MfWAT: Essence of Fire
Memories from Western Air Temple
Chapter Title: Essence of Fire
Characters: Jeong Jeong, Iroh
Arc: Legacy Arc
Setting: after Fire’s Legacy, before From Me to You
Rating: K
Warnings: old men being theoretical
Summary: Jeong Jeong is still not convinced.
Jeong Jeong didn’t stay away for long and soon came back, stopping to wait right out of hearing range of the group of three. He wished to talk to Iroh some more, but he didn’t want to listen to the two children. The idealism the Avatar insisted on displaying made the man ache in longing for an innocence long since lost. Aang truly believed in his positive outlook, but Jeong Jeong’s faith in his own views was just as strong.
Some time later Iroh did indeed leave the company of the Avatar and prince of the Fire Nation and, as if knowing that Jeong Jeong was there beforehand, walked right up to the other Master and queried politely: “Is there something still plaguing your mind?”
“What do you really think about this?” Jeong Jeong blurted out, deciding to go straight to the point. “Do you truly trust that child’s judgement?”
“Zuko has always been a gentle and sweet child,” Iroh replied like that was all the answer needed. Perhaps a different approach would get a different reply.
“His sister is like fire, destructive and unpredictable.” Jeong Jeong sighed deeply. “I don’t like having her here, even if she’s been restrained to prevent her from bending.”
“Zuko is like that as well.” Iroh’s tone was gentle and Jeong Jeong stared at the man incredulously. Certainly such a contradiction, such an admission of fault should prompt a more worried response.
“Zuko is also like fire, he is warm and bright.” The other man was smiling, and Jeong Jeong knew Iroh meant his words. “I’ve watched him during his critical time growing into an adult, and I know it is safe to say that Zuko will remain this way, a bright beacon of hope, for a long time yet.”
Jeong Jeong regarded his companion for a few moments, wondering where the other had gotten such an impression all things considered. “We already have the Avatar to bring us hope.”
“Yes.” Iroh laughed heartily. “The Avatar brings hope to the entire world and is its greatest champion.” Despite the mirthful tone, the amber eyes were serious. “To us as individuals, however, Zuko is something more important. He is the hope of the Fire Nation to stand proud once more and he is the hope of firebending itself.”
Jeong Jeong was silent for several moments, taking in this statement. “How do you think he did it?” He looked to the direction of the spot the two boys had by now vacated. “How did he manage to connect with that ability?”
“Zuko told me that he could feel the comet and that it gave him strength.” Iroh seemed to see that Jeong Jeong was about to argue, as he continued immediately: “I believe him.”
“Neither of us can feel it as anything more than a warmth inside us.” Jeong Jeong couldn’t believe that a mere boy had been able to draw power from the comet two days before the pinnacle of its influence.
Of course, there was always the possibility that Prince Zuko was more than a ‘mere boy’.
Looking over to his companion, Jeong Jeong saw Iroh give him a slow, secretive smile, like he knew exactly what he was thinking, and was congratulating him on finding the truth.
More Memories from Western Air Temple
Chapter Title: Essence of Fire
Characters: Jeong Jeong, Iroh
Arc: Legacy Arc
Setting: after Fire’s Legacy, before From Me to You
Rating: K
Warnings: old men being theoretical
Summary: Jeong Jeong is still not convinced.
Jeong Jeong didn’t stay away for long and soon came back, stopping to wait right out of hearing range of the group of three. He wished to talk to Iroh some more, but he didn’t want to listen to the two children. The idealism the Avatar insisted on displaying made the man ache in longing for an innocence long since lost. Aang truly believed in his positive outlook, but Jeong Jeong’s faith in his own views was just as strong.
Some time later Iroh did indeed leave the company of the Avatar and prince of the Fire Nation and, as if knowing that Jeong Jeong was there beforehand, walked right up to the other Master and queried politely: “Is there something still plaguing your mind?”
“What do you really think about this?” Jeong Jeong blurted out, deciding to go straight to the point. “Do you truly trust that child’s judgement?”
“Zuko has always been a gentle and sweet child,” Iroh replied like that was all the answer needed. Perhaps a different approach would get a different reply.
“His sister is like fire, destructive and unpredictable.” Jeong Jeong sighed deeply. “I don’t like having her here, even if she’s been restrained to prevent her from bending.”
“Zuko is like that as well.” Iroh’s tone was gentle and Jeong Jeong stared at the man incredulously. Certainly such a contradiction, such an admission of fault should prompt a more worried response.
“Zuko is also like fire, he is warm and bright.” The other man was smiling, and Jeong Jeong knew Iroh meant his words. “I’ve watched him during his critical time growing into an adult, and I know it is safe to say that Zuko will remain this way, a bright beacon of hope, for a long time yet.”
Jeong Jeong regarded his companion for a few moments, wondering where the other had gotten such an impression all things considered. “We already have the Avatar to bring us hope.”
“Yes.” Iroh laughed heartily. “The Avatar brings hope to the entire world and is its greatest champion.” Despite the mirthful tone, the amber eyes were serious. “To us as individuals, however, Zuko is something more important. He is the hope of the Fire Nation to stand proud once more and he is the hope of firebending itself.”
Jeong Jeong was silent for several moments, taking in this statement. “How do you think he did it?” He looked to the direction of the spot the two boys had by now vacated. “How did he manage to connect with that ability?”
“Zuko told me that he could feel the comet and that it gave him strength.” Iroh seemed to see that Jeong Jeong was about to argue, as he continued immediately: “I believe him.”
“Neither of us can feel it as anything more than a warmth inside us.” Jeong Jeong couldn’t believe that a mere boy had been able to draw power from the comet two days before the pinnacle of its influence.
Of course, there was always the possibility that Prince Zuko was more than a ‘mere boy’.
Looking over to his companion, Jeong Jeong saw Iroh give him a slow, secretive smile, like he knew exactly what he was thinking, and was congratulating him on finding the truth.
More Memories from Western Air Temple