OnceUponALie

Zuko's hands were burning, aching, throbbing. There was a catch in his side, making every breath agony. His head was reeling. He tried once to sit up, felt the blood rushing to his head like a freight train, and immediately lay back down. "Get up!" The voice was Ozai's—and it was dripping with anger. Zuko tried again to rise, this time more slowly. He steadied himself with his hands, then carefully lifted his head. His father stood a few steps away, fuming. "I said GET UP! On your feet, boy!" With great effort, Zuko managed to get on his feet. His head was spinning, and his stance was weak. Before he could catch his breath, Ozai sent a

Luckily Mai hadn't been present at the Agni Kai, but Azula informed her of it that evening. "It was SO funny, Mai. Zuko was sobbing like such a little weakling. Crumpled in a heap before father, begging for mercy. He didn't even TRY to fight! And father was amazing. He didn't hold back. I was so awed at his power. Can you imagine, Mai? Me in awe?" Mai had just nodded, her throat tight and her mouth dry. It was after midnight when Azula declared she was tired. Finally Mai was able to make her escape. She was exhausted from listening to the Princess gush about the terrible Agni Kai, but she had no intention of heading home just yet. Her paren

Chapter 9 By the time Zuko and Dr. Runyan arrived to check on Ahna, her burns were half healed by her bending. The doctor did a quick check over, knowing nothing of her healing abilities, and told her she was lucky that her burns were so mild. You should have seen them 15 minutes ago… thought Zuko. Dr. Runyan bandaged only the largest burn, on her forehead and hairline, and told her he was glad it hadn't landed over her eye. He smoothed a section of burnt hair gently. "No worries, kiddo," he said. "It'll grow back before you know it." Zuko was surprised at the kindness the doctor displayed. It was certainly nothing like the rough treatment h

Zuko lay awake all night thinking about what Uro had told him. Ahna a water bender! So it had been her in the bathroom that caused all the showers to run. He couldn't decide if he were more annoyed at her lying to him or grateful that she had saved him from his father's wrath. And the girls at the water fountain! Ahna could have made short work of them in seconds, yet had the self control to refrain. Of course if word got to the Fire Lord's guards, she could be banished, imprisoned, or worse—just for who, or what, she was. And yet she had offered to help him. She had been on the verge of telling him her secret the other day, but he had blown

The next few weeks weren't the same without Ahna. Dr. Runyan came daily to change Zuko's bandages, but he always came without her. Zuko was surprised at how much more pain he felt without her cool hands to calm him and her lighthearted talk to distract him. Zuko continued to ignore the doctor's advice to rest, as practicing with his swords was becoming the only thing that took his mind off his despair. He was able to focus intently on using the swords, since bending wasn't an option. In very little time he was at near-master level. Uncle Iroh was extremely proud of him, but worried at his dark mood. In addition, he could see each day that his

It wasn't difficult for Ahna to find General Iroh, as he was in the palace courtyard playing PaiSho with a group of young soldiers. From their red faces and empty pockets, it looked as if he was doing quite well for an old timer. She had never met the General in person, and had heard about his great military power. She felt intimidated, but bravely approached him. "General Iroh, sir?" she asked. The grey haired man didn't answer, but raised one finger to hush her, in deep concentration on the game board before him. Suddenly he grinned and slid a lotus tile forward. His young opponent cursed, handed him a roll of money, and angrily left the