Well, here we are, chapter two of Burning Son.
Now, before the chapter begins, I would like to clarify some aspects about my story that I'm attempting here.
1. An FF member, Gidon, left a review, and in it he said "I wonder how this is gonna change the Avatar canon as a whole with the way Zuko is acting here." First, thank you for leaving me a review; it's much appreciated. Second, the way Zuko is acting is actually, for me, an explanation and expansion for his attitude and behavior throughout the original series. Throughout the series, Zuko displayed this almost immeasurable determination to make the impossible possible. This guy went on a wild duck-goose (ha!) chase for THREE YEARS, searching for a being that hadn't been seen in over A HUNDRED YEARS, and he had NO clues or signs as to where the Avatar was, who the Avatar could be, or even what the person he was searching for looked like. He was searching the world blind, and all for the love of a man who clearly hated him! Ozai always hated him, even to the point that he would burn him the way he did, then banish him without batting an eye and then later making him a wanted man! After all that, Zuko still respected and loved his father! It made no sense to me. Having Zuko actually fight his father in the Agni Kai, and keeping a promise to protect a sister who is his superior even at risk to himself, acts as an early showing of the unbreakable will that Zuko will both develop and struggle with as the story continues. That, and Zuko facing his dad seems really beasty in that "David vs Goliath" kinda way. However this isn't the only tweak I've added to Zuko's character, as you'll see as the story continue.
2. There will be some introspective into Ozai's character and his motivations in this chapter. I've always wondered why Ozai despised his son the way he did. I'm not sure if the original show gave any reason to this, but I don't remember any. In this chapter, you'll be given Ozai's perspective and you'll see what I believe could be a reason for Ozai's difficult relationship with his son, Zuko. Also, I'm giving Oazi a back story as well which will be revealed more as the story progresses.
3. Remember how Zuko's family is supposed to be descendents of the Sun/Fire God, Agni? Yeah, the show didn't really give any reason as to why that would make their family different in any sort of way. In my story, that is going to have a large impact in terms of the combat abilities of those within Zuko's family. Flames of different colors will have certaincharacteristics and give their wielders specific abilities and insight into the personality/behavioral traits the family members have. The full mythology behind Agni will be fully explained in a much later chapter, while the traits and abilities of the other colored flames will be elaborated on at certain points in the story when deemed necessary. Those with royal blood all have unique colored flames, rather, than the regular red-orange flames.
4. Firebending will also be seen used in other unique ways in this chapter, and I'll give the moves names like Avatar wiki does; all techniques will be described in detail in the credits at the end and some within the chapters if technique details are important to the plot. Some of the moves may seem a bit much, but you'll get used to it; also soon I'll stop having the name said it the story and just describe it, as you'll all know what they are before long.
Qi and a new skill based around it, Tsuranukitoosu (to enforce one's will) will be an important source of power. In my story, non-benders can be just as powerful, if not more powerful, than the benders including those that come from powerful bloodlines.
Phew….now that that's over let's get on with the chapter.
Burning Son
Disclaimer: I own nothing within the world of Avatar. If I did, Mako would be with Asami…as her whipping boy.
Episode 2: Agni Kai I - The Crimson Dragon
"Disappointing."
Ozai looked at his son, his face displaying an emotion that always seemed to be on his face when witnessing the failures of his eldest child.
Dissatisfaction.
The boy always seemed to fail to live up to his expectations. The child frequently managed to find ways to disgrace himself, in some form or another. The boy's incompetence in even the most simple of tasks, when compounded with so many other failures, was so frustrating for the father. All he wanted from his children were people strong enough to help him achieve his ambitions. To see them breakthrough, reach and perhaps even surpass their potential. So much so that he could feel pride in both them, for being children that he could pass his legacy on too,and in himself, knowing that the forced wedding between him and Ursa, the ill-fated granddaughter of Avatar Roku, had brought about some sort of good fortune despite the turbulent marriage. He wasn't asking for perfection, as he knows that there such a thing as infallibility doesn't exist, but he was demanding of the very next thing.
It wasn't unreasonable in his mind, as the only he'd survived in this world up to this point was because he held himself to those stands for most, if not, all of his life. Ozai has great ambitions, ambitions that in his mind would change this world for the better, and even long after he was gone, but he needed to make sure that his children would be able to carry out his legacy.
When his son was born, it was one of the happiest day of his life. His wife had born to Ozai their first child, and it was a son! Not that Ozai held the same sexist prejudices as many of those around him, but he knew that a first-born daughter would not be as helpful when it comes to any plans for the throne. That day Ozai allowed the emotion known as joy to show in his golden eyes; something that his close associates would think he wasn't capable of. He had so many things running through his head about what this could mean for the future. Though whatever little joy he allowed himself to feel began to gradually vanish as his son constantly failed to meet, let alone hope to surpass, every one of his expectations. Now, the boy was meager in both worth and interest as far as he was concerned. He couldn't do anything right. Nothing. He even failed to be an, at least, decent firebender. They were children of Agni, and yet this boy even managed to fail at something he was blessed by the gods to do.
But that wasn't what disappointed him most, about this failure of a son.
What disappointed Ozai, the most, was that his son was soft. It must be something he learned from his mother, Ozai would always say to himself, because he would never say that such weakness came from him. The boy let his emotions decide his actions, thus making him the idiot he was. The boy was also far too willing to throw himself in front of others, despite the harm that would come to him. A king's duty was to rule, govern and guide his people to a greater tomorrow, even if it meant the manipulation and sacrifice of those beneath him for the greater good. The boy was not strong enough to be his legacy.
Ozai knew that it was Azula who had rudely interrupted his war meeting. Not only did the boy constantly bring me disgrace, but he also thought of me to be both deaf and stupid,Ozai mused darkly. He had actually felt a bit of pride when he heard Azula, because the words she spoke were the same that ran through his mind as he listened to that incompetent General Bujing spout his nonsense. She was learning, and gradually beginning to think like her father. She, too, however, was still to be punished as well, due to showing such a disregard for respect to her superiors, but her lesson wasn't to be learned in the arena with him.
No, her's will come in time. Ozai had thought. He figured it was time that he truly began to mold her into the perfect tool, with his own hands. Her power and potential were too great, and the time was soon coming when she, despite her age, would be needed on the front lines.
To be honest, an Agni Kai did not cross the Fire Lord's mind, until his son his spoke up against him trying cover for his sister. Ozai, first was only amused and attempted to brush aside the insect that was his son, but the boy only pressed on harder. This boy was to be his successor, to be a king, yet he was so willing to sacrifice himself for others all the while not having it in himself to truly do anything of worth. The actions of his son annoyed Ozai greatly. A boy that was easy ruled by useless emotions, and as a result becoming worthless himself, was not yet worthy to be his heir, let alone his son. Ozai felt that it was finally about time that he taught his son a long overdue lesson.
A lesson in that weakness would not be tolerated. In that weakness could get you killed. In that in order to overcome such weakness, sometimes one has to look even death itself in the face and fight for survival.
That brings us here. To this Agni Kai, where the boy was failing even to amuse him. The Fire Lord had been feeling generous today. He'd decided to make the match more interesting, by handicapping himself in this match against his son. There was a very large crowd here to see, for the first time in two years, a duel between the Fire Lord and an heir to his thrown and he wanted to at least entertain his guests by giving his son at least a prayer of a chance. He had declared that he would not move from his immediate area, and he would go easy on the boy. All he asked in return was that his son be able to lay one, successful, blow to his face.
Easy enough, right? The boy could at least complete this task, and entertain their audience. Use this chance to prove his worth, and see just how far he could push past his limits before the Fire Lord decided to end the fight, right?
Well it turned out that the boy was even weaker than the father originally thought. At least the boy never ceased to amaze. No matter what, he always finds a way to make me feel ashamed of his life,Ozai thought grimly.
He grew tired of this game. His son, had left him disappointed yet again, and it pained him to even look upon the boy as he set himself in another stance. It was a wretched sight. He hated it.
It reminded him of him, from long before…it was like a mirror image of him a long time ago….
"Can you truly be mine?" Ozai asked his son, and to himself at the same time, after the long moment of silence.
"W-what?" Zuko looked at his father confused. Ozai's frown deepened.
"I am asking if you can truly be my son. I am strong, while you are pathetic. I mean just look at you." The Fire Lord gestured his son's direction, with an open hand.
"I came here, to this Agni Kai, looking to at least be entertained, by you. By my son, a child of Agni, but again you fail to meet even my lowest of expectations. I even restricted myself to this very spot, and held myself back, yet you've not been able to land even one of your attacks. Only one blow is all I ask of you, but you can't even manage that.
"Your rushed, haphazard martial arts, that you are so proud of, are easily seen through and countered just as effortlessly. Your firebending is pathetic, at best. You are 14 years of age and after training since the age of 3, you've still yet to properly perform a basic blast of fire. Your flames are so lacking in heat and power, that the flames do not even tickle me as they lick my skin.
"Pathetic.
"Weak.
"Shameful.
"Disappointment, after countless disappointment.
"That is what you are, boy. You are not my legacy, you can't be." As Ozai spoke, the heat in the arena gradually increased. "Maybe…. I should end this farce of a duel, right now?"
Zuko's stance faltered a bit, as he listened to his father's words. It wasn't as if he hadn't heard them in some other form, or fashion, before, but this seemed…..different. It must be this environment, Zuko tried to reassure himself, I've never fought in front of such a large crowd before now. In fact…. before today, I'd never been in an Agni Kai before….. It feels so different from the practice grounds…Stupid! Of course it would feel different than practice, this is a real fight!Suddenly Zuko's eyes widen, as if he just realized something. He was in a real fight, a real Agni Kai with his father. All this time, he'd been treating this as simply his chance to prove to father that he was worthy of his respect. He hadn't been treating this like the serious situation it was. At any time, his father could end their duel in an instant and from the way his father spoke of him, as well as the way the heat intensified within the air, Zuko could tell that if that was to happen he be in for some serious pain.
Zuko glanced at his father, finally taking a true look at what he was facing. Zuko's widened a giant now stood where his father once did. The old scars, remnants of past battles he'd endured during the war, that were scattered across its powerful form and told Zuko that this beast has been part of confrontations much bigger, and fiercer than this joke of a fight. Its cold, gold eyes pierced, straight through, his own. Within its steel-like gaze, he saw his reflection and what he saw caused to take a step back. What he saw was himself, so small, so insignificant. Zuko's body all of a sudden started trembling uncontrollably, and it only got worse when he realized the monster that was staring him down was his father.
I-I can't do this! ...Father is right….I'm weak...I'm-
"Zuko!" The sudden noise, which sounded like someone calling his name, snapped Zuko out of his thoughts. Zuko looked around, not only trying to find the face of the person of called his name, but also in an attempt to look anywhere other than the piercing gaze of his father.
"Zuko! What are you doing?" Zuko's eyes came to rest on his Uncle Iroh, whose hands were cupped around his mouth to project his voice to the ring. Next to him, sat a very annoyed looking Azula, who was currently glaring at their uncle with her arms folded across her chest. Huh? Uncle, what are going about now? Zuko thought perplexed by his uncle's sudden outburst. He then voiced his thoughts, "W-what are you talking about, Uncle? C-can't you see that I'm in the m-middle of something?" Zuko winced at his stuttering speech, ashamed that his trembling had now even started to affect his words.
"Yes, Zuko, I can see you getting throttled by your father quite clearly from where I am sitting." Zuko grimaced a bit at his uncle's words. Ozai didn't turn his head, but took a quick glance at his brother. If he was angered by Iroh's disturbance, his neutral face didn't betray anything. That fool, Ozai mused as he closed his eyes, what is he up to? Words of encouragement, for the weakling, perhaps? No matter. The way the boy is shaking, it'll likely do little good.Ozai thought, looking at the boy he was ashamed to be the father of.
However,Ozai's contemplated thoughtfully, the fool's words may spark something within the boy. At the very least, hopefully this match gets a bit more interesting....
Iroh looked at his nephew for a moment before speaking, and surprisingly the crowd silenced as well. "Zuko, what are you doing?" Iroh repeated, and Zuko continued to look at him confused. Iroh sighed, and continued. "Your strikes are very sloppy and extremely unfocused. The flames that you've been launching at your father lack force and the heat emitting from those flames are pitiful."
"So, what? Did you stop my match to tell me how weak I am, as well?" Zuko was starting to get angry. He knew he was weak, but he didn't need to be reminded by everyone in the damn arena.
"I never said you were weak, Zuko. What I mean is that your mind is so scattered right now that you've forgotten everything you've learned." Iroh made sure he had Zuko's attention before continuing. "You're not very intelligent (Zuko's right eyebrow began twitching uncontrollably, at this point), but that is compensated by your ability to instinctively adapt to any situation. What you lack in firebending, and its fundamentals, you make up in your great agility, speed, strength and skill in martial arts.
"You told me that this was your chance to prove yourself to your father, but all you've managed to do is embarrass yourself. If you want even a prayer's chance of winning this fight, you must clear your mind of the clutter. Focus, sharpen your senses, and make firm decisions with your strikes. Be yourself.
"If you do not do this, I don't know if you'll be able to walk away from this arena with you li-"
"That's quite enough, brother." Ozai spoke in a strained tone. He had grown tired of listening to rubbish, that poured out of his soft-minded sibling. "I don't see why you waste words of encouragement on this boy. The child is trash, and your pretty words won't change this fa-!"
"RRRAAAHHHHH!"
Ozai was forced to stop mid-speech as he dodged a flaming heel that would have smashed into his face, had he not. His eyes widened a fraction as he shifted his upper body to the right to avoid his son's fierce, burning bicycle kick. The streak of flames that trailed from the attack licked his shoulder and, though it didn't hurt at all, he could feel the heat and power of son's fire had increased dramatically. It was like a completely different person had attacked him.
That was far too close... Ozai thought as he turned to face his son, making sure he didn't move from his general area. I let my guard down, and he took advantage of Iroh's distraction. However, the power behind that kick... Ozai studied his son, noticing the rekindled determination in his golden eyes. It seems as if mybrother's words may have sparked something in him.
Let's see if this 'something' is worth the seconds I've wasted thinking about it. By the time Ozai finished his thoughts, he had already launched a volley of fireballs towards the boy.
Azula looked up at her uncle curiously, and with a bit annoyance as well. "What was all that about? Why interrupt this Agni Kai, only to spout such nonsense? Do you actually think you can help this idiot brother of mine? It's hopeless. Father will crush him, and Zuzu will have failed to land a single blow." she finished, with a smirk.
Iroh paid her no mind, as he observed his nephew. He'd watched as Zuko attacked his brother, mid-speech. That kick just now, was very good.Iroh felt relief, as it seemed that Zuko had listened to what he said. That one attack was far superior, when compared to all those sloppy combos from before. When he'd seen his nephew's face change from determination to shock, and finally fear, he knew he had to do something get the boy's head right. He couldn't let him succumb to his fear of his father, or else Zuko end up doing the very thing he said he wouldn't. He didn't want Zuko to fight in this Agni Kai to begin with, but he'd seen how much this meant to the boy so he wouldn't allow it to end in such a matter. I can only hope this doesn't end too badly for him.
He then saw it. A look of complete focus and confidence had settled onto the boy's face. Iroh smiled to himself, before turning to Azula. "You are about to witness the 'true' Zuko."
Azula looked at her uncle, annoyed. So now you decide to respond to me?
"The 'true' Zuko? What foolishness are you spouting now, old man? Are you telling me that you actually believethat Zuko will manage to accomplish anything here?" Azula looked her uncle like he was crazy. There's no way that weakling, Zuzu, stands even a ghost of a chance. This is our father, the strongest man in the world, we're talking about!
Iroh just kept smiling. "Just watch, you're about to see something special." Iroh's smiled faltered a bit. He didn't know what was going to happen, or how this was going to end. He just hoped that Zuko would come out in one piece and on his own terms.
Iroh, Azula, and the rest of the audience watched as seven shining spheres of fire, each the size of a man's head, jettisoned from the fists of the Fire Lord towards his son.
Zuko's eyes constantly flashed from one ball of fire to the next. It was as if time had slowed down, as he waited for his father's volley to reach him. He was entirely focused, all the useless thoughts that cluttered his mind before now gone. Earlier he would've panicked, and humiliated himself, trying to counter his father's blast with his own, only to see his weak blasts travel a foot, or two, from his fists before fizzling out. However, after his listening to his uncle's advice, he'd realized now that he already had the means to defend himself against his father's attacks.
Uncle was right; I've been making a fool of myself.Zuko's forearms suddenly began steaming, as his arms, from his forearms to his hands, began to glow a bright orange-red. He grit his teeth in pain, as he flooded his arms with massive amounts of his boiling hot qi. It had always been like this, due to both the very low amount of control he exhibited and the nature of the flames he'd been fated to wield since birth. In order for him to be able to wield them, Zuko had to use so much energy, which attributed to his nearly extinct level of flame control. Luckily, he was born with insane levels of qi energy to compensate for that flaw.
The fire quickly burned dimmer, while still growing stronger, until large dark, crimson flames burst to life; completely covering his arms up to his elbows. The flames were also heavy, due to the amount of energy that was needed to keep them alight. Zuko, used to the weight to a degree, shifted into a stance just as his father's attack closed the distance.
Here goes nothing!Zuko thought as he flew into action. The flames in his right arm wrapped around his hands, and fingers, before shifting into claws, as he tore through four of his father's blasts. His left arm went through the same change, as he backhanded the last three to the left; stumbling forwards a bit, as a result of the explosions from the attack. He didn't get a chance to right himself, because his father had followed his earlier barrage with a larger, more powerful fireball; masking his true attack. Using his loss of balance to his advantage, he threw both his "claws" down in a chopping-like motion. The weight of his claws, plus his already forward momentum, threw his attack towards the ground with great force as he split the massive attack in two. As the remains of the fireball dissipated behind him, Zuko rolled forward with his momentum and made a beeline for his father's position.
He launched his body upward, in order to reach the upper body of his father's tall, muscular frame before thrusting both burning claws into the chest of his opponent. Ozai reacted fast, and blocked both claws with a bare, horizontal, left forearm. Zuko followed up with a head butt, but his father defended grabbing his face with his large palms before roughly pushing the boy's head back. To avoid the back of his head smashing against the stone ring floor, he flung his claws back into the floor to catch himself. Ozai was about blast his son, when the boy's fire claws suddenly exploded; shooting Zuko at him, in a missile dropkick. The man easily ducked under the attack, before chopping a blade of fire at his son as the boy landed.
Zuko landed on his feet, sliding backwards due to the amount of force his attack had. Clawing into the ground, he halted his movement just in time to throw himself under the wide blade of fire that followed him. The prince took this chance to catch his breath, as he observed his father's movements. The pain in his right ribs made it hard to breathe when attacking.
This isn't gonna be enough. Zuko thought as he picked himself up from the floor. The Dragon Claws are good because of their use for both an offense and defense, but the amount of qi needed to maintain their shape, as well as keep them solid, makes them too heavy to use in my case. I'll never get past his defenses with these slow, obvious swipes and I can't even hope over overpower him, either.The dark flames around his arms gradually died down and burned bright orange before they were extinguished, and Zuko felt as if a 50 pound weight had been lifted off each arm. He looked at his father's figure ahead, before dropping down into a runner's stance. Looks like I'll have to try this. I just hope this doesn't drain me too much...
Ozai watched as his son took that awkward stance, raising an eyebrow as he noticed the steam begin to rise off the boy's form. Hnn, to think the weakling managed to grasp the basics of this technique...
Zuko's normally pale skin, now became a deep shade of pink as his body heated up to temperatures that no non-firebender could survive as he slowly took one deep breath after another. Steamed rolled off his form in waves and heat spread throughout his body, filling him with new found strength, and energy. This technique was known to firebenders as Burning Spirit. The bodies of firebenders are different in that the hotter their bodies are, the stronger they get. Their strength, speed, and durability is increased by at least twofold and more so, varying on the user's skill level and physical condition. The enhancements came with a price in that prolonged usage would result in extreme muscle fatigue once the user's qi ran too low to continue the technique, as one is constantly flooding their muscles in qi to keep their body pushing at 100% for extended periods of time and that creates a great amount of stress on the body. This was how Fire Nation infantries would overpower opposing troops, despite the enemy having superior numbers. However, while heat does fuel their strength, even firebenders have their limits to how much heat their body can take; though, again, those limits vary depending on power and skill level. Once a firebender begins to sweat while this technique is active, that is a sign that the firebender's body is about to give in and the user will slowly lose control of their body and it will eventually "shut off" if the tech is still in use; this is to let the body cool.
Zuko moved his eyes from the tiles below him to his father, before all of a suddenly blurring out of existence. Many gasped as they couldn't believe what they had just witnessed; their prince had seemingly disappeared. At least that was what 'normal' people saw, but to those who had skill in using qi energy were able to keep track of the speeding prince; varying results depending on skill. This skill was achievable by all those able to use qi, not just benders. It's called Ikan. Ozai used this ability as he scanned the ring.
The Fire Lord suddenly ducked, above him Zuko materialized with a "Boom!", in an explosion of steam, as he whipped a powerful roundhouse kick where his father's head once stayed. Ozai shot a right uppercut at the boy's chin, but Zuko reacted quickly, knocking it off course and too the side of his face with his left hand. Zuko retailed with a straight right at his father's chest, only for his fist to meet his father's. The force of the two blows sent the sill airborne Zuko flipping back a few feet and onto the tile floor, while Ozai didn't budge from his spot; feet rooted to the ring floor.
Landing on his feet, Zuko immediately launched himself at his father again, this time a flurry of fists flying rapidly. Ozai easily matched his son's pace, deflecting or parrying the boy's punches and chops. Steam shot forth every which way, as the father's and son's hands blurred between them; a look of great stress and determination adorned Zuko's face, while his father wore a calm seriousness on his.
Azula watched her father's and brother's exchange with silent astonishment. Of course she didn't show it on her face; she wouldn't give her fool of an uncle the satisfaction.
She had to admit, she was surprised that her brother had lasted this long against their father. Azula saw as Zuko grabbed their father's left jab in his right hand, before shooting a dark flamed left claw at man's head. Quick, near-instant Dragon Claw formation... Ozai caught the flaming appendage by the wrist with his free hand, pulling and slamming Zuko into the ground. Zuko, to his credit, simply took the blow in stride before blurring behind his opponent attempting to sweep his legs from under him with his right leg; a large wave of steam resulting. The Fire Lord hopped over the leg sweep, turning in midair. However, Zuko's foot suddenly burst into flames before detonating in small explosion, of which the force of the blast sent the airborne Fire Lord backwards. The same with his feet, and even a small controlled burst... Even got Father to move from his position... Zuko rushed at their father, but Ozai responded by throwing down with a hard fist covered in flames. Zuko avoided the hammer-like fist, but was forced to jump to dodge the Fire Wave that resulted from their father's attack meeting the ground. The moment he jumped, their father managed to catch him in the stomach with a heel. The power behind the blow sent her brother flying. Zuko simply back flipped on to the ground, blitzing their father again, with a roar, brandishing twin Dragon Claws. Azula, being able to keep up with the fight, was amazed by her brother's endurance and the great amount of qi that spilled off his form.
The idiot certainly lacks control most average firebenders have, and he can't even properly fire single long-ranged attack, but he makes it up with that freakish athleticism, endurance and an obscene amount of qi for someone his age. Azula admitted to herself as she observed Zuko shield himself from a blast of golden flames.
While she was impressed, by her brother's performance, she couldn't help but grimace at the sight of dark flames. They were so dark, that they emitted more shade than a glow. It was such a stark contrast to her bright, azure flames. Not to mention that darker flames meant less heat was emitted. How ugly...
She was taken out of her thoughts by a large explosion of her father's flames. Zuko had just managed to avoid them, but sent rolling several times before picking himself back up and attacking again.
However, this isn't gonna be anywhere near enough.
Zuko blurred above his father, fists clasped above his head ignited, ready to hammer in his father's head.
Far too slow, boy!Ozai blocked the overhead strike with his left arm before delivering a vicious, fiery chop in the boy's left side. He, however, missed the sudden shift in his son's image prior to his son's attack. Ozai's eyes widened in shock as his hand passed through what appeared to be an illusion of Zuko; the image completely dissipated into steam just as his hand passed all the way through. What!?
Just as the word ran through his mind, Ozai felt sudden heat behind his head; two flaming claws were on either side of his head, about clamp closed. Ozai dropped to his knees, just barely avoiding the attack, before fiercely uppercutting his son in the jaw. The attack sent the boy reeling, but Zuko caught himself, before back peddling to create distance, the Fire Lord righted himself. Ozai rolled his neck a bit, before launching two balls of flames at the boy.
Zuko blurred a bit past the attacks before halting. Flaming claws smashed against the stone floor in frustration, before they were extinguished from his arms; his body remained steaming.
Even now, after using Burning Spirit and baiting him with Steam Image, I can't land a single hit!Zuko's breath was growing more, and more ragged. His father, however, looked nearly as fresh as he did since the beginning. Damn it! At this rate, I'll tire out and the match will be lost! I gotta think of something fast!
Zuko's eyes looked frantically, all over the ring, trying to find an answer. His eyes landed on a destroyed tile, smoke, dust and rubble still present after his father's recent attacks. Golden eyes widened in realization. That's it!Zuko's eyes locked on to his father's before shooting towards him once again.
Ozai blocked the punch Zuko launched at him. His right eyebrow twitched, I getting bored of this game…He threw a flaming fist into the Zuko's face; only find his fist passing through another image. Growling he spun around, sending a chop to the presence he felt behind him... only to find himself slicing through another afterimage. Soon he was surrounded by multiple "Zukos". Eyes flashing dangerously, Ozai's body shined in a bright gold before sending a massive wave of fire to disperse all the images at once. After his attack looked around and to his surprise the real Zuko was not around.
Several feet behind Ozai, Zuko rammed flaming claws into the cracks between the stone tiles of the ring and pulled with all his might; his muscles strained, face red with concentration, as the tile gradually rose and detached itself from the floor. Ozai turned around, raising an eyebrow at the sight.
"What-!" Ozai was cut off as Zuko roared.
"OOOWWAAAHHHHHH!" The tile was ripped out of the floor and flung through the air, at Ozai, in one motion. Zuko followed after the massive stone tile, and proceeded to repeatedly punch it with his flaring fists as the huge tile was 10x10ft and 3ft thick. As the tile became riddled with cracks, started crumbling a bit, Zuko smashed it to pieces with a forceful kick, which resulted in a massive shower of debris that was now falling towards the Fire Lord.
Ozai's two index fingers suddenly ignited, before he formed "guns" with his and began spraying the debris with volleys of fire bullets; explosions rocked the arena. The entire ring was covered in both dust and smoke as a result of the attack. Ozai stood still in the smoke, listening for any sound that could alert hear. Nearly inaudible footsteps echoed in the smoke.
Ozai frowned. Stupid boy can't even use a smoke screen to his advantage.
Ozai spread his hands to his sides, and releasing small glowing orbs of flame throughout the ring. His smirk grew even more as he heard the boy's footsteps get closer and louder. Suddenly, from behind, Zuko emerged from the back, Dragon Claws at the ready. Ozai turned, faking shock.
"Now, father, I've got you!" Zuko cried, as his claws were merely an inch from his father's neck. Ozai's face, then, twisted into a smirk proceeded by him snapping his fingers.
"Bang."
Almost instantly, all the glowing orbs ignited into explosions; each of the blasts being the size of Ozai himself. The force of the explosions blew the all of the smoke into the audience, resulting in applaud of coughs rather than claps for the Fire Lord's display of firebending control.
The ring, now cleared of dust clouds and smoke, revealed the motionless body of the crown prince sprawled about face down on the tile of the ring. Ozai shook his as he walked towards the boy's prone form.
"See what I told you, boy." Ozai spoke in a cruel mocking tone, as he stood over the body. "While I commend you for your... somewhat passable performance, it seems that your true colors showed themselves in the end." His smirk turned into a frown; the boy still had not moved.
"Get up, boy." No response.
Ozai grit his teeth, before kicking at the boy's body; intending to wake his son by force. When "Zuko's" body dispersed, shock appeared on his face.
Again! Where is-!
Azula's face was in shock as she looked at the scene, in front of her; Iroh having a similar expression next to her.
"Wha-... how...?" Azula was slack-jawed as she watched her brother drop from the sky, and into their unsuspecting father.
"NOW, FATHER! I'VE GOT YOU!"
Zuko came down on the Fire Lord, his entire right arm engulfed in huge plume of dark crimson flames, as he hammered a vicious haymaker into the left temple of the shocked man.
W..hat…?Ozai mind was numb; shocked that what was happening was actually happening.
"NOT DONE!" Zuko, then released the flames of his Dragon Claw in an eruption of fire, which blew his father away. The resulting waves of heat washed over the front rows of the audience, and Zuko too, as he was knocked back a few feet.
Ozai's form bounced several times, before rolling to a stop at the other end of the massive 150ftx150ft ring; the Fire Lord was on his stomach, face down, with his right arm dangling over the edge.
…
…
For a long time, the entire arena was silent. Everyone wore a stupefied look of complete disbelief. Their Fire Lord, arguably the strongest man in the world, had been blown away by his son, a 14 year old boy.
Simply unreal. Even Iroh, who wanted this to end favorably for Zuko, had his own jaw settled on the floor next to his feet. Z-zuko... what...?
Zuko was so shocked himself, that he fell on his backside; he was breathing heavily, and had to use his arms to prop himself up from behind. He'd already ended his Burning Spirit.
Wow... it actually worked…Soon after Zuko's first attempt to bait his father with Steam Image, he knew for a fact that he wouldn't be able to land a blow the conventional way. His father's reflexes were more than good enough to keep with his heat-enhanced speed and, while his father's skill in firebending far outstripped his ability in martial arts, the Fire Lord was still extremely skilled in the art of hand-to-hand combat; far more talented, and experienced, than Zuko was at this point in his life. He realized that if he was to be able to, at the very least, compete, then he would need a better diversion than just Images. That's where the stone tile came in. He would shatter it into pieces, after tossing it into the air, to create a large shower of stone; when Ozai destroyed the debris, it would create just the cover Zuko needed. He then ran loudly at his father, purposely creating footstep sounds to give Ozai the impression that he was simply running in blindly, before stopping, molded qi within the steam rising from his body and using his momentum to shoot an Image of himself lounging to attack. After that, he created another Image of him lying on his back, unconscious; he poured in a lot of qi into this one, to make sure it would hold for a couple minutes. Thank Agni that steam is much easier to control with qi, than fire.Just as he finished with the second steam double, Ozai blew away the smoke and the "other him". Knowing that his father would use a big attack to clear the area, Zuko used the incredible force caused explosions to his advantage, Zuko jumped and rode the blast into the sky. The remaining smoke and dust still covered his form, and the sound of the explosions drowning out the sound of him creating his own mini blast of fire to propel him even higher. He was thankful of his father's arrogance, because it was due to that underestimation of him that allowed his father to be fooled by the Image. Just as his father dispersed the fake Zuko, the real prince was already on top of him with a full powered Dragon Claw, in which the flames covered his entire arm. Before the Fire Lord could attempt to discern his son's location, said son was already in the midst of blowing him away.
The boy slowly, and painfully, pulled himself into a standing position; he was so exhausted that he had to grab his knees to balance himself. Sweat was pouring out of every pore on his body, as he peered at the, still, prone body of his father.
"Please...huff huff... puh-please... don't get up..." Zuko wheezed out. He knew it was very doubtful that his plea would be answered, but he had to hope it would this time.
I-I don't have m-much of anything still left in the t-t-tank...if father gets up... I'm done for...
21 years ago
It was a scorching hot summer afternoon, when two young boys, about 15, or so, could be found dueling in the ring of the royal palace training grounds.
They were both shirtless, wearing only black, baggy pants, with leather covering on the sides,that came down to mid-shin and a black, leather ring above both biceps. This was the usual attire worn by those who w eu5ere taking part in the most celebrated of Fire Nation traditions.
These boys were having an Agni Kai.
At the moment, one of the boys, one with short, dark brown hair, decorated with a topknot, and brown eyes, was being overpowered by the other child despite his much larger, and more muscular frame.
"Damn you! Yah!" The brown eyed boy repeatedly launched savage Dragon Claw after Dragon Claw at his smaller and swifter opponent. "Trash, like you, doesn't even deserve to walk upon the same soil as someone from the prestigious Houou Clan like me!"
The boy with the upper hand, had long comb-backed, black hair that ended mid-back and was also decorated with a topknot, held by a red band. Three thin bangs of hair were set just over a pair of hardened golden eyes. He easily blocked, parried or avoided all over the larger boy's fire punches, before savagely booting his opponent in the chest, which was followed by a vicious uppercut the brown eyed boy's jaw. As the brown-eyed boy back-pedaled, he blasted a stream of red-orange fire at the long-haired boy in an attempt to create space. The long-haired boy, however, rushed forward regardless; smoothly sliding under the first blast without batting an eye, and then flipping over a second, before drilling the brown-eyed boy with a charged fireball, while still in mid-air. The golden flames that made up the construct shined with light not unlike that of the sun. The brown-eyed boy yelled in pain as he was sent reeling backwards; his back slapping the stone tiles harshly. However the pain from his chest war greater than the pain from his back, and he curled inwards as if to protect himself from more attacks.
The golden eyes of the long-haired boy stared condescendingly at the fallen opponent, as he tried to pick himself up. A cruel smirk appeared on his face, as kicked the boy in the side, halting his getting up and causing him to cough out all the air in his lungs. This continued for nearly a minute, before a stern, but cold voice froze him in his tracks.
"What are you doing?" The voice came from behind, outside of the ring. Watching the duel, with a stone-like face, was an elderly man, likely in his 70s, with long white, comb-backed hair that reached his mid-back. His hairline was somewhat receding, and two thin strands of hair, over his sideburns, framed his face. He had a long, thin white mustache and a slightly thicker long beard as well. His two sharp, golden eyes looked directly into the younger boy's same colored eyes. He was short, about 5'6, but by the way he walked, as well as the way he held his posture, it was clear that his body was much stronger than what one would expect from a man of his age.
He was Fire Lord Azulon.
The boy turned to meet the man, paused for a few seconds and proceeded to give a slight, rigid bow, before addressing him. "Good afternoon, Father, I didn't know you were watching." The long haired boy raised back up from his bow; a deep frown on his face as he looked upon his father's form.
"What am I doing, you ask? We are in the middle of an Agni Kai. Zhăo, over here, had disrespected me yesterday so I challenged him to an Agni Kai." The boy answered nonchalantly, before stomping down on the back of Zhăo, who had been trying to use the Fire Lord's appearance as a chance to get up. The gold-eyed boy's face wore a look of satisfaction for a split second as he heard the boy groan in pain.
The old Fire Lord, face still betraying no emotion, spoke in a stern, even voice. "Ozai, remove your foot from the child's back. This pathetic showing of your pettiness and arrogance has no place in an Agni Kai. An Agni Kai is a sacred tradition, in which the two combatants, whom take part in It, duel honorably as equals. This distasteful display you've put on not only shames the tradition, but also brings shame and dishonor upon you and your family."
The frown on Ozai's face deepened and twisted into a look of anger, as his face reddened in embarrassment in response to the words of his father. "I'm supposed to treat this trash as my equal?" Ozai exclaimed, stepping off the other boy, and turning fully towards the direction of his father, as he spoke.
"Yes, Boy. Is that a problem?" Azulon asked, unaffected by his son's rising voice.
"He insulted my honor, calling me weak and unworthyof my position as prince, insinuating that the low social standing of my mother to be the cause!" Ozai was screaming at this point. Screamingat his father; at the Fire Lord, whose face continued to betray no emotion whatsoever even at the blatant disrespect he was being given.
"He called her a WHORE! My mother! So I've decided that I would show him his place! Beneath my heel! This weak piece of trash dared to insult me, so I'm punishing him until I feel he's suffered enough! I'm-!"
Ozai was suddenly blasted from behind by a crippling explosion of fire, which impacted the back of his head and neck, cutting his tirade short. The blast sent him flying forward, his forehead bouncing off the tiles of the ring as he landed. Ozai slid until his arms dangled off the edge of the ring, and he lay prone in front of his father; the Fire Lord standing about two feet away from his son, outside the ring. The man's face still held its passive outlook.
Several feet behind Ozai, stood a bruised and exhausted Zhăo with both arms extended; his open hands still smoking from his attack. He had a cruel grin on his face, as he took in Ozai's fallen form. While Ozai had his attention turned to his father, Zhăo took that as his chance fire off a blast with all his might at the vulnerable prince.
"I win." Zhăo stated in a low, satisfied tone. When he noticed that the Fire Lord didn't say anything to him, given he had just attacked his youngest son from behind, he quickly scurried off towards the entrance.
Azulon ignored the other boy, looking at his son who was groggily coming to. He remained silent for a long while before speaking again. "Looks like in your arrogance, you turned your back to your opponent, leaving yourself open, and now lay before me defeated. Again, you shame both myself, and the rest of the royal family." Azulon's voice was frigid, and his face held a look of disgust. Ozai's face, while still down on the ring floor, grimaced.
"Also, your mother was a whore." Azulon said this in a 'matter-of-fact' tone. Ozai's eyes widened greatly, in shock, and looked up at his father as he continued. "Do you not remember? You were the result of a drunken night of pleasure. With my wife passed away, I needed to have my desires fulfilled in one way, or another. Your mother was the most beautiful woman at that brothel, at the time, but she was a whore and remained a whore till day she died. Who would've thought that such enjoyable nights would reward me such a disappointment for a son?"
Ozai had had enough, he shot up at his father; his face was that of blind rage. His golden eyes glowing brightly, as gold fire erupted from his palms. Unfortunately, he soon lost himself to an episode of dizziness; apparently the blows to his head had taken more out of him then he thought, and rising so abruptly clearly didn't help things. The moment of weakness cost him dearly however, as Azulon extended his right arm before casually blasting Ozai with a massive burst of his own golden flames. The prince was sent soaring to the other end of the ring, before bouncing off the tile floor and rolling until he came to a stop; laying on his back, barely conscious.
"It's astounding the way you seem to constantly underestimate your opponents, and how often you are sent flying because of it." Azulon then clasped both hands behind his back, before walking out of the training field. Ozai soon slipped into darkness, his body steaming and his skin red as a result of his father's attack.
Azulon never looked back the entire tread back, as he exited.
Ozai's eyes snapped open be greet the stone tiles of the combat ring. He stared at the floor with a deadpan expression.
Even in death, Father still belittles me,thought Ozai as he began to slowly pick himself off the floor, ignoring the gazes of those in the crowd, but... the old man has a point. Ozai moved to a sitting position; his back facing a startled Zuko. Using his left hand, he wiped the blood dripping from his left temple. The arena was still silent.
It would seem that there is more to my son, than antics would serve to tell me.The young Fire Lord then stood up; still not facing his son. I've played with this boy long enough.
He took a moment to stretch his shoulders, and pop his neck, before speaking. "It seems as if I've underestimated you….Zuko." Ozai felt that his son had, at least, earned the right to be called by his name; he'd managed to not only hit him, the Fire Lord, which is no small feat, but also trick him into a corner. Though he was still not being even remotely serious, to knock the Fire Lord unconscious, even for a few seconds, was note noteworthy. Zuko, who had managed a standing position, almost fell back down shocked that he father addressed him by name.
Zuko's face suddenly became wrought with fear. No... way....I-I put everything into that last attack, Zuko's body began shaking, I put everything into that, and yet there he stands; as ifnothing happened!I might as well have blown smoke at him! Zuko was snapped out of his thoughts by his father's voice.
"I commend you, for being able to hit me. As a reward," Ozai paused to turn to his son; his face neutral, "I've decided that I will begin trying. Warm ups are over."
Zuko's eye widened, as he took as step back, Warm ups!
In the audience, Iroh shot to the barricade; beads of sweat running down his forehead.
No... this is exactly what I feared would happen....
His fears were soon were realized, as he could feel the intense heat his brother emitted.
The steel barricade now held glow a dull orange, causing others to retract their hands in pain, as it sudden began to heat up at an alarming rate.
Zuko was now sweating profusely, but it wasn't due to the heat. His confidence had, by this point, now almost disappeared completely. He was running close to empty and his father was apparently just about to start trying.
Trying.
It was then that Zuko remembered his uncle's warning, "If you go out there, and by chance to push your father, he may take interest... and if that happens you will still come out of it alive, but not the same."
Not the same...The words echoed in his head. Zuko shakily took a stance. I-I can't falter here, not now. Not when I've gotten this far.
Ozai took a step forward. To Zuko, it felt as if the ground beneath him shook. "Prepare yourself." The Fire Lord vanished in a puff of steam.
What the-?! Burning Spirit?! I didn't even see any steam rise from his body!Zuko spun around, trying to locate his father. Still suffering of exhaustion, the sudden movement caused his legs to buckle a little. Zuko quickly attempted to steady himself, but was suddenly the tiles below him blew upwards. He looked down to see what was to emerge, only to see gold fire erupted forth.
What th- AAAHHHHHHH! Before he could even finish his thoughts he was enveloped by the flames.
White pain shot through him.
If one was to be walking pass the arena, they would stop and stare in awe as they witnessed a beautiful golden pillar of light ascend into the sky.
Author's Notes:
As you can see, I've given firebending a bit more power and versatility. I did so in order to make the fight scenes more dynamic, and to give more depth to bending. I'll also be doing the same for the other 3 elements as well.
New Firebending techniques:
Dragon Claws: The user envelopes their arm(s) in fire, before shaping the flames around their hands into large clawed appendages. The technique is a more advanced version of the fire powered punch, in that not only are the flames maintained, but it can be used for both offense and defense due to the flames around the arms being "solid". This move requires the user to have a large amount of qi or qi control in order to use it.
Burning Spirit: As explained in the chapter, firebenders have a unique body that gets stronger as it heats up (but only to a certain point, and varies with the user). The user converts their qi into heat, instead of fire, and then heats their body to boost their physical attributes. The term "Burning Spirit" comes from the fact that it's "burning" up the user's qi, as it needs a great amount of chi to activate and then maintain. Prolonged usage results in great fatigue, and sweating while still using the technique is a sign that the body is getting close to "shutting down."
Steam Image: The user creates steam, before using qi to mold it into any shape they desire. This is used for diversions and traps. The technique can also be used during the active use of Buring Spirit, as steam is already constantly flowing from the body. Due to Zuko's lack of control, he can only use it while BS is active for the time being. Also note that steam is much easier to control for a firebender, than actual fire.
Fireflies: An advanced firebending technique, in which small, floating, glowing orbs of fire are spread around and then detonated. These orbs, which glow like fireflies, can be controlled up to a 70ft long radius, if the user has enough control.
Flames of Agni/ Shénshèng Huǒ(Sacred/Divine Flames)
Mièwáng: This is the flame used by the Sun/Fire God, Agni, himself. Like the color of the scales that cover the dragon's body, these flames are a very dark crimson color. Its name stands for destruction, and perish, so it comes to no surprise that these flames are capable of great amounts of damage. The flames are thick, and very heavy, requiring great amounts of chi just to hold in one's hand let alone release in a blast of any kind; this makes it the most difficult flame to control, by far. These flames are not the hottest of the Shénshèng Huǒ (Sacred/Divine Flames), despite being the flame wielded by the fire god, Agni, himself, but the flames seem to actually burn its wielders. Its flames also increase the user's strength while wielded, but has no other special abilities other than pure destructive force. It's very, very rare that a descendant is born with these flames. Fire Lord Sozin and Fire Prince Zuko are the only two of the family, since the royal family line was established, to ever have these flames.
In this story, there will also be applications of qi that don't necessarily have anything to do with the bending of elements. Those who aren't blessed with the ability to bend, by the spirits, will not be useless in the face of the power of benders. In fact, in many cases, there are non-benders that are beyond the skills of benders, and are some of the strongest people in the Avatar world. The basic aspect of these skills is to act as the enforcement of one's will upon the world around them. As a result of great qi control, which is required to perform the art, one's qi energy can manifest itself in different shapes, and forms, with varying effects and abilities; this, of course, is dependent on the user's personality and skill.
There are five principles of Tsuranukitoosu:
1. Shutsugoku(toreleasefromprison)
2. Zhōuwéi(encompass; surrounding, vicinity)
3. Zhēngfú(subdue; conquer, vanquish)
4. Augeo(to increase, strengthen)
5. Nashitogeru(to fulfill, finish, accomplish).
These are the principles of Tsuranukitoosu, and there are also advanced techniques that are derived from the first four basic principles. One must have a high level of competence in the first four principles, and the advanced techniques, before they can even dream of beginning the path of the 5th, and final, principle, Nashitogeru.
Benders can learn everything, but Nashitogeru, because, in a sense, their ability to control the elements to do their bidding is their enacted, and enforced, will. However, learning the basic principles, and the advanced techniques, can greatly enhance one's control over their element depending on skill level.
I'll try to get creative with this, while trying not to get too crazy XD.
Now, mind you, these are just the basic details, and I'll to go into Tsuranukitoosu in much greater detail in a later chapter. However, let me get a head start on that explaining a specific skill that was showcased in this chapter:
Tsuranukitoosu (to enforce one's will) skills:
Ikan: Translates to magnificent sight. As one can tell from the name, this is a technique that enhances the user's vision. Though results vary from person to person, based on qi control, Ikan allows its user to magnify their vision and it allows the brain to collect visual information faster, which therefore allows the user to keep up with great speeds. Depending on skill-level, one can also see the concealed auras of other qi users, as well as items hidden by use of qi. It is a product of the advanced technique Pinto(translates into focuspoint), in which the user focuses a greater than normal amount of qi energy into a specific body part and then increases the qi output to enhance said body part. In this case, the eyes are the point of focus.
Next chapter will be the conclusion of the Agni Kai.
Until next time.