thank you for 4k+ reads! Also, I've deciddd to stop naming the chapter because I get annoyed/lazy to come up with a title that make sense lol.

Before Iroh and Zuko went outside to start training, I gave Iroh one more healing session. As I was doing so, Iroh was explaining the essence of lightning to Zuko.

"Lightning is a pure expression of fire bending. Without aggression, it is not fueled by rage or emotion the way other fire bending is. Some call lightning the 'Cold Blooded Fire.' It is precise and deadly like Azula." Iroh explained. "To perform the technique requires peace of mind."

"I see. That's why we're drinking tea - to calm the mind." Zuko said. Iroh chuckled, "Oh yeah, good point! I mean, yes." Iroh handed me a cup of tea that he made this time. I took it with my free hand, "Thank you."

I took a sip and hummed. I placed the cup down then rewrapped the bandages around Iroh's shoulder and chest. "You're good to go."

"Thank you, Ruka." He said slowly, beginning to stand up. I helped him up and once he was on his feet, he began to walk outside of the shed with Zuko and I following behind. We still haven't spoken to each other. Neither of us want to say the first word to each other.

"I'll be over here." I said while moving over a few steps from the uncle and nephew.

"There is energy all around us. The energy is both yin and yang - positive energy and a negative energy. Only a select few fire benders can separate these energies. This creates an imbalance. The energy wants to restore balance and in the moment, the positive and negative energy come crashing back together. You provide release and guidance, creating lightning." Finishing, Iroh tells Zuko to step away. He then demonstrates by creating lightning himself, then releasing into the distance.

I was completely dumbfounded. I didn't have anything to say, but Zuko did. "I'm ready to try it!" He said with wide eyes.

"Remember, once you separate the energy, you do not command it. You are simply it's humble guide. Breath first."

Zuko took a deep breath before he started to mimic Iroh's moves. I stepped forward, watching him intensely. Instead of lightning, Zuko creates an explosion that throws him back.

Not caring about saying the first word, I rush over to him, "Are you hurt?" When I place my hand on his shoulder, he pulls away. "I'm going to try again."

For the next hour, Zuko continued trying to create lightning, however, he gets thrown back with the same explosion every time.

After a few minutes, Iroh decided to sit and watch from afar while I stayed closer to Zuko.

"Why can't I do it?! Instead of lightning, it keeps exploding in my face! Like everything always does!" Zuko whines. "Wow, that's just sad." I comment. Zuko glares at me and I zip my mouth.

"I was afraid this might happen. You will not be able to master lightning until you have dealt with a turmoil inside you." Iroh says while walking over to us. "What turmoil?!" Zuko asks enraged.

"Zuko, you must let go of your feelings of shame if you want your anger to go away."

"But I don't feel any shame at all! I'm as proud as ever!"

"We all know that's a lie." I mumble to myself.

"Prince Zuko, pride is not the opposite of shame, but its source. True humility is the only antidote to shame."

"Well, my life has been nothing but humbling lately."

I frowned at that.

Iroh thought for a moment. "I have another idea. I will teach you a firebending move that even Azula doesn't know," Iroh pointed to himself. "because I made it up myself."

Zuko turned around with a smile.

I pointed my finger, "How about another healing session before you start."

Iroh sighed, "So soon?"

"Every two hours Iroh. If you want to get better fast - the more sessions, the better."

Zuko nodded, "She's right Uncle."

I smiled at that.

I shrugged, "Of course I am."

As I walked back to the shed with Iroh, I turned my head over my shoulder and Zuko and I smiled to each other.

>>>

"You and my nephew seem to be getting along." Iroh said with a smirk.

My hands roamed Iroh's wound with the water. I cocked a brow, "What makes you say that?"

Iroh lightly laughs, "I'm a good observer."

"But we haven't-"

"Even a blind person can see the tension between the two of you."

I roll my eyes with a slight smile, "We're friends. Why wouldn't we get along?"

"My nephew doesn't have many friends."

"Because he doesn't have any."

This Iroh laughed at, "You are right."