31 Days June 2010
An assortment of Avatar fics written based on the 31 Days themes for June 2010. Some one shots and some short story arcs. Enjoy!
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Title: Out of ashes
Day/Theme: 5/conjuring oneself out of zilch
Series: Avatar: TLA
Characters: Jet
Rating: G - Backstory. Mentioned briefly in the episode Jet.
They came in smoke and fire, descending on the village, looting, killing and torching.
They came without warning, on a settlement that had just finished bringing a good harvest and was preparing to celebrate the land's bounty.
He would have been eight that year. His parents were planning a surprise for him. He knew it in his bones. Smelt it in the air of their house, the sweet scent of secrets. There would have been a party and presents.
Instead he witnessed all that he'd ever loved burn to ash.
From then on, even as he assembled his armour from what he could sift out of the wreckage of his world, he swore that he'd avenge them in any way he could.
Title: The truth
Day/Theme:19. more vital than sane
Series: Avatar TLA
Characters: Jet
Rating: G - based on events in City of Walls and Secrets.
"Don't you see, they're Firebenders! Hiding in our midst! Arrest them!"
"Easy now boy, they're just tea servers. Drop your weapons. Now"
Can't they see for themselves? The scar, the fighting style, the eyes that glint gold rather than the more common Earth Kingdom brown if the light hits them just so. Then he smiles, a smirk which broadens into a maniacal grin. His eyes light up with the promise of a battle.
He'll show them all. He'll call their bluff, he'll make the demons show themselves for what they are.
He'll make them Firebend if it's the last damn thing he does.
Title: Angel in distress
Day/Theme:26. an angel in distress
Series: Avatar TLA
Characters: Jet
Rating: G - based on events in City of Walls and Secrets.
He can't believe this is happening to him. He's supposed to be the good guy here. The freedom fighter battling the demons of the Fire Nation.
"You’re crazy! I'm not your enemy, they are! When did you last see any Earth Kingdom person with eyes like theirs? You have to believe me!"
He strains against the rock handcuffs, kicking and bucking at his captors.
"The Fire Nation is trying to silence me!"
No one seems to be listening, is the truth that hard to comprehend? The guards fling him on his knees into the wagon before slamming the door shut.
Darkness envelops him. A darkness filled with incoherent screaming and rage.
[ back to top]
Title: Roku - letter from the North
Day/Theme:14. through the mist, above the mist
Series: Avatar TLA
Characters: Roku, Sozin
Rating: G
Dear Sozin,
I hope you do not mind, but addressing you by your title makes the letter start off on an awkward note.
Sozin my brother, I have seen many wonders on my journey to master the Elements, Sozin, my brother. By studying the various bending styles, I can see now that they all have their strengths and weaknesses. I have learned that, contrary to what our Masters may have taught us, there is no element that is intrinsically more powerful than the other. Fire can turn Water to steam, but in sufficient quantities can be snuffed out by Water or even Earth. I have come to realize that there is no ultimate element though the Masters of each may convince their students otherwise. Only in the harmony of the four, does our world continue to exist.
It's freezing out here. Some days, when the blizzard winds howl outside the tent, I can't help but look at the hearth fire and think of home. My warmest regards to you and your family.
Yours,
Roku
Title: Sozin - Greetings from the homeland
Day/Theme:15. evolution's auto-pilot
Series: Avatar TLA
Characters: Roku, Sozin
Rating: G
Roku,
The weather in the capital continues hot and dry. The sun invigorates our people as he shares his fire with us. If I could order the sun to shine on the benighted back end of the world where you currently reside, I would. But, alas, there are limitations to my power.
That was a joke, so please do not conclude that becoming Firelord has really swelled my head. All that aside, continuing on a more serious note, our nation has never experienced such wealth. Our crops have done well and our factories have never been more productive thanks to the influx of new talent from our schools. Envoys carry news of the other nations to our court. Particularly interesting would be that concerning the Water Tribes. Is it true that they still live in tents sewn together from seal pelts and hunt with spears from whale teeth?
The Earth Kingdom at least sounds more advanced. At least they live in properly constructed houses.
Which brings me to the thought that has been in my mind for some time now, should we not as the technologically superior Nation share our knowledge with the rest of the world? So that we may all advance together?
Keep well Roku. Ta Min sends her regards and a pair of mittens.
Sozin.
Title: Roku - Perish the thought
Day/Theme:25. everything is as it was
Series: Avatar TLA
Characters: Roku, Sozin
Rating: G
What are you thinking my friend? Perish the thought. There were meant to be four nations. Ever since the beginning of the world there were four nations. Four nations, four elements, of which Fire is but one and for your information, the Water Tribes weaponry is sophisticated for all that they have hardly any material to work with.
My deepest thanks for the mittens though the messenger hawk looked quite worn out with the load. While I appreciate the thought, perhaps we should not burden him so in the future.
Roku
Title: Sozin - No return
Day/Theme:28. the world will never return
Series: Avatar TLA
Characters: Roku, Sozin
Rating: G
Since you object so strongly, I will not pursue the matter. But perhaps you should consider the possiblities. If we but tried, we could very well launch us and the other countries into a brave new world with our technology. This short note should not be too much for the messenger to carry.
Sozin
[ back to top]
Title: Letting go
Day/Theme: 20. wonder cannot be understood from the inside
Series: Avatar TLA
Characters: Katara and Zuko
Rating: G - set after The Southern Raiders. Sort of has spoilers for end of ep.
Katara storms past him, completely disgusted. With one last backward glance at the once powerful commander scrabbling and weeping in the mud, Zuko turns to leave.
She's remains silent as he prepares Appa for the journey back. Remembering the icicle daggers coalescing out of the rain, he shudders. He'd bend them a fire but right now, he's not sure how she'd take it. Probably not a good idea to irk a Waterbender in this weather. Between the icy rain pelting down relentlessly and a brooding Katara, Zuko just knows it's going to be a really long journey back.
He's dozing a little, trying not to think about the chill. Katara's at the reins.
"I could have done it you know."
It's still drizzling, but at least it's no where near as heavy as the earlier deluge. Blinking away raindrops and squinting, Zuko can't quite help but notice how the rain seems to be delicately avoiding her. Unsure of how she wants him to respond, he says nothing.
"I hated him for so many years." Katara pauses before continuing in a low, emotionless whisper. "I couldn't even think about my mother without remembering that she was taken by the Fire Nation."
"Like it's almost impossible to recall the good times without the bad ones getting in the way." Without even thinking about it he reaches to finger scar on his face, his gaze turned inwards.
They fly in silence for a while each lost in their own thoughts. The rain hisses down, as if washing old wrongs away, numbing years of hurt. Releasing pent up anger doesn't make things completely right, but it's certainly a start.
"It might be easier to shield us both if you moved nearer." He looks at her in surprise at the offer.
"Thought you'd never ask." Bending a small hot fire in his palm he moves nearer to share the warmth.
[ back to top]
Title: To bury one's head in sand
Day/Theme: 24. floating in empty space
Series: Avatar TLA
Character/Pairing: Sokka, Katara, Toph
Rating: G
"This is the life. Camping out on a beach, the night sky stretched out over us, stars twinkling down, not to mention that the constellation over there looks like a really big juicy ..."
"Didn't you just eat Sokka?"
"I'm a growing warrior Katara. I need my meat to grow strong and healthy."
"Yeah right. You just want to stuff your face. That group looks more like..."
"Er. I can't exactly see what you guys are talking about you know, so if you'd kindly complete your descriptions?" Toph waves an irritated hand in the general direction of the sky. "The stars are all beautiful and stuff, but they're also all, up there. It's as frustrating as when Twinkle toes takes off and disappears off the ground."
"Oh. Sorry Toph."
"You know, I've never actually known what you look like. I mean, I know where you are, what you're doing, whether or not you're lying and stuff, but I've never seen your face."
"That sounds like plenty to me. Ow. What did you do that for." He glares angrily at his sister who just cuffed him over the head. Toph pretends not to have heard the last exchange and continues.
"So. Maybe, I was thinking, since I was practicing Sandbending and stuff, if you sort of, put your face in the sand, I could use my bending to see what you look like." She finishes, staring into the distance, an unreadable expression on her face.
"You, want me, to stick my head in the sand? So you can see it?"
"You don't want to see that. You might just get a shock."
"Hey. I can't help it that Toph has yet to appreciate my handsome looks, through no fault of her own. Sokka puffs himself up, striking a manly pose. The effect would have been better if not for Katara trying to stifle her laughter."
"So. How do you want me to do it?"
"You just push your face into the soft sand here. It'll mould around your features and I'll see the mould with my bending."
"Hey, the sand tickles, it's going into my nose."
"Hold still. Almost done."
"And my ears, and mmfff mmfff arrgh...*
He pulls his head out gasping, sand streaming from all orifices. Katara bursts out into another peal of laughter.
"Got it. Sheesh, I didn't know you had such a big mouth Sokka."
*Gee thanks Toph." A sulky Sokka spits out and tries to empty it from his ears. "That's the last time I ever participate in one of your little experiments."
[ back to top]
Title: Journey to the Spirit World
Day/Theme: 18. at the end of the secret path
Series: Avatar TLA
Character/Pairing: Sokka.
Rating: G - Remember when Sokka said that there are no toilets in the Spirit World? He was kind of right, and sort of wrong...
It is quiet in the Spirit World. Gigantic wolves pad silently out of the mist past small foothills. Two headed spirit serpents glide by with barely a rustle.
Yes. It is a quiet place.
Until now that is.
"Hey guys!" Sokka jumps up and down urgently, knees clamped tightly together. "Sorry to bother you but, I got a little problem here."
A large muzzle descends out of the sky and sniffs him quizzically.
"Arrgh. Don't do that! Would you happen to know where I might find a washroom? Oh great wolf-spirit one?'
The nose turns and points towards a path on the left - a path that winds its way through a dark, heavily forested area.
"In there?" Sokka squeaks, his voice breaking.
Impenetrable silver eyes gaze at him. Then with a movement that would be as close to a shrug as a wolf can make, the spirit wolf moves off, its plumed tail waving.
"Ok, fine. But it better be a short path or I'm making my own toilet."
...
It feels like forever. The undergrowth tugs and pulls at his clothes, snagging him at every turn. Worse still, the plants don't seem to be affected by his machette. A few times the path disappears and he's had to ask directions from the local fauna who have helpfully croaked, chirped and otherwise chattered him in the right direction.
After asking the fifth bullrabbitfrog, Sokka's getting a little more tired and his bladder feels that much more strained.
Signs would be a little more useful.
...
Finally. The end of the trail. All he see's is a clearing with a bush in the center.
"That's it?" He exclaims angrily, "It's all well and good for those who can just lift a leg and do it but even we put a roof overhead for a little more privacy..."
The vole-like creature who's been serving as his latest guide makes whistling noises at him, reminding him quite acutely of his need. Before pee pours out of his ears or something.
"Ok fine. But no one is to peek at me." Sokka gingerly makes his way to the centre of the clearing and squats in the bushes.
"Arrgh, get out of here!" A spider gets shooed violently out of the area. "I SAID NO PEEKING!"
Sheesh.
Ah. Sweet, sweet relief. So intent is he on relieving himself that he doesn't realize that a shadow has fallen over the clearing.
Rain begins to patter down, soaking his clothes. A surprisingly yellow colored and odd smelling rain.
He looks up and sees to his horror...
"Arrgh!"
[ back to top]
Title: Straining reason
Day/Theme:2. a constant strain on reason
Series: Avatar TLA
Character/Pairing: Unnamed Air bending monk and Gyatso
Rating: G
A furious monk storms into the inner sanctuary where Elder Gyatso is meditating. He looks almost ready to chew iron and spit nails, but tries to regain a semblance of calm before bowing and addressing the elder seated there.
"With all due respect, but how sure are we that the new acolyte is Avatar reborn? Do you know what he did today?
"Peace, brother. Tell me."
"He swept all the leaves off the sacred trees in the compound!" At this shocking revelation, he looks at Elder Gyatso's face. Which is as always the epitome of serene.
"Very interesting. Why do you suppose he did a thing like that?"
"He was supposed to sweep the fallen leaves on the ground! Not tear the remaining ones from the trees!"
"He is a talented Airbender."
"He is beyond reasoning with!"
Gyatso sighs. "Thank you brother, I will deal with Aang myself."
Title: Patience
Day/Theme:4. there is little gossip among the stars
Series: Avatar TLA
Character/Pairing: Aang and Gyatso
Rating: G
"So. Your master has spoken to me about your latest misdeed."
"I was only sweeping leaves..."
"Not only the fallen ones but the ones off the trees as well." Gyatso's tone is stern.
"They would have fallen anyway, and would have been there to sweep up tomorrow. I just, sped things up a little.* Aang gives his guardian a pleading innocent smile.
"The leaves help produce food for the trees. Without them the tree would starve." Aang looks contrite and somewhat horrified. With a tiny shake of his head, Gyatso continues "You must learn to control your power, and learn the value of patience." It will serve you well in darker times ahead. He doesn't say it out loud, but in his heart, he worries about the ten year old boy who will soon be told his destiny as soon as his birthday arrives in a month's time. For all that Aang can be surprisingly insightful at times, he's still only a child. Even if he is the Avatar reborn.
"Yes, master."
Title: Running away
Day/Theme:27. the door out of the fairy-tale stands wide open
Series: Avatar TLA
Character/Pairing: Aang
Rating: G spoilers for the Storm
They were going to send him away! To train amongst people he didn't even know! To slog all day and night at books and stances and who knows what else at some horrendously far away temple without even telling him! Worst of all, they were going to do it tomorrow!
The betrayal stuck in his throat making it hard to breathe.
They would take it all away. So he could become the Avatar. For his own good they said it was. Ha!
His frantic gaze lights on the open window. Dark, ominous storm clouds are gathering on the horizon.
As if he'd let them.
Sheer panic causes his heart to pound wildly. Hurriedly, he flings a few items into a pack and grabs his staff. In the distance, he can see the temple's stables where Appa sleeps.
That seems about all that he needs. They might be coming for him already. He has to go.
Suddenly, he remembers Gyatso who spoke up for him, against them sending him away. He'll have to leave without saying goodbye.
Or maybe not.
Grabbing a scroll from a pile on the desk, he hurriedly scribbles a crabbed and blotched note to his guardian.
Then looking for the last time at his room, all he's ever known from since he was born till now. Aang grabs his pack and staff and leaps lightly out of the window.
I'm sorry Gyatso but have to do this.
Title: Medicine
Day/Theme:21. still we are the past together
Series: Avatar TLA
Character/Pairing: Azula.
Rating: G Spoilers for the finale. Post series speculations
The padded door opens and two matrons heavily armoured in fire proof robes enter the cell. In the corner, she sits, straight backed and cross legged on the bed. Today, she looks almost sane, except for the tell tale almost rabid look in yellow eyes and the messy unwashed top knot.
*Commoners should bow before addressing me. I am a Princess of the Fire Nation.*
"Yes, it's time to take your medicines, Princess Azula."
"I don't need medicines. I'm perfectly well. I'm going to be Firelord. Look. I did my hair all by myself."
"It's very pretty. Come now. Drink it all up."
"I don't want to take this stinking medicine!" She screams, lashing out at them. As the blast of blue flame is absorbed harmlessly by the matron's armour, more guards pour into the room. Together, they pin the screaming, struggling Azula and bundle her into a straitjacket. Thus restrained, she quietens down abruptly and accepts the sedatives they give her.
"It's my coronation day. Will you be coming?"
As the drugs take effect, she sees a tall sad eyed lady walking towards her, "Yes, my daughter. I will be there."
Title: Nightfall
Day/Theme:23. a mechanical doll that falls to pieces every night
Series: Avatar TLA
Character/Pairing: Mentions Azula.
Rating: G Spoilers for the finale. Post series speculations
The nights, with the fading of the sun and the coming of darkness are particularly disturbing even in the Fire Nation's leading Mental Health Institute. Then again, it would be expected given that there are at any point of time twenty Firebenders in the facility receiving treatment. Twenty or so frightened and powerless and not terribly sane Firebenders in the same place is not expected to be a quiet affair.
Some of the more experienced matrons remark drily, just one powerful and royal Firebender would be more than enough to make the night a lively one.
This is the reason for ensuring that the evening medications are served on time, every day.
Title: Perchance not to dream
Day/Theme:29. the land where even sleep doesn’t exist
Series: Avatar TLA
Character/Pairing: Azula and Ursa
Rating: G Spoilers for the finale. Post series speculations
Every night, the same scene plays out in what remains of her mind. It's always the same dialogue with her mother. Sometimes, in her more lucid moments just after being dosed, she wonders if it'll ever change.
"You never loved me. Admit it. You thought I was a monster."
"Look inside yourself. You know that's not true."
"Only father ever loved me. He gave the throne to me."
"I hate you Mother. Don't lie. I can sense your fear from here. If you loved me, why did you sacrifice yourself for Zuzu?"
Her mother moves to embrace her and is caught in the face with an arc of blue fire. Her robes ablaze, Ursa cries out, stretching burning hands towards her daughter.
"I've always loved you, Azula."
As her mother disappears into darkness, the former princess wakes, sweating.
It's always the same ending.
[ back to top]
Title: Karma
Day/Theme:3. the heavens still keep their secrets
Series: Avatar TLA
Character/Pairing: Mai/Zuko
Rating: G
"Tell me something Mai."
From across the bed, she raises an eloquent eyebrow at him, ignoring the squeals of delight from their infant son as he discovers yet another thing to cram into his mouth.
"I'm a Firebender, right?"
A grunt of assent. Idly, she pulls the squirming lizard out of their infant son's pudgy grasp.
"My father was a Firebender, right?"
"Yes?" Somewhere overhead, there's another gurgle of joy.
"His father was a Firebender, no?"
"Your point?"
"So, how did we end up with this?" A somewhat frustrated and only marginally amused Zuko waves at the ceiling where their six month old baby is floats happily, borne up his own cushion of air. "Arrgh, no, don't touch that! Gah."
Mai sighs deeply, thinking how someone might just have conveninently forgotten about his other bloodline.
"Don't look at me. Maybe its Karma."
Title: Interrupted
Day/Theme: 17. the flight of the galaxies through space
Series: Avatar TLA
Character/Pairing: Mai, Zuko
Rating: G, set somewhere post series. Coda to Karma
They're finally alone together, safely ensconced in the inner sanctum of their bed room. Gauzy hangings billow gently in a light breeze. Zuko reaches out to bury his fingers in the silken fall of his wife's hair, wondering if he can possibly get her in the mood. Mai smiles faintly, reaching for him.
There's a sniffing sound like a tiny in drawn breath which goes unnoticed. The candle flames flicker, wavering for an instant. An intake of breath. Then...a tiny little "ah choo", this is swiftly followed by the following: A thud, a groan, a peal of infant laughter.
Mai narrows her eyes in irritation.
“That would be the third nursemaid your firstborn has sneezed into a wall” she mutters.
Zuko sighs. “Yes dear, I'll send the messenger hawk to Aang tomorrow.”
[ back to top]
Title: Dragons and dreams
Day/Theme:8. a longing pervades the world
Series: Avatar TLA
Character/Pairing: Iroh
Rating: G
He's riding through the sky, the sun warm on his back. Below, the river snakes towards the sea, a silver echo of the beast he rides.
It's a good dream. One that's prematurely terminated by a noisy crowd. The resounding cheers of the crowd welcoming the returning hero can be heard even from his chambers in the Inner-most palace.
He's seen it before. Although, it doesn't happen quite as often as in the past. It usually starts with the cheering crowd. Then the hero riding in on his choice of mount, clad in full ceremonial armour, the bloodstains and burn marks carefully polished off. The proof of his victory trails behind him on a cart, a sad bloodied horned head, dull glazed eyes staring blankly at the sky.
He doesn't quite understand. Wasn't it said that Avatar Roku once rode a red dragon named Fang? That they were once revered as noble beasts who were the first Firebenders? Why the sudden desire to hunt and destroy them?
His tutors had said that only by subduing a dragon would one's Firebending be able to reach the next level of power, that one would be the ultimate Firebender if one did happen to take down a dragon. For who else could defeat a master of Fire except one more powerful and skilled in the art?
It's not something that he buys completely, but there are some things that are better left unsaid in the Fire Nation of today. The whole court dance for example, it's almost like Pai Sho, a game he's just been introduced to. Except that the stakes are higher. Even if he is the crown prince.
At the big celebration feast, when more drunk than he's ever been in his life, a part of him still watches and tries not to slip up. In a rare show of bravado, he's told his father that he means to take down a dragon one day. That earned him an affectionate pat on the head from the current Firelord and a positively venomous look from his brother. He doesn't quite care. If it'll get him to his goal, he'll do anything.
There are dreams that cannot be vocalized. Among these would be the dream of seeing a dragon fly, its sleek form serpentine and sinuous, wings outstretched, rattling with the sound of thunder, bright flame breaking from its jaws.
Title: To the Fire
Day/Theme:9. the dream picture pinches its own arm
Series: Avatar TLA
Character/Pairing: Iroh
Rating: G
Somehow, he's made it. As he stands at the foot of an impossibly long flight of stairs, sacred fire cupped in his hands, he feels his heart throbbing in time with the flame, with the drums.
To the fire we come at last he thinks to himself as he mounts the first step.
He reaches the top just as the sun is setting in the west, the orange glow lighting up the ocean before it.
A horn blows. The ground shakes, vibrations coming from either side of him. Then, to his surprise, not one but two dragons erupt from the caverns on either side of him, scaly bodies rushing towards and then past him, rattling like one of the Fire Nation tanks. They twine around him, bodies knotting and uncoiling, chasing each other's tails in an infinite loop.
The sheer wonder of realizing a childhood dream drives him to his knees before them his sword clattering to the floor.
For a moment, the dragons pause in their dance. As if they'd only just realized his presence. Or as if they'd only deigned to realize his existence now. For an instant, he feels as if he's being pinned down, held in their magnetic amber eyed gaze. All pretences stripped away before them.
There are no words he can use to describe the moment. Caught in the numbing fear and the terrible glory of a dragon's gaze he bows low. There's only one coherent thought in his mind.
How could any one slay these creatures? He tries to hold only that thought in his mind and put away the terrible things that he knows his people has done to the dragon's they've caught. His heart is hammering in fear and exultation.
A pause. The massive jaws open till he can almost see down the dark maw to the flame flickering within.
Then there's nothing but a roaring all around him as he's swept up in a tornado of flame.
Title: Secrets
Day/Theme:10. we are the riddle no one guesses
Series: Avatar TLA
Character/Pairing: Iroh
Rating: G
Its seems like a lifetime later in the palace. After the ceremonial armour has been cleaned, oiled and placed carefully back in storage. After the feast, the acceptance speech, the careful dodging questions about his battle answering with some truth and some things that he'd carefully fabricated on the way home.
Some days he wonders if the dance is worth it. If he'll have to spend the rest of his days living a lie.
Then there are days when he gazes off into the sunset and sees not just the golden glory but winged serpents of blood red and sapphire blue, dancing. Then, basking in the warmth of the sun, feeling it feed his own flame within, he'll allow himself a faint smile of peace
[ back to top]
Title: Training accident
Day/Theme:22. it’s now, or never again
Series:Avatar TLA
Character: Zuko and Mai
Rating: G
"You are a Royal idiot."
"I second that." A husky voice from behind him startles an undignified yelp out of him.
"And that's never going to work." Mai rolls her eyes at his attempts to cover up the bald patch. "Want to enlighten me on what you did to your hair?"
Zuko turns away from the mirror towards Mai, pinching his nose bridge, a pained expression on his face.
"Would you believe it was a training accident?"
The Fire Lady raises an eyebrow at him clearly unimpressed.
"We, were sparring you see, and we kind of got carried away..." He gives her a sheepish look.
"Ugh." Mai waves him into silence. "You men. Why don’t you just shave the rest off? Its not like you’ll be able to do much with what's left."
He goggles at her.
"Er, I won't be able to wear the crown without hair."
Mai sighs and then, with ruthless logic she proceeds to rip his objections to shreds. Firstly, he's been Fire Lord for two weeks. Its not like the Court doesn't already know what he looks like. Secondly, they aren't expecting any official visitors this week so its not like he has anyone to impress. Furthermore...
"It'll grow out anyway so if someone would just stop whining and move on they can all get on with their lives?"
By this time she's backed him into a corner, eyes flashing fire under heavy bangs. He feels like he's been clubbed on the head with Sokka's boomerang, which is the way he always ends up feeling after she's been at him.
Well. Its hard to disagree once she's put it that way.
Muttering something about how this scandal will be the talk of the court for months Zuko grudgingly grunts assent.
"I bet its cause you just want to use your knives on me."
Mai's smile is pure distilled innocence.
"You know, bald can be handsome too."
Title: Breaking news
Day/Theme:11. the fairy-tale trapped in its own image
Series:Avatar TLA
Character: Zuko
Rating: G
While it might now be common knowledge that Fire Lord Zuko's scar was not due to a simple training accident, the court has been abuzz with speculations over the recent changes in, of all things, their Firelord's royal hairstyle. Some speculate that it might all just be Avatar Aang's influence on the latest royal coiffure or lack thereof, while some others have been suggesting that it might be a move to protest the recent heat wave that has struck the capital.
The public itself has been divided on their king's appearance, a division this nation has not seen since said Firelord turned traitor and joined forces with the Avatar. The older, more traditional officials have openly come out and voiced scorn for the new look. Some have even gone as far to complain that with no top knot, the imperial headpiece will be virtually impossible to secure to the royal scalp. The younger generation however has embraced the trend set by royalty with avengence. Some hairdressers have reported a sudden spike in the requests for close cropped styles.
What ever the nation's reaction, the true reason for Firelord Zuko shaving his head is likely to be a secret that is unlikely to ever be revealed as the Royal family is notoriously close mouthed about these matters. This is Lee, reporter for the Fire Nation Evening News, bringing you the latest gossip out of court, signing out.
Title: Getting even
Day/Theme:12. the cobweb of family secrets
Series:Avatar TLA
Character: Zuko, Sokka
Rating: G
The sun beats down punishingly hard on the dirt training ring as the two combatants circle each other warily, weapons poised and ready. Sokka lunges forwards with his sword but is blocked by Zuko's dao. Metal screams on metal as the blades clash again and again. He ducks to avoid the oncoming blade feeling it slice over his head. Cold sweat breaks out. That could have easily taken his scalp off.
"You trying to kill me or something?"
The grin on Zuko's face is positively feral as he gestures to Sokka's severed wolftail now lying in the dust, gesturing to his own shaven head he remarks coolly. "Now we're even."
"Hey, Suki liked my wolftail."
"Get over it. You can tell her it was a training accident or something."
[ back to top]
Title: Training
Day/Theme:13. gloomy anthropoid apes
Series:Avatar TLA
Character/Pairing: Zuko
Rating: G
"Firebending is about the breath."
Breathe. Ignore the pain. Ignore the hammering of your heart. The fear and the bloody tears that keep soaking though the eye patch.
What if it doesn't heal.
"The energy goes into the body, flows down the arms and emerges as fire."
Breathe. Focus the energy.
Ignore the memory of fire filling your vision. Of the searing and cracking of flesh and skin. Of the shame when the boy, wanting to fight like a man, ends up curled on the ground, begging his father to stop.
"Thus, to Firebend, controlling the breath is essential."
Control the fear that claws at your throat and makes the breath come harsh and quick. That makes the fire bending which was once difficult now vitrually impossible.
"Prince Zuko."
"What do you want?! I can do this. We don’t need to stop."
"We will try another exercise." Iroh's face swims in to focus as he dashes away angry tears. He's holding out a curved horn like instrument and a sheaf of papers.
"I don't need a music class. I need to practice bending."
"To play the Tsungi horn, as with fire bending, one needs breath control. This. Is. Training. Now practice this according to this manual."
As Iroh turns to leave, angry discordant sounds like that of a bull being slaughtered fill the room. Perhaps one day, it will be possible for the horn to be played for pleasure. Maybe after the war.
[ back to top]
Title: The world, a stage.
Day/Theme:16. The universe viewing itself in wide angle
Series: Avatar TLA
Character/Pairing: Zuko and Aang set after the Players of Ember Island. spoilers for end of play
Rating: G
For some reason, his room was stiflingly hot. Suffocating almost. One might be inclined to say, blazingly hot.
He doesn't really want to think about what the heat really reminds him of. Not after the terrible play they'd just watched.
With a disgruntled groan after an hour of futile tossing and turning in bed, Zuko decides that he'd might as well go for a walk.
He opens the door to the balcony only to find that he's not the only one who can't quite sleep, what's more irritating would be the fact that Aang seems to have beaten him to the coolest spot in the house.
"Cant sleep either?"
"It was a horrible ending."
"Yeah. Tell me about it."
They sit in silence, in darkness. Thinking. Reflecting. Brooding. Neither wants’ to be the first one to say it, but it's there in the shared silence, a thought conceived but best unspoken. Its hard to watch yourself die.
"I did say that they totally butchered Love Amongst the Dragons every year right?"
Aang, laughing weakly. "You did. They've probably got a terrible playwright."
"So there." The prince's face hidden somewhere in the shadow of his hood, his voice coming out more hoarse than usual.
"It doesn't have to play out the way it did. I mean. I'm the Avatar. Not some silly girl in a costume and a fake bald wig."
A barking laugh and a hint of a grin. "The scar wasn't even on the right side."
"So. I'm the Avatar and you're the Fire Prince and I say that the Ember Island Players are terrible actors with an awful script."
"Yeah."
Even then, they end up leaning against the wall, watching the sky slowly shade to grey and color return to the world.
[ back to top]
Title: Crossroads
Day/Theme:30. it takes only a few seconds to die
Series:Avatar TLA
Character/Pairing: Zuko
Rating:G Based on events in the Crossroads of Destiny
Seeing Uncle calmly saunter in with the Avatar, the prize he's hunted for so long, the only way of redeeming himself, the cause of all the sleepless nights on an uncomfortable bunk, of endless training, fighting, of slogging through blizzards and freezing cold. Seeing him just one lunge away and then being stopped from even trying to capture him. By Iroh no less.
The world seems to slow. The fire within him dimming to a heartbeat flicker. A breath, inhaled, but not yet released.
To see Azula, holding out to him the one thing that he's been longing for. Extending him an offer. Telling him that she needs his help to win.
You will have your father's love.
There's a moment where it all pauses. When his heart pounds loud, like a wardrum in his ears. Suddenly all years of longing to finally go home come rushing back so fast it almost hurts.
Its not too late for you, Zuko. You can redeem yourself.
Is this what you really want?
Indecision burns, searing his soul, tearing away pretences, illusions, dreams. But a part of him is burned already, marked, scarred. The skin cracked, darkened, hard and anaesthetic.
The world rushes back in a blast of flame and the prince moves forward to stand by his sister.
Title: Seeking the self
Day/Theme:7. the haunting riddle of the self
Series:Avatar TLA
Character/Pairing: Zuko
Rating:G Set somewhere after episode 309 - Nightmares and Daydreams
He looks at the face in the mirror, marking the familiar scar, the shock of dark unruly hair. The haggard, haunted look that an uneasy conscience brings.
Remember Zuko, always remember who you are.
Who indeed?
His father's first born son and heir to the throne, without whom he refused to start the war meeting; or a puppet prince meant for display only, to leap through the appropriate diplomatic hoops and to be brought out to perform for special occasions?
Grandson of Firelord Sozin who started the war or Grandson of Avatar Roku who opposed Sozin?
Who?
Heaven only knows he's tried them all. Right now, he has everything he's ever wanted. He has his father's regard, a place at his right hand, the entire palace worth of servants at his beck and call. He even has time
to spend with his girlfriend for crying out loud.
So why isn't he happier?
Destiny is a funny thing Prince Zuko.
"I am Zuko, Prince of the Fire Nation and Heir to the throne. I am no longer banished and my honor is restored." He says this aloud, challenging the reflection to refute that. Then, as he remembers the horrific plan that his father proposed to bring the Earth Kingdom to its knees once and for all, an uncontrollable shudder goes through, bile rises in his throat and he drops his gaze. His scar burns with shame as he buries his head in his hands.
The question recurs, yet unanswered. Who is he and what must he become?
Title: Redemption
Day/Theme:6. he isn't just something he's imagining
Series:Avatar TLA
Character/Pairing: Zuko, Iroh
Rating:G Based on events in The Old Masters and incidentally my favorite scene of the entire series.
The seemingly endless night of waiting has given him more than adequate time to imagine what Iroh might do to him when he finds him here.
Scenario one. Iroh ignores him completely, refusing to speak or even to look at him. Before he even finishes his garbled speech, his uncle calmly walks out of the tent, leaving him broken on the floor.
Scenario two. Iroh takes him down verbally. A better case than the first one, if not for the end where his uncle leaves, still angry, apologies unaccepted.
Scenario three, the one he can't quite get out of his head. The one which makes his scar burn and throb with the memory of pain. He is the Firelord's brother. He tries to shove the thought away.
In any case, it would be no more than I deserve.
Iroh wakes, yawning and stretching. He starts, pouring out the things he's wanted to say since the betrayal, trying clumsily to apologise for the terrible thing he did. He's speaking to his uncle's back for the most part.
Ok. Not that unexpected.
"I'm so sorry and ashamed of what I did..." He's crying now. Something he hasn't done in a while, all the time expecting an explosion of anger from the silent figure opposite him. Different outcomes flash through his mind. Anything. He's ready for any of them. If it will ease his guilt. If it will spell redemption.
He doesn't expect to be dragged bodily across the tent into a bone crushing embrace. Its hard to believe that it's real, but then again, its hard to breathe, Iroh is holding him so tightly.
"How can you forgive me?"