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Post by iroh on Aug 22, 2006 14:24:06 GMT -5
Iroh turned and watch Zuko walk to the captain. He got suspicious. His nephew's actions seemed slightly abnormal. Iroh raised his right eyebrow and stared at Prince Zuko confusingly, who was walking away. He shrugged and suddenly got erect. "I shall make toast!" He walked toward the kitchen happily. Apparently, a crew member was watching his actions the whole time and raised an eyebrow as Dragon of the West walked by.
Iroh finally reached the small kitchen. His eyes widened as he saw an empty kitchen. There was just pots and pans hanging, and no food in sight. He finally found some bread and toasted it by the fireplace oven, despite Zuko's refusal. He poured a few glassed of milk and put that and a plate of toasted bread on a tray. He smelled the product and wrinkled his nose. Burnt toast and old milk... mmm.
He quickly walked back to the deck where he found Zuko and some crew members. "Well, this is our breakfast. Zuko, did you find out about Nadai Island? How much more time?"
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Post by sho on Aug 24, 2006 20:43:58 GMT -5
Sho’s grin automatically broadened as Zuko approached him, his posture too became firm and attentive. This was it; his first lesson was about to begin! The young servant felt completely on edge as his body charged with restless energy now that his first session was near in sight. Sho’s soft, auburn eyes glittered with excitement as his fingers curled up and pressed into his palms. He was already picturing the things he would soon be able to do - the moves and the blast of thrilling emotion that coincided along with the powerful, physical strain… A new burst of adrenaline sparked inside him at just the thought…
The young man waited, grinning in complete bliss as his new teacher walked up to him… and promptly passed.
Sho’s expression was instantly confused; one dark eyebrow rose, while the other stayed furrowed down. His pale lips were no longer set in a grin, but pressed down into a disappointed pout. He heard the prince’s order, but what could be the reason behind it? There were a number of possibilities, Zuko was probably very busy… but any way, he would have to be patient. Zuko was still going to come back…. Sometime.
Now slouched against the side of the deck, his palms resting on the cool metal railing, Sho waited for his new teacher to return, passing his time by observing the cool, sparkling ocean and the hearty old man who strolled to the kitchens and back.
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Post by zuko on Aug 25, 2006 16:41:48 GMT -5
As Iroh walked back, Zuko had just finished speaking with the Captain and was about to head back somberly to Sho. But as Iroh spoke, Zuko stopped in his tracks and glared down at his uncle, noticing the pathetic plate of food in his hands.
"The Captain said we should be there by the end of the day, but only if we stay at a good speed and a constant course," Zuko replied flatly to his Uncle, noticing the eager expression on his face. The answer from the Captain had been a slightly good one though; they were moving faster than Zuko thought. He just needed to wait a bit longer and then he could go back to searching without any worry about supplies and such. But then his usual worry would take over instead: the thought of having to stay on this ship for the rest of his life and never going home again. Just thinking about it made the edge of Zuko's mouth twinge.
Zuko glanced back at the food that his Uncle held. Not even a flicker of appetite emerged from him as he looked at it. He wouldn't bother trying to eat it. Didn't he already say he didn't want any of that?
"I said I wasn't hungry, Uncle."
The prince shook his head in irritation, walking past his Uncle and heading toward Sho. The servant seemed to be patient enough as he waited for him. What would the crew say when they found out that he was teaching a mere servant? They would say nothing in front of him, of course...but still. Zuko knew how badly Sho needed help and he knew that Sho would just be a distraction...maybe that's what Zuko needed: a distraction. So then he wouldn't have to keep his worried and dark thoughts on his future; he would be too busy firebending and teaching Sho. When Zuko was busy, the less the thought...and the less he thought, the more his memories stayed away. Zuko felt a bit relieved at this realization.
"Follow me," Zuko said a little more calmly to Sho as he began to stride down to the farthest end of the deck, away from the crew.
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Post by iroh on Aug 25, 2006 21:05:26 GMT -5
Iroh's face flattened at Zuko's cold refusal of Iroh's efforts. He sulked and offered the food to the hungry crew. Before you knew it, the food was stuffed in the mouths of men and the milk have been gulped in seconds. In less than a minute or two, the men were on chairs or the floor and a couple of burps erupted. Iroh stood there, blinked, and walked off with empty plates and glasses.
On his way, he noticed Sho and Zuko moving into privacy. Iroh knew something was up. He kept walking back to kitchen as his thoughts spoke in his mind. "What were Sho and Zuko up to? Did it have to do with last night's incedent? Did it include myself?" Iroh asked to himself. He suddenly realized the lack of tea as his own stomache gurgled. Luckily, Nadai island wasn't that far away and his requests will be fulfilled, at last.
Iroh enetered the kitchen, left the used plates and glasses for the cook to wash, and set out his teapot so it will be ready to use once tea is available. He smiled and wandered around the boat, talking to crew, and relaxing.
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Post by sho on Aug 26, 2006 18:41:18 GMT -5
Sho watched the prince’s short confrontation with his uncle silently, keeping one eyebrow raised with curiosity. He was… interested to know what they talked about. Was Zuko as enclosed around Iroh as he was with everyone else, or did he really open up to him, say what he was thinking or feeling? With the possibility of the latter, Sho found himself suddenly eager to catch a small sample of their conversation. Could the two be talking about him? Had Zuko mentioned his new “student” to his uncle in a reluctant tone? Sho rotated his head slightly, letting his ear become fully exposed toward the two. However, before Sho could begin to take a small, hesitant step towards the pair, Zuko had left his uncle and was again thoughtful enough to offer him a two-word order.
The servant’s previous thoughts were swiftly pushed aside with the short sentence, however. Finally… his lesson was about to begin! Sho was filled with excitement yet again… though, Zuko’s calm, quiet appearance forced Sho to show a bit of self control. He didn’t want to add on another horrible impression to the rather lengthy list the prince must have been developing.
So, without grinning broadly or humming, Sho followed Zuko to the end of the deck.
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Post by zuko on Aug 26, 2006 19:25:33 GMT -5
Zuko continued his stride down the deck and could hear the footsteps of his student behind him. His crew took curious glances at the two as they strode by. Some mumbled to each other quickly, but none of them dared to say anything to the prince. Zuko didn't make eye contact with any of them, though aggravation was settling in his eyes.
Zuko replayed the spar event in his mind from when he saw Sho throw an attack at him. Zuko tried to gather all the things that Sho had done wrong--maybe he would start teaching by correcting the mistakes. The prince remembered when he was first learning firebending; he hated the slow agonizing pace it went just to actually start with fire. But his uncle had been patient with him. Speaking of which, Zuko hadn't even told his Uncle about teaching the servant yet. But Iroh would find out soon enough anyway...
Sighing to himself, Zuko realized he had made it to the end of the deck. He stopped abruptly and turned to face his student. Without saying a word to Sho or giving any hint of expression, Zuko took a few steps back and roughly punched his fist in the air, sending fire toward his student.
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Post by sho on Aug 28, 2006 20:52:18 GMT -5
Sho barely had time to gasp, let alone comprehend any thoughts filled with his complete bafflement as the line of restless, flickering scarlet rushed toward him. As the young servant was only a little more than five feet away from the source of the flame, Sho only had time for his body to react. His hands automatically jerked in front of his middle, where the flame was approaching, letting his palms face outward. Sho’s left palm instantly confronted with the stream of hot flames, which rebelled and slicked against his bare hand. The heat that radiated from the close contact was almost unbearably intense, but it was only for a short moment. The angle Sho’s hand had caught the flame sent it shooting off to the side, and out over the deck before evaporating.
Mind utterly blank for a short moment, Sho watched the air where the burning scarlet flames had disappeared with his mouth slightly ajar. What had that been for? He finally wondered. It had been a simple shot, but it still could have left a serious burn from that close of a distance. Did Zuko wish to hurt him? Or was this simply part of the lesson? Slowly, Sho turned to examine the prince, his expression very puzzled.
“What did you do that for?”
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Post by zuko on Sept 4, 2006 11:27:35 GMT -5
In just the few seconds that Zuko stood watching, he noticed on how shaky Sho's stance was. Bad posture can send fire in directions you don't want it to and you could also loose your balance too easily. Another thing he caught was that he seemed to push away from the fire too much rather then face it head on. Sure, it had been a sudden blow, but Sho should have been ready; you always have to be ready.
Zuko stared hard at his student and replied in a slight orderly tone. "Your stance isn't good enough." Zuko stood in his firebending stance to show his student how to properly stand. "Your hands need to stay right below eye level and bend your knees more for better balance."
Zuko dropped his stance and walked back a few more steps away from Sho. "Aim an attack at me," Zuko demanded as he gestured to his chest. He needed to see just how well Sho could attack and keep his stance correct.
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Post by sho on Sept 4, 2006 13:51:37 GMT -5
Sho stared blankly at Zuko while he gave criticism to his performance, merely nodding when the prince had concluded. His brow furrowed a bit as he reviewed himself, and watched the prince demonstrate a better stance. It had been a surprise attack… his stance couldn’t have been perfect for that sudden confrontation… But, whatever. Zuko was his teacher and certainty knew better than he did. And apparently it was something he needed to work on. Sho quickly shifted into a stance that mimicked Zuko’s – his hands up a little closer, but still below his eye-level and his knees bent more slightly – before looking up as the instructions continued.
As the prince began moving back, Sho’s eyes narrowed as he focused on summoning the burning strength from inside him. He might as well try to make this first move decent, if not half impressive. He tried to further firm his stance, keeping his arms flexed and his feet dug into the ground. A few more seconds passed, then Sho roughly punched the air in front of him, letting a blast of fire explode from his hand, heading straight for the prince’s chest.
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Post by zuko on Sept 9, 2006 14:33:20 GMT -5
The heat of the flames became more intense as Sho's attack came closer. Zuko focused his gaze in a quick manner, bringing up his arms and crossing them in front of his chest. Until the spewing flames got close enough to his torso, only then did Zuko separate his arms swiftly, dissipating the fire from the air; the heat drifting away.
The blow hadn't been as powerful as Zuko had hoped. Breathing was the key to a better strike, making it have a better affect. If your breathing is not deep and in rhythm, your fire will be the result of your performance. But at least Sho's stance was better. His student seemed to have a better hold with his feet and his aim was good, but nonetheless he would have to practice.
In a sense, Zuko felt like he was of some help, even if he was only helping a servant. Now as Zuko stood here, teaching firebending to someone he hardly knew, it was hard for him to keep the line clear of why he had suddenly decided to do this. He knew why of course, but he had to keep reminding himself so he would have an excuse.
'I'm doing this because I know what it feels like to want to become better at something. And because it will keep me from remembering... I'll just have to stay busy until there is a sign of the Avatar...' he reminded himself, staring at Sho with a rather blank, but determined expression...the reminder still felt blurry to him though.
The prince shook off his thoughts then studied Sho's stance and merely nodded in approval. Now it was time to see how Sho defends himself and how well his breathing affected his fire. Zuko needed to know more about his student, he supposed, if he was going to become a better 'teacher'.
Again without warning, Zuko glided into a different stance and twisted his lower torso, giving himself more momentum as he swung his leg in the air, taking a deep breath, and sent a line of fire at his student as his leg came down again.
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Post by sho on Sept 11, 2006 19:48:14 GMT -5
Still in stance, Sho watched with a slightly frustrated expression as Zuko easily deflected his attack. He immediately was confused and then more irritated by his reaction. What had he been expecting? To conjure up some amazing attack that even left the prince of the Fire Nation baffled by his sudden excellence?
Idiot. He growled silently. If he was going to get anywhere near the rank of Master, he was going to have to work at it. Work hard. This wasn’t going to be an easy process, he knew. It he was naturally gifted, he wouldn’t have quit his training. He would have left a better impression on his previous master. He would…
The ripping crash of another fire blast tore Sho from his thoughts and caught him completely off guard. The blaze was a half second from making contact with him, and in the time it took Sho’s brain to comprehend this, his body had already taken the coward’s way out, and Sho found him self dashing out of the way.
In his speed, Sho quickly lost his footing and stumbled backward. At first, it appeared as if the young man would slide and promptly fall on his behind, but at the last second, Sho maneuvered his body into a firm stance and regained his balance. The blaze then skimmed oh-so-closely to his skin, sending a rush of pure adrenaline through his veins. However, the flames passed and left him wide-eyed, but unscathed.
A moment passed, and then…
“Seriously! You can at least attempt to warn me before you about burn my whole front half off!”
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Post by zuko on Sept 12, 2006 15:59:26 GMT -5
Zuko watched in curiosity as his flames approached Sho but the prince immediately cringed when he realized how slow Sho was to reacting to the conspicuous fire. Judging from the previous look on Sho's face, it was obvious that his student must have drifted away at the wrong moment.
Zuko was about to say something once Sho regained his balance and try to take advantage of the pause, but was thrown back when his student shouted at Zuko first.
There was another pause as Zuko blinked, caught off guard that his student, a servant, had actually outburst to a higher authority--to royalty. In a flash, Zuko's face went from surprised to bitter in an instant.
"Well, someone needs to pay attention!" Zuko hissed at Sho, emphasizing his words so his student got the message clearly. Crew members and some of the soldiers on the ship glanced over at the two teenagers as their shouts drifted over the ship. Some of them smirked in amusement after watching the incident occur, but then quietly walked off muttering to other soldiers as they headed back to thier stations.
Zuko ignored every one of them while he approached his student, his glare never leaving Sho's face. His student had the nerve to tell his teacher what to do; if Sho didn't like the way it was going so far, it was his problem, not Zuko's.
"You need to be ready and alert," Zuko commented to Sho in his low voice whenever he was becoming frustrated. "The fire isn't going to wait for you. Never back out without doing something first."
Zuko tried to relax again, watching his breathing as he concentrated. "I guess we'll get to defense later..." he mumbled, mostly to himself although loud enough for Sho to hear. Zuko took a deep breath-- breathing patterns...that was the first step. Zuko turned to his student, seemingly calmer, but his eyes were still fierce...
"How well can you control your breathing?" Zuko asked, a little impatient.
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Post by sho on Sept 14, 2006 19:26:47 GMT -5
Sho’s soft, auburn eyes narrowed as Zuko snapped at him, and the corners of his lips pulled down in an uncharacteristic frown. The prince’s outbursts, the few he had experienced anyway, were never pleasant, and the context in which this one resided only reminded Sho of why he had never liked firebending sessions in the past. As firebending masters had the tendency to get a bit (if not very) intense, shouting was not uncommon. And Sho was usually pretty good at taking criticism, but yelling at him was not the way to give it. It was distracting, stressful, rude… It just always hit him as disrespectful… and Sho had a problem with people being disrespectful. It was irritating.
Regaining a blank expression and resting his arms against his sides, Sho met the prince’s gaze calmly.
“I think I can control my breathing pretty well. Of course, most people have to have a pretty good control of it, or else they’d die.” Sho replied in a completely emotionless tone. However, he lifted one eyebrow up at Zuko, and the beginning of a smirk was beginning to firm up in the corners of the young servant’s lips.
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Post by zuko on Sept 17, 2006 15:22:08 GMT -5
The cynical adolescent had not realized that his student had the nerves to mouth a smart remark to him. Sho seemed to be the type that would keep his words to himself, especially when he was being lucky enough to even be educated on firebending, but apparently Zuko had been slightly wrong on his judgment. At first, the flare on indignation did not register until Zuko caught sight of the smirk tugging on the edges of Sho's mouth.
That alone would have been enough for Zuko berate his pupil despite the lingering soldiers on his ship, but something stopped him. Zuko thought for a moment, remembering all the times he was the one that would outburst in frustration when his uncle was teaching him. His uncle Iroh never faltered; he was patient with Zuko, even when it seemed that he should be angry with his nephew. Patience was something Zuko definitely needed to construct on; something he wished he had at the moment.
Taking a deep breath of the ocean air, Zuko tried to calm himself in a proper fashion, focusing on the patience that his uncle had always showed him. He stood upright again, his eyes a bit calmer as he looked toward his apprentice. He thought that every part of him was relaxed now and that he was fully patient. However, when Zuko spoke, he finally realized that his jaw was clenched tightly shut and was only talking through gritted teeth…
“…While you’re firebending …” he stated again, knowing that it was probably idiotic to try correcting his student’s sarcasm. “Having control of your breathing patterns will give you the best results when you’re firebending...” Zuko said patiently this time, his jaw no longer clenched.
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Post by sho on Sept 17, 2006 17:12:21 GMT -5
Sho watched, somewhat amused, as Zuko fought with himself to regain self control. However, this amusement only lasted a short time, for as Zuko clenched his jaw, Sho realized how angry the smart alec comment had truly gotten him, and remembered what Zuko could actually do to him if he got too angry. Plus, it hadn’t been a very polite thing to say to his new teacher. Wasn’t he just oh-to-excited to start a few minutes ago? He couldn’t get kicked out from his lessons because of something stupid.
With the thought of improving, and the mental image of possible bodily harm, Sho cringed back a little, the trace of a smirk completely wiped from his face and replaced with a blank expression. He listened to Zuko’s correction carefully, and watched him silently as he spoke, hoping to appear like a well behaved pupil and not an uncaring, sarcastic brat. Because normally, he wasn’t.
“I know most basic breathing patterns…” Sho replied evenly. “I have had lessons, but it was awhile ago and just the basics.”
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