This really has nothing to do with why Zuko uses dual swords, but I had to add it!
Don't forget, a chapter without reviews is like me without my glasses! Dangerous! Review!
"Teach me"
The words echoed in Zuko's mind while he practiced.
He'd never been asked to teach anyone anything. Ever.
Even with the Avatar, he'd asked to teach him.
At first, he'd thought Sokka was joking. But he'd meant it. And now, he was thinking it over. He'd mostly taught himself to use dual swords.
But if Sokka wanted to learn...
And soon enough, he and Sokka practiced at night. Zuko found Sokka seemed to have a knack for it, like he had.
Zuko's mind drifted back to the past. He'd never had a friend before. He was always practicing, and never had time. Now Sokka was practicing with him, and even making jokes sometimes. Did that make him his friend?
He remembered Azula's friends. More like captives. They hadn't seemed quite happy. Ty Lee was perky, but not happy. Who could be, with Azula cutting down anyone who surpassed her. Mai and Ty Lee barely lived through a friendship with Azula.
But this was different than that. Sokka came of his own free will, and he didn't let Zuko beat him. And Zuko didn't threaten him.
Sokka didn't ask painful questions. He could tell when a subject bothered Zuko, and he would turn the conversation to another subject. He was beginning to see Zuko carried a heavy load, something weighed down on him at every step. But he didn't ask, because he knew Zuko didn't like to share.
Zuko seemed to make a habit of zoning out, thinking of the past.
One time, Sokka became just a little too curious.
" Hey Zuko?"
Zuko blocked another swipe from Sokka.
" What?"
Sokka dodged a swipe from Zuko. Zuko wasn't the only one with training in footwork.
" When you zone out, what are you thinking about?"
Zuko seemed caught off guard. Literally. Sokka stopped his sword an inch from Zuko's face.
Zuko, however, remained calm. He sheathed his blades. The match was over.
What did he think about?
Zuko ran through the hallways, searching for his Mother. He should have paid more attention when she was talking to him last night, not fallen back asleep! What had he been thinking?!
He felt enraged and spoke out when a General suggested sacrificing young, new troops. He would learn to regret it...
He looked up in fear as his Father continued walking toward, even as he bowed and pleaded for his forgiveness. The last thing he saw was the fire rushing towards him, and the last thing he felt was the blinding, burning pain.
Zuko frowned as he looked around the empty Air temple. He could only see out of one eye, and it still hurt. He turned back towards the ship. He would find the Avatar, no matter how long it took him, so as to regain his honor. To gain his Father's love. He should have known nothing he did would cause his Father to love him.
He felt love as he walked through the streets with Jun. But it wasn't to last...
He felt confusion as Azula offered him a deal, to help her catch the Avatar. He should have known better than to trust her.
He felt regret as he left Mai...never to see her again...or so he thought...
He felt panic when he burned Toph.
And he felt really stupid when he lost his firebending.
In truth, he thought about everything, events that meant a lot to him, whether it instilled guilt, or terror, warmth, or shame, they were all important to him, to who he was. They were his life.
He looked over at Sokka who was watching him expectantly.
" Stuff."
Sokka had a feeling it was more than just "stuff", but he wasn't going to say anything. If Zuko ever wanted to tell him, he would, but not before. That's just how he was.