Avatar, Zuko "Fireheart"
For phrenic_entropy's PRETTY and SPARKLY belated birthday. I tried for Zutara but somehow got Zuko angst instead (imagine that) so I hope it passes inspection. If it doesn't, well, I'll comfort you with SasuSaku SMEX on Thursday. ♥
Title: Fireheart
Series/Characters: Zuko, Iroh
Spoilers: Set pre-series.
Fireheart
Zuko is fifteen when Iroh teaches him to meditate.
"Focus on the fire, Zuko. Let it sear everything from your mind. Swallow it, embrace it, become it, and think no more."
His uncle's words are calm, strong in the right places and soothing at the last, but Zuko hates them. They highlight once again that something is wrong with Zuko, something lacking, for he cannot see the flame in his mind's eye. His mouth is full of ashes and his eyes with smoke but he does not relent.
Iroh shakes his head. "You must let the fire consume you, destroy you, for after the fire comes new growth." He places a hand on his nephew's shoulder. "Let it go, Zuko."
The Fire Prince cannot forget that he is a prince and he cannot push aside the feel of his Father's flame on his face.
But that night he stares at the lit candle by his bedside and tries. The flame gutters out and Zuko snaps his fingers impatiently, relighting it. He captures the fire with a blink and holds it tightly with a mental fist.
When he releases it, it bursts like a red star and he feeds it with all the things he cannot surrender until his heart is a bonfire and there is nothing in him but burning.
And Zuko thinks his Uncle is right, there is a silence in meditation, but for him there will be no void, no lack of thought. The fire has made coal of his burdens, to one day become diamonds that glitter and cut deeper than any sword.
No, for him the flame is not absence, but need, and he gives it everything.
His heart is the first to go.
End
Damn, I still haven't found my stride with Avatar fic yet. Bear me with me while I wallow around and muck things up.
Title: Fireheart
Series/Characters: Zuko, Iroh
Spoilers: Set pre-series.
Fireheart
Zuko is fifteen when Iroh teaches him to meditate.
"Focus on the fire, Zuko. Let it sear everything from your mind. Swallow it, embrace it, become it, and think no more."
His uncle's words are calm, strong in the right places and soothing at the last, but Zuko hates them. They highlight once again that something is wrong with Zuko, something lacking, for he cannot see the flame in his mind's eye. His mouth is full of ashes and his eyes with smoke but he does not relent.
Iroh shakes his head. "You must let the fire consume you, destroy you, for after the fire comes new growth." He places a hand on his nephew's shoulder. "Let it go, Zuko."
The Fire Prince cannot forget that he is a prince and he cannot push aside the feel of his Father's flame on his face.
But that night he stares at the lit candle by his bedside and tries. The flame gutters out and Zuko snaps his fingers impatiently, relighting it. He captures the fire with a blink and holds it tightly with a mental fist.
When he releases it, it bursts like a red star and he feeds it with all the things he cannot surrender until his heart is a bonfire and there is nothing in him but burning.
And Zuko thinks his Uncle is right, there is a silence in meditation, but for him there will be no void, no lack of thought. The fire has made coal of his burdens, to one day become diamonds that glitter and cut deeper than any sword.
No, for him the flame is not absence, but need, and he gives it everything.
His heart is the first to go.
End
Damn, I still haven't found my stride with Avatar fic yet. Bear me with me while I wallow around and muck things up.