Fireflies

By Lina Halim

Chapter 3 : PRIDE

He was going to give it another try. He'll be damned if he is not allowed into the war chamber this time. This time he's going in. When he does, Zula won't be able to say anything about it.

Zuko strutted towards the entrance to his father's war chamber just like he always does. And as usual, his entry was denied.

"Let me in," he demanded the guards.

The guards did not budge. He may be a prince, and the Fire Lord's son, but rules were rules. He was not allowed into the war chamber.

Iroh watched him from a short distance. He walked towards his nephew and placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Prince Zuko, what's wrong?" Iroh asked.

"I want to go into the war chamber but the guards won't let me pass!" Zuko answered, impatient.

Iroh sighed and took another look at his young nephew. He guided the young boy to the side, and talked to him, in attempt to change his mind about going into the war chamber. "You're not missing anything, trust me. These meetings are dreadfully boring," said Iroh, stressing on 'dreadfully'.

Zuko looked at his feet and then looked up at his uncle. "If I'm going to rule this nation one day, don't you think I should start learning as much as I can?" asked the bright-eyed Prince, smiling at his uncle.

The determination on his nephew's face was strong. Iroh knew that Zuko will not change his mind. Not ever.

Iroh gave in. "Very well. But you must promise not to speak. These old folks are a bit sensitive, you know?" he said.

Zuko was bursting with happiness inside. He bowed to Iroh, "Thank you, Uncle."

Iroh ushered his eager nephew into the war chamber.

As soon as they stepped in, Zuko felt different. Wow… this must be what it feels like to be here… He wanted to know what goes on in this room. He wanted to know what the high ranking officers discuss about. The more he thought about it, his dreams of becoming a Fire Lord escalates.

He sat down next to his uncle as he listened to one of the high ranking officers lay out their next wave of attacks.

"The Earth Kingdom defenses are concentrated here. A dangerous battalion of their strongest Earthbenders and fiercest warriors. So I am recommending the 41st Division," said one of the officers, pushing a small figure supposedly representing a whole troop to a section of the map.

"But the 41st are entirely new recruits! How do you expect them to defeat a powerful Earth Kingdom battalion?" asked one of the older officers.

"I don't," he replied simply, "They'll be used as distraction as we mount an attack from the rear. What better to use as bait than fresh meat?"

Zuko was shocked to hear what he's hearing. He knew the Fire Nation was strong, powerful and ruthless; but cruel and bloodthirsty? He didn't like it. Not one bit.

The young naïve prince stood up. "You can't sacrifice an entire division like that! Those soldiers love and defend our nation. How can you betray them!"

The officers turned to look at him. Iroh bowed his head down. As much as Zuko is right, he should not have spoke out. He knew Zuko meant well, but it was just not the right moment nor the right place to say it.

The flames behind him erupted. Behind the flames was his father.

Zuko turned around to look. He wished he didn't. He has respect for his father. But that respect was shaped by fear.

Fear knowing his father could kill him anytime he wanted.

Zuko knew what was in store for him for speaking out like that, as it was seen as an act of disrespect.

An Agni Kai was the answer.

An Agni Kai was the only answer.

Zuko looked at the older generals. He swallowed hard. "Fine. I accept. I am not afraid."

xxxxxx

Zuko took off his armor. He was getting ready for the Agni Kai with the general he had 'disrespected'. He was indeed not afraid. He had nothing to fear. This was his nation as much as it is his father's. He was going to take over his father's throne and fear was not welcomed in the heart of a Fire Lord.

A knock was heard on the door. Zuko heard the creak of the door opening. He turned around while pulling out his shirt and saw his mother standing by the door with a worried face.

But she had a forced smile.

"I heard what happened. Your uncle told me…" she said. She walked towards her 14 year old son. "We know you mean well, my son… but it wasn't your place to say it…"

"But Mother, they were going to use the young men and women as bait. The same young men and women who would gladly die for this nation. And they are planning to use them as mere bait. They WILL feel betrayed, mother. They will."

"I know that, Zuko, but these young soldiers will defend this nation nonetheless. Even if they were used as a distraction. I'm sure they are fully aware of the tasks in store for them, and becoming a distraction is one of it."

"It's just wrong. You know it as much as I do."

She sighed. Her son was right. Sending new troops as mere distractions were unethical. She didn't like it as much as Zuko. But she knew neither her or Zuko was able to do anything about it.

Zuko took off his shirt. His mother stood up and picked up the Agni Kai cloth that laid on his bed. She walked towards her teenaged son and placed the cloth over his shoulders. Zuko turned around and bowed to his mother.

She took him in her arms and hugged him tenderly, like a mother should. Ozai never allowed any display of affection as he thinks affection softens people, making them weak.

"I should go now," said Zuko, slightly pushing away from his mother. He was never used to his mother embracing him like that.

He walked out of his room and headed for the duel arena. His mother stared at the half opened door. Her lady in waiting was waiting outside. She walked towards the balcony door. She placed a hand on the glass door and closed her eyes.

"Please, Agni… protect my son… I beg of you…" she muttered.