Façades [A Zuko x OC Story]

10 - Firebending

I walk with Team Avatar on a path through the forest until we reach a kiosk in the centre of a crossroads, "This should give us a good idea of what's around here," Katara points out as she walks over to it.

"See if you can find a menu. I'm starving," Sokka tilts his pouch over his mouth but only a few crumbs fall out.

"I bet we'll find something to eat here," Aang points to a poster on the kiosk, "The Fire Day's Festival," He starts to read the poster, "Fire Nation cultural exhibits, jugglers, benders, magicians," Aang turns to face the group, "This would be a great place for me to study some real firebenders,"

"What about me?" I raise my arms, "Am I not good enough?" Aang looks over at me, "Sorry Li, I forgot about you. I'm just not used to having you here," Aang smiles apologetically.

"Wow thanks," I reply sarcastically.

"You might wanna rethink going to that festival. Look at this," Sokka points to another poster.

"Hey, a poster of me!" Aang says, moving to look at the poster.

"A wanted poster! This is bad." Sokka says watching Aang remove the poster and start reading it.

"I think we better keep moving," Katara declares. Aang looks at Katara, "I have to learn firebending at some point and this could be my only chance to watch a master's up close," I put a hand on Aang's shoulder, "I can always try to teach you firebending," I smile.

"Would you really!?" Aang jumps excitedly.

-

I stand across from Aang on a riverbank, "So, it is very important to stay focused on your energy when firebending, it can be very dangerous if let out of control," I look down at my scarred arm, "Let's start with some basic firebending stuff," I stomp my feet as I stand in a low squat watching as the Avatar imitates my movements, "Try to stay grounded, be one with the earth. You want to stay calm and be prepared for anything to happen. Don't be hasty. Pay attention to your surroundings and let them help you in your fight,"

"This sounds more like earthbending than firebending," Aang points out.

"Let's just try it, okay?" I say, "Concentrate the energy in your body. It should feel like a pot of boiling water inside your body. Channel that energy through your whole body and with a push of your fist, release it." I demonstrate with a small burst of flames, "Now you try!"

Aang follows. Instead of fire billowing from his fist, a few small rocks move on the river bank.

I sigh, "I don't think I'll be able to help you learn." I get out of my stance.

"Why not!?" The rest of the group questions while watching me. I look at the rocks on the river bank, "I never wanted to be a firebender," I look into Aang's big grey eyes, "I always wanted to be an earthbender. I learned I was a firebender while I was practising earthbending forms... I'm not even sure how... I'm afraid my technique is not going to work for a beginner firebender like you. Maybe when you've learned some firebending, but not now." I slump my shoulders, "I'd be a better earthbending teacher than a firebending teacher for you."

"I guess we should go check out the fire festival," Katara submits, frowning slightly at me.

"What? You wanna walk into a Fire Nation town where they're all fired-up with their... You know, fire?" Sokka debates.

"We'll wear disguises and if it looks like trouble, we'll leave," Katara retorts

"Yeah! Because we always leave before we get into trouble," Sokka says unconvinced.

-

"You guys stay out of sight here while we go to the festival," Aang tells his animal friends, "Ready disguises!" Aang says to the rest of the group. Sokka and Katara pull on black cloaks while Aang pulls his orange shawl over his head.