Chapter 6

Fortune

"Uncle I don't understand how drinking tea and meditating all day will help me with Firebending?"

Iroh sighed as he placed his cup down. "Have you listened to anything I've said nephew. Tea is liquid wisdom!" He grinned as Zuko rolled his eyes. "Meditating for hours will help you control your breath. If you are to move on to the next advanced set, then you will need to do this." Iroh reached for his cup of tea again. "Remember, a patient man is a-"

"Okay! I get it." Zuko cut in, not wanting to hear another proverb. "I just don't understand why we have to do this here. I could easily meditate in my quarters."

"But today is such a beautiful day." Iroh exclaimed. "Not a cloud in the sky."

Zuko sighed heavily as he tried to ignore his uncle's useless jabbering. He breathed in

deeply and let it out slowly. Why did he have to do this? Why couldn't he just start the next set already? It's been seven days since he learned the last set! He felt a frustrated growl rise from the back of his throat.

"You should relax prince Zuko. Meditating while angry is a sure way to get burned."

Zuko took his uncle's warning and slowly relaxed letting out a slow breath as he did.

"Very good Zuko." Iroh said with a nod. "You are responding quicker with changing your breath patterns. Remember, a strong breath and a clear mind makes a stronger bender."

How could he clear his mind with his uncle's incessant chatter? How was he- His thoughts came to a halt as his eyes opened. It was now dark out. How was that possible? How long had he been meditating? He glanced around the now empty deck. His Uncle was nowhere in sight, his tea serving tray and pillows missing as well. Zuko slowly sat up from his spot and stumbled forward as a wave of dizziness suddenly hits him. He grabbed his head with a small groan.

The ship had stilled and they were docked, he realized. He slowly went in search of his uncle. He found him, a few moments later in his cabin.

Iroh was kneeling on a floor full of pillows, sipping tea, a book in his hand. He glanced up when his noticed Zuko. "Nephew." He greeted softly. "You are finished meditating?" He asked. He indicted the pillow across from him. "Here, have a seat and drink some tea."

Zuko, usually one to refuse such an offer, did as his uncle suggested. "I don't understand Uncle. I wasn't-" He trailed off and rubbed at his temples. "I don't understand how I was meditating for that long without noticing anything around me?"

Iroh placed his knife down. "Prince Zuko, that is called good meditating." He chuckled at his own joke.

Zuko merely stared at him.

Iroh sighed and began to pour his nephew some tea. "Zuko, you were in a fire trance. All powerful Firebenders fall in such a trance when they mind is in need of a clearing. Remember, a clear mind makes a strong bender."

Zuko took the offered cup of tea, his thoughts turning. He did feel a great deal more clear headed. He could feel the fire inside him burning greatly. "Can we continue my training?" He asked. "I know it's nightfall, but I feel-" He trailed off trying to find the right words. "Strong."

Iroh grinned wide at Zuko. "Excellent."

"We will start with XingYi." Iroh stated as he stood in front of Zuko. "Basic moves. Hands, feet, elbows, hips, and shoulders and head. Your mind must be clear. A clear mind equals balance and power. Begin."

Zuko nodded and bowed once before going into the basic motions. He punched out and his eyes widened from the size of the flame that flew from his fist. He glanced at his uncle, who was smiling at him with approval shining in his eyes. He continued the movements, lifting his foot in a high arch. A huge arch of fire blazed from his foot with power he's never had before. He continued his movements, punching and kicking in quick succession, large flames flowing with each movements.

Iroh's grin widened even larger the longer he watched his nephew. This was the first time he's seen this type of powerful Firebending from his nephew. He nodded as his nephew completed the basic set. "Very good." He said. "How do you feel?"

Zuko lifted both hands and flames ignited in both. "Powerful." He said softly. He glanced at his uncle. "How is that?" He asked softly. "I mean, it's nightfall. How is it my bending is so powerful?"

"You are improving." Iroh said simply. "The trance you were in has aided you. You are bending with your head as well as your heart. You are ready to complete the next advanced set."

Zuko nodded and bowed, ready to learn.

Iroh knew that keeping this up will be extremely difficult for his nephew, but it was a start.

"Katara, run!"

Katara looked up from the Waterbending scroll with wide eyes. "What? Why?"

"Firebenders. Zhao's men." Ryu exclaimed as he gathered all he could. "I saw them, over that hill. We have to make a run for it."

Her eyes widened as a flaming arrow imbedded itself in the tree, inches from Ryu's face.

She quickly gathered up her scroll as he grabbed her pack.

"Run!" He shouted and punched his fist out, a large flame shooting out toward where the soldiers were gaining on them.

She turned to run, but paused. "Ryu, I can help!"

He shook his head as he released another stream of fire. "No! go little one, run! I'm right behind you."

Katara turned and ran, her feet pounding against the forest floor as she dodged the tree branches that slapped her in the face. There was a loud explosion and she glanced over her shoulder with wide eyes. "Ryu." She whispered as she watched black smoke rise high into the sky.

"Little one!" He screamed as he ran by her, grabbing her arm as he did.

Katara's eyes widened even more and she smiled as he pulled her along. "What did you do?"

"Just a little bomb!" He answered as they hurried through the forest. "They'll be unconscious for a long while yet."

They could both see the edge of the forest up ahead and Ryu let out a whoop.

"Come on little one, we're almost-" He trailed off with a yell as he fell down a deep dark cave.

Katara tumbled in after him, landing on top of him a moment later.

"Ouch." Ryu groaned a moment later. "Little one, you okay?"

Katara slowly scrambled off of him. "I'm fine." She said. She stood up and looked around, her eyes wide. "Wow."

Ryu stood up with a small smile as he viewed their new surroundings. A huge cliff was in front of them, cut in two by a falling waterfall.

"It's beautiful." Katara said softly.

Ryu nodded and his eyes widened slightly as he looked down at Katara's hands. "Little one you're hurt."

Katara looked down at the cuts on both of her hands with surprise.. Blood slowly dripped onto the ground. "Oh." She leaned down and placed her hands into the river they stood in front of. The pain suddenly intensified and she whimpered. Slowly the pain disappeared and she looked on in surprise at what she saw next.

Ryu stood over her and watched as the water suddenly glowed a brilliant silver colored light. "Whoa."

Katara raised her hands from the water, looking down at them in amazement. They were healed. She looked up at Ryu with a smile.

"You're a healer." Ryu said. He shook his head with a grin. "You Waterbenders get all the sweet stuff." He glanced around. "We can camp here for the night and the day. Head out in the afternoon."

She nodded and grabbed her pack. "You start the fire." She said softly. "I'll find some fish."

"Wake up, Fire Sage."

Ryu's eyes fluttered open and his eyes widened as he came face to face with a blue dragon. He swallowed. "Okay." he said softly. "Definitely should not have finished that fish before going to bed."

The blue dragon blinked at him as he slowly sat up. "Uh-so, this is a dream."

"She is very important to us." The dragon whispered into his mind.

Ryu frowned. "Who?"

The dragon's eyes slid toward Katara, who was sleeping on the other side of the fire.

Ryu followed his gaze. "Oh." He said softly. He glanced back at the blue dragon.

"You must protect her at all costs." The dragon said softly. "Until she finds her champion."

Ryu glanced over at Katara. "I will." He said softly. Of course he would, she was like a sister to him.

The dragon studied the Fire sage for a long moment before moving and flying high into the sky.

Ryu's eyes snapped open with a small gasp. A master had visited him in his dream. He glanced over at Katara's sleeping form with a determined expression. He will protect her. Until his death.

Zuko glowered at each villager he passed as he followed his uncle through Makapu village. He glared at the back of Iroh's head. He nor his uncle had their armor on and he'd regret agreeing to keeping the armor off. He felt naked and it made him tense and twitch every time someone simply smiled at him.

He wasn't used to this type of treatment.

"Uncle," He hissed. "What are we doing here?" He glared at another villager. "I have a mission to continue. I have an Avatar to capture."

"I understand nephew and where we are going, shall help you on your mission."

Zuko raised an eyebrow. "Your friend will give me information concerning the Avatar?"

"Uhh, no." Iroh said and Zuko's glare hardened. "But she does make excellent bean curd puffs."

Zuko huffed. "Uncle! How can you possibly-" He trailed off as they stopped in front of a circular door. The door suddenly swung open revealing a very young woman.

"Hello," She smiled sweetly at both men and bowed. "I am Meng. Aunt Wu has been waiting for you."

Iroh bowed to the young woman. "Thank you Meng." He glanced at his nephew who stood there with his arms crossed in front of his chest. He elbowed him.

Zuko rolled his eyes and bowed.

Meng waved them in. "Come in."

They followed her into a large room with two pillows.

"Please have a seat." Meng said with a wave of her hand. "Would you like some tea and bean curd puffs?"

"Yes!" Iroh said cheerfully.

Zuko glared as he sat down beside his uncle. "This is ridiculous." He muttered.

They both looked up as an old woman wearing a gold Kimono came into the room to greet them. "If it isn't The Dragon of the West, the most handsome man in the Firenation."

Zuko fought the urge to make gagging sounds. He stared straight ahead as his uncle stood up.

"If it isn't Wu," Iroh said as he clasped her hand in his own. "The most beautiful fortuneteller in the Earth Kingdom." He indicated his nephew. "This is Zuko. My nephew."

Aunt Wu smiled at the young man. "Ah, yes. The young man you wrote me about."

Zuko narrowed his eyes suspiciously at his Uncle.

"Uh, shall we go to the back for a reading?" Iroh said softly.

"Of course handsome, although I don't need any bones to know your future."

Iroh chuckled and Zuko shuddered. He folded his arms in front of him with a huff.

Meng placed the tray of tea and Bean Curd puffs in front of him with a small smile.

Zuko took the cup of tea and popped a bean curd into his mouth. He chewed thoughtfully. They were delicious. He paused when he noticed the strange young girl still staring at him.

"What?" He growled.

Meng shook her head and stepped back. "Nothing." she said with a smile. "Your ears are pretty small."

Zuko frowned at her confused. Meng just shrugged and went on her way.

Ten Minutes later

Zuko paced the sitting area like a caged Komodo Rhino. What was his Uncle doing in there?! Didn't he know he had a mission to continue. They were wasting valuable time. They could be back in the sea, on to their next destination already. He growled low in his throat and raised flamed fists

He turned and moved in the direction his Uncle and the old woman had gone. He stopped in front of the sliding doors. He moved to slide open the door, pausing when he heard his uncle chuckle. The doors suddenly slid open and he stared down at his uncle.

"Zuko!" Iroh said with a smile. "I was just coming to get you. It is your turn for your reading."

Zuko stared down at his uncle. "Reading?" He repeated. "Uncle I don't have time for this!"

"Nonsense." Aunt Wu said as she moved around Iroh. She placed her hand gently onto Zuko's arm. "Come. Surely you can amuse an old woman?"

Zuko opened his mouth to decline, but stopped when his uncle gave him a look. He sighed. "Fine." He grumbled angrily.

"Excellent!" Iroh said with a smile. "I'll be in the waiting room. I hope you left me some of those bean curd puffs nephew."

"Uncle-" Zuko trailed off as Iroh turned away from him and made his way down the hall.

Zuko stood in the middle of Aunt Wu's room, glancing around idly. There were four pillars, rising high into the roof, with White Lotus flowers carved into them. He followed her down the small step toward the small sitting area. His eyes strayed toward the square fire pit in the middle of the sitting area.

"Please sit." She said softly, pointing to one of the pillows.

Zuko sighed and sat down, crossing his arms in front of his chest as he did. "This better be quick."

Aunt Wu smiled at him. She pointed toward the urn filled with bones. "These bones will aide me in telling your fortune." She explained. "They are always truthful. Pick one please."

Zuko let out a heavy sigh as he leaned over and picked up a bone.

She nodded. "Throw into the fire."

Zuko did as instructed and they both watched as the heat increased, making cracks appear in the bone. He raised an eyebrow. "What does that mean?" He asked.

Aunt Wu held her hand up as the bone began to crack even more, disintegrating before exploding in a flame of white hot fire.

Zuko stared with wide eyes as the flames shot high into the ceiling. He turned to look at Aunt Wu as she stared at him with wide eyes. "What is it?" He asked feeling intrigued. "What does it mean?"

Aunt Wu smiled as she answered. "You have been chosen." She said.

He sat forward. "Chosen for what?" He asked.

"You will be a champion. You will lead an army in arm in this terrible war!"

Zuko's eyes widened. "I will?" He asked. "I'll be able to come back home?" He asked.

Aunt Wu frowned at him. "You will lead an army, but it will not be the one that you think. You will help bring the fall of the Fire Lord."

Zuko shot from his seat. "What are you talking about?" He asked angrily. "I would never betray my father!"

Aunt Wu glared up at him. "The bones never lie boy. That is what I saw. Your destiny."

His eyes narrowed as he stared down at her. "My destiny is to find the Avatar and to restore my honor." He could feel his anger start to boil over dangerously. The flame from the fire pit blazed up toward the ceiling gain. "You're just a crazy old lady!" He turned and stormed from the room.

Aunt Wu watched him go and shook her head. "Poor young man." She said softly. "All that power and he doesn't even know it yet."

Iroh glanced up as his nephew came stomping from the back. He grinned. "Prince Zuko, how was your-" He trailed off as Zuko glared at him before continuing toward the exit.

"So, not good then." He said softly. He sighed heavily and turned as Aunt Wu came from the back. "I apologize for anything he has said."

Aunt Wu waved her hand with a shrug. "Teenagers." She said softly. She waved him off. "You must go."

Iroh nodded and bowed. "It is always wonderful to run into a member of the White Lotus."

Aunt Wu bowed back. "It is always an honor to have a grand lotus in one's presence. Until we meet again."

Iroh smiled and turned to go after his nephew. He spotted him angrily stopping through the village, and he silently thanked the spirits that Zuko didn't have smoke billowing from his nose. He quickened his pace and caught up to his nephew just as he reached the end of the village.

"What did she tell you?" He asked.

"Something ridiculous!" Zuko howled. "She said-" He trailed off and shook his head. "Something I won't do. Never! I will find the Avatar and put an end to this horrible journey!"

Iroh stared at his nephew before sighing heavily. "Zuko, the future is no more uncertain than the present. Destiny is a funny thing."

Zuko glared down at his uncle. "I know what my destiny is." He turned and made his way back toward the port.

Iroh watched his nephew go with a sad expression. "No." He said softly. "You don't."

TBC