I'd like to say that I ate a big breakfast this morning. That wasn't the case at all. Apparently, Iroh and "his highness" eat with the crew. And the crew eats early. Try 6:30. I have never been an early riser and the cafeteria workers have never been ones to serve late. So, therefore, I am standing on the ship's deck, starving and comparing the sun to a big, warm, yummy loaf of bread. Or cheese. Or cake. Or any other delicious food that I have to wait until noon for. Right now, it's only about 7:30. How many hours then? Four and a half? I don't think I can last that long.
Anyway, I'm watching Iroh train Zuko. He's an amazingly good teacher. I know. Once, Iroh came to the academy where I was training to teach us Fire bending. Naturally, I hadn't bothered to tell anyone that I couldn't Fire bend. I just always skipped that class in favor of having a second lunch. In any case, Iroh was in the same town as the academy and so stopped by to teach us how to Fire bend…correctly. I thought that maybe with this great General teaching me, I'd be able to call up the power. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't even call up a spark. Within minutes, some of the trainees were throwing around large burst of Fire and some could even shape it. Iroh saw that I couldn't bend and asked me what I was doing here. I told him that I was sure that I was a Firebender (for all of my brothers were Firebenders) and that I was just having trouble. Iroh asked me to see him that afternoon after school. I met him in the training room and he asked me who my father was.
"Colonel Na Sekai, sir" I responded. He mused on this for awhile. Finally, he concluded that I shouldn't be learning Fire bending at all. I was much too graceful, he said. So, instead, he threw me a sword and taught me everything I know now. He is a wonderful teacher. So jolly, disciplined, and--
"Fire comes from the breath, Zuko! The breath, not the muscle!" Iroh exclaims, exasperated. He stands up and stands by his nephew. I think I'll go have a look-see.
"I heard you the first time, Uncle! I'm not doing anything wrong! You see the fire coming out of my hands!" Zuko shouts back. What a brat! Arguing with one of the best Firebenders in this century. He really should learn some manners.
"That fire could be 10x more controlled if you would just listen to what I am telling you!" Iroh says.
"I am listening! I'm doing everything that you're telling me to! What's wrong!"
"Zuko, be patient. Calm down and listen to me. When you throw fire, do you notice anything?"
"No."
"I do. I don't hear you."
"Huh?"
Of course. That's why it's not perfected. He's not shouting, not saying anything to exhale. In martial arts, it's important to shout while you are performing a move. This is the way to breathe correctly. Zuko doesn't say anything. He's completely silent.
"When you are fighting, it is important to yell. This acts as a way for you to breathe evenly while you are engaged. Also, it acts as an intimidation towards your opponent."
All of these things that Iroh is saying are things that he taught me two years ago. I've forgotten that there is a purpose to them. I just thought that that was what you did…it's important to remember these things!
"Try it again, but this time I want to hear you Fire bend." Iroh commands, sitting back down in his chair. Zuko glares at him. What an arrogant brat. He thinks that he's so good. If he was, he wouldn't need a teacher. I watch the prince take a deep breath.
"HA!" he exclaims, delivering a powerful tornado round-house. Arcs of fire dance across the morning sky. I wish…I wish I was a Firebender. Look at all of that power in one single move. I stand behind Iroh and watch Zuko as he does a series of axe-kicks, one after another. It's breathtaking what true Fire bending power can be. I have to admit that I am a little envious of him. And Iroh. What am I stuck with? A lowly sword. Swords can be beautiful, too, but not as astounding as Fire bending.
"If only you were a Fire bender…" Iroh muses aloud. I look down and I see a melancholy look on his old face. "You could have taught him. He doesn't listen to me. He might listen to you…"
"To me, sir. I seriously doubt that." I chuckle at the thought of Zuko bowing to me and saying "Yes, ma'am" or "No, ma'am".
"No, he would."
"Why? He hates me."
"Oh, he doesn't hate you."
"I'm sure of it…"
"No, you would be the best teacher because he would want to prove himself."
"Huh?"
"Do you see him now?"
"Yes…"
"Do you know why he is working so hard now?"
"Why?"
"Because you're watching him."
"Me? What does he have a crush on me or something?"
"Ha, if only. No, it's because he doesn't know you; he wants to prove how good he is. He wants to show you that he is the best."
"How do you know?"
"Well, he told me so last night, in a way."
"Really?"
"Yes, I told him that you were an amazing student of mine once. I told him all about you."
"Sir…"
"And he said, 'But she isn't even a Fire bender. What can she do that I can't?' So now, he's out to prove that he can do anything you can do, if not better."
"So basically he's trying to prove that he's better than me?"
"In a way, yes. But it's the perfect tool. You pose such a threat to him now. He feels that he must be the best on this ship. He will work so much harder now that you're aboard. Thank you."
"Oh, well, don't mention, sir."
Suddenly, Zuko stops and turns around to look at us. He eyes me carefully. And I eye him back. So, he's not a complete enemy now. I can understand where he's coming from. I know what it's like to want to be the best. I always strive to be the best. I do not tolerate competition. And neither does he. Strange, I never pictured us having any qualities alike. Zuko turns his back to me and continues to practice his Fire bending.
"Perhaps, you would like to show Zuko some of your moves? He is also training with the sword." Iroh says, rather loudly. Zuko whirls around to look at his uncle in complete shock. I have to admit, I think this is rather bold of Iroh. I take a weary step back.
"Oh, that's alright. Maybe some other time when Prince Zuko is not so busy with his Fire bending."
"That's right, Uncle. I thought that you wanted me to practice." Zuko says, looking at me. I think that we can both agree that we do not want to spend any length of time together.
"Zuko, any time is the best time. You are lucky to have a swords master here with us aboard this ship."
"General, you are a swords master yourself."
"Yes, but you have the agility and speed that I lack in my old age. Come; teach Zuko a move or two." He says, getting up from his chair and leaving. We hear him loudly dare anyone to face him in a game of Pai-Gwo. Zuko and I stare at one another, unsure of what to do. I think that we both want to honor Iroh's wishes, but at the same time, want nothing to do with one another. This is silly. I've handled worse brats before. Surely I can take an uppity prince.
"Alright, get your sword." I say, pulling mine out of its sheath. Zuko glares at me, but walks over to where his broad swords are laid out carefully. He unties the leather cord that keeps the two blades together and they come apart. I walk over to him and he stares at me, guarded. "If we are to work together, I suggest that you…we try to put aside our differences and try to be a team."
"I don't need your help."
"You're uncle seems to think so."
"He's a fool."
"You know, for a prince, you're pretty rude."
"For a woman, you're pretty loud."
Excuse me? Sexist much?
"I don't think that comment really pertains to anything. Come on, we have about two hours and then we can go on hating each other. For now, let's just pretend we've never met and never will again, shall we?" I try, growing tired of his unwillingness to learn. He snorts, but follows me out to the center of the deck. He gets into a defensive position. "What do you know?"
"Everything you do."
"Agni on a spit! Could you please stop being so oppositional for one moment of your life!" I cry, flinging my sword around in frustration. He smirks at me and crouches down. I start to circle him. Oh, I hope I get his face. Then both sides can be a testament of how incredibly ugly he is, inside and out. He suddenly charges at me and I dodge. He has the advantage of having two swords, but that doesn't bother me. I am a better swordsman that Zuko will ever be.
"Arrogant brat…" I whisper, as I parry another of his thrusts.
A clang of sword on sword. Sparks litter the sky.
"What did you call me?"
"Nothing you haven't heard already!"
"You need some manners!"
"I need manners!"
"Yes!"
"You're the one who sasses to your Uncle. He is a great Fire bender. A hundred times better than you'll ever be and you still sass off to him. You really are spoiled."
Zuko's attacks have just intensified. I think calling him spoiled was the wrong thing to do. Or maybe it was the right thing? At least he's trying harder now.
"You can't even Fire bender."
"So?"
"Don't tell me what I am or what to do!"
"Why not?"
"AARRR! And stop answering my questions with more questions!"
"Why?"
"Because I'm your prince, that's why!"
"What are you a prince of? This boat? That armor? What?"
We are too close to the railing and the ocean now for my tastes. I deliver a side kick to his rib cage. It doesn't hurt him, but I've pushed him off of me enough now so that I can move away. I dart to the other side of deck and Zuko follows. We clash again. And again. I have to admit that I'm having fun. I laugh absent mindedly.
"What are you laughing at!" Zuko demands.
"Do you want the truth?"
"No, I want lies…" he replies sarcastically, swiping at my abdomen. I giggle again, and roll out of the way of another attack.
"This reminds me of when I was in the military academy. Of course, I never fought anyone as long as I've fought you."
"Why's that?"
"Because they all were horrible. None of them had been trained by Iroh, except me of course."
"Hm."
"This is actually kind of fun."
"Fun?"
"Yeah, fun. You know as in merriment, joy, doing things that you like to do."
"I know what fun is!"
"Alright, alright. Don't get testy."
We break apart and take a quick moment to recuperate. He stares at me, waiting for my next attack. I'm not planning on attacking him anytime soon. I'm getting tired. I haven't eaten in awhile and things are starting to spin. Oh, wow, the whole world's upside down…perhaps this isn't good?
"Tama…Tama…Tama…" someone is calling me. A fairly familiar voice. I'm not entirely sure of where I am. But my head hurts. And these damned lights are awfully bright. Someone blow out a few candles, why don't 'cha!
"…uhg…where…" I whisper, throwing my arm over my eyes. Too bright!
"Are you alright?"
"I guess. Where am I?"
"On the deck."
"What…?"
"You haven't eaten in awhile. You just collapsed while you and my nephew were sparing."
What? When did this happen? How long ago? I'm very confused right now. It's too bright, I don't know what's going on, I don't have the slightest idea of who I'm talking to.
"Can you open your eyes?"
"Yeah, if someone will turn off those lights!"
"You can't turn off the sun..."
"Well, excuse me for being in a rather confused state right now, Mr.…" I dare to open my eyes, "Zuko."
"Mr. Zuko?"
"Yes, Mr. Zuko."
He looks at me strangely. He must think I'm delirious. Suddenly, my stomach gives off a large rumble.
"Ugh…how long have I been out?" I moan softly.
"Not too long. Maybe about fifteen minutes. Zuko tried to wake you up when you collapsed, but you didn't, so he came and got me. We moved you out of the sun and have been trying to wake you since."
"Oh…" I croak. I'm thirsty and very, very hungry. Wait--Zuko tried to wake me up? He was actually looking out for me? Well, that's certainly out of character for him. I dare to open my eyes one more time to look at him. He stares at me, guarded, but there is something else. Compassion? Fear? Something very un-Zuko like. Well, the Zuko I know, at least.
"Zuko, I'm going to go and get some bread and water for Tama. You stay with her."
"Yes, Uncle." Hm, why so agreeable, Zuko? He sits down next to me and leans against the wall. I try to lean up too, but find that I don't have the strength just yet. He raises an eyebrow at me.
"Are you anorexic?"
"Ha! No, far from it!"
"Then why haven't you been eating?"
"Well, I missed dinner last night…" he looks away from me," and I guess I missed breakfast this morning."
"You could have gone down to the cafeteria."
"I did, but they wouldn't give me food.'Sorry, you're not here by 7:00, no food for you!'" I say, mocking the cafeteria worker. Zuko snorts.
"They do sound like that though, you must admit." I say, elbowing him. He glares at me, but then his face relaxes into a stoic kind of expression. My Gods, doesn't this kid know how to laugh? We're quiet for awhile now. Minutes tick by.
"You're fine, right?" he asks, staring out at the sea. I nod my head and he stands up abruptly. "Well, I have to go meditate then."
"HEY!"
He looks back at me, surprised I could yell so loudly.
"Hey, what?"
"Iroh told you to wait until he got back!"
"And so I have," he says, pointing to my right. I look over to see Iroh coming up with a cup of water and a plate with some bread and fruit on it. I shoot a glare at Zuko only to see him disappear behind a door.
"What a weird kid…"
I've been watching Zuko meditate now for a while. I'm feeling much better now. I ate the bread and fruit. Also, I managed to get my hands on some rice cakes. Those were my favorite. Anyway, I've managed to sneak into Zuko's meditation room without him noticing. Either I'm really quite, or he's really concentrating. Maybe both?
It's amazing what he can do. With every breath he takes, the candle's flames grow brighter, than dimmer, than brighter again. He controls it with just his mind and his breath. I'm so envious. What can I do but watch? He's been at this for forty minutes. Suddenly, he stops and he gets up. I see him stretch his arms over his head and then bend down to touch his toes. He turns around to open the door, but something catches his eye. He's walking over to me! What should I do? Scream Boo! No, that would scare him and he'd probably burn my face off. Pretend that I fell asleep in here. No. What should I--
"What are you doing in here?"
"Uh, you see, I was just, well…there was this uh…thing that I…uh…."
"What are you rambling about? I'm asking you what you're doing in my meditation room!"
"You're being very rude!"
"What were you doing!"
"Why do you care!"
"Because you were in my room when I didn't know! That's disrespecting my privacy. "
"Oh, sorry…" I mutter before crossing my arms in a huff.
He sighs and makes his way over to the door. He's about to wrench it open, but I stop him.
"I'm so jealous."
"What?"
"I'm jealous."
"Of what?"
"Of what you can do…"
"My Fire bending?"
"Yes…"
Oh. Well, that's nice. You should be."
"You are so rude! Haven't you heard of respecting your elders?"
"Yes. And besides, you're not my elder."
"Yes, I am."
"So, you're calling yourself an old maid?"
"No!"
"You're a very strange girl…"
"Well, you're a very strange boy…"
"Humph! I don't need to listen to this!"
"Neither do I!" I stand up and make my way to the door. I try to get out but Zuko gets in my way. It seems like he has the same idea. We're both trying to get out of the same door and the same damn time!
"Haven't you ever heard of ladies first!" I shriek, trying to push past him.
"Yeah, but you're not a lady."
"Excuse you!"
"You're not, though. You're a captain!"
"It's a generic term!"
We're still trying to push through the door.
"Would you let me pass? I'm a prince, for Agni's Sake!"
"A prince of what!"
"Everything. Now let me go!"
"NEVER!"
"Tama!"
"Zuko!"
And just like that, we have somehow ended up on the floor. Zuko is lying across me. He's squishing me with his weight. He's really heavy!
"OW! I can't breathe, Zuko! Get OFF!" I shriek, trying to roll him off. He won't budge. "You're not funny, Zuko!"
"Yes, I am."
"If you were, I'd be laughing. NOW GET OFF!"
He finally gets off, stands up, and dusts off his robe and pants. He doesn't extend a hand to help me up. I suppose I'll have to help myself.
"Apologize. Both of you." A new voice breaks in. We both turn to see Iroh staring at us, a smirk tugging at his lips. Both Zuko and I gape at him. We erupt in accusations at the same time.
"She was trying to push past me!"
"He nearly suffocated me!"
"I don't care what either one of you did. Since you obviously cannot act like the mature teenagers that you are, I suppose I must mediate this fight and make you apologize to one another." Iroh looks at both of us in turn. I glance away from Zuko and cross my arms. He curls his lower lip and looks away from me.
"Sorry." We say at the same time.
"There, now that's much better, don't you agree." Iroh says, happily. I get up and also dust off my clothes. The general turns on his heel and starts walking down the hall. We hear him singing some obscure song, rather loudly I might add.
"General! Watch out for that pail in the middle of the hall! Sir, the men are cleaning there! Sir!" we hear a man's voice try to warn Iroh. Suddenly, Zuko and I hear a clang and someone go "oof!". Peoples worried voices crowd the hallway.
"Are you alright, sir?"
"I'm sorry I didn't move that pail out of the way in time, sir!"
"Oh, please forgive us, sir!"
Zuko snorts and rolls his eyes. I get the feeling that things like this happen quite frequently. I giggle and elbow him. He looks over at me, but I'm already making my way out the door. I wave him goodbye as I walk down the empty hall.
Maybe…maybe that boy isn't so bad after all?