Chapter 38: Zuko's 18th Birthday

Zuko was still asleep in the apartment when Iroh was passing a return message to a messenger at the door around noon. Everything Iroh needed for the new apartment above the Tea Shop was packed and ready to go. He was leaving Zuko a cup and bowl, a pan and pot and the kettle for tea. He peaked into Zuko's room to see his nephew still dead to the world. He was somewhat ashamed by Mu-Tan's letter. He looked on Zuko annoyed that he had neglected something that was so important to his nephew. They had been so busy over the past few years, that Iroh figured Zuko would not care for the tradition. Mu-Tan's letter indicated otherwise. He quietly closed Zuko's door and finished setting up the main table. Then he began to cook some late lunch.

The scents swirled into Zuko's room. He thought he was back home as a child and his mother was cooking his favorite foods. Creamy spicy chicken soup, fried vegetable dumplings, steamed rice and egg buns with their subtly sweet yellow centers, and the very best deep fried sesame daifuku. As Zuko woke he realized the smells were not a dream at all. His stomach growled and his mouth watered. He quickly took a sponge bath in his room and dressed.

He slid open his door to see his uncle setting out a dream come true. It was all his favorite foods, laid out on the table with very mild plum wine. Also on the table was a large flat box made of fine acacia wood polished smooth, with a rice paper scroll rolled and held closed by a silver ring resting atop the box. "Uncle?"

Iroh smiled. "Happy birthday, Nephew."

Zuko blinked back what might have been embarrassing tears. The last time he had celebrated his birthday was with his mother when he was nine years old, just before she left. The only other time he had anyone consider gifts for him was at his puberty rite at the age of ten when he was able to bend fire smoothly to heat the coals he had to walk across. He was gifted at the end.

Iroh guided his nephew to sit while he poured plum wine for them both. "Eat, Nephew. I hope it is as you like."

Zuko's stomach growled loudly again and Iroh laughed. Zuko stifled his own amusement and ate as there was yet another knock on the door. Iroh opened it to allow the two men to collect all the belongings into a cart. "You are leaving now, Uncle?"

Iroh: "No, nephew. But soon. They are just taking everything to the new place for us. Today is a very special day and I want to spend it with you. Open the gift. I am too excited to wait."

Zuko set the scroll aside and opened the box. In it was two exquisite blades of a new design. He lifted them from the box. Their craftsmanship was clearly from the master bladesmiths he had trained with. The metals were very fine and the blades fit together like his twin swords, though these were shorted and slimmer. Zuko was awed. His uncle surely could not have afforded this. He set the blades back in the box and opened the scroll. He immediately recognized Faelin's lovely sweeping script that was like an art form on its own. The scroll listed his uncle's name, Mu-Tan and all the people he was with at the forge, even Travahar's. How did they know? Then he squinted at the smallest writing on the scroll. I know you have not been through the rites of manhood yet, I hope that you accept to do so. Don't let your uncle grovel too much. No, don't ask how I know. I just know. I love you dearly. Happy birthday.

Zuko was touched. He ate the delicious food, savoring every bite. He wondered over and over in his mind how Faelin could know he had not gone through the rite of manhood. Maybe it was because she was a priestess and could feel it in the spirit world or something. When he was done and he and his uncle finished sharing a second small glass of plum wine, another messenger came to the door.

Iroh read the note and asked the messenger to wait outside for a few moments. Iroh then turned to his nephew and bowed very low. "It has been brought to my attention that I have sorely neglected my duties as your family and guardian. This should have been done five years from your fire-walking rite. It should have been done three year ago. For this I humble myself and apologize. I beg your forgiveness and ask if you still wish to go through the rite of manhood according to our nation's traditions. I had no idea you still wanted this."

Zuko stood and bowed low to his uncle. "I… I… Will you honor me, Uncle, and stand in my father's place? I… I do want to go through the rite."

Iroh stood and embraced Zuko tightly. "You think of me as a father?" There were tears in his eyes and running down his cheeks. Iroh turned quickly and dashed the tears away. Then he opened the door and scribbled something on a small note. The messenger was off yet again. He took a deep breath and turned to face his nephew again. "Are you ready to shed your boyhood forever?" Zuko nodded firmly. "Then get a cloak."

Zuko was a bit stunned. "Now?!"

Iroh beamed, "Yes now. We need to get a few things on the way. Mu-Tan is preparing the dojo as we speak!"

Zuko was caught suddenly between nervousness and excitement. He put the scroll into the box with the blades and grabbed his cloak.

They walked through the once again busy and bustling streets full of people in festive moods. It was a wonderful change from the tension of the previous few weeks. The sun shone brightly in the blue sky. The dark clouds in the distance reminded them that they were still in the rainy season and could expect rain the next day, but today… it was beautiful out.

They stopped at a maker of wines and other spirits. Iroh bought a bottle of very strong sake. Zuko raised an eyebrow. Drinking very mild plum wine was one thing, but normally firebenders avoided alcohol. Strong Sake? Was this wise? Then they stopped by a seller of buckets of coal and he bought a small bucket of the finest coal. As they passed by several places that made incense, Iroh chose various ingredients. Zuko wondered why and despite his questions in an attempt to find out why his uncle bought these items, or what he could expect in the rite, his uncle refused to answer.

They arrived at the dojo to see Ling and Mu-Tan rolling up the tatami mats. Mu-Tan was raising earth walls to protect the mirrors and block out the windows. Faelin came down the stairs and took Zuko in hand to lead him up and out of the way while Iroh instructed Ling and Mu-Tan on how things had to be set up. Confused and almost giddy, Zuko did not resist. When she asked him to strip down, he was shocked and refused. She handed him a large white cloth. "You need to be wearing nothing for the rite but this."

Awkwardly he turned his back to her and removed his clothing. "Why? Are you leading the rite? What can I expect?" He suddenly frowned to himself as he realized he must sound like Ty-min right now.

Faelin smiled and chuckled. "I will be here to start you off and then meet you when it is done. But this rite, I cannot be part of. I am not a man and thus have no place in it. So I cannot even tell you what goes on in it."

Zuko turned to her still tying the cloths at his hip. "But, I read… How did you know? If you knew, then you must know what goes on in it."

Faelin blushed a little and covered her smile with her hand. "I cannot tell you. When it is over, you will understand. I honestly do not know what goes on in the rite. I just know the end result. You are very brave! Water Tribe boys experience this at the age of three with their naming rite and thus never remember the trial. Fire Nation sees it as a way to prove inner strength and courage. Now, meditate. I am to bathe you and ready your spirit for the challenge. Did you learn the Dance of Blades and the Dance of Flames?" Zuko nodded. "Good. Then while you meditate, go over the Dance of Blades in your mind."

It was strangely exhilarating to be bathed with a soft cloth by Faelin. It stirred his body and distracted him from his meditation. Every now and then he had to look at her. There was the soft scent of mimosa and lotus in the water. She would give him a stern look every time he was caught looking at her. He was now very excited. What could go on in this rite? He really tried to think of the Dance of Blades. When next he looked at Faelin her tattoos were aglow. She raised her hand and covered his eyes. The Dance of Blades came clear in his mind as the sounds and sights of the room and building fell away.

In the dojo, Ling finished cleaning up and left for the evening to ensure none of the students dropped by having missed the messenger canceling classes today. Mu-Tan and Iroh leaned the rolled mats against the wall in the changing room. Mu-Tan moved stones to block the entry way, leaving a passage to the changing room. This way no one coming could immediately see the goings on in the dojo, not even by accident. Iroh set the spicy incense to burn and fill the room with its fiery entrancing scent. Mu-Tan set small brazier in the middle of the floor and poured the coal into it. Iroh sprinkled some of the incense into the coals, but did not light them. Mu-Tan retrieved a towel from the changing room and was in charge of the sake, opening it to make sure he did not have to struggle with it during the rite. He did not really agree with the rites actions even if he did approve of its purpose. But then, this was a Fire Nation rite and he was very privileged to be part of it. Mu-Tan then retrieved some small medical supplies for cuts and gashes from the office. Bandages were going to be needed. The two old dragons shook hands and took kneeling meditation poses to wait for the boy to come down the stairs and into the now sacred space of the dojo.

The Dance of Blades filled Zuko's mind, he could almost feel his body flowing through the moves and feeling the sharp edges of the blades. Yet, he knew he was not physically moving. Faelin drew away her hand and the adrenalin began to rush through his veins. "You gave up infancy when you learned the Dance of Blades and sacrificed blood for your name. You gave up childhood when you walked the hot coals and learned the Dance of Flames. Now, are you ready to Prove the Dances to the Spirits and Ancestors? Are you ready to Dance them? Are you ready to cast aside your boyishness to be a man?" Faelin's voice was like a distant echo as his blood rushed in his ears. He replied YES to each question. She guided him to stand. "You have been separated from the world and those you have known and loved. Your spirit dances the deadly Dance of Blades on the threshold of the spirit world. I will leave you soon to the rite, where only men may be. Are you ready?" Again he said YES. She guided him carefully down the stairs. In this trance, she did not want him to fall. She glanced into the dojo to see two huge dragons encircling it. One was a deep red dragon and the other was a dark forest green one. The sparks of the elders shining in the spirit world as their bodies meditated in the center of the room. She announced aloud, "The youth Zuko, Son of Ursa, Nephew of Iroh wishes to be a man. Who claims him as blood?"

Iroh stood and approached. "I do. I am Iroh, uncle to the boy Zuko and I act as his father in this world and the spirit world. I claim him as my blood with honor. I vouch for his spirit as true and ready." Then Iroh guided Zuko from the doorway into the room. The spicy scents wafting away reality and Faelin melted out of sight as she retreated to the upstairs room. This rite was not for her eyes. She had to wait till it was over before she could see Zuko again. Mu-Tan remained where he was. He knew his cues. He was more a witness than anything and was fascinated to watch this.

The room began to grow hot. Mu-Tan knew there was firebending going on. Sweat beaded his body. Iroh drew a knife from coals and demanded Zuko face the blade. Thus began the actual Dance of Blades. As Zuko moved and evaded the sharp edge that struck out at his bare flesh. Mu-Tan was amazed the boy could do this. He had already noted the glazed look in Zuko's eyes and was sure that the boy did not see the physical world at all. However, the blade was real and the body and spirit knew ever step and turn.

Once Zuko had gone around the room challenged by Iroh's blade, he was brought to the center of the room. Iroh brought the brazier to life and the flames lit the dark room. "What does it mean to be a man!?" Iroh's voice boomed.

Zuko responded from the heart, "I means I must take charge of my life and bring about change. I am Yang, the active force in the balance of humanity."

Iroh's voice echoed low, "As Yang, you are light and fire. Prove it!"

Zuko reached his hand into the brazier and drew out a coal. As he cast it to the stone floor he moved it with firebending to create a blazing circle around them. And thus began the Dance of Flames. Mu-Tan remain very still knowing that to move would be to get burned. Zuko was a flame dancing to the sound of great drums that echoed back from the spirit world.

Once he had again completed the circuit of the room, Iroh demanded, "What does it mean to be a man?"

Again Zuko answered, "It means to be the warrior, the protector, to be reliable and responsible. It means to act always with honor and never flinch from my duty. It means to be responsible for my actions. No matter the cost, I am responsible for owning up to them."

Standing before the brazier, the fumes from the incense kept the adrenalin burning through Zuko's veins. Mu-Tan shifted quietly to the side to avoid touching Zuko and accidentally snapping him out of this trance. Iroh approached Zuko and cut the loincloth from him. Mu-Tan caught it before it touched the ground.

Iroh spoke softly but with great power, "Do you trust me?"

Zuko: "Yes."

Iroh: "Are you ready to be a man?"

Zuko: "Yes."

Iroh: "Even if it means to sacrifice part of yourself?"

Zuko: "Yes."

Iroh: "Are you prepared to sacrifice the flesh of boyhood and cast it forever to the flames?"

Zuko: "I am."

Iroh brought the blade up so Zuko could catch the flash of it in his eyes. Zuko gave a short nod and closed his eyes. Iroh reached down. Zuko felt a slight tug. The Iroh's blade cut swiftly. There was a moment of sharp pain. Zuko inhaled quickly but made no other move, still locked in his trance. Mu-Tan however winced and held up the loincloth that was now folded into a neat square. Iroh dropped the small bit of bloody skin into the center of the cloth.

Iroh: "Then cast your sacrifice to the flames and let the spirits take away all traces of the boy you once were. Blindly Zuko reached out and took hold of the proffered cloth and cast it into the brazier.

Faelin who was meditating upstairs felt the movement in the spirit world and made her way back down the stairs. From the doorway, her voice rang out. "The spirits have accepted the sacrifice." When Zuko opened his eyes, Faelin could see an overlay of his spirit form in his body. Zuko was like a bright fiery orange dragon. He raised his arms to either side as his spirit self unfolded great wings that only adult dragons possessed.

Mu-Tan raised the towel and held to sake bottle firmly as Iroh lit the lanterns in the room with firebending. Mu-Tan then poured the sake over Zuko's sensitive new wound. Faelin waited a moment and then returned upstairs. The dragon shrieked a moment in Zuko's chest, though no sound came from his throat. His eyes grew wide as the trance was suddenly broken by the pain and stinging the sake caused him where no one ought to feel such things. Mu-Tan continued to disinfect the wound. Zuko's breath came short and fast as his body stiffened and the color drained from him. Iroh was picking up the medical supplies and casually said as he glanced over, "Catch him."

Mu-Tan quickly put down the sake and towel. Zuko glanced down at his wounded and bleeding manhood. His knees gave way and Mu-Tan caught him. Iroh bent over Zuko and created a small ring of fire and seared the wound. That brought a sharp yell from a surprised Zuko before he passed out. Then Iroh wrapped a small bandage around it.

Mu-Tan shook his head. "You Fire Nation people are insane. I'll keep my precious foreskin thanks."

Iroh chuckled. Zuko stirred to consciousness and glanced down at himself to see if he dreamed this. The truth glared back at him. In a small weak voice he said, "Uncle? Uncle, I think I'm gonna be sick." He swallowed several times and Iroh brought a cup of cool water to Zuko's lips instructing him to sip the lightly minted water. He winced terribly as they two men helped him to stand. Then they helped him up the stairs and laid him on the bed mat in his room.

Faelin was waiting, eyes closed in meditation. Once the other men stood back, she opened her eyes. Her tattoos glowed softly as she bathed the sweat off Zuko. "The spirits have seen you become a man. They have seen your spirit. They name you Zuko, Huo Long, the Fire Dragon. You are a man." Zuko could hardly smile through the stinging pain. Iroh could only grin from ear to ear with pride for his nephew. When Faelin was done and she whispered a thank you to the spirits, she gave Zuko a kiss. "I have to go now before I am missed. You will need a week to recover. I will be fine. Not much is happening for a while at the red lantern house." He grabbed her hand a moment and brought it to his lips. She leaned down again and kissed him.

Then she stood and put on her hooded cloak and made her way down the stairs followed by Mu-Tan. He thanked her and then started returning his dojo to its normal state. She pulled up her hood and smiling with love and pride in her heart, she stepped outside. Oh how she missed this feeling of being connected to the spirit world. She could hear the call within her. It made her heart sing. She never saw the hand that reached out from around the corner till it covered her mouth and the large arms of the sumo guard pulled her into the alley, carrying her struggling back to their master.