Thanks for all the reviews, they're greatly appreciated. I'm sorry it's so late, but this chapter takes you on a journey through Zuko's first firebending lesson and the start of Ozai's paranoia.
Disclaimer: Avatar: The Last Airbender belongs to the people at Nick.
Last Time:
Kimiko hid behind her mother once more, but the flames caught on to her mother's dress. Seeing her mother ablaze, Kimiko threw a bucket of water at her, putting out the fire. The two ladies glared at Zuko, who was currently fascinated by his hands. What just happened? He did that, that, that bending thing his mother told him about. Firebending. It was what seperated the Fire Nation from the rest of the cruel savage world. It was what made them better.
They're Coming: Chapter Four - Jet
It was the middle of winter. And absolutely nothing was right. They were not winning what could possibly be the most important battle since the war began. Inside a tent planted on the hard frozen ground were the Fire Lord and the generals of the army.
Just one week ago, they had marched across Earth Kingdom territory with the most elite warriors. Their heads held high, confident of victory. Nothing could lower their spirits; not the burning towns they passed, not the hundreds of bodies lying on the ground with arrows pierced through their chests, not even the occasional children crying and holding each other. Nothing.
So how was it, that as of currently, there was no boasting or bragging amongst the Fire Nation soldiers? Everything had gone according to plan, yet they were still not winning.
Ozai lifted his head when he heard Iroh give a light deliberate cough, to remind the Fire Lord of their presence. An accusing glare was sent the general's way.
"Well?" Ozai demanded.
"Well what?" Iroh asked, a hint of frustration evident in his voice.
"I want an explanation as to why your so-called brilliant and ingenious plan is failing."
"Oh, so it's my plan now is it? If I remember correctly, we discussed it together for months." The other generals nodded their heads in agreement.
Ozai was not at all amused. "Answer the question."
"We underestimated the earthbenders. It would seem as though there is one among them who can perform bending unseen since the days of the Air Nomads." Iroh handed Ozai a scroll containing a painting of an old man and a description of him.
Ozai considered his options. He could continue leading the battle, lose, and get dethroned like his father. Or, he could pass the torch to his brother, who felt his place was on the battlefield. That way, if they lost, it wouldn't be his fault. And if they won, Ozai could still take credit.
"General Iroh. You are now in charge of winning this battle for the Fire Nation. I am also delegating to you the task of killing the mysterious earthbender. You have two months."
Whispers erupted. Iroh nearly exploded. "Are you joking? Two months! That's not nearly enough time to capture such an advanced earthbender!"
Silence graced Iroh's outburst. "You misunderstand. I only say two months because that's how long I figure you'll be able to last against the Earth Kingdom forces, given how things are right now. I plan on taking a few divisions to conquer other cities posing a possible threat. By all means, take as long to capture the earthbender as you can last. Fell free to stop the battle at any time."
The meeting lasted for another hour, and Iroh said nothing during that time. He was in a state of fury and self-doubt. His brother had just given him the near impossible task of winning the battle, and in order to do that, he had to capture the mysterious earthbender. Night fell and a ghostly fog enshrouded the camp.
Inside his own tent, Iroh contemplated every possible way to take down an earthbender head on. Previously, the tactic was for one soldier to attack from behind, while others distracted him. Earthbending did not require as much movement as firebending. What it required was a solid root and unshakable balance. So, in theory, the key to defeating an earthbender would be to keep moving and shooting flames at their feet. Then, issue a fatal blow in the moment it takes the earthbender to regain his balance. Iroh's eyes lit up. Of course, his theory was just that; a theory.
Dawn came, bringing with it an ominous grey cloud. Iroh and Ozai bid their farewells and good wishes with the formality of two strangers, rather than with the affection of two brothers. As Ozai sailed away to lands unconquered, his eyes met with those of Iroh's retreating figure. The Fire Lord demanded success, but expected failure; General Iroh had no choice but to obey his lord's demands and defy his expectations.
Whilst the fearsome Dragon of the West waged war against the great city of Ba Sing Se, the mighty Fire Lord trekked through the dense forests, scaled towering mountains, and sailed into unwelcoming ports, capturing and killing as many earthbenders as possible. In fact, they didn't even need to be earthbenders, if you weren't with the Fire Nation, you were against it, and thus needed to be destroyed.
This continued for months. Until the day it came. A brilliant ruby blur contrasted against the soft sapphire sky. A sky that betrayed what was really happening below. Below the cushiony clouds was a small city on the verge of being conquered.
Everyone knew what type of messages red ribbon hawks delivered. Every time a battle was over, a hawk would carry a message from the officer in charge of the battle to the Fire Lord. If the paper was red, it was a Fire Nation victory. If the paper was white, it was failure.
A five year old boy pointed at the sky. "Look mommy! We won! We won!" The mother wearily turned her head upwards and brought her gaze to rest upon the bird her son was pointing at. Finally! An Earth Kingdom victory! And the latest battle, where most of Ozai's army was concentrated was at the capital. Tears sprung from her face, there was hope!
She picked up her son and quickly told the elders of the wonderful news. Hurriedly, they met with the city's meager defenses.
"Listen to me! Today, a red ribbon hawk was seen passing our city, headed towards where the filthy Fire Nation scum are staying, while they prepare to slaughter us. But that will not happen! The message was from General Iroh, head of the siege against Ba Sing Se, and the paper was white! We won! Today, fight with all your strength! We can drive the Fire Nation back to their wasteland in the West! You will all be known as the bearers of hope and justice!" The city elders shouted to their soldiers. Inspirational, uplifting, and a total lie.
For you see, while the city would fight out of spite and happiness, the Fire Nation would fight to vent their frustration and anger. Out of the two hundred men the city had to offer, only a handful were benders, and none of them masters. Out of the one hundred fifty men and women Ozai had with him, fifty were benders.
But the battle did not last long. Hardly any people were killed, only injured. Ozai played with their emotions and their honor. The city's soldiers had arms and legs so twisted, broken, burnt, so even if they healed, they would never be able to hold their own in another battle. Knowing the Earth Kingdom, they would more likely than not nurse the pathetic beings back to health. The men were useless; the city would have to feed and house them, spending precious time and money on people who could not help the state.
Mere minutes after the battle, Ozai was on a ship, once again headed back to his homeland. The divisions he had sent out would have to arrive later. Alone in his room, Ozai growled. Of course, he had expected it, but he couldn't help but feel that Iroh lost the battle on purpose. Nerve! In fact, Ozai was positive Iroh lost it on purpose—just to spite him. Well, that's considered treason isn't it? Even mutiny! Two can play at that game.
It was harder than Ozai expected to tell his people that many of their loved ones would not be returning. Mourning ceremonies were held in every city. Candles were lit by the many families who lost a father, son, or even daughter. When Ozai told them that it had been their wonderful godly Dragon of the West who failed them, half of them refused to believe it. They were hoping, some expecting, that Iroh would come back to Lyoko and telling them that he was just joking when he sent Ozai the letter of defeat. That they did, in fact, win. That the deaths of their beloved were not for nothing.
But of course, nothing like that happened. Those who hoped were crushed. The skeptics learned that even the greatest fall. Those in denial never had the same unwavering faith again.
For an entire month, people grieved, cried, mourned, and threw temper tantrums. The youth rebelled, sure that the government was messed up and would collapse onto itself. The elderly clucked their tongues, comparing Ozai with his father, who had to pass the throne to Iroh after they lost an important battle.
Shiro was in charge of the battle he lost. Ozai was not in charge of the siege. Iroh was. It was entirely brother's fault; the people would have to choice but to accept that. And they did. But they did it grudgingly. Apparently, they felt the many battles he had won outweighed this loss.
As for Ozai, he had no choice but to agree with his people. "I agree with you all. However, he lost over three hundred men. The punishment for such…for lack of better word, incompetence, is removal of all titles. We will, of course, ask our dearly trusted ex-general for advice, and he will of course still be allowed to remain in the palace." The Fire Lord told his people. They accepted his retirement grudgingly and Ozai accepted the fact that Iroh was still trusted by so many people grudgingly.
Iroh, however, was fuming. Over dinner one night in his room with Ozai, Iroh raised his question. "What did I ever do to you?"
Ozai put on an expression of innocence. "What do you mean? I don't hold any grudges against you."
"No, you wouldn't, not anymore. Why did you put me in charge of the siege when you knew I would fail?"
"I knew no such thing. I put you in charge because you've been known to pull through in the end when it matters the most. If you knew you were going to fail, why didn't you decline?"
"You're the Fire Lord! I can't refuse you any request!"
"You can with good reason! You just didn't have a good reason! You only suspect me of knowing you would fail. I honestly thought you would win, besides, you could have ended the siege sooner."
"Liar. You'll pay for this. Karma, dear brother." Iroh muttered, glaring at Ozai.
"Let karma try. I'm the Fire Lord." At that, Iroh stopped his glare.
Ozai was extremely smug. That would teach his brother to respect him. Still, he couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt for all the people who died. But the ends justify the means. He had just secured his position as Fire Lord. Iroh no longer held any titles. The people had only one Fire Lord to support now. Many had thought that Iroh was making a mistake when he resigned. Ozai had put up with his brother's subtle mockery, his sly smirks, and had had enough of holding in his anger whenever Iroh disrespected him. But not anymore.
The next morning, Ozai brought Zuko to his bending teacher. Ozai found a retired soldier to teach Zuko. He would be known to Zuko for the next nine years as Master Chen. Chen looked at Zuko skeptically. The scrawny fragile boy in front of him could not have possibly performed bending at three. "My lord, are you positive?"
"Yes. Zhao's wife and daughter both testify." Chen frowned and sighed.
"Alright. Can you create fire at will?" Zuko nodded eagerly and scrunched up his face. A small ball of fire flickered atop Zuko's right hand, and he glowed with pride.
Chen was only slightly impressed. Not bad for a five year old. "Alright, now the other hand." Again, Zuko scrunched up his face. "Good. Now extinguish them at the same time." Zuko frantically waved his hands. "If that works…My lord, shall I send him back up for lunch?"
Ozai was walking back towards the palace. "Yes. I will send him to you same time tomorrow."
Chen and Zuko were in the courtyard. There weren't any trees, grass, or flowers for Zuko to accidentally set fire on, so they were safe. He turned his attention back towards the young prince.
"Now, sit on the floor, place your hands in your lap, and close your eyes. Breathe in, concentrate you energy into your hands, and release it." A blast of warm air told Chen Zuko had done it.
"Oh wow! That's so cool!" The flame died out.
"Quiet. Close your eyes and make the flame again. Good. Breathe out and let the energy flow evenly throughout your body. Make the flame again, and this time, let the energy leave your hands, but bring it back so that the flame doesn't die. Keep doing this until you don't need to think about it." Chen watched the prince practicing for a good three minutes before Zuko opened his eyes and looked at his teacher with an expression of boredom. "Now what?"
"We talk. But do not let the fire die. So tell me, when did you first firebend?" And so they chatted away, the flame dieing only a few times.
"Good. Now, stand up. You must learn not to fear fire. I'll send a blast of fire at you, you will cross your arms like so, and block it. Breathe in when the fire comes, take in the energy. Ready?"
Zuko looked confident. It couldn't be that hard. He nodded an affirmation. But when the blast came, he could do nothing but shield himself with his arms. Oddly enough, nothing happened.
"Prince Zuko, are you alright?" Chen looked worried.
"Yes. Just…what happened? I didn't get burned…"
"That's a relief. Your father would have my head. You see, when you shielded yourself, your energy escaped and formed a barrier between your body and the flame. The blast I sent at you was not very strong, so the barrier didn't break. Had it been stronger, you would've gotten hurt. Shall we try again?"
Zuko was still a little shaken, and it took a few more tries for him to block the blast without flinching like it was second nature.
"Alright then! We're all done for today, I'll see you tomorrow." Zuko waved goodbye. Chen was impressed. Not many of his students caught on so fast. Or they would be too shaken after the failed blocking and refuse to try bending again until weeks later. But, as good as the Crown Prince was, he was still only five, and not much could be done until eight.
Two years later, Ozai was once again in the Earth Kingdom. This time, he had to visit all the cities he had conquered, to make sure everything was all right. Ozai was back at the city he was about to capture when Iroh's bird arrived. He smiled to himself. Memories… When he got there, the people looked at him with hatred. No, not the people. The cripples. The men who had tried to take on a well-trained battalion of soldiers were now young men with disfigured arms, leaning on walking sticks, and many with fingers bent and gnarled.
"Spare me the looks. Today, I've come to liberate you."
A young boy peeked from behind his mother. "You're going to stop the war?"
Ozai couldn't help but give a bitter smile. "No. I've come to kill you. Well, not you. I want you to live. But I've come to kill everyone else in the city. Feel free to defend yourselves; it'll only make it more painful. Men, women, you know the drill." Ozai retreated to the background, watching his soldiers kill the civilians. The boy was knocked unconscious and brought to Ozai.
"What do you want us to do with him sir?"
"Oh, put him in the arms of his mother. It'd be a nice surprise for when he comes to." A few hours later, Ozai was sure he heard a scream echoing in the distance. The city had been stripped of all its goods and valuables in a mere hour. They were now on their way to a captured town.
Another three years passed. Zuko was ten, and was taking an evaluation exam for firebending. In order to pass, he had to demonstrate a variety of basic firebending like creating fire, holding it for a few minutes, and the like, as well as the more complicated moves he learned at his level. Then, he would participate in a tournament with others of his level.
The final round of the tournament was Zuko against Kimiko. Ozai sat next to Zhao, just to see what he would do when Zuko won. Ozai had to admit, Zuko was rather skilled. And he proved his skill when he defeated Zhao's daughter, who was two years older than Zuko.
"Congratulations my lord, your son's firebending is extraordinary for his age. He could become even more powerful than you soon my lord." Zhao offered a forced smile. But only an idiot wouldn't be able to see that he was seething inside.
"What was that?"
"Oh nothing. His form needs work though. He lacks technique and relies on the strength in order to win." His daughter worked hard to get where she was. But the spoiled prince probably inherited all his skills.
"You are demoted, lieutenant." Zhao had recently been promoted to lieutenant commander, now he was back at square one. He bowed deeply. Ozai started walking back towards his quarters.
"As you wish sir. But again, I warn you. Keep friends close and your enemies closer. He has much potential."
Ozai stopped for a moment, considered turning around, and asking Zhao what he meant. But he brushed off Zhao's warning as soon as he had taken time to consider it. That was absurd. Zuko couldn't possibly be a threat. He will get the throne, yes, but not by killing his own father. Ridiculous.
Wow, is there any way to apologize for the rushed feeling this chapter gives? I suppose I should start with 'I'm sorry'. In case you didn't know, the little boy who peeked from behind his mother is Jet. I know, really different from the show-Jet right? Well, he's only eight, and has spent his life being sheltered by his mother. Anyway, there are also some explanations to character behavior (particularly Iroh-Ozai interaction) on my profile page, but feel free to email me if you have anything to say.
Next Time:
"Zuko, this is a pathetic earthbender. Pathetic earthbender, meet Zuko. He is the Crown Prince of the Fire Nation and future ruler of the world. Prince Zuko, I want you to assert you authority and kill him."
- Ozai
That was a quote from the next chapter, Imprisoned. Original title, huh? It mostly shows Zuko's human side, and Kimiko's sadist side..self. Haru will be in it. Don't worry, it won't be late at all. I've already got six pages of it written (but that's six notebook pages).