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Post by iroh on Aug 9, 2006 20:45:59 GMT -5
Iroh saw how nervous and surprised Sho was. There was an akward silence as the waves were the only noise. It seemed like everything was okay. Then he heard a word that he has never heard for years. Many many years to be honest. Sho had replied stating he was fine, but he added the word "sir."
"Sir?!" Iroh said suprised. He chuckled with his hands on his belly. "No one has ever called me that since my general days!" Memories flashed back to the seige on the Earth Kindom Capital of Ba Seng Se. War, fire, death, and tears. He remembered his son and he closed his eyes for the tear to go. "I would... I would prefer if you would just call me 'Iroh' or 'Uncle.'" Iroh walked over to Sho and put his hand on the man's shoulder. "Practicing firebending is not safe at night when you are alone. Us firebenders are known better at day time anyway!" He chuckled and walked back to his room ans rubbed his sleepy eyes.
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Post by sho on Aug 9, 2006 21:19:39 GMT -5
Sho nodded mutely at Iroh’s words, catching his warm gaze for a few seconds and smiling shyly when the old man placed his hand upon his shoulder. Sho was already becoming fond of the old man and his hearty voice and laugh, and of course, his very kind words. They seemed to fill Sho with a light warmth that he was very sure was not caused by firebending. Though, it would still be very awkward calling the great, retired, Fire Nation general “Uncle.”
“Of course, s-… Iroh. Goodnight.” Sho said with a respectful nod as the man turned to leave. He then turned his head slightly and passed a sideways glance at the prince, who was still waiting, seemingly impatiently, for an answer.
Sho took a few quick moments to straighten his posture before speaking, doing so with a what he hoped to be very blank expression, both in face and voice. “I was just hoping for a little privacy at night. And I was trying to do exactly what most people do when they practice – to get better.” He said it with no sarcasm, merely matter-of-factly.
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Post by zuko on Aug 9, 2006 21:59:51 GMT -5
As he watched his uncle act so casually with Sho, Zuko crossed his arms and stood impatiently until finally his uncle began to turn and leave. His uncle was partly right though; trying to practice firebending at night made it difficult.
Watching Iroh's shadow disappear below deck, Zuko turned his tired and irritated gaze back at Sho as the servant spoke. At first, Zuko thought Sho was being sarcastic with him, but judging him a bit closer, Zuko didn't take it as an offense. But that wasn't the answer that Zuko wanted.
The prince squeezed his eyes closed for a moment, calming himself in the night air, then opened them again to glare at Sho, his golden eyes appearing dull and stressed.
"I meant, what were you doing when that explosion happened? From the look of it, it seemed like you were trying some difficult firebending..." Zuko said, his voice deep and almost tired sounding, but he stood his usual good posture and continued to glare at the boy in front of him.
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Post by iroh on Aug 10, 2006 13:32:34 GMT -5
Iroh stepped down from the deck and headed back to his room. NOW he decided he really needed some sleep. He walked slowly humming quietly. "I need some tea..." he said quietly. Then his eyes widened as the suddenly remembered that his beloved tea is not available. He squeezed his eyes shut in disappointment and walked faster to his room.
After a minute or two he reached his room and slowly climbed into his large comfortable bed. His mental analysis began. Was Sho trying to prove something? Iroh hasn't been in touch with a lot of the crew lately. And why was Zuko so suspicious about Sho's practicing? Will Zuko ever stop at an island for tea?
Iroh's mind raced with these unanswered questions. He closed is old and tired eyes as the world turned black. He tuned out of his surroundings, rapped his blanket around his large body, and fell into a deep sleep.
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Post by sho on Aug 10, 2006 19:08:44 GMT -5
Sho simply shrugged at the prince before glancing up at him with one of his shy, embarrassed smiles. Well, he wouldn’t necessarily call what he was trying to accomplish advanced firebending, but either way he had pretty well butchered what he had been trying to do. Loosing his roots – his grip on the deck and balance – he had slipped and lost control of his fire, which resulted in it flying from his hands and exploding in midair as a reaction. He had just gotten too unfocused and caught up in emotion; that was something to learn from and avoid next time. If he was going to get the chance to be able to practice alone ever again.
“Yeah. I guess you could say that.” Sho replied quietly, his embarrassed grin widening. “I just got a little carried away, I suppose.” The young servant shrugged again and looked up at the prince expectedly, waiting to be dismissed so he could head back to bed.
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Post by zuko on Aug 11, 2006 14:34:10 GMT -5
Zuko's forehead creased a bit as he stared at the grin widening on Sho's face. Even in the poor lighting, Zuko could see his embarrassed smile from where he stood. Sho almost reminded him of himself; when was first learning firebending, Zuko would almost always get to far ahead of himself and ruin the whole move. If it wasn't for his Uncle, Zuko would be a wreck when it came to firebending...and as much as he didn't like admitting it, he knew it was true.
"How are you going to learn if there is no one to teach you...?" Zuko replied, looking at Sho's expecting face. Judging from what he saw and was able to hear, the servant had not had very much experience with firebending. Zuko knew how badly he wanted to become good a firebending when he was a child and without someone there to show you how to do it the right way, it felt like a part of you was missing; a part of you that wanted to get better and to learn, but couldn't.
It was late and the night was cool. Zuko could have just ordered Sho back to bed, but the prince knew that if he went back to his room, memories would come back and keep him up...he didn't want that. Zuko figured he would use Sho as a distraction and an excuse from his memories, just so Zuko wouldn't have to put up with them. So, without moving, Zuko glared down at Sho, despite his tired mind and listened for an answer.
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Post by sho on Aug 11, 2006 21:56:42 GMT -5
Sho raised a quizzical eyebrow at Zuko’s comment. Sho hadn’t seen his previous teacher in many months – work had kept him occupied and his lack of interest decreased his motivation for returning during any free time. Sho and his master had never really been the greatest friends either; at least, his master held little confidence in his abilities. And he hadn’t met anyone who looked like they were interested in teaching a scrawny, teenage servant anytime recently. Unless… Was Zuko offering something?
“Well it doesn’t seem like I have much of a choice. I don’t have a teacher traveling with me; there is no one but me that can push me and train me.” He paused and examined Zuko coolly. “Unless of course you know of someone who could help…?”
Was Zuko actually offering something? Or was it just a curious question and Sho was misinterpreting the message? Whatever the case, deep down, Sho did want a teacher. Or at least, someone who could help him. Wanting to get better at firebending never meant so much to him as it did at that moment.
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Post by zuko on Aug 12, 2006 13:47:43 GMT -5
Zuko obviously knew where Sho was trying to go with this. In Zuko's mind, he automatically said 'no' without thinking about it: he didn't want to teach a servant how to firebend. He didn't have the time...or the patience, really. But by remembering what he had thought about, how hard it was to accomplish firebending when there wasn't someone there to teach and help you, Zuko could understand that Sho wanted a teacher of some sort. Rewinding his memory back to the fight that day, Zuko could tell that Sho enjoyed the intensity of fire, but he was just lacking experience and ability - Zuko had been the same way a long time ago.
'He apparently needs a teacher...' Zuko inwardly snickered, but kept his face in its usual state. His uncle would be a better teacher for Sho, though...but his uncle was also getting more tired and he was already busy teaching Zuko.
Glancing back down at the servant, Zuko sighed tiredly contemplating on whether or not he wanted, or was able, to teach Sho firebending. Finally, crossing his arms and glaring at Sho, he said:
"So do you want my help or not?"
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Post by sho on Aug 12, 2006 14:12:38 GMT -5
Sho’s grin broadened as Zuko confirmed his guess with an offer. And the smile was not an embarrassed one… it was a smile of true happiness. He had found a teacher! And it was someone, he knew quite definitely from experience, who was rather decent himself.
“Of course I want your help!” Sho burst quickly, containing himself just enough so he didn’t raise his arms and jump with sudden adrenaline. His warm eyes became wide and glistened with excitement at the very idea of learning more advanced firebending…
However, Sho’s blissful, racing thoughts were swiftly interrupted when he suddenly realized how immature he must have seemed with his sudden outburst. The young servant hastily tried to cool his expression while bringing a fist to his mouth and clearing his throat softly. “Thank you very much for your help.” Sho added in a soft and calmer tone. The thanks was accompanied by a curt, respectful nod and a sheepish smile.
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Post by zuko on Aug 12, 2006 15:04:05 GMT -5
Zuko stepped back a bit, his eyes wide in surprise. He definitely wasn't expecting Sho almost jump with happiness when Zuko gave him the offer. He had never really seen someone so excited by a simple reply, except his uncle, but...it kind of made Zuko wonder if he was going to even be a good teacher or not.
When Sho had calmed down, Zuko regained his posture. A small smirk appeared on Zuko's lips as he noticed how embarrassed Sho looked when he gave a proper thank you, then giving him a sheepish grin.
Zuko's eyebrow raised a bit as he looked at Sho, still a bit surprised by his outburst. Sho must have wanted a teacher more than Zuko thought, obviously. Maybe he was making a mistake by being Sho's teacher in the first place; Zuko didn't know how it would turn out. Nonetheless, Zuko didn't say anything about taking his offer back. Instead, he just said:
"We will start tomorrow morning. Firebending at night is pointless," he said as he gave a small nod to Sho and then headed back to his room for the night. As he strode across the cold deck and down the stairs to his room, he couldn't help but feel - for the slightest second - that he was worth something.
Zuko walked back into his now three-candle-lit-room and plopped onto his small bed, closing his eyes tiredly. He slowly fell to sleep, happy knowing that his memories stayed away.
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Post by sho on Aug 12, 2006 15:40:31 GMT -5
“Okay. Goodnight! See you in the morning!” Sho replied with a vibrant wave, calling after Zuko when he turned to leave. The young servant’s grin began to widen again. He would start learning tomorrow! Morning at that! Sho didn’t know that it was humanly possible to feel as happy and energized as he did.
Sensing that Zuko was a good ways inside the ship, Sho let out a triumphant cry, his voice unheard over the roar of a last crazy fire blast that exploded from a fist Sho had punched up into the air. The crazy line of flame shot out brightly over the deck, and Sho watched it silently while grinning goofily. The explosion had felt wonderful and relieving, and left the young man breathing deeply in his own bliss. Sho lowered his hand slowly and stood mutely for a moment, gazing up at the stars and savoring the wonderful emotion. Finally, supposing he needed to get some sleep for the coming morning, Sho began to walk down to his sleeping quarters, a contented smile on his face and a bundle of happiness in his heart.
How he was going to fall asleep while feeling so energized was a mystery to him.
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Post by zuko on Aug 15, 2006 18:39:45 GMT -5
The sun over the horizon was slowly making it's way up into the sky, casting an early morning glow on the metal ship and spreading a soft light across the ocean. The ship's owner, however, did not see the sun begin to slowly rise and make his room a bit brighter; he was still asleep in his bed, breathing deeply and softly with the covers pulled up to his chin. Zuko made a small effort to move out of his bed and get ready before the day started, but his tired eyes and unmoving limbs decided against it. If he wasn't going to get up himself, then someone else would make him.
The ship suddenly began to hum and a small surge indicated that the ship was moving again. Zuko's eyes opened at the sudden sound and movement; he always was a light sleeper. Groaning softly, Zuko sat up tiredly, taking a moment to become fully awake, then stood and picked up one of his shirts that sat on the edge of his bed. He slipped the black top on quickly and buttoned the red-trimmed collar.
That's when Zuko remembered the night before- the prince made a promise to Sho that he would teach him how to firebend. Zuko's face fell into a grim look for a second, then relaxed his face again after a moment. He wasn't sure if teaching would be something he was great at, so he wasn't looking forward to it that much. And Sho obviously needed the help. But Zuko was more concerned on finding the Avatar. He needed to stay focused for that reason, and that reason only. Sho would just become a distraction, but it was too late to take back his offer now. And there was also another thing that Zuko remembered: his uncle. His uncle would speed this ship up in no time, just so he can get his "precious" tea stacked back up; Zuko was sure of this.
Rolling his eyes, Zuko adjusted his clothes and headed out of his room, seemingly awake. He figured it would only be a matter of time before Sho would come looking for him.
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Post by iroh on Aug 17, 2006 15:49:09 GMT -5
As the ship made its morning jolt, Iroh woke up from his large comfortable bed. He rubbed his eyes, yawned, stretched, and said quietly to himself, "Time for some nice calming tea..." Then his eyes shot open as he realized tea was currently and temporarily unavailable. His face sulked as he walked out of his room and started walking to the deck.
He walked out and squinted his beady eyes as Iroh and the sunlight were face to face. His eyes began to settle after a minute. Iroh strode onto the edge of the deck. "What a beautiful morning it is," he said to himself. A cold morning breeze made its visit and Iroh wrapped his arms around himself.
He walked from the edge of the deck where there was the highlight of the previous night. Iroh was a bit tired so all he remembered was Sho having a mishap with firebending and Zuko questioning him. Sho was apparently practicing. Iroh wondered how he slept that night and if he was OK.
After his wake-up stroll he went back down in the halls of the ship in bumped into the Prince. "Good morning, Zuko! Would you like me to make breakfast? We don't have much... just bread and milk."
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Post by sho on Aug 20, 2006 12:56:01 GMT -5
Sho opened his eyes slowly and blinked a few times to let his vision focus and his sensitive eyes adjust to the dim brightness that now filled the small room. Brightness… sunlight. That meant morning! Sho abruptly jolted upright into a sitting position on his small cot with this realization, now attentive as one could be after just waking up. He turned his head and examined the other beds… most of which were empty. The low hum and rocking of the ship proved it was moving… How late had he slept in?
“Ah… You’re up.” A deep, gruff voice spoke from beside him. Sho turned to see one of his fellow crewmen sitting on his neighboring cot, wearing an amused smile. “I thought I’d let you sleep in a little, since you’re new to the routines and everything.” He sat back, observing Sho, obviously waiting for some kind of thank you.
“Oh.” Sho replied softly, flipping his sheet to one side and letting his feet rest on the solid ground of the ship. He rubbed some sleep from his eyes, still focusing. “Um. Thanks. … How late did I sleep in?”
“It’s about an hour and a half past sunrise.”
“Oh! Well I better get moving then.” Sho replied hastily before quickly scampering from his small bed. He threw on his clothes and shoes before running his fingers through his dark, shaggy mess of hair, letting those two things alone prepare him for the morning. He didn’t know when Zuko would wake up, or if he was… but he didn’t want to keep his new teacher waiting. Nor did Sho wish to wait.
Almost jogging through the door of the crew’s sleeping quarters, Sho raced up through the ship, hair still rather tangled and strewn about. He couldn’t wait to get started… Sho just hoped Zuko was up and ready.
Fresh air blasted Sho as he strode quickly through the door to the open deck. It was a beautiful morning – clear, cerulean sky and sparkling sea - and the crisp, morning air was refreshing and energizing. Quickly, Sho’s warm eyes scanned the deck and spotted two figures. He grinned at the two, somewhat sheepishly, from the other side of the deck, and greeted Zuko with a small wave. He didn’t want to interrupt Iroh and Zuko if they were talking about something, but he couldn’t wait to start learning either…
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Post by zuko on Aug 20, 2006 15:50:27 GMT -5
Zuko thoughts were turned sharply back to reality as soon as his rounded uncle had bumped into him. Zuko's eyebrow and the edge of his scar creased together in surprise and a bit of annoyance as his uncle bid him good morning. Iroh also mentioned breakfast; Zuko would love to eat something...but the hard truth of having little food lessened his appetite. Bread and milk wasn't enough to satisfy his hunger.
"'Morning..." Zuko mumbled to his uncle, then cringed as his stomach gave a low growl. He didn't have any food the day before. And it looked like he wasn't getting any food today either. Knowing this only frustrated him and put him in a dazed mood even more.
Before Zuko could complain to his uncle about how bread and milk isn't really a breakfast, Zuko caught sight of someone staring at him from the corner of his eye. As he glanced over, it was no other than Sho, standing eagerly waiting for him. The servant gave a small wave, but Zuko didn't do anything in response. The prince sighed, knowing that the teaching session was going to start earlier than expected.
Zuko glanced back down at his uncle. "Not now, Uncle. I...have to speak with the Capitan." Zuko sounded a bit anxious to get out of Sho's gaze for a second and he didn't exactly want to tell his uncle that he actually agreed to offer training to a servant, even if Zuko knew that Iroh would find out eventually anyway.
Walking past Iroh, Zuko gave a small nod and headed farther onto the top deck, squinting his eyes in the new morning sun. Glancing quickly at the eagerly waiting Sho, Zuko strode up to the servant, but instead, passed Sho and headed for the Capitan who was talking to other crew members. Before he was far enough, Zuko ordered to Sho quietly without looking at him: "Wait here."
Zuko needed to make it look like he was actually doing what he told his uncle. And besides, Zuko needed to know how far off they were to Nadai Island and finally get some real food.
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