stage in front of a huge crowd of people tomorrow and make a speech. Aang pointed out that he also had to stand on a stage tomorrow and make a speech in front of a big crowd of people – because Zuko had asked him! Zuko acquiesced that Aang had a point – but then he added that Aang liked standing on stages in front of crowds of people. Aang confirmed this and said what's not to like – everyone claps for you and that's always awesome. Who doesn't like a standing ovation? Zuko said that he didn't like the potential to make an arse of yourself in front of a large audience. I said reassuringly that I was sure his speech was fine and he wasn't going to make an arse of himself. Suki chimed in and said that he'd been working on the speech of doom for ages and should take a break.
At that point Sokka piped up and asked Aang if he wanted to hear a new joke that he had just come up with then. Aang did. Sokka said with barely contained glee how long does it take Zuko to write a speech? – Oolong time – get it. Aang and Toph and Suki laughed. Zuko got a bit stroppy and said that didn't even make sense! Then he crumpled up his current draft of the speech of doom and threw it at Sokka stroppily. Sokka caught it midair and said that Aang was right. Zuko was too tense and needed to relax and Sokka was sure the speech was great. He partially unraveled it and read a few lines and his expression changed. He said I don't think you should be mentioning recycling in this thing.
Zuko leaned over, grimacing as he stretched out, and snatched the speech back and said I'm still working on it okay by way of explanation. Sokka muttered that it needed work under his breath. I pointed out archly that Sokka shouldn't knock the speech of doom – it's not like he was a phenomenal public speaker either. Sokka protested that he wasn't knocking it – he was offering constructive criticism and there was a difference. Mentioning recycling was bad, but Zuko had laid everything our neatly and even added the date so that was good.
A strange look came over Sokka's face and he asked if that was really the date. Zuko said it was, and added that he was perfectly capable of reading a calendar thank-you-very-much. Sokka looked at him and asked if he didn't realize what that meant. Zuko obviously didn't. Sokka looked encouragingly at him and repeated the date several times. Zuko gave Sokka a look of complete bemusement, and then said with some alarm – it's not your birthday is it! Sokka said no! His birthday wasn't for ages. He announced that tomorrow – the day of the coronation – would be exactly a year to the day when we all first met. Well, Zuko and Aang met Sokka and I, at least. Sokka was amazed that no one else realized that tomorrow was the year anniversary of the day we broke Aang out of the iceberg.
No Way!
There were many exclamations. I couldn't believe it. A whole year! It had seemed so long ago! It had gone so fast! The others were echoing my sentiments. Sokka announced that none of us had a head for dates and that was why Sokka always had to be in charge of the schedule. Zuko said that he thought Sokka just liked schedules. Aang moaned that he hoped Sokka wasn't going to get schedule-y again. Suki said that she thought that Sokka's schedule love was sweet. I piped up that everyone should be quiet about schedules so Zuko could concentrate and fix his speech (because I'm pretty sure that no coronation speech should be about recycling). Toph started chuckling to herself.
She pointed out that even though a year had gone by and so much had changed – some things would always stay the same. She said all of us, clustered in this room, was almost like old times – back on Ember Island. And like times of old – I was being bossy and trying to organize everyone, Zuko was being dramatically stressed out, Sokka was being anal about dates and schedules, Aang was hating on the schedule and goofing off and Suki was being calm and sensible. I asked what about you, Toph? A bit archly. She replied that as usual, she was sitting around, being awesome and making sassy remarks.
I actually can't argue with that – that is what Toph normally does.
-o-
A short while later Toph got up and gave me one of the keys she had made. She gave the other to Aang and kept one for herself and bent her bracelet back into its normal shape. It had taken her a little longer to make the keys out of the spoons because the spoons were made of a different metal than her bracelet. I made a wry comment about how spoonbending was also like old times as she handed me the key. She gave me a light whack, but she did it in a friendly manner. She then announced that she was also going to embrace old times and take Aang for a vigorous afternoon earthbending training session. Sokka said that he and Suki were going to absconded and have some quality time – whilst Suki had the afternoon off. Too much information Sokka!
It was just Zuko and me left in the loungeroom. I scooted closer to him till I was sitting right next to him. I asked him how the speech was going really. He said Sokka was right and it was dreadful and he knew it was dreadful – but everything he wrote seemed dreadful. I said it couldn't be that bad and cajoled him into reading it out for me. He stood up in front of me and read from the crumpled up draft. He thought it would be more 'realistic' that way. I sincerely hope that this is not a realistic enactment of how the speech is going to go down tomorrow.
Zuko shuffled and then waved awkwardly and said So err hi…Zuko here…. The way he did that almost reminded me of that first time I saw him again after Ba Sing Se, when he had shown up at the Western Air Temple. I smiled at him encouragingly and then he said I mean Firelord Zuko here more confidently and added…. because I'll be firelord when I give this speech –unnecessarily. I told him that I had gathered that and motioned for him to continue. He did so. He said:
So the firenation has does some bad shit in the last 100 years and now we have to fix it – not that saying that the firenation people in the audience are all bad people. I'm sure you're all nice…. and you recycle your glass bottles… because the environment is important? …. and anyway … now that the avatar is back … things are going to be better… but the firenation has to do better too … so lets try not to be the jerks of the world –yeah?
He asked me what I thought. Words momentarily failed me. The speech really did mention recycling. I thought Sokka had just been joking. Wow, the speech was so bad. The speech was hands-down, the most awkward thing I have ever seen Zuko do…. and I've seen him plenty awkward. I looked for the right way to frame what I needed to say so that it wouldn't hurt his feelings – but he seemed to guess my thoughts re: the speech of doom (it really has been aptly named). He looked down and said you think it's terrible - don't you? a bit dejectedly. I said that I wouldn't say it was terrible, it just needed a bit of work – but Zuko was in luck. I was here to help and I was brilliant at speeches.
I tapped the spot on the couch next to me and smiled widely at him. He came and flopped down next to me. He said he knew it was bad – but everything he wrote just sounded so trite and ridiculous after 100 years of war. What could you say after the end of 100 years war that would properly encapsulate it? I shrugged and said I didn't know. I added cheekily (because I just couldn't resist) that I didn't think that mentioning recycling glass bottles was the right way to go about it. Zuko said that he added that bit in for Aang – because the environment was important to Aang. Aang had talked Zuko's ear off the other day about the environment and some forest and a giant panda spirit and recycling.
Zuko crumpled up the speech again and threw it away aimlessly. He said much preferred speaking off-the-cuff. All the times in his life that he thought he had spoken well – he had just been making up as he went along. I agreed and said that most of my really good speeches arose from the spur of the moment. Zuko smiled at me and then said that while he was glad he wasn't the only one, he didn't want to just make the coronation speech up as he went along because it was important. It was all about making a first impression on people. He said I really don't want to fuck up the first thing I do as firelord. He wanted to reassure people that he was capable of doing this whole firelord thing with his speech.
I said that was a better place to start than recycling glass bottles and asked him what sort of impression he wanted to give people beyond being reassuring. If people were only going to remember a few key points from his speech – what did he want those things to be? He said that he wanted to acknowledge the end of the war and how much suffering the war had caused on all sides. Because it was an international audience he also wanted to say that he recognized that the firenation was in the wrong as the aggressor during the war – to help appease any ill-feeling on that score from the earth kingdom and my tribe– but he wanted to do that in a way that didn't make the firenation citizens feel like that were being blamed, as none of them had much choice in the war either. Zuko wanted to take responsibility – because it had really been all his family's doing. After he got that out, he seemed to be on a bit of a roll and he added more things that he wanted to say with his speech.
He also wanted to reassure everybody that he was going to dedicate himself to healing the wounds of the past and rebuilding the world – but that he wouldn't do so in a high handed fashion, but would work with Aang. He wanted to make Aang out to be a big hero (because that was important for Aang's image in the firenation) and he wanted to let people know that certain things would be easier now that there was an Avatar in the world again. But he didn't want to dump all the world's problems on Aang to 'fix' because Zuko saw that as the firenation's role – seen as though the firenation was the source of most of the world's problems. He wanted everybody – regardless of where they came from – to feel like their lives were going to be better from now on.
I clapped when he reached the end and told him he wasn't a terrible speech maker. He knew what he wanted to get across – he just had a hard time of writing it down succinctly. I said that Zuko had some really good points. When he had been talking to me about what he wanted to say he'd spoken much clearer and more eloquently than when he'd been reading from that daft draft speech. We just had to figure out a way to compact all that into speech form.
I started thinking about the different ways I could get that message across. I mentally paraphrased his key points. Then said that if I were him, I would start with something like Today this long war is over – in a big and certain voice. That would get everyone cheering and start the speech on a high note. We went from there – we tossed ideas back and forth. At one point I stood up and said exactly what I would say if I were Zuko and he frantically wrote down what I said.
We eventually had a short and sweet speech on our hands. It said everything that Zuko wanted to get across, in just a few lines. It was only a few lines long so it would be both easy for him to memorize and wouldn't bore people in the audience with short attention spans. It was nearly complete except for the last line.
It was the final flourish and it was the thing he would end on and would leave a lasting impression on everybody. I wanted to get it right. So did Zuko. We disagreed as to the best way to go about this. We were, in fact, bickering like an old married couple over it.
I wanted to him to finish up by saying that it was time to begin a new era of peace, hope and love. Zuko was a fan of peace and honour and thought that we should stick to only two abstract nouns – because abstract concepts baffle firebenders, in general. I said fine, we'd stick to two – but in that case honour was out. Zuko protested. He is a big fan of honour after all. I said that for goodness sake! Not everything is about honour ! I pointed out that he already got to say honour earlier in the speech and it was time to lay off the honour and give peace a chance. Zuko said he already was giving peace a chance and peace was his first choice of abstract noun. The second choice came down to love and hope.
Ooh tough choice.
Zuko asked me which one I thought was more important, love or hope, in a soft, sincere voice. I wasn't sure. For the longest time I've been banging on about how important hope is. Hoping for a better world and hoping for peace had driven me for so long. My hope was strong and at one point it had been unshakable. But love was something even more elusive and enduring than my hope.
When I briefly lost hope, when I thought that Aang really had left us – it was Love that urged me forward. Love for the others became the thing that drove me. Love and the desire to protect them always from the things that would hurt them. Piandao was right; there was a unique strength and a power in that – in fighting to protect the things you love most.
I had so much love in my heart, first for my Dad and Gran Gran and Sokka – who at one point were all the family I had, then love for my new makeshift family took over. This new love that I felt for Zuko sometimes surprised me with its intensity. Especially at times like this; especially when he was looking at me like that. His face, his shy smile were so familiar to me now. I could hardly believe we've only known each other a year. It sometimes feels like I've know Zuko for a lifetime.
I told him that I thought love was the most important thing and he agreed.
-o-
After that we were both silent for a brief moment. I thought that sometimes words are unnecessary. I wanted to show him how important I thought love was. But just at the moment that I had screwed up the courage, Dr Yang bustled in unapologetically.
Boo.
I have come to the conclusion that every time I try to kiss Zuko – we will be interrupted by someone. Because it always happens and it is not fair! Dr Yang put her hands on her hips and said there you are with some impatience. She explained that she had been looking all over the place for Zuko and was now in a bit of a rush because she had wasted so much time checking his usual spots and she had plenty more other patients who needed her.
Zuko was a bit surprised – because he wasn't expect to see her until Wednesday. But she explained that his Uncle had sent for her –so she could give him a final check over before the coronation. Dr Yang gave him a check over and pronounced herself satisfied. He was recovering well as far as she could see, despite the fact that he was feeling really stiff in the shoulders. She said that was to be expected, but she reached into her bag and pulled out a small sachet and told him to make a tea with that tonight – around 9pm and he would notice a big improvement in the morning.
Zuko asked about Azula and Dr Yang said that she was doing a little better. He asked if he could see her and Dr Yang thought for a second and said he should wait till after tomorrow – at the very earliest. Then she started hastily packing up her gadgets and said that if he did not have any other questions – she would take her leave, because she had so many other things to do.
Zuko said that he thought things had gotten a bit better down at the hospital and her work load wasn't as intense– but Dr Yang said that they understaffed and ill equipped -as usual- to deal with all the men returning. The wounded had been pouring in lately. And her apprentice had written to her this morning to announce that she wouldn't be returning to the high stress world of physician training in the near future. After the recent death of her husband, she wanted a low stress job that would allow her to be close to her children. Dr Yang could not argue with that, but that didn't mean she wasn't miffed about it. Zuko said he was sorry to hear that and Dr Yang gave him a curt nod in acknowledgement and said that she would love to stay and chat, but she really had to dash off.
-?-
I watched her depart hastily. Suddenly, the half formed idea that had been floating, unacknowledged until now, in the back of my mind - clicked into place. It made so much sense I wondered why it had never fully occurred to me before. I quickly got up. I told Zuko that I'd be back in a minute – but I had a healing related question to ask Dr Yang. Zuko nodded at me and said I'd better go quickly if I wanted to catch her because she was one of the fastest walkers he had ever seen.
I set off after her and I turned over my idea in my head. It made so much sense. It just worked. She needed an apprentice. I needed to learn more healing. If she would take me on as her apprentice I could do so many things. I could develop as a healer and incorporate fire-nation medicine into my practice. And with both medicinal styles, I could heal so many more injuries. In the aftermath of the war – there would be so many injuries that would need healing. If I had an apprenticeship here, then I could stay in the firenation for a perfectly legitimate purpose.
I wouldn't have to leave Zuko.
I saw her turn the corner and I ran to catch up, shouting her name. She pivoted on the spot – surprised to see me running after her. She waited for me to catch up and asked what it was that I wanted. I said I had a question for her. She gazed at me and said what is it? primly. I said that she had mentioned back at Zuko's house that she was currently without an apprentice and I wanted to be her apprentice – if she would have me. I told her that I was already a proficient healer – she had seen that for herself. I would be an asset to her and I could help lighten her work load. She tilted her head and looked at me quizzically and considered me for a moment.
She asked me if I had cleared this with my Dad – would he accept my apprenticeship under her. Then I remembered that Dr Yang had a few encounters with my Dad when he was in ninja-nurse-Hakoda mode and evidently my Dad had not left the best impression. I told her that my Dad didn't know about it yet. She inhaled softly and pinched the bridge of her nose.
She asked me how much serious thought I had put into what I was asking her? I said that truth be told the idea had only just properly occurred to me ten minutes ago when she said she didn't have an apprentice. But it had been niggling at the back of my mind for a long time. She sighed and then said No with solemn finality. At first I thought I misheard her – but she repeated No again and turned around abruptly and started down the street. I followed her and demanded an explanation for this no. how could she just say no – when she needed an apprentice and I wanted to learn?
She said that she wouldn't feel comfortable accepting me as her apprentice like this and she knew how things worked in my tribe. She knew that water tribe women didn't get that much liberty and often needed the men of their households to sign off on their decisions. I was taken aback by how she perceived our Tribes. Dr Yang had said it matter-of-factly, she wasn't trying to be unkind. She didn't sound like she was trying to hurt my feelings. I told her that my Dad was not the boss of me. She arched an eyebrow and pursed her lips, but said nothing. However I noted disapproval in her expression.
I said that I was willing to stay here- even if my father objected. She asked me for how long? What did she mean by that? She said how long would I be willing to stay in the firenation? Because it would take three years at the very least before I was properly qualified – had that thought occurred to me before I had bustled after her? I confessed it had not. She asked me if I was willing to commit to three years right here and right now. I hadn't been expecting to have such a big long term commitment thrust at me so suddenly. There was a brief uncertain pause that seemed to tell Dr Yang all she needed to know. She put her hand on my shoulder and said that her answer was no and I should go home now. She said this gently – but it still stung.
-?-
I wandered back a bit dejectedly. For one brief moment – I thought I had found the solution to my problem about what to do in the future. But now I was back to where I started. No even worse – I felt like a door I didn't even know existed had been slammed in my face.
I knew that eventually I would have to decide – and it would probably be sooner than later. I didn't know if I could go back to the south with things as they were. With most of the menfolk being so hostile to the idea of women's rights. In a horrible way, what Dr Yang had said was true for most of the women back home. They couldn't make that many decisions for themselves without the men wanting to have final say. But then there was what Sorrak had said this morning– until I had spoken up – the whole idea of the woman's place in the tribe had never been questioned. If I didn't go back – how could there ever be progress? Didn't I owe it to those women? To those little girls in my tribe? I could help them live in a fairer world. I should want that more than anything.
Shouldn't I?
I wasn't sure.
Going back would mean being shunted to the side, overlooked and dismissed as hysterical. Even with my Dad's help, even with Sokka and Bato and Sorrak – I would still have to shout at the top of my lungs to be heard over the din of male stupidity. Things would change – but change was slow and I wasn't sure if I should have to put up with being treated like that. I didn't know if I could go back to that after this year. Maybe refusing to return on principle would have more of an impact. I could show them that there were so many other options for young girls aside from cleaning up after the menfolk.
But how could I refuse to return now?
I had hoped that Dr Yang would accept me as an apprentice. Then I'd have a plausible reason to stay. A reason that no one could cast aspersions on. I could have stayed with Zuko then, and not seemed like I was staying just to be with him – which was something I'm sure my Dad would have strong feelings about. But it was more than that. I needed to be active. Helping people had always been my purpose really. I needed to have a purpose and something to do everyday besides mooning over Zuko. Though I adored him to an irrational degree; I didn't want to define my days and myself by him. Even if I stayed, I would still want to be my own person and do my own thing. Really learning how to be a better healer was something that I knew I needed to do and something that I wanted to do anyway.
If I stayed without something else to do – there was the horrible chance that I would be just seen as Zuko's girlfriend and I didn't want that anymore that I had wanted to be seen as the Avatar's girl. But I was sure Zuko would understand that. He had a very similar streak of stubborn independence after all.
What other pretence/purpose could I use to stay? Training Aang? He needed it. That was for certain. But a cautious part of my brain whispered that it would be unwise to put all my eggs in Aang's basket again. Aang was a nomad – he got restless. I couldn't imagine him wanting to stay in one place indefinitely. Really we could train in waterbending anywhere. If I was staying to train with Aang and he decided to up and leave…where would that leave me?
See the thing is that Aang is still my Aang – he is still the same person he always was. But he is not my Avatar anymore. I used to see him as someone who would always come through for me and always save the day. But I have let go of that fairytale now. Ever since he ran away during the comet, I hadn't been able to fully trust him not to let me down. I loved him dearly – but it takes a while for me to be able to trust someone again after they have let me down that badly. I'm still working on it when it comes to Aang. I was sure that the day would come when I would completely trust him again – but that day hadn't happened so far. Not yet.
-o-
Zuko noticed how dejected I was when I got back. I flopped on the couch and told him I didn't want to talk about it. He didn't force the issue, but got me tea and ginger snaps instead. He tried to make it better and asked me what he could do to cheer me up.
I thought about telling him about the real reason I was sad. About my brilliant idea and how Dr Yang and said no and how I didn't know what to do now. Talking about it would make me feel better – but it would probably make him feel worse. I decided against it in the end. I didn't want to give him false hope about me staying – only to smush it. I knew how much he was dreading the thought of me and Sokka going back to the south. He never said anything, but I noticed the sadness and the alarm in his expression whenever the subject of the South Pole came up. I said that the best way he could make me feel better was to practice the coronation speech through to the end without his notes and without making any mistakes. He complied.
-o-
Suki and Sokka came back first. Suki asked me if I wanted to come over to the Kyoshi house for dinner with her and the warriors. Sokka had evidently told her what had happened with my women's rights speech back at the water tribe house. She wanted to have a girly chat about it and discuss ideas. I just wanted to be distracted from the fact that I had no idea what to do in the future. Talking about women's rights seemed like as nice a distraction as any. I followed Suki because time with the Kyoshi warriors really always cheers me up.
There was much ado at their house and I ended up having a great night with the girls. The girls were all a bit aghast at the menfolk's reaction. But apparently thinly veiled antagonism is not unusual when dealing with the menfolk. Misa joked about how it was the only men who didn't have a firm grasp on anything approaching common sense that were against women's rights. Because they knew deep down, that women were smarter than them. Much hilarity was had at the menfolk's expense.
I had been a bit down that I had only convinced four men out of everyone – and two of them were related to me! But the girls made me feel much better about everything. The option of Ty Lee chi-blocking their willies was discussed. And Ty Lee happily volunteered for this task.
Ty Lee wanted to me try out different hairstyles on her – as she still felt like a change from her standard braid. She sat in front of me on the floor and much of the evening was passed while I braided her hair in different water tribe styles. I even experimented with giving her hair loopies at one point and she was most pleased with this and gave me a hug and examined our reflection in a little hand held mirror and said Now we could be twins! quite happily. I smiled at indulgently at her – but I couldn't help by dryly comment yes the illusion is remarkable. Eventually after many hairstyles and much chatter – she decided that liked the two fishbone braids the best and I showed her how to do this.
While I was doing her hair – Suki sat next to me on the couch – long legs tucked underneath her – and called out encouragement/advice and instructions to her gaggle of lady warriors. There was a lot of activity about getting ready for tomorrow. Their uniforms had all been cleaned and pressed for the coronation and they were in the middle of choosing outfits to wear to the feast.
It looked like the entire (garishly pink) contents of Ty Lee's wardrobe had been emptied on the living room floor. Many, softer coloured pieces, from what I can only imagine is Ty Lee's small army of sisters, had also made their way to the Kyoshi floor. These clothes were in varying shapes and sizes, which was good because all of Ty Lee's clothes would only fit Ty Lee sized warriors. I imagined that said sisters would not be happy with this development- but Ty Lee assured me that what they did not know would not hurt them.
Ty Lee told me that her parents had colour-coded all their kids when they were little so they could tell them apart. All of Ty Lee's clothes were salmon pink. My Lee's were crimson. Ky Lee's were burgundy. Ry Lee's were magenta. Zy Lee's were cherry. Chy Lee's were berry and Sy Lee's were rose pink. Wow! I didn't even know there were that many words for reddish-pink, but there you go. I can't imagine having so many sisters. I can actually see why her parents would have resorted to colour-coding. Six more Ty Lees? Who would have the energy for that?
The other Kyoshi girls were going through the pile of party dresses and were holding up various dresses and outfits against themselves and asking for opinions, which Suki and I supplied. Suki and I were both planning on wearing the party dresses we had bought back on Ember Island and so we didn't need to frantically scramble through the pile to get an outfit for tomorrow. Does this dress make me look fat? was frequently asked. As well is there too much cleavage going on here? Does this colour make me look like a pasty firenation wench? If you were a guy, would you want to do me in this dress? What about this hem line? Is this the right level of sultry or have I crossed the line into slutty territory. It was fun! Many opinions were given, and I am a big fan of giving my opinion in general.
There was a bit of excitement because hot-arse-guy, nice-cheekbones-guy and funny-guy from the Teashop were all coming tomorrow. Ty Lee had asked them this afternoon and they had all said yes. Ty Lee had wanted all the girls to have a plus one – because it was good party ecology to have at least an even amount of girls and guys. Ty Lee believed very strongly in party ecology and in keeping the party in balance. Aang worries about balancing nations. Ty Lee worries about balancing parties.
To maintain the balance, Ty Lee had also asked a few of her nicer old boyfriends. She had only invited the ones she would recommend to a friend. This struck me as a bit weird. By Ty Lee assured me that she didn't mind at all. She had broken up amicably with all these boys – but they were really nice boys who knew how to be gentlemen and show a girl a good time. I asked Ty Lee how many boyfriends she had – to have a selection of exes to choose from. I was honestly just curious. She counted on her fingers and then said she would say seven were official boyfriends because they had gone out for longer than a week and that was Ty Lee's standard by which all relationships were measured. Longer than a week = official boyfriend. Less than a week = didn't count.
Suki asked if she had only invited boys to the party and she said of course. General Iroh had told her she could invite anyone she liked (Ty Lee obviously liked boys). Suki pointed out that by anyone – he could have also meant other women. Ty Lee gave her a long looked and said wow Suki…you really are in a long-term relationship. Aya piped up that she was kind of glad that Ty Lee had invited all the boys. She had been in prison for months, she hadn't felt pretty in the longest time and she really wouldn't mind having a night of harmless flirting with someone with a face like nice-cheekbones-guy. There was a murmur of agreement.
Hatsu, who had recovered from her fever, was obviously a bit more self conscious than the others about boys – muttered that the others could have a good night flirting with randoms, but she just never knew what to say to boys. And these were firenation boys. What did you even say to firenation boys? Ty Lee got up (messing up the braid I was working on) and rubbed her shoulders affectionately and said she didn't need to worry - firenation boys were simple creatures. (I beg to differ. The firenation boy I adore is the most complicated person I have ever met). Ty Lee continued and said that If Hatsu didn't know what to say – she should just say naked.
Err…What?
Ty Lee explained that her sister Ky Lee had a theory: Repeated use of the word naked would get any man's attention. Hatsu should just slip it into the conversation every now and then. And voila the boys would be eating out of her hands. Alternatively – her sister Zy Lee would pretend to be bisexual to much the same affect. A potential bisexual who said naked a lot was the most irresistible thing in the universe according to Ty Lee. Hatsu nodded like this was the sagest wisdom she had ever heard, rather than the most ridiculous advice in the universe.
-0-
It was much later in the evening when I stumbled to the house with Suki. She climbed into Sokka's room again while I walked around the front. I had just gotten through the door when I saw the last person I expected to find here – striding out onto the balcony. Dr Yang! What was she doing here? I was infinitely curious. She hadn't noticed me and so I crept silently after her.
She went to join Iroh on the balcony. They were sitting in the comfy chairs that Zuko and I normally chilled out in. She put her feet up on the tea table and Iroh handed her a cup. She said you'll be pleased to know that your nephew is currently sleeping like a dead komodo rhino. Iroh raised his cup to her in thanks. She asked if he realized that what he had asked her to do was illegal in several provinces. Iroh was unfazed by this and just said It's for his own good. He added that Zuko needed a good night sleep before the coronation tomorrow. Dr Yang said she didn't understand why he didn't just tell Zuko he was worried about him and thought he was tired and needed to sleep. Iroh said that if he did that – Zuko would respond with I'm not even tired! and accuse his Uncle of fuss-pott-ery and then he'd probably stay awake all night – just to prove a point. Dr Yang nodded in agreement. Iroh said this way is simpler for all concerned.
Dr Yang asked him what else he wanted. If he had summoned her at this late hour, she knew he wanted something. Then she said and before you get any ideas, you're not getting that! You cheeky old besom. Iroh said that perhaps he just wanted to be graced with her beautiful and glowing presence twice in one day. She gave him a light punch that was reminiscent of Toph's way of showing affection and said oh stop it you!
Iroh started to say I have a government position…. Dr Yang interrupted and said Oh I have something that could treat that sarcastically. He smiled at her indulgently and said that he wanted to offer her the position of minister for health affairs. She said hold on a minute and fossicked around in her pocket. She pulled out her prescription pad and scribbled something quickly and handed in to Iroh. He looked at the paper in bemusement and then turned to her and said this is a prescription for no. Dr Yang said it was – because No was her answer.
Iroh tried to persuade her. She was the most respected doctor in the country. She was intelligent and …she told him that flattery wouldn't get him anywhere. Iroh changed tack and said that she could really improve things. He said that the last health minister under Ozai – who they both referred to as that imbecile - was dreadful and now Iroh needed someone competent to take over. But he could arrange it so that it would only be two/three days a week. She could still see her favourite patients on the other days. He waggled his eyebrows at her and she rolled her eyes.
She asked what about all the returning soldiers – they would need her help too. She couldn't take them on as patients and do Iroh's job too. Iroh said gently that she wasn't the only doctor in the firenation. He said that he wouldn't tell her what to do, but to his mind, making sure the health system functioned efficiently would benefit all those soldiers a great deal more. He added Zuko would need someone he could trust as health minister and medical affairs advisor. Dr Yang said, sardonically, and I'm the best candidate? The subtext of that sentence was: I'm still the most trustworthy even after I've slipped him some sun poppy tea without his knowledge or consent?
She looked down at her cup and then turned to Iroh and said I want you to know that If I accept – I will be doing it for Zuko, not because of all your shameless flirting - you cheeky bugger. Iroh smiled widely at her and said it was an old habit and her striking beauty just brought out his flirty side. She gave him another light whack and said Oh stop it - you! again, but she was smiling back at Iroh. I had never previously seen her like this. So relaxed and joking. She pouted and said I can't believe I'm saying this – but fine. I'll do it. She teased that she could tell that Zuko was going to need someone sensible around the place to give him advice and she knew that Iroh didn't fit the bill! Iroh was a bit delighted that she had accepted and poured her another cup. They toasted her new position.
She said that she still couldn't believe that Iroh was foisting the hotseat on Zuko. Iroh said that it was for the best. Dr Yang protested and said He's so young. He still believes in things like truth, justice, mercy and honour. Iroh said that he thought those things were real too. Dr Yang snorted and said that those things were fantasy. Surely he couldn't think that there was anything just or fair about the last 100 years. Iroh was silent for a minute. Then he said that was why the firenation needed someone like Zuko – someone who still believed that there could be some rightness and order restored to the world. The spirits had told Iroh that it was his destiny to be the firelord. Dr Yang snorted and said that she always thought that destiny was for people who were too lazy to get up off their own arse and do something. She did not put much stock in what the spirits wanted. From what she had seen, Spirits were capricious and deeply unkind. They were certainly not at all consistent.
Iroh said he couldn't believe that Dr Yang was still so dismissive of the spirit world, when she had told him just the other day that Zuko's recovery was a spirits-blasted miracle if she ever saw one. Dr Yang said that was Katara's doing – not the result of spirit world shenanigans. She said she couldn't believe they were having this conversation again. I got the feeling that friendly arguments about spirits had occurred frequently between them. My ears had perked up at the mention of my name.
Dr Yang told him about how I had asked her to be her apprentice today. Iroh leaned forward with great interest and asked what she had said. Dr Yang said that she had said no. She said it seemed like I hadn't thought it through. I hadn't even asked my father before barreling after her. Dr Yang made a wry glance at Iroh and said you know what those water tribe men are like. Iroh spoke up in my Dad's defense and said that Hakoda was a reasonable man and he was sure my dad wouldn't object if he thought it was what I really wanted.
Dr Yang snorted and said that she and Iroh had different standards when it came to measuring reasonableness. She tutted and said Honestly if he told me one more time that I was splinting that boy's leg wrong- I was going to shove my stethoscope up his arse. She said the best case scenario of her agreeing to train me without my dad's permission, would be my dad getting up in her face about it. Dr Yang said that if he started spouting some of that paternalistic claptrap that those men are so fond of, then he would have met with an injury because Dr Yang has zero patience for that shit. Iroh chuckled and said he knew that. There was a moment of companionable silence and then asked her in all seriousness that if it wasn't for her reservations about dealing with water tribe men – would she want to accept me as an apprentice.
Dr Yang ran her finger around the rim of her cup and there was a huge pause. I held my breath – if she said no again to Iroh – when they were just having a friendly chat and she didn't know I was listening, then I would know that she had made up her mind about me for certain. But she didn't say no. She eventually said that she wasn't sure. She didn't know if I was serious about this and I would need to be serious because learning how to be a physician would take a long time. She didn't know me well enough to judge how well I'd be able to handle it. But then she added that she thought if I could stick it out and handle the work, I would make a good apprentice. She said she's a fine girl. She's… quick and clever and talented.
Iroh clapped his hands together happily and said it sounded like I was a brilliant candidate. He could not see the obstacle, aside from Dr Yang's own contrariness. He added, quickly, that this contrariness was a trait of hers that he had always found exceptionally charming. She gave him another light punch. She said her main reservation was that I could be too talented. Iroh looked confused and said that he did not understand this particular brand of Yang logic.
She said Katara's a bit of a prodigy. Isn't she? To have such rapid bending development. She explained that the problem with prodigies is that they think they know everything already and everything comes easy to them….until it doesn't. And then there is always drama. She added softly that she reckoned that things would be a damnside easier for Princess Azula now -if just once in her life previously, things hadn't come easy to her.
She finished her cup and said firmly, in a way that indicated that she had thought a great deal about what she was going to say, if Katara was going to be my apprentice she would have to be willing to listen to me and learn from me. She would have to be willing to work hard and not expect it to come easy. I wanted to burst out and say that I could do all that – but then I would have revealed that I had been eavesdropping and I wasn't sure how much either of them would like that.
Iroh gave her another refill and said mildly Would it help if I told you that I thought the spirits wanted her as your apprentice? She snorted in amusement and said No it would not, you old besom! Iroh chuckled and then asked gently Would it help if I told you that I know you well and I can tell you want her as you apprentice? She said perhaps he was right. But she had told me no rather firmly today. Iroh said that if I wanted the position enough – he was sure I would ask again. Dr Yang said that if I asked again -she just might reconsider.
-o-
I got up early that morning. Only Iroh was up – Zuko was uncharacteristically still abed, ostensibly as a result of whatever Doctor Yang had given him last night. Iroh smiled at me when he saw me. He'd been laying out pai sho tiles in a the solo-game pattern – but asked me graciously if I would like to join him. I declined and said that I was actually wondering if he could help me with something. He bowed with a flourish and said it would be his pleasure to assist me. I asked him if he could tell me where Dr Yang lived. I had something I wanted to ask her.
Iroh made an excited little noise, but then school his features and said of course. He gave me directions as well as thinly veiled instructions. He didn't know that I had overheard him last night and so he tried telling me how I should approach Dr Yang in complicated tea metaphor. I was glad that I had overheard what she had said last night because I didn't understand the tea metaphors. I thanked him for the advice and set off. He called out good luck after me.
-o-
Dr Yang lived in a small row-house near one of the parks. I strode up to her door and knocked soundly. She opened it and her eyes widened in surprise when she saw me. She asked what I was doing – knocking on her door at this time of the morning. How did I even know where to find her? I said that General Iroh had given me direction to her house. She rolled her eyes, but then shook her head in what could almost be mistaken for amusement. She muttered I bet he did under her breath. I told her that I had come so early in the morning because I had wanted to catch her before she went off to work. Dr Yang asked me why I wanted to speak with her so badly.
I drew myself up and said that I would like her to reconsider my request to be her apprentice. She crossed her arms and said and why should I? She was testing me. But I already knew the answer. I said that I wanted to be her apprentice because I knew I could learn a great deal from her, and I wanted to learn. I was a hardworker. I was good in medical situations and I knew that the job would not be easy. But still, despite how hard I knew it would be, I wanted to do it. She nodded at me approvingly and opened the door wider and said well you might as well come in then.
-o-
She ushered me into her small kitchen and we sat at the little table together. She fussed with making tea and handed me a cup of a very bracing brew. I sipped it politely. She said that she wanted clear a few things up with me. First thing that she wanted me to understand was that she was not saying yes (and my heart sank a little). She added that neither was she saying no (and it rose again). She wasn't going to make a decision just yet.
She explained that first I would need to tell my Dad and make sure that he wasn't going to get in her face about it. Because she just did not have the time, patience or inclination to deal with paternalistic nattering. I agreed.
The she outlined that she wished for a trial period. She explained that she would only be working as a physician four days a week now. She said that I should try assisting her on two of those days, each week, until the delegation left for Ba Sing Se. That would give me a taste of what it was like. She didn't want to invest too much time in teaching me – if I were to decide against a career in medicine on a whim or leave in the middle of my training like her previous apprentice. So she wanted me to have a good idea about what I would be getting myself in for and what her expectations would be - before I committed to an apprenticeship.
Then she wanted me to think good and long and hard about whether this was something I wanted to devote my time to –whilst I was in Ba Sing Se. She said that if I came back from the peace summit and still wished to pursue a career in medicine and had proven myself to be a competent hard worker – she would agree to teach me properly. Those were her terms for accepting me as an apprentice. She asked me if these terms were agreeable to me. I said that they were.
I told her that I was already absolutely sure that this was something that I wanted to do. The corners of her mouth twitched slightly. She smiled and said that in her opinion there were no absolute certainties in life – except for death and taxes…. and Iroh's meddling. She downed her cup quickly and said briskly that if we were both in agreement on a trial period, then I should come back to her house at this time on Tuesday and we would go from there. She ushered me out – because she was once again in very busy and important mode, and did not have time to dilly-dally with me.
-o-
I walked back to the house with a spring in my step. I was feeling bouncy and optimistic and hopeful and just so many things. I couldn't wait to tell Zuko what had happened. I had sorted out a way for me to stay. I hadn't wanted to tell him earlier (when I had asked and failed) because I didn't want to get his hopes up prematurely – but now…now anything was possible.
I couldn't wait to see his face when I told him that I wasn't going to dash off to the South Pole in the near future. I wasn't going to leave him. I knew that uncertainty on that score what something that made him reluctant to start anything with me. But now that wouldn't be an issue at all. I would be here and he would be here and we could just take it from there. I thought about yesterday afternoon and how right it had seemed to just sit beside him. I had helped him with that speech and we had just laughed and joked and bickered together. It had felt like I could pass every afternoon in such a fashion and never get tired of it… and maybe now I could.
I strode down the hall to his room, because I was just bursting with excitement and I couldn't wait to tell him. Even if he was still asleep, I was going to poke and wake him up because I just couldn't wait to hear what he'd say.
But as I got to the door – I saw something that made my heart stop and took all the wind out of my sails and the spring out of my step. I turned the corner to Zuko's room and saw Gloomy hairbuns!
Friggin Gloomy Hairbuns was back!
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La rambly Author's note.
Lovely wonderful readers! You have reached the end of chapter 3 and I hope you all enjoyed it very much! Huge thank you to all my brilliant and wonderful reviewers – you wonderful comments and suggestions encouraged me back to this story quicker than I thought would be feasible. I'm sorry for the delay between chapters. Once again university and my students were a bit demanding these last two weeks.
So in this chapter, we have a look at just how far Aang is along with the other elements and we get a glimpse of Iroh's teaching style. I have previously stated in other long rambly notes that I do not think that Aang mastered all the elements by the end of the show. I just do not think that complete mastery is possible in the time frame, especially for someone of Aang's disposition. Toph thinks he still has a great deal to learn when it comes to earthbending and I think that realistically earthbending will continue to trouble Aang, because it is so contrary to his personality. He is closer to mastering waterbending and Katara very encouragingly points this out. In my fic Aang will have to work for it before he gets the title of master in one of the other elements – because working hard for things that do not come easily to him will be good for Aang.
Some of you pointed out that the old dragons would fix Jeong Jeong's attitudinal problems and I agree. But that wouldn't be a priority at this point. I think that this would be something that Aang would have suggested to Zuko. Zuko would see the wisdom of Aang's suggestion and would add it to his 'to do' list (and that list is getting long). But, importantly, another item on Zuko's To Do list would be visiting the sun warriors again and asking their permission before he starts sending disgruntled firebenders to them for dragon-healing all willy-nilly, because I think he takes his promises seriously and he did promise to keep their existence a secret. The tribe should be consulted about issues that will affect them – and they will be affected by more people knowing their secret. He would point this out to Aang and Aang would agree to keep schtum.
So Iroh has a drastically different teaching approach to Jeong Jeong and Zuko. Because he has a totally different philosophy on firebending to Jeong Jeong and he doesn't have the Sozin's comet deadline looming over him the way Zuko did. Also Iroh is just more of a jovial and chilled out kind of guy.
I think that from conversations with Zuko, he would have surmised that Aang still has a bit of a negative impression of firebending (he really didn't use it much in the final battle against Ozai – even despite the fact that fire was super charged then). Now that there is the luxury of time when it comes to teaching Aang – Iroh is going to take it slow with him and try to build up the basic understanding and the basic skills that Aang lacks. His first step is to try and make Aang see the joy in firebending lessons and by extension firebending itself; hence the jokes assignments. Also laughter is one of the best ways of exercising your diaphragm – and a strong diaphragm helps with breathing control, so there you go. It's not a completely frivolous exercise.
I also think that Iroh would feel that Aang shouldn't be trained so hard when he is so young and after such an intense year – the kid deserves to take it a bit easy. Katara picks up on all these extra motivations pretty quickly and she and Iroh have a nice chat. I actually think that Katara and Iroh would get along pretty well. After all, they have a bit in common. They both cannot resist getting all up in Zuko's business and telling him what to do. There is also a backstory with Iroh and the Azira gardens and why they were locked up – but everything will be revealed in good time my lovelies!
So Iroh, in his chat with Katara, says what is a running point throughout this chapter. Sometimes people can surprise you. Katara is certainly very surprised to find Bato and Sorrak waiting for her back at the house. They have snuck out to talk to her. Bato is very open in his support for gender equality, but Sorrak is not ready to show his open support just yet – as he fears recriminations from the menfolk. I think that Bato would have already had a bit of an earful from Ming about this subject, as I don't think that she would have been very pleased with the Water tribe attitude to women. She and Bato have had many discussions about this and Bato has come around to seeing things her way. In many ways, he is in a similar position to Sokka. Ming would not wish to spend time in a place where she would be regarded as a second class citizen because of her gender (she will already be regarded differently because of her nationality).
Sorrak has a different reason for his quiet support. His speech about his mother is another little nod to Made in Dagenham again. I wanted to illustrate one of the ways that men can be hurt by the patriarchy too. Sorrak, as a child, would have seen his mother be ill-treated simply because she was a woman. He loved his mum and that has never sat well with him. Sorrak is a variation on the wife-basher-basher trope (and we will get to see this tendency of his later).
Sorrak would have been upset at the social norms of the water tribe, but felt powerless to do anything about it. Katara's speech would have been a revelation to him – because she was openly and publically questioning the social order that he has been privately questioning for a long time – but never had the courage to speak up about. He considers what she did very brave, especially in light of how the other warriors reacted. But being a man of few words, he chose to demonstrate his agreement and carve her a warrior bead instead.
Sorrak and Bato both support Katara for different reasons, but they should up in this chapter to give her a bit of a boost after the mess at the water-tribe house last chapter. I wanted to show that while the large majority of water-tribe men will be hostile to the idea of reform, there is a minority who do agree with Katara, that things should be equal and fair between the genders.
Katara also gets to spend some time with the Kyoshi girls this chapter. She is feeling down and she finds comfort and solidarity with them. In many ways, advancement in women's rights was driven by the solidarity between women. They support and reaffirm Katara's position. They also get to have a fun time being girly girls and get to pick outfits fro the party and talk about boys. It is almost like a slumber party (Katara does braid Ty Lee's hair after all). Ty lee was a font of flirting advice in the show and she spouts so more here. The all men are attracted to the word naked and to bisexuals is a nod at the fabulous British show coupling. Anyway I like Kyoshi time and I think it is important for Katara to have some more girl friends who are around her age.
The Gaang get a moment to all hang out together – just the six of them in this chapter. I kind of miss writing about just the six of them chilling out together, and so I threw a whole Gaang scene in here. Aang talking to Momo is a nod to the wonderful Emperor's new groove. Aang is talking to Momo the same way that Kronk talks to squirrels – and because Aang actually does talk to Momo frequently in canon, the whole thing works. Some of Suki's Kyoshi warriors have gone to go perve on the hot waiters at the Wandering Cat Teahouse. This is a little nod to the fabulous Wandering Cat – who made the TV Tropes page about this series of fics. *waves at Wandering Cat. * also during this scene, Zuko worries irrationally that he has forgot Sokka's birthday (and he wouldn't want to do that to his bestie). Sokka also tells everyone that the coronation is exactly a year since the day they found Aang in the iceberg. Mostly because I felt the urge to justify the "I can't believe a year ago I trying to hunt you down/I was trapped in a block of ice" dialogue from the Zuko/Aang scene in that last episode. I felt like all that a year ago today… reminiscing had to come from somewhere – thus Sokka's preoccupation with the schedule/dates was used.
Zuko and Katara work on the speech together because: a) they so would b) that speech Zuko gives at the end had Katara written all over and c) it was cute.
Something I noticed in the series was that Zuko is much better at impromptu speaking, then he is at rehearsed speaking. His objection to General Bujing's plan arose from the spur of the moment and was eloquent and succinct. His speech to his Dad in the day of black sun was kickarse (though YMMV about how pre-planned that was, I tend to think that the ideas were there, but he hadn't rehearsed it so to speak). His second speech asking the gang to accept him as Aang's teacher, comes from the spur of the moment and is much more confident and persuading than his first.
His first, which he practiced and agonized over with that frog – is just a festival of awkward. It is an awkward sandwich with embarrassing sauce. Zuko always had awkward tendencies – but if anyone was ever in any doubt that he is a big dorky dork, from dorktown, dorkmania – that speech seals the deal as pure solid moment of dorkdom.
I think the problem was that he has over-thought-it. So much prep has gone into this speech. He has agonized over it too much, and he would have built it up to be this ginormous deal in his head and that would have compounded his nervousness, which would have then made his delivery even lamer. Anyway, I think that while he is a good off-the-cuff speaker, Zuko would dread prepared speaking. And sucks at it accordingly.
The coronation speech is an even bigger deal and he would be even more nervous about it. What do you really say at the end of 100 years of fighting that can encapsulate it? His speech also has to simultaneously reassure both the firenation people and the other nations gathered there. These groups want a different sort of reassurance. The rest of the world what to be reassured that the firenation isn't going attack them all again and the firenation would want to be reassured that they are not going to get crucified in the coming peace deals and that Zuko knows what he is doing. His speech will be the first impression he leaves as firelord on a wide group of people and that would add even more pressure. He would have so much that he wants to get across but would have been very bad at putting all that into words.
I think that Zuko would have a hard time putting his feelings into words at the best of times to begin with. Part of the reason why he has struggled and will continue to struggle to tell Katara how he really feels about her is tied into why he sucks at rehearsed speeches. He has now thought about it so much that he has officially over-thought-it and it has become built it up in his head to be this big giant nerve-wracking thing.
Anyway Katara is great at speeches. Speeches are her thing. In my fic she is also good at translating Zuko-babble into regular English. So I thought that she would be the best person to help him write the coronation speech of doom. And so they have a very cosy afternoon of speech writing, in which they both snuggle and bicker like an old married couple. Give peace a chance is a nod to the beatles. Also both Zuko and Katara think that Love should be the word that the speech ends on. Daaawww, bless their cotton socks. If it wasn't for Mai's necessary return – they would have kissed right there. *ducks fruit and boos* I know, I am a dreadful tease! Sorry my lovelies!
Some of you are probably not big Mai fans and are thinking Boo you! right now. But I can promise that Mai will be given more character and the relationship fail of Maiko will be explored without bashing either of them as characters, because I like them both. And you will get to see what I think would be the logical progression of their relationship (with hopefully hilarious results).
In this chapter Katara also gets a proper reason (that is not Zuko) to stay in the firenation. I just cannot see Katara staying in the firenation long term, without some sort of occupation of her own. Because Katara is a do-er. Like Zuko, she is very pro-active when it comes to her causes. She unfailing gets off her arse and does something, especially when it comes to healing/helping people. I cannot see her being happy in the long term, if her role in the firenation was confined solely to just being Zuko's girlfriend.
Note: one of my problems with Kataang is that I do not like how canon (and especially what I have heard about the promise) seems to reduce Katara to just being Aang's girlfriend (eg Aang's enthusiastic nodding in the EIP when actorZuko said you're the Avatar's girl – leads me to believe that he agrees with this sentiment, and would potentially view Katara like this). Anyway, Katara having no other role outside her relationship with Aang and being defined completely by her relationship with him is just frankly unhealthy.
So in my fic, I have her take on an apprenticeship with Doctor Yang. Her apprenticeship will give her an occupation in the firenation, help her learn and grow as a person and prove that she can still be in a relationship with someone and not lose her innate Katara-ness the way she seems to with Aang. Katara would still be able to be completely herself in a relationship with Zuko. She would still have a life and a purpose outside the relationship, because that is always a good thing.
And I think that Zuko would want this for her too. I think that Zuko would never want Katara to be defined solely by her relationship with him (as he sees a more complete picture of her as a person, with her own wants and needs – rather than as a perfect and unconditionally loving mother figure, the way that Aang sees her).
Zuko respects independence and strength and autonomy in others, especially in the girls he fancies – if Maiko is any indication. One of the few times I believed in Maiko in canon, was in the boiling rock when Mai told the guard that she could handle herself and Zuko chimed in that she really could and he sounded really proud of her and her badassery. Zuko seems to like Mai the best when she asserts herself. I would think that he would like and respect this in Katara as well, when they are together. Much like Katara, he has a strong independence streak – and would understand Katara's need to be independent and would be supportive of her activities outside the relationship.
I though medical apprenticeship with Dr Yang was best because I think that understanding medicine more and having better training will help Katara down some of the many future career paths I see for her. She is into medicine and health and, as established in previous notes – it is an area that I think she will need more training in. Also there are going to be a lot of injured people wandering around in the post war aftermath and the need for skilled healers will increase. Proper medical training will greatly improve Katara's ability to help people and be a force for good in the world. It will also increase the amount of things she can be bossy about – so of course she'd be all over that!
The idea of an apprenticeship with Dr Yang has been floating around, unformed in Katara's brain ever since last fic, when she would ask Zuko things like 'how long does it take to be a doctor here?' or when she would pester Dr Yang for more books and more knowledge. It is only when Dr Yang explicitly says, in this chapter, that she is currently without an apprentice, that the idea clicks into place. Katara is crushed when Dr Yang says no initially, but I thought it was the right choice for the Dr's character.
Dr Yang is a sensible woman and she would not agree to train a teenager who has seemingly decided she wants to be a physician on the spur of the moment, especially a teenager with a father like Hakoda – who would get all up in Dr Yang's business. Dr Yang and Hakoda have had their squabbles before about the treatment of Sokka. She knows enough of the watertribe culture/patriarchy to know that watertribe fathers would expect a say in their daughters' lives. While she does not support this worldview, she is not going to openly combat it when she has so many other things on her plate.
Katara, when she first asks, has not put that much thought into what would be involved in her apprenticeship. But Dr Yang knows what a demanding position it is. She has thought long and hard about it, after her chat with Iroh and would have come up with the terms of Katara's trial apprenticeship. Two days a week before the peace treaty, and if she returns after Ba Sing Se and is still interested, they will take it from there. She is doing this to give Katara a rounded experience of being a physican in the firenation – so that she can better make an informed choice.
I think that Dr Yang would recognize Katara's potential as a physician and she has already witnessed her considerable skill with healing. But she would recognize the hassles and problems associated with training her. And she has recently lost an apprentice who she spent a lot of time training – so she does not want to take on any new apprentice on a whim.
Dr Yang and Iroh have a nice chat about this in this chapter. Iroh is a bit delighted with the idea that Katara might be staying long term (because he is a big shipper on deck. Well actually I think he primarily ships Zuko/happiness, and right now he sees that Katara is making his nephew happy.) I think that Iroh fusses and nags because he loves. One of the things that Iroh nagged Zuko constantly about in season 1 was getting enough sleep. This issue has returned. I think that Zuko would push himself too hard (drive himself into the ground) with all the stress of becoming firelord. He knows how much he has to do, he knows how seriously he has to take his new position and he's been staying up late every night trying to get things done. Iroh has done the nagging thing, the I'm worried about you getting enough sleep thing and met with the expected Zuko response (indignant protesting). He has now cut-out-the-middle-man and gotten Dr Yang to slip him a variant on sunpoppy tea. Zuko did this to Aang before the comet and now Iroh does it to Zuko. Like Uncle like Nephew.
Dr Yang, despite her complaining, was happy to assist. She and Iroh are old friends. They have known each other a long time. Long enough to have had that argument about spirits and how much faith one should put in them many times over. Dr Yang also has a few thoughts on prodigies, which I think are relevant for this show and this fic. There are several prodigies in the show, Aang, Toph, Katara and Azula all master their native element at an exceptionally young age. If canon is to be believed, Katara mastered healing in even less time than it took her to master bending. I don't think everything should be so easy for them – but having such a difficult skill be so easy at such a young age can give children an overinflated opinion of their skills with everything else. Aang, Katara and Azula will all have to work hard for the things they want in the coming chapters.
Note: in some ways I think that Toph was the most 'grounded' (grounded – get it) of the prodigies as a result of her having to lead a double life and her disability – so she will continue to sit about making sassy remarks with Iroh.
Next chapter: Katara will be pissed off about Gloomy Hairbuns, Presents will be given, Zuko will get coronated, and there will be shenanigans.
Til then my lovelies.