(Author's Note: I'M BACK! Sorry for the HUGE delay. College applications and AP classes, ugh. Thanks for your reviews! They made me open up my story files again! I can't apologize enough for making you guys wait this long….
XXWrennaXx: Yay! Nobody ever gives Iroh much mind 'cause he's just 'the old guy.' But I think he's so much fun, and I'm glad you do too! If you ever do say that to someone, I wanna know how they react… lol.
Kinetic Kat: Oh, yeah. Definitely some old guard. Lol. -hugs- I'm sorry for leaving you! I will return as soon as I can! -teary eyed hug- I'm glad you like the story so much!
Ryan-Draven57: Eh? Really? I thought he was really weak in the beginning of it all… Maybe I'm just delusional. But don't worry, he learns quickly. Thanks so much for your input!
luvableKnegi: The day will come… Though I really can't tell you how soon… Just that it will. -shifty eyes- Maybe. -hugs- That's for being so luvable! XP (I know, I'm lame… -.-;)
Bloody Midnight: You ask me not to take too long, yet I take forever… Sorry! -hugs- But I'm back. Hopefully I'll be able to stick with it this time…)
Chapter Seven
Surprise Wake-Up Call
"Um… Oh my," said Iroh as he opened the door to Zuko's room. He wasn't surprised that Zuko would have gone to bed after his fight with Kah, but Iroh would have never thought that his nephew would have gone back to sleep with Kah.
But, he could not deny his eyes. In Zuko's bed was, of course, the prince himself, but also Kah. She was facing the wall, cuddled into Zuko's bare chest, while Zuko was facing Iroh, his expression soft, as it always was in sleep, and only sleep. One of his arms was lazily thrown over his petite bodyguard. Zuko was holding Kah in such a way that it was best compared with a child cuddling with his favorite teddy bear.
"He can come get his own lunch…" muttered Iroh as he closed the door. The sound, though Iroh had tried to be quiet, was enough to make Kahori stir.
"Just five more minutes…" she whined. When she didn't get a response, she dared to open her eyes, and nearly screamed. This is bad… What am I going to do? she thought, noticing her new roommate.
"Zuko-" she was cut off as Zuko rolled over, forcing her to roll onto her back, trapping her. His hand, which had been resting on her back, managed to find the small bit of skin that had been revealed during sleep, giving her goosebumps. She couldn't suppress the shiver that ran down her spine. Now, her own body weight was keeping his hand underneath her, thus pinning her, so she had no way to safely escape.
Now, most girls might not find this situation all too bad. Here was a prince, good looking in his own special way, with her arm wrapped around her, and he was shirtless. She was reminded of how fit he was, but also how heavy. With Zuko half lying on her, Kahori was breathless from more than just the magic of the moment.
Still… Despite the awkwardness of the situation Kahori couldn't help but think that Zuko was more pleasant when he was asleep, but she missed his golden eyes. She smiled to herself as a blush rose to her cheeks.
"Kah…" Kahori looked at Zuko in surprise, only to realize that he was talking in his sleep. Certain he wasn't going to attack, Kahori told herself to relax. She couldn't help it, she wanted to know what else he would say.
"Kah…" She felt his grip tighten on her back. "You… Idiot…" he grunted. "Do you actually think you were a match for me? The mighty Fire Lord Zuko?!"
All of the tension left her body, and she laughed heartily. "Fire Lord! Condemn the Fire Nation to death, why don't you? Only in your dreams!" Kahori chuckled, forgetting to stay quiet. Sure enough, there was a flash of gold as his eyes opened.
"Kah!" Zuko yelled, enraged. He shot up into sitting position, not realizing that his arm was wrapped around her, and because of this, Kahori was pulled up with him. For a moment, he just sat there, trying to figure out why Kah was still pressed against him.
Before Kahori could register what was happening he pulled his hand away, and used it to shove her away. Off balance, and off guard, she fell backwards, right off of the bed. She landed on the hard floor, and her head made a sickeningly 'crack!'
"You man-lover!" accused Zuko. The angry fire in his eyes was sparkling once again.
"Ow…" said Kahori softly as she propped herself up on one of her elbows. She used her other hand to rub the back of her neck. The sharp pain in the back of her head was enough to make her eyes water, and a blush rose to her cheeks.
"Sorry… I was a bit out of it earlier. Must've crawled into the wrong bed…" Kahori muttered. She swayed, or was it the room?
"Must have? You did it on purpose!" hissed Zuko.
"You sound like a snake-" Before Kahori could finish her sentence, a blanket of darkness covered her eyes, and she passed out.
- - - - -
"Such violence, Zuko…"
"He was in my bed!"
"Did you not invite him to join you?"
"What? Invite? Why would I invite him to sleep with me?"
"Well… You are a growing into a man, Zuko… And Kah is rather… feminine…"
"How can you…? Will you just stop? I did not invite him!"
"Uh-huh…"
Kahori wearily opened her eyes just as Zuko screamed in frustration. Groggily she rubbed the back of her head, watching the two, trying to figure out what was going on.
"Ah… Kah… It's good to see you're awake," said Iroh with a smile. Kahori couldn't help but note that Iroh had tea with him.
"What's…" she started, but stopped as stars began to bloom in her eyes.
"Zuko shoved you out of bed, and gave you a concussion," stated Iroh plainly.
"I didn't mean to! It was a reflex… He was in my bed!"
Kohori tried to give Zuko a dark look, but it made her dizzy. "I… Not… Purpose…" Her tongue felt like a lead weight in her mouth, and she couldn't wrap her mind around what she wanted to say for the life of her.
"You seemed to be struggling to speak, yes?" asked Iroh. Though his tone was light his eyes gave away his concern.
Zuko opened his mouth to speak, receiving a swift blow to the arm from his Uncle. "Apparently you aren't, but I will hear no more of your excuses, nephew." He patted Kah's arm. "I know it's not your fault. I bet Zuko forced you to-"
"I did not!"
Kahori laughed, but it didn't sound right. This was getting really annoying. Boys received hard hits to the head all the time, and they were no worse for wear. Actually… Blows to the head could explain a lot…
"Here… This should help…" Iroh smiled warmly at her, and she couldn't help but to smile back. Kahori expression fell when she realized what Iroh's gift was. She couldn't hide her horror as Iroh came at her with tea. She didn't want to be an addict! She was too young! She tried to struggled, but couldn't get the right responses from her body.
Kah choked in the process of trying to not swallow the tea, and faced with tea or death she allowed it to slide down her throat, tears welling in her eyes. She bit her lip, doing her best not to cry. You only have to try something once to get addicted… And, the fact that the tea tasted nice only made her feel more at risk.
"Uncle, I think that damaged him far more than what I did…" drawled Zuko, taking in the pathetic sight before him.
"I said no more excuses, Zuko. This tea was actually suggested by the Head Medicine Man." From Iroh's words Kah drew some relief, but it was still a form of tea. But, if it was prescribed tea…
Carefully, she propped herself up in bed, having to push past the woozy feeling. She swayed, and felt Iroh's arm on her shoulder, supporting her. He set the tea in her lap, and she carefully picked it up, and even using both hands the cup still shook violently, a good amount of tea managing to escape and make a mess of the infirmary's bed covers. "Sorry," she mumbled, before taking a sip, grateful for the rare warmth that didn't burn. She had almost forgotten that everything that produced some kind of heat didn't necessarily have to be searing.
She drank slowly, feeling the fog lift from her mind. She managed to restrict her hands to only tremors, and had soon drank the entire cup.
"Now, for Zuko's lesson today…" Kahori said, glad to find that talking was coming easier now.
"Kah, do not worry yourself. Rest and get better. You are in no condition to fight," said Iroh, his voice fatherly stern.
"I am quite aware of that," Kahori replied, peeved that he would think she was so foolish. "I was thinking a lecture on technique instead of demonstrating. May I…?"
Iroh's eyes widened in surprised. "Why, yes, of course."
Kahori nodded, and leaned back, deep into her pillow, wondering how was the best way to do this. She closed her eyes, thinking about the images she wanted to express, and hoping to high heaven that she wouldn't make a mess out of it.
"Not only do the types of Bending differ in the element it controls, but also in the way in which you control the element. Waterbenders must flow all their movements together, making them streamline. Even if the do several completely different things with the water, they must connect all the pieces together as if they were one. Earthbenders are much harder with their movements, like the rocks they possess. They take strong stances and stomp. Everything is sharp, and at perfect angles. Earthbenders rely a lot on their feet, because that is what is in contact with their element. They stomp to make a connection and add power, their hands are merely tools for controlling the earth once they have started to use it. Of course, there are exceptions. Though your average Benders need their hands and feet for the best control, some of the great masters are said to be able to bend without them."
"Then what do they Bend with?" interrupted Zuko, leaning forward in his chair.
"How am I suppose to know? Do I look like a master Bender to you?"
Zuko grunted his agreement, falling backwards in his seat with a large thump. "That was helpful," he muttered.
"It is," agreed Kahori as if she had not noticed his sarcasm. "Imagine how a fight with an Earthbender would go if their legs weren't long enough to touch the ground? Some of the greatest fighters against Benders can throw off the rhythm of the Bending, and weaken their control."
"So if I disable their rhythm…"
"But it won't always work. Like I said, the masters might be unaffected."
"Like the Avatar…" growled Zuko. Kahori didn't even have to open her eyes to know what Zuko looked like. He would be hunched forward, his elbows resting on his legs, his hands in fists. His brow knitted, and his perpetual frown deepened. His entire body would be rigid with tension.
Just to make sure Kahori opened her eyes slightly, glancing at him from under her eyelashes. She couldn't help her smile as her eyes confirmed her suspicion. "So predictable…" she whispered to herself. Then, loud enough for Zuko to hear she continued, "and the Avatar hasn't mastered the elements to that extent. Yes, he is gifted, and will pick up on Bending quickly, but he is a child, and because of the war, he is rushed.
"But let's get back to the main lesson, okay? Where was I? Oh, yeah. As for Airbenders, all their movements are light, flexible, and can change direction before you can blink."
Another growl from Zuko.
"Don't be so upset. You need to appreciate the air. After all, fire cannot exist without it. With no oxygen, fire dies along with everything living." She paused for a moment, allowing the information to sink in. "And that brings me to Firebending. Unlike the other Benders, who all need their element to already be present to wield it, you make your element. And because of this, it is the hardest to control. Fire is alive. It has a mind of it's own. Firebending is a dance, and the flames are your partner. If it cannot follow your lead, it will betray you and go do as it wants."
Kahori cracked her eyes open, meeting Zuko's gaze. "You understand?"
Zuko nodded gravely. "I believe I do."
Iroh broke into a wide smile. "At last, he understands the basics! We should drink tea to celebrate."
Kahori frowned as Iroh called over a nearby infirmary worker to give his request. "You might want to hold off on that, sir. He understands the concept. Once I'm allowed to assist in his training again, I'll make sure he learns how to apply it."
Zuko glared at her, and she held his gaze, unwavering.
"You sure know your Bending for one who cannot," remarked Iroh. Kahori gave no response, and a silence fell over the room.
Abruptly Zuko stood off, his eyes were out of focus, and Kahori knew he was still mulling over all she had told him. "I'm going to return to my quarters."
Iroh stood up as well. "Good idea, nephew. We have disturbed Kah for far too long, He needs his rest."
Kahori watched Zuko as he made his way out of the room, and as soon as the door shut behind him she turned to Iroh, who was still gathering up his tea supplies.
"Sir, if I may make a request?"
Iroh looked up, his eyes wide. Smoothly his expression turned to that of a smile, his head tilted slightly to the side. "And what is this request?"
"A way for Zuko to grasp the basics." Just imagining it, Kahori could not resist the grin that spread across her face.
(Author's Note: I know, not terribly exciting. That's probably why it took me so long to finish this chapter. But, with this there comes good news. If all goes according to plan, then the next chapter should be far more amusing, with plenty of laughs and giggles for all! And since I should enjoy writing it a lot more, it shouldn't take me 3 months… Once again, terribly sorry… But thanks for all your support! I hope you will continue reading!)