Chapter 15: Playing With Fire
Uncle Iroh sighed, walking into his quarters, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "I told Prince Zuko my advice, but he turned it down. If only I knew about Ciara before, then I could have helped him. I expected so much from both of them, like grandchildren. What will ever happen to that dream? I just hope, he will be able to stand up against this all…again."
The fight raged on. Hit after, hit after, hit…it was more like a game of chess than a fight. One moved here, the other stopped the coming attack. It was never-racking to both of the teens, but worth-while to Lord Ozai.
Lord Ozai watched with eager eyes, never seeing such entertainment be so entertaining. None of them showed how tired they were, or how much their bodies screamed at the constant movement they were forced to do. He nodded in great amusement, wishing he could somehow preserve this scene.
Flames danced in the air, licking the cold blades angrily as Ciara blocked wearily. Time. How long has it been? Two minuets or two hours? Time seemed to be playing tricks on me. I just want to sit down and sleep, why did this have to happen? Ciara sighed and lunged forward at the prince, but only to have it blocked. "Zuko, I have a plan." she whispered to him, glad they were far away from eager ears.
Zuko's face was blank, wondering what she was going to pull, "A plan? What are you try run here? I will not be my father's puppet nor will I be yours for your foolish schemes." Ciara felt herself stiffen, not really expecting such a cold comment, "Try to understand, it was my job. But don't think that got in the way between us… Just listen to me, I know you despise your father. I never knew that you were banished for such an absurd reason. Your father was wrong; I now know what must be done. So will you listen?"
Zuko kept his blank expression, but managed to kick Ciara's feet underneath her, making her fall backward. Zuko took that chance to take one of Ciara's blades, pressing it down gently on her neck, "So what's the plan?" Ciara smiled softly and replied in a whisper, "We get closer to your father. When I count to three, you know what to do. This would catch him off guard, and leave him open." Zuko felt himself get pushed back by Ciara, watching her get on her feet.
So once again, fire filled the hall, making the banners on the ceiling ripple slightly. Minuets passed, and they were before the mighty Lord Ozai, a faint smile flickering on their faces. Ozai watched with pure joy, his hands crossed before him were sweating slightly with eagerness. Suddenly a sudden wave of heat filled him, making him snap into reality. But he was too late to catch his fall, as his cheek touched the cold tile of the floor.
Ozai got up slowly, still confused about what just happened. "How…how dare you two! You really want to die, don't you Zuko! And Ciara, why? Your own teacher." he exclaimed, feeling the anger inside him rise dangerously. So Ciara and Zuko double-crossed me, striking me instead of each other…Lord Ozai's mind repeated that phrase, over and over, until he couldn't take it anymore. "So be it, then. I'll show you the meaning of war." he growled.