Blades and Fans

The New Beginning Part 2

After having left the mess hall Zuko spent the rest of the day in his room. He laid in his bed staring up at the ceiling. He couldn't believe how things had turned out. He couldn't believe they wanted him to become the Fire Lord and not only that but help them take it from his father. He of all people... In truth, it was his birthright. But it's one thing to one day claim the throne, another to take it by force. To face his father. The father that scarred him. He's not sure if he could face him again, especially now.

On one hand, back at the catacombs, Zuko was finally willing to abandon this part of his life. To let go of a crown some say he didn't deserve anyways, and to finally let go of his hunt of the Avatar. To finally let go of seeking his father's affection. All that he was finally willing to lose, just for the people he truly loved and loved him.

But on the other hand, if Suki was here, she too would be trying to convince him to help. That's the kind of person she is. She'd tell him all that mattered was everyone doing their part. And if his part was to take the throne she'd encourage him to do it. He knew it, but why was it so difficult for him to accept that?

Zuko couldn't think straight, he then did what he could to get some shut-eye. He needed rest and in the morning he would train. At least getting back into the routine may help him figure things out. Letting his eyes shut, he allowed the rocking of the ship to lull him to sleep.

The next morning he rose from his bed and slipped out of his room and onto the deck of the ship. The dawning of the new morning sun and the cool breeze of the salty sea air comforted him. He becoming a bit nostalgic for his time on his old ship. He almost missed it, even though it felt like hell.

As Zuko found a proper place to stretch and move his muscles, he could already feel some stares. Even though he saw familiar armor, he was only met with unfamiliar eyes. Their gazes were suspicious and judgemental. He couldn't fault the Water Tribesmen, but it also made him grit his teeth. So once again, whether it be home in the Fire Nation, the Earth Kingdom, or among the Water Tribe he wasn't welcome.

Taking a deep breath Zuko shutting out his surroundings. He steadied his beating heart, but just as he felt his chi beginning to flow he had a twisting feeling in his gut. And just as he punched into the air barely a spark left his knuckles. Zuko blinked in disbelief. He tried again punching the air, but only a puff of smoke left his fist.

"Hahaha."

"Hehehe."

Zuko narrowed his eyes hearing some of the Water Tribesmen laughing and giggling at his attempts to Fire Bend. This only angered Zuko even more. He punched and kicked the air again and again and again. He began to roar in anger as pain filled his body. His anger fueled his inner fire. Soon some sparks and small flames did lick across his knuckles, but it wasn't the same. It was weak, it was diminished.

He almost felt like he was back in the Fire Nation eager to prove himself in front of his grandfather. He was eager to show him the moves he had learned, only for him to fall and fail again and again. And Just as that thought crossed his mind, Zuko tripped over himself and fell to his knees. An aching searing pain coursing through his midsection like his insides were on fire. As Zuko collapsed he heard even more laughter some of the men openly jeering the Banished Prince.

Zuko didn't care if he was in pain. He wouldn't take such disrespect. He wasn't a little boy anymore. He yanked himself to his feet and turned his eyes to the men watching and laughing at him. "What are you laughing at?" Zuko growled still gripping his stomach.

"Nothing," one of the men spoke his voice deep and gruff. He was barely even trying to hold back his chuckle. For him, he found it justified to see the Fire Prince struggle and fall. To him, the Prince didn't deserve to be saved in the first place.