To Lose or to Gain: Iroh's Child
Stepping Stones
Iroh found himself quite pleased with the way Zuko's studies were progressing, yet also realized how frustrated his nephew was at not learning anything beyond Firebending basics. With the teachers for the new esteemed prince in place, he could focus on the next stage of the Firebending training, even though in Zuko's eyes the lessons he would hopefully receive wouldn't likely lead to progress in Firebending.
Of course, he needed to decide he would take Zuko on as a student.
In some ways, he felt guilty. While Zuko was with his old friend – if he did indeed take Zuko on as a student, he would be away doing something he felt he needed to do. The fact he needed to do this was on his mind for some time – before he'd arrived back, yet the reasons for doing so ended up changing as he saw Zuko struggle with his lack of self-confidence. More importantly, he didn't want to fail in making Zuko blossom.
He approached the next step by requesting Zuko pack a bag for travel purposes.
Zuko's reaction when Iroh insisted he pack his bags wasn't unexpected. Thinking back, the only time Zuko was allowed to venture outside of the palace walls was for the yearly family trip to Ember Island. In the back of Iroh's mind, he wondered when he and Lu Ten last visited Ember Island with the family, yet quickly brushed away those thoughts, knowing full well his other reason for the next step.
From the look on Zuko's place, the idea of a trip to someplace other than Ember Island proved exciting, yet in the same regard, Zuko didn't like abandoning his studies, particularly when he was still bothered by the idea that his Firebending wasn't progressing. Zuko's frustrations – deep down Iroh felt bad for holding off for so long, letting all the pieces slowly fall into place as he wanted, yet on the other hand – "I want what is best for him."
Iroh watched his nephew carefully, noting how the boy didn't argue, except… "Does grandfather know?"
"Well, yes. He agreed to this."
That was the truth. Explaining why both he and the Fire Lord found this the best solution for Zuko's Firebending problem wouldn't be easy, at least not until the next step was underway. Iroh chuckled, realizing Azula if she were in Zuko's position would argue every step of the way – in fact, the solution for Zuko wouldn't benefit her in any way.
They walked up the long, dusty path to the place where Iroh's old friend lived. Zuko's eyes darted around the place, taking everything in, a small sigh every now and then indicating the boy honestly missed his studies – hopefully his new companions as well. Before they left, Iroh made sure Zuko say goodbye.
Akane filled him in regarding how awkward the situation was, with Zuko drawing lines in the ground with his toe, while Hideki struggled with the fact he'd been chosen as the young prince's companion, his shyness getting the better of him. Akira, on the other hand, took things with stride, reassuring Zuko that Iroh hadn't forgotten about his Firebending training, but to be more sure of himself, not to mention they'd want to hear all about his trip when he got back from wherever they were going.
Zuko's small hand now rested in Iroh's large, calloused hand, while the old man smiled, enjoying the warm sun which beat down on them, fueling their inner fires. "So, I need to let you know that this teacher – I'll be leaving you in his care for a while, if he'll have you."
"What?"
Iroh felt Zuko's hand tighten in his own. "Well, there are a few things I need to take care of, but this will likely be the only time I'll be able to do these things, as I don't trust Ozai not to do something."
"Yeah, but…"
"This person is a good friend of mine who will teach you some important life skills, if you can of course convince him to take you on – and no, I'm not going to tell you how, because that is something you'll need to figure out on your own. If he teaches you, he'll teach you some skills which you can use to protect yourself."
"Because I can't Firebend?"
Iroh let out a laugh. "It might seem that way, since he's not a Firebender and won't be instructing you in Firebending, although I do expect for you to continue the basics every morning. No. His lessons, if he'll take you on will help you become a better Firebender, though it won't seem that way at first."
Zuko let out a sigh, the fact learning Firebending was taking too long, particularly when Azula was so far ahead. He looked down at the ground, his mood changing, his obvious self-doubt starting to show. Iroh let his hand tighten slightly around Zuko's hoping he might comfort the boy. They eventually arrived at the front door. He knocked, the door opening slightly.
"Ah. General Iroh." The man bowed. "I'll let Piandao know you are here to visit, though…" The man paused, looking down at Zuko. "I've not seen the boy before."
"This is Zuko, but I wish to speak with Piandao regarding him."
"You're wanting him to teach the boy? You know that he's very picky regarding the students he takes on."
"I know. I've my reasons for trying." Iroh continued holding onto Zuko's hand, gently guiding him to where the boy would meet Piandao. He felt the boy lean into him while Fat whispered into Piandao's ear.
The man sat down, while Zuko watched. The man sighed, looking Zuko over. "Has the crown prince told you why you're here?"
"He says…" Zuko's mouth twisted. "Father says very little."
"Father?"
Zuko flinched, sinking into Iroh's side. Iroh let out a sigh. "I forgot. You isolate yourself up here, so you don't know what's transpired." He let go of Zuko's hand, pulling the boy close. "It is alright if you still call me uncle in front of Piandao and his buttler."
Piandao continued reading the situation. "So, Prince Zuko, the first question I'm going to ask you is why should I take you on as a student?"
Zuko's eyes blinked, his small hands twisting. "I don't exactly know what you teach."
"Oh?" One of the man's eyebrows shot up. "Swordmanship." Excitement appeared on Zuko's face. "What makes you deserving of being my student?"
Iroh let out a groan, suddenly wishing Piandao used different words. Zuko's jaw clenched, his throat tightening. "Deserving? You want me to be honest with you, or for me to tell you what people expect me to say?"
"Oh? Let's start with what you think people want you to say in this situation."
Zuko's eyes were on the ground, his hands now tightening around his clothing, his knuckles turning white. "I'm the Esteemed Prince and am expected to act in a dignified manner."
"But that's not your answer?"
Zuko glanced up at Iroh, his eyes asking how much truth he could tell the man. Iroh gave him a smile. "Nothing you say here will leave here."
"The truth is, I'm not at all deserving. Grandfather should have picked Azula, not me."
"For what?"
Zuko swallowed. "Can I say what father did?"
"Yes. Here you can say what Ozai did?"
"Father wanted grandfather to give him uncle's birthright because Lu Ten is dead. That is why I am now uncle's child, but I…" Zuko looked down at his hands. "I can't even compare with Lu Ten, let alone compete with my younger sister. She's a protégée Firebender, but I'm an embarrassment in everything I do."
"Yes, but what does that have to do with whether or not you're worthy of being my student?"
Iroh glared at Piandao, placing his hand on Zuko's back. "I'm not. I'm not gifted at anything, really."
Piandao took in a deep breath. "Well, let me ask a different question? Wouldn't you feel ashamed of learning swordmaship given the fact a Firebender is expected to defend themselves with their own fire and nothing else?"
Zuko glanced up, looking the man in the eye. Iroh let out a sigh, realizing this might take more effort than he thought. "Why?"
"Why? You don't know that?"
Zuko glanced up, pondering Paindao's question, then looked at the man. "While I am ashamed of my Firebending abilities, I am not ashamed to admit I need other skills to make up with this. However, I don't think that answers your question."
"Oh, why not?"
"Because that doesn't answer whether I think I am worthy of being your student. I've absolutely no experience in swordsmanship, but…." Zuko's eyes widened, his head turning to look at Iroh. "Wait. That's why you said this would help me with my Firebending?"
"Care to share your conclusion, Prince Zuko?"
"I…" Zuko turned back, worrying his lip, his hands continuing to clench at his clothing. "I don't know how to put this, but …" Suddenly, he bowed his head down low. "I completely embarrassed myself in front of the Fire Lord not once, but twice when demonstrating my Firebending."
"Wait? Are you telling me you actually failed in front of Fire Lord Azulon, yet still attempted another Firebending move?" Piandao's eyes widened, his interest perking.
"Yes."
"Child, do you not understand what kind of bravery it takes to fail in front of Lord Azulon, yet not given up and try again?" Piandao's words made Zuko look up, yet the boy remained quite unsure of where the man was going. "Obviously, you do not, but then, you're so focused on your own failings, you don't even realize your own strength." He turned towards Iroh. "Yes. I'll take Zuko on as a student, but I see why you wish for me to teach him."
Zuko's eyes blinked. "I don't understand. I failed in front of the Fire Lord."
"That may be, but you left a far bigger impression not by showcasing Firebending to the level of perfection I suspect Princess Azula did, but by not giving up." Piandao glanced over at Iroh. "That said. Is Lord Azulon aware of this?"
"Yes. We can discuss that in a bit, when it's just the two of us."
Piandao nodded his head. "I don't take on students who already think themselves great, with nothing to learn from me, Zuko. That's why your answer was so important."
Zuko bowed his head to his teacher. "Thank you."
