Daughter of the Moon - Book Two: Earth

Chapter 8.2: Bitter Work

- Elara -

I should've known that when Iroh had said he wanted to continue our training, he really meant that he wanted to continue Zuko's training. Not that Iroh had directly pushed me away—I had backed out of my own accord—I just figured that a waterbender may not want to dabble too much with lightning...

It all started with trying to physically create lighting, which was the first sign that a lesson like this just want for me. So I simply watched as Iron demonstrated the proper form, carefully explaining the benefits and dangers of such a bending technique. And then it was Zuko's turn. I held my breath as he made his first attempt, fearing ever so slightly that he was just going to get himself killed by doing something wrong. But it all quickly ended in a silent fit of laughter as Zuko simply ate a mouthful of his own fire (perhaps I was the only one to laugh). His bending had only combusted just off the edge of the cliff—failing to produce lighting.

After several more failed attempts, Iroh tried to reign it back him by showing Zuko a new technique that he made up himself—lightning redirection (which kind of looked like waterbending, if I was going to be being completely honest). That went on for a few hours, but it all ended in an argument between the two men (of course) because Iroh had refused to shoot lightning at Zuko. Both sides of the argument were justifiable, of course—Zuko wanted to apply what he had learned, and Iroh didn't want to kill Zuko—but I was surprised to find that I seemed to lean in favor of Zuko's argument as he marched away to find his own lightning in a nearby storm (I mean, why teach someone something if they weren't actually going to use it?).

However, regardless of how I felt about the whole situation, that didn't change the fact that Zuko had taken the ostrich horse and had left (as per the usual), leaving both Iroh and I to talk about his newest episode of angst. And, judging by how quickly Iroh turned to join me under the shade of a dying tree, Iroh had a lot to say.

"I had a feeling Zuko wasn't going to be ready for this," he admitted as he sat next to me.

"Really?" I asked sarcastically. "What made you think that?"

"I'm sure you're well acquainted with the fact that my nephew has never been one to properly manage his emotions, and such behavior makes it difficult for one to manipulate lighting," Iroh answered as he picked up his kettle and began making another pot of tea. "I had been under the impression that you two spending so much time together would have resolved some of his inner turmoil, but I suppose I was mistaken."

"Iroh, I think it's time for another healing session," I teased my old friend. "You're hallucinating the idea that anyone could change that stubborn boy. You must have a serious infection."

Iroh shrugged as he lit a small fire. "Perhaps I am hallucinating. Had I been thinking clearly, I would've come to the conclusion that you have actually made his situation worse."

"Iroh!" I cried defensively, my mind whirling as I tried to figure out what he was implying. "What in spirits' name are you going on about?!"

"I'm sure you'll figure it out soon enough," Iroh replied with a smirk. "However, I think we have more pressing matters at the moment."

"More pressing than Zuko's inner turmoil?" I mocked.

"Without a doubt. Zuko is just behaving as he always does, which is no reason for concern." Iroh answered as he handed me a fresh cup of tea. "You, on the other hand, have changed a lot."

"How so?" I asked.

"You elected to miss my lesson today," Iroh stated as he sat back with a cup of tea of his own. "I've been training you and Zuko for many years now, so I know something must be the matter when you willingly miss a learning opportunity."