The next morning, right at dawn, I kicked Elphaba awake. "Get up, Elphaba," I ordered. The green woman glared at me and said, "Let me sleep a little longer." I scowled and said, "I told you training began at dawn tomorrow—it's tomorrow. It's dawn. Time for training to begin."
Elphaba groaned and I said, "Okay, take deep breaths—in through your noise and out through your mouth. Keep track of each breath." Elphaba sighed and began her breathing exercises I was making her do. Then she asked, "What is the point of this, Yue?" "Call me, Sifu Yue," I ordered. "The point is to help you control your inner fire." Elphaba sighed and I said, "I think that's enough for now. We need to talk." Elphaba nodded and said, "Yes, Sifu Yue."
I looked at her and said, "Okay, Elphaba, we're going to have some discussions about your powers—your abilities—your Firebending." Elphaba nodded and she asked, "What is the point of those breathing exercises?" "What does fire need to burn?" I asked. "Oxygen," she replied immediately. "And what do we need to survive?" I asked. "Oxygen," Elphaba said automatically. "What does this have to do with Firebending?" she asked. I sighed and said, "Elphaba, your breathing rate will affect your Firebending. Long and deep breaths equal longer, and more powerful flames. Short and quick breaths equal short, but still powerful flames, but the deep breath flames are more reliable in a fight, unless you absolutely have to use short quick breaths." Elphaba nodded and said, "Yes, Sifu Yue. I'll remember that."