The wind swept through the trees bringing a cool feeling to the clearing. The great general Iroh sat cross-legged on the ground, drawing in the dirt with a stick. Across from him sat his nephew.
"The world is made up of four elements, water, air, earth, and fire. All four elements are needed to bring balance to the world. But they also bring balance to us as individuals."
"What do you mean uncle?"
Iroh thought about how best to describe his words.
"Earth is the element of stability. The very ground we walk on, so you can see why it is important to our world. It is the frame that holds our world in place.
"Our bones represent the earth. Our skeletal structure is the framework of who we are. Without it, we could not exist."
Iroh drew in the dirt.
"Water is the element of change. It moves to fit its environment. The earth needs water, or its inhabitants would die. We need water to survive.
"In our bodies, this is represented by our blood. Always flowing, bringing nutrients to our muscles and organs. We need the water for balance.
"Air is the element of freedom. Not tied down by gravity. Free to move with the wind and see the world from a new perspective. The air in our bodies is represented by our breathing. Without air, we would all suffocate."
Zuko nodded along.
"We were always taught that the fire nation was superior. That our element was the best. But we're not. We need the other elements just as much."
"Exactly nephew."
"Uncle, what is fire if not destruction. I always believed the fire was passion and that it was fueled by anger, but I don't want to be angry anymore."
Iroh smiled.
"That is good nephew, anger will only burn you and everything else."
The general sighed.
"Fire is not the element of destruction. We need fire, we use it to cook our food, to warm ourselves. We use fire to light the world. Agni shares his gift with everyone. If not for fire we could not exist.
"Fire is the element of life. Light, heat, passion, are all part of fire. Everyone has an inner fire, this is the life force. Fire is the energy that our bodies need to move.
"Together the four elements make up the world, and together they make up a man. All are needed to keep the balance. The avatar is the defender of balance for the world, but we must find balance in ourselves as well.
"It is the avatar's ability to understand all four elements that makes him so powerful. You can learn from the other elements as well."
"I can?"
"It is important to draw inspiration from many places nephew. For example, the move I am about to teach you I learned from watching the waterbenders."
Iroh stood beside his nephew along the edge of a cliff. Together they practiced several movements.
"The key to redirecting lightning is also the key to water bending. You need to let the energy flow through you. In one side and out the other. You are merely a guide to the raw energy that is lightning."
Zuko practiced a few more times before turning back to his uncle.
"I am ready to try it for real now."
"Are you insane! You want me to shoot lightning at you! No! If you are lucky you will never need to use it."
Zuko tried to hold back his frustration.
"Then why did we come up here!"
"Because not only do I want to teach you to redirect another's lightning. I want to teach you to create your own."
The prince's frustration quickly gave way to excitement. Eager to begin.
Iroh showed him stance after stance.
"This kata is specifically for lightning, you will find it helps focus all your energy towards a single goal."
Zuko copied the stances. Shifting into each one time and time again till it was second nature. Till his movements became fluid, almost like a dance.
"Good. Now lightning is different than regular fire. If you want to create it you need to be completely at peace with yourself."
Zuko nodded along eagerly.
"Now you try."
Zuko did the motion only to be thrown back by a powerful blast of fire.
"No!"
He tried again and again. Each time failing to create lightning.
"Prince Zuko enough!"
Zuko finally stopped panting heavily.
"I was afraid this might happen."
"You mean you knew I wouldn't be able to make lightning!"
Iroh shook his head.
"Prince Zuko, to create lightning you must be at peace with yourself. You still fuel your fire with anger. You are still hurt at what has happened."
"Of course I'm hurt! Look at me!"
Zuko emphasized pointing to his scar.
"How am I supposed to just be okay! I've been lied to and thrown out and—"
He was cut off by his uncle pulling him into a hug.
"I know. You're hurting and that's ok. It's okay for you to feel broken, to feel betrayed. You need not be ashamed of not being able to create lightning. It's okay to be hurt."
"I don't want to feel this way anymore."
"That is why I am here, to help you heal."