Zuko pulled back into a defensive stance, bracing himself. His father had not moved, even to face his opponent, and a vein twitched under Zuko's eye. It was a gesture of distain, though one didn't have to do much to gain the disdain of Fire Lord Ozai. Breathing in his presence was enough.
Time passed. The sky had been clear, but a bank of clouds crept toward the sun. Zuko grew tired of waiting, but he said nothing. Ozai could attack at any time, and his speed was such that even an Air master would have trouble following it. He stayed tensed, on the balls of his feet, watching the dark back across the field, waiting for any twitch of motion. This was not right. Ozai was a skilled general, and knew how to wait his enemies out, but he was also a talker, one who mocked his enemies, and baited them. Then, when they lost their temper, he struck. I will not rise to his bait, thought Zuko. We'll see who can wait the longer.
Sweat beaded on his brow and the back of his neck. This was taking forever. The clouds finally reached the sun, and instead of covering its light, dispersed it. Shadows grew less distinct, and so did outlines; a haze was forming. It had to have been more than an hour.
Zuko heard a rustle of cloth behind him. Iroh had also grown bored. He had stepped back to the shade, and at his signal one of the servants ran for ginseng tea. By the time he returned neither of the fighters had moved. Iroh finished his tea and the servant departed with the empty cup.
A thought struck Zuko. Why am I waiting here? He knows I'm better at thinking on my feet. That's why he's stalling, he thought, narrowing his eyes. He wants to wait me out and fight on his own terms. "It's not going to happen," he said aloud, and raised his voice to his father. "Do you hear me? I'm not going to play your games!"
Ozai declined response. Snarling, Zuko pulled a whirlwind kick, following it with two straight punches, all aimed at his opponent. The fire sped across the field, but just before it reached Ozai, he turned around and looked Zuko directly in the eyes.
"Too slow."
