Chap. 9
Iroh's Idea
After that, things between Zuko and the others calmed down. Even though he was still weak from his time without food, Zuko worked as hard as he could to earn his keep. For the next week, the former prince was a bright shining beacon of humility, doing whatever he was asked to do with barely a complaint. Whether it was getting supplies in the marketplace, looking for Appa, or whatever, Zuko performed it to the best of his ability. While Iroh could not do as much, he proved to be an excellent mediator and advisor to the group. Slowly, they began to earn the respect of the group with only a few exceptions; Sokka and Tierra both could not get over their distrust of the Firebenders, mainly Zuko. But they managed to keep their feelings in check, until one day…..
"Did you get the salt I asked for?" Fuego asked from his porch chair Momo in his lap, as Zuko returned from the herb stand, his arms burdened with supplies. Groaning under the strain, Zuko managed to deposit his load on the front porch without damaging anything.
"The merchant…. Was out…. But he said….. this would do." Zuko panted, as he withdrew a small vial from his tunic. Taking it, the red man popped the cork, sniffed, and said, "Rock salt. It'll do. Thanks."
Zuko's response was to collapse into the second porch chair. "How can making a meal require so much?" he asked between breaths.
"You want it to be good don't you?" Fuego answered with a smile. "Besides, you need as much nourishment as you can get."
"You've been feeding me for a week. I think I'll be all right on my own." Zuko replied. "Besides, Uncle is enough of a nag on me."
"Is that you Zuko?" Iroh said suddenly as he walked out the front door. "Did you get me my tea?" Sighing, Zuko dug in the pile, and drew out a container of jasmine.
"At last!" Iroh said in pure joy as he took the container. "I have been waiting for this for ages! Now I can finally calm my nerves with its gentle flavor."
"If that's the case, make me a cup too." Fuego said. "God knows I could use one today."
"Why? What's going on?" Zuko asked.
Sighing Fuego said, "You know how we split up when everybody was going to the market for Appa? Well, apparently Aang's been going every day regardless of it being his turn or not, and Toph and Katara are mad at him for neglecting his training. They've been arguing all morning."
"Sounds like the Avatar needs to listen to them. Obsessing like this is selfish." Zuko said.
Iroh and Fuego both looked at each other, then laughed. "Are you ever going to call him Aang?" Fuego said, chucking the whole while. "But I guess if anyone knows about obsession, it's you."
"Indeed." Zuko answered, his expression not changing. "I knew this would be a problem when Sokka suggested splitting up the days."
"Well you cannot blame him." Iroh said. "He's been quite eager to find a way to get to the palace and traveling with Aang these days just means searching the market."
"It's kinda sad really. Two kids with their own obsessions." Fuego said as he stroked Momo. "Aang with Appa, and Sokka with the eclipse."
"I'm still surprised you were able to discover the library that held that scroll." Iroh said. "That information was never allowed outside of the Fire Nation." Zuko nodded his agreement. "Hey, we got lucky. Frankly, I can't believe it was something so simple." Fuego said. "Especially after what happened in the North Pole when the moon went out. God, so obvious!"
"Well, at least there'll be two Firebenders prepared for it." Zuko said. "I'll be glad to see my father's forces taken down, even it is for such a brief moment."
"Indeed. Although it still surprises me that you trusted us enough to tell us of your plans." Iroh said.
"Hey, you two have earned some trust, and knowing the Fire Nation, it won't make too much difference even if they do find out; they base so much of their campaign in their bending power, they'll be crippled no matter what they do. Besides, Sokka only griped about it for an hour." Fuego said. "For him, that's actually pretty good."
Both Firebenders smiled at that, but the enjoyment was short lived, as the door suddenly swung open, and an extremely angry Avatar stomped his way out.
"Aang, get back here!" Katara yelled out, as she exited, Toph following right behind.
"Twinkletoes, get your butt over here!" the young Earthmover cried out as well, but Aang didn't care. Whirling around, Aang yelled out, "I'm not training! Appa is out there and he needs me! Everything else can wait!"
"Oh no it can't!" Toph cried back. "What do you think, the week you wasted will just come back? You're not losing any more time, so get in that yard and start Earthbending!"
"I'm the Avatar! I'll decide when I train!" Aang shot back.
As Toph shot back with another insult, Katara sighed and turned to Fuego and the others.
"I take it things are not going well?" Iroh asked.
"He won't listen to me or Toph. He's still too upset about Appa." Katara answered. "Isn't there something you can do, Uncle Iroh?" (Over the course of the week, Iroh had requested the children refer to him as uncle, which had been difficult at first. But Iroh had been such a warm, pleasant person, that with the exception of Sokka, Katara and the others had started doing it despite their objections)
"I think I can try." Iroh said as he rose to his feet. Slowly, the general walked over to Aang, as Toph launched another insult, that suggested a close relationship between Aang's mother and a goat. Before Aang could return it, he found himself staring into the wide frame of Iroh.
"Perhaps, I might suggest something?" Iroh asked. Aang didn't give a reply, so Iroh continued. "Since you seem quite angry, why not put it into something constructive- like training perhaps?"
"Training won't help me find Appa." Aang answered back, his anger lessened at the moment because of respect of Iroh.
"True, but neither will throwing a tantrum like this." Iroh said. "Besides, think of this; if you learn Earthbending today, you will have plenty of time to search for the trader that took Appa tomorrow. And you will be able to tell Toph no then and be justified."
At that, a smile crossed Aang's face. "All right then." He said, as he moved past Iroh and walked over to the door where Katara and Toph stood.
"You ready Twinkletoes?" Toph asked, her arms crossed over her chest.
"Yeah. Let's do this." Aang said.
Toph nodded and the two of them headed for the backyard. As they left, Katara looked at Iroh and said, "Thanks. But do you really think that it'll work?"
"It will for today at least." Iroh said. "But I think Aang needs a way to truly burn off his anger. And I think I know one."
"What's that, Uncle?" Zuko asked, as he got to his feet.
"You'll see Zuko. But for now, let's go watch, shall we?"
"All right, get in your stance!" Toph yelled, as she walked around Aang. His face emotionless, Aang obeyed, spreading out his legs, as Fuego, Katara, Momo and the others came to watch. As Aang stood there, Toph paced around, then yelled, "All right pansy, we have a lot of work to catch up on, and I need you ready! Are you! I hoe so, cause you're gonna be moving rocks all day long"
"Actually Toph, I have a better idea." Iroh said. Sighing, Toph turned and said, "Uncle Iroh, I'm Aang's teacher right now, I know what he needs."
"I know, but I believe I have a way for Aang to get a good review of what you have taught him in a short amount of time." Iroh replied.
Intrigued, Toph asked, "What's that?"
"Yeah what's that?" Aang asked, as he started to stand up straight.
"Did I tell you to get out of your stance!" Toph yelled; Aang quickly got back into position.
"I was suggesting that Aang use the moves you've taught him…. With Zuko provoking them." Iroh said. At that, all eyes focused on the former general.
"Uncle, do you really think that's a good idea?" Zuko asked.
"Yes I do. You haven't practiced your firebending in a long while Zuko. We are in a secluded area, and the innkeeper is out on business for the week so there is little chance of you getting caught. This way, both you and the Avatar can regain the skills you've let dull."
"But, what if they hurt each other?" Katara asked. "I mean, there are still some trust issues here."
"And what better way to test trust then by shooting rock and flame at each other?" Iroh asked. "Besides, Toph and Fuego can halt the attacks, and Fuego can heal any injuries."
"Uh, well, jeez, you've got a point there." Fuego said, rubbing the back of his head.
"I still don't like this Uncle." Zuko said.
"Neither do I." Aang added.
"Well, I do." Toph said. "You're gonna have to stop some serious Firebending with Earthbending one day. And if His Highness here needs some practice, let's give it to him. And if you hurt each other, I'll kick your butts. Now let's get ready to rumble!" Aang and Zuko looked at each other with some apprehension, but having no other options, Zuko stripped off his shirt (a common practice among Firebenders when they train) and walked out onto the yard ready to fight.