Chapter 37: Sparky lights up

Iroh skillfully moved the large ship into a bay on an uninhabited island. Toph and Aang bended the cliff face on each side so they would stretch across the divide, hiding the ship and the bay. The group just hoped that no one would notice the landscape had changed before the comet came. Sokka and Katara looked around the small bay, quite stunned. The Fire Nation was a lot more beautiful than they'd expected.

"Well, I guess we can use that cave over there for shelter." Katara finally managed, gesturing vaguely to a small hollow in the cliff face.

"Great, let's get moved in!" Toph said, throwing their belongings haphazardly from Appa's saddle.

"Hey, careful with that, that has the food in it!" Sokka cried, racing to save the food bag.

A makeshift camp was soon setup, and the group were discussing what to do next.

"I suggest we rest today. Aang, come with Zuko and I. There is something you need to learn." Iroh said quietly.

"What?" Aang asked, standing.

"I'm going to show you the basics of manipulating lightning."

There was a dead silence from the camp, and Katara seemed especially concerned.

"Can we watch?" Sokka asked suddenly, an excited expression on his face. "I'd love to know how it's done."

Iroh glanced at Zuko, who sighed irritably and nodded.

Great, a crowd. he thought to himself.

They moved to the other side of the island so any stray electricity wouldn't be attracted by the bulk of their stolen ship. Iroh insisted the Water Tribe siblings and Toph sit well back, then stood in front of his students.

"Zuko, let's begin with you, and see your progress. Aang, watch his movements carefully."

The Avatar nodded seriously and stood beside the old man. All eyes were on Zuko, who tried to block it out. He took a deep breath and cleared his thoughts, remembering his uncle's lessons. His arms moved, sparks shooting off his fingers easily. Iroh's eyes widened slightly. Zuko suddenly thrust forward, lightning flashing brilliantly from his fingers and touching the
ocean waters briefly before vanishing. The firebender then turned.

Aang was visibly impressed, while everyone else had their jaws hanging open.

"Nice moves, Sparky!" Toph suddenly cried, breaking the spell.

"Zuko..." Iroh laughed happily. "You finally got it!"

Zuko grinned and let his uncle hug him

"I only got it because of you." Zuko said quietly, stepping back.

Iroh smiled, his eyes shining, then nodded.

"Come here Aang, and we'll show you the proper movements."

For the rest of the morning, the firebenders practiced the moves for lightning. After lunch, they stood back to let Aang try the actual creation for the first time. Aang took a deep breath and concentrated, his fingers moving, sparks following his motions. He shot he hands forward, and was thrown backwards as the lightning exploded in his face.

"AANG!" Katara cried, rushing forward to help the stunned Avatar.

"W-What happened?" Aang asked, looking up at Iroh in confusion.

"Your mind is not clear of turmoil." Iroh said sadly.

Katara immediately understood and sighed heavily.

"Aang..." She whispered sadly.

The airbender looked away from where he sat, partially ashamed, partially angry.

"I've been trying really hard to stop loving you Katara, really I have! It's just..."

"Aang, no." Katara began, heartbroken. "You don't have to stop loving me..."

"I know, I know." Aang said quietly. "This is just so frustrating."

"Come on, I know you can produce lightning." Katara said, helping him to his feet.

"Actually, I was thinking we'd try a different technique." Iroh explained. "You may not be able to create lightning, but I can teach you something much more important; how to redirect it."

Aang's eyes grew enormous as he stared at the old man.

"Redirect lightning? Are you serious! That sounds so cool!"

"It's not a game, Aang!" Zuko snapped suddenly. "It's meant to save your life one day!"

"Zuko." Iroh shot the older boy a glance. "Why don't you take Aang through the motions. I need to sit down for a bit."

Zuko looked stunned.

"What? Me!"

"Yes, I think you will be a fine substitute." The old man smiled at his nephew's irritated expression and sat beside Sokka, who was chewing on some jerky. The Water Tribe boy absentmindedly offered Iroh some, who immediately indulged.

Zuko shook his head for a moment, then sharply moved a stern gaze onto the airbender, then to Katara who still sat beside him.

"Please return to your seat, Katara." Zuko asked quietly.

Katara nodded and stood, smiling at Aang the returning to her seat beside Toph.

"Right, pay attention Avatar!" Zuko began, startling the boy into attention. "This is perhaps one of the most important defensive moves you will learn, and I expect you to get it right. If you die, then it's my fault because I failed you as a teacher. So you're going to listen to me, got it?"

"Y-yes, Sifu." Aang managed.

"I like his style." Toph snickered as Zuko started explaining the move and it's history in a much calmer tone.

For the rest of the day, the boys practiced the redirecting movement, then they decided to stop when the light started to fade away. As Katara prepared dinner, Iroh glanced over the group of children with a fond smile.

"I am leaving tomorrow."

Katara dropped the bowl she was carrying and Zuko stopped in midconversation with Toph, his jaw hanging open.

"What?" Zuko managed.

"I think that I can contribute to the war effort better away from the group. I know a lot of people who could help with the invasion. I plan to contact them before the eclipse and see what I can do."

"You can't leave." Zuko said angrily. "What about Aang's training?"

"I told you that you were a perfect substitute." Iroh said with a smile.

Zuko's face grew furious.

"So you're just abandoning us. Again." He said, standing angrily.

"No, Zuko, I am simply-"

With a furious grunt, Zuko stormed off into the darkness.

The group stared after him, stunned.

"What's wrong with him?" Sokka asked.

"I'll go find out." Katara said, placing a hand on Iroh's shoulder and hurrying after the firebender.

Author's note: First of all I'd like to apologise. this is far from my best work but...after watching the finale, I got a huge block. The finale was...just so awesome I got a bit scared. I would never try to compete with that, never try to make something that epic but still...I felt like i wasnt worthy to write. But i will write - Avatar has given me so much, and i want to give it the best story i can write in return. i will make the next chapter better (and longer), but im back at uni next week, so it may be a little while. but the show will go on! there is no fat lady here XD thank you all for the R&Rs