I grip his firm muscles. Strong, but not well toned. Signs of strength, but certainly not adonic in quality. "Keep your arms like this." I twist his arms into a defensive stance, both elbows slightly up in front of the body. "Remember, while fire in its most delicate form is menacing, being able to block it is just as important. To ensure victory, be sure of your own abilities first."

"I understand." He takes a breath and flexes his tensioned ribs, his left breast pulsating with the rhythm of his heart.

I step before him, trying to focus his attention upon me. "Now, be clear of conscience. Fire is your energy, given form. It is a drive. And therefore, it should be a direct embodiment of your soul, but once it is released, there is no turning back. It will fly and hit its target. It is necessary for you have a degree of self-righteousness in your actions."

He nods his head. The wind picks up and ruffles the trees to our left that grow to the side of the courtyard.

"Equally important is your environment. This wind, for example, is a natural enhancer for fire. It feeds it, gives it life, renews its strength, but it also causes disturbances at the same time. Fire and air, when combined, are an unpredictable force. The fire can be led astray from it's intended destiny and cause great damage; maiming, killing, or otherwise impairing innocent bystanders. On the other hand, if implemented correctly, it gives it power beyond its normal ability. Consider these thing when bending."

"If it is as dangerous as you say, then why use it?"

I sigh, "Air is the element of freedom, and fire the element of power, when the two are combined, they create liberation."

"Aren't freedom and liberation the same?"

"No, freedom is a state of being, while liberating is the task of providing freedom. Look at blacksmiths, they use the raw energy of fire and the enchantment of air to heat unrefined metal to higher degrees than naturally possible by burning it alone, and refine the metal. They shape it, mold it, craft it, and make it into something unique and useful. See?"

"I think so."

"In time, you will better understand these things. But let us get to the task at hand. I want you want muster all your energy, and I want you strike that wall." I point to a plaster wall on the far end that houses a small concealment for the veranda on the other side.

"Okay, sure."

"Remember to breathe."

He breathes in, and exhales in a way that sounds much like a sigh. I watch as he mentally focuses himself, sets it, and attacks. He thrusts his fist forward and a small burst of translucent light appears and quickly disappears.

He dislocates his position and looks down in disappointment. He looks to me, his eyes bearing shame. I simply smile and rearrange his limbs into the stance, saying in the most sympathetic way, "Just try again."

"Alright." He inhales again. This time a look of rage appears on his face. He violently strikes his fist forward. The flame expands in a rising circle of energy and is then is torn asunder, causing a violent explosion that shakes the palace grounds like a thunder clap. He growls in frustration, gripping his hands below his waist and staring at them vengefully.

I smirk to myself in amusement. He was trying so hard. "Aang, just calm down."

"I'm trying! All this breathing nonsense is getting me nowhere!" He growls again.

"Here, once more." I usher him back into his stance. His face now a reluctant stare of disappointment and despair. Once again, I tell him to breathe, and he does as commanded. This time, I stay behind him, my subtle hands gripping his tense shoulders. He relaxes his stance some. "Now, let the blood flow." He bends his knees slightly and I allow my thumbs to gently caress the blue strip leading down his back. "Now, do you feel the energy?" He shivers and acknowledges the question with a groan. "Now let it go!" His fist flies forward and a bright beam of swirling fire energy twists through the air as smoothly as a gentle breeze. The spiral descends and in a bombastic manner combusts, causing a violent explosion that sends particles of dust and debris flying in all direction.

As the vapor clears, the shirtless Aang is up from his stance with a great deal of satisfaction. He is shaking from the experience, hot sweat coursing down his back past my hands. The pulsing in his veins becomes unbearably fast."That...was...amazing..." he says, out of breath.

"I think you understand the concept, so tomorrow we'll begin on refining the technique. We can't have you blowing holes in all the walls after all."

He looks over at the rather apparent breach that he opened. "I'm sorry..."

"Don't be, what's important is that from here on, it becomes instinctive."

"Instinctive...right." he says, flashing his sheepish grin.

I begin walking away from the new pupil, when he calls. "Azula!"

"Yes..."

"I'm...I'm really glad you're my instructor. I don't think I would want any other."

"Well, I am perfect." he rolls his eyes and I giggle, "I guess I'm glad you're my student.."

The young airbender's cheeks turn a bright velvet, as do mine. An awkward moment of silence descends upon us until Aang decides to speak. "I know it doesn't mean anything, but will you meet here tonight?"

I am caught off-guard by his strange advance, "Sure..."

"Really! Cool, I'll see you at midnight then." He runs off towards the far end and down the hallway where his bedroom is.

I stare after him, perplexed as to the nature of this invitation, but it doesn't matter. If Aang has something to show, let him show it. I feel a tang of resentment at that statement. You know why you're going. I suppose I do, but could I ever let myself accept it?

Okay, sorry for the long wait. PLEASE review. Any thoughts. Doesn't matter. I need people to review. Sorry, I know the subscriptions say otherwise, but advice, thoughts, anything would be useful. THANKS.