*。☆。
★。＼｜／。★
˚ ₊ ♡ ❰ MIRACULUM ❱
*✧ ─── ❝ ❪ TIME MAY TELL ❫ ❞

⋆ 🌪. CHAPTER NINETEEN ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*
˚ ₊ ♡ 112 a.a ─── book two: earth

A BEAD OF SWEAT ROLLED DOWN UKI'S BACK AS SHE SAT CROSSED LEGGED ON THE DIRT, THE HEAT OF THE SUN BEATING down on her with an intensity she had never experienced back in the frigid North Pole. The air felt thick and heavy, a stark contrast to the icy winds she was accustomed to. Yet, despite the discomfort, the meditative pose felt familiar, a comforting ritual that brought a small measure of peace.

As her breath slowed and deepened, Uki could feel her chi settling, a welcome respite from the storm of thoughts that had plagued her since she decided to stay.

Uki opened her eyes, squinting against the bright sunlight. Her gaze drifted to Zuko, who was standing a few paces away, frustration etched into his features.

"I have another idea." Her attention moved to Iroh who approached them with a broken branch in his hand. "I will teach you a firebending move even Azula doesn't know—because I made it up myself."

Uki sat up a little straighter, curiosity piqued while Zuko almost reluctantly sat down beside her when Iroh motioned for the boy to take a seat.

"Fire is the element of power." Iroh began, drawing the Fire Nation symbol in the dirt. "The people of the Fire Nation have desire and will. And the energy to achieve what they want."

Uki's mind drifted to Yue—to Admiral Zhoa who's desire had let to her downfall and sacrifice. She clenched her fist by her side, shaking in silent fury.

She steadied her breath and averted her gaze when Iroh look at her.

He paused for a moment, almost as if he wanted to say something to her before deciding to continue, "Earth is the element of substance." He drew the Earth Kingdom symbol, "The people of the Earth Kingdom are diverse and strong. They are persistent and enduring."

The Air Nation was next, "The Air Nomads detached themselves from worldly concerns and found peace and freedom." He paused and stroked his beard with a grin, "Also, they apparently had pretty good sense of humour." He looked expectantly at them.

It appeared he did not gain the reaction he had hoped for as both Uki and Zuko remained stoic. He sighed before returning to draw the last symbol.

The Water Tribe...her own nation.

"Water is the element of change." He started, "The people of the Water Tribe are capable of adapting to many things. They have a deep sense of community and love that holds them together through anything."

Pride swelled in her chest at his unexpected words.

Zuko, however, looked sceptical. "Why are you telling me these things?" he asked, his voice tinged with doubt.

"It is important to draw wisdom from many different places. If we take it from only one place—" He drew a line between the symbols, "it becomes rigid and stale. Understanding others –the other elements and the other nations will help you become whole."

"All this four elements talk is sounding like Avatar stuff."

"It is the combination of the four elements in one person that makes the avatar so powerful, but it can make you—" He looked between Uki and Zuko, "both of you more powerful too."

Uki took a deep breath, eyes glancing between the different symbols drawn on the ground.

"You see, the technique I am about to teach you is one I learned by studying the waterbenders."

Uki's head snapped up, surprise and unease swirling in her gut. "What?" she asked, her voice tinged with disbelief. "How did you...?"

The thought of a firebender learning and possibly exploiting the secrets of waterbending sent a chill down Uki's spine. She could feel the tension tightening in her chest, the unease of sharing something so sacred to her people with someone who could use it against them.

Iroh, sensing her discomfort, met her gaze with calm reassurance. "By understanding your element, Uki, I have learned to respect its power and adapt it to my own bending. It is not about taking something that doesn't belong to us. It's about understanding the balance in all things." He paused, offering a gentle smile. "Perhaps you might demonstrate with your waterbending?"

Uki hesitated, the weight of the decision pressing down on her. The idea of participating in this training felt like a betrayal. "I can't be a part of this," she finally said, her voice firm. "Not with what the Fire Nation has done to the world, my home...to my friend."

She pushed herself up from the ground, her resolve strengthening with each word. "You might respect our culture—" She turned away from Iroh to face Zuko, who glared back at her, his expression twisted with anger. "But he does not. I'm not helping him get stronger to capture Aang."

Zuko huffed, crossing his arms defensively. "Then why don't you leave, waterbender?"

Uki scoffed, feeling the bitterness rise in her throat. "Because Iroh is not better yet. I will leave when he is."

"Fine!" Zuko snapped, his tone dripping with frustration.

"Fine!" she echoed, her voice sharp as she spun around, marching back to the beat down home. The exchange left her seething, her thoughts a whirlwind of anger and confusion. She couldn't understand how someone as kind as Iroh could be related to someone like Zuko, whose every action seemed driven by anger and pride.

As she stepped back into the shade of the ruined house, she paused for a moment, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath. She needed to calm herself, to find some semblance of peace. The last thing she wanted was to let Zuko's attitude get under her skin, but it was hard not to feel the sting of his words.

But as much as she wanted to leave, she couldn't. Not until she knew Iroh was truly healed and able to care for himself. She owed him that much, even if it meant enduring Zuko's hostility a little longer.

Grabbing her bag, Uki hoisted it over her shoulder, the weight of her thoughts making it feel heavier than it actually was. She needed a moment to herself, away from the tension that clung to the air like a thick fog. As she headed towards the opening in the side, she spared one last glance over her shoulder, her eyes narrowing as she saw Iroh and Zuko going over a familiar waterbending move.

The sight of it made her clench her jaw in frustration. Seeing her people's techniques used by someone who didn't seem to understand their significance—or worse, someone who was more likely to misuse them—sent a surge of anger through her.

The stream, she thought, almost desperately. The cold water might do her some good, help her cool off and clear her mind. Without another word, she stepped outside, letting the door close softly behind her.

The walk to the stream was shorter than she remembered, her feet finding the path almost on their own. The sun was slowly dipping beneath the horizon, painting the skyline in an orange glow. When she reached the stream, she knelt by the water's edge, dipping her fingers into the cool, refreshing current.

The water was a soothing balm to her frayed nerves. She let the chill of it seep into her skin, allowing herself to relax just a little. She scooped some water into her hands and splashed it over her face, the cold shock helping to push away the lingering frustration.

She remained there for a while, simply watching the water flow over the rocks, trying to find some semblance of peace. But her thoughts kept drifting back to Zuko and Iroh. She understood Iroh's desire to help his nephew, to teach him in a way that might lead him down a better path, but it was hard for her to see past her own distrust of the Fire Nation.

After a moment she stood up and waded into the middle of the stream after disregarding her tunic and pants, leaving her just in her wrappings. The familiar move of water against her body soothed her and with a steadied and calm breath, Uki started to move the water around her. For a moment, she was lost in the rhythm, each movement a form of meditation, grounding her in the present.

Lost in thought, the sound of footsteps crunching on the gravel behind her made her tense. She turned her head slightly, relaxing when she saw Iroh approaching. He moved slowly, with a gentleness that seemed out of place for someone of his stature, but she had come to recognize it as part of who he was.

"May I join you?" Iroh asked, his voice as soft and calm as the breeze.

Uki nodded, shifting slightly as she continued the familiar waterbending movements.

For a moment, neither of them spoke.

"I know that this is difficult for you, Uki," Iroh finally said, breaking the silence. His tone was gentle, understanding. "You have every right to feel the way you do. The Fire Nation has caused great harm, and it is not easy to look past that."

Uki didn't respond immediately, instead, she twirled the water around her body, "They took someone very important from me." she said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Iroh nodded, his expression somber. "Yes... I remember, the princess of the Northern Water Tribe, The one who carried a piece of Tui in her."

Uki hummed in acknowledgment, the water slipping from her fingertips and falling back into the stream. "She was everything to me."

"I am deeply sorry for your loss, Uki," Iroh said softly. He paused, choosing his next words carefully. "My nephew is a troubled young man. But I believe he has the potential to become better than his father."

"He's just like him, I'm sure," Uki couldn't help but scoff, bitterness seeping into her voice. "Entitled and hateful."

"I understand why you might think so," Iroh continued, unfazed by her sharp lilt. "Zuko believes he has lost his honor and that regaining it is the only way his father will accept him back. He thinks it's the only way to earn his father's love."

Uki clenched her fists, hating how much she could relate to the desperation in Zuko's struggle. The need to be loved, to be accepted—it was a pain she knew all too well, even if her circumstances were different.

"I think he might learn to be a better person." Iroh told her, and for a moment Uki wondered if he wasn't only trying to convince her.

"Maybe," Uki muttered, not entirely convinced. "But that doesn't mean I have to like him. Or trust him."

"No, it doesn't," Iroh agreed. "But perhaps, in time, you might see something in him worth trusting."

WHEN UKI RETURNED AS TWILIGHT GLEAMED ON THE HORIZON, SHE ONLY FOUND IROH SEATED INSIDE THE BROKEN HOUSE, Zuko it seemed had gone away—in search of what, she did not know, but by the solemn look on Iroh's face, it seemed he was not pleased with his nephew.

She didn't ask him, and Uki only retreated silently to her bedroll and took a seat. The floorboards creaked as she shuffled around to get comfortable, the warmth from the fire Iroh had started seeping through her cold skin.

Iroh was mingling about, the familiar clang of teacups ringing in her ears as slowly the sun started to disappear beneath the horizon. Dark clouds began to roll over the hills, the air smelling faintly of rain, and the wind picked up, whipping through the open cracks in the house. Uki stared out through one of the broken windows, her mind wandering.

"Here." Uki glanced at Iroh, accepting the cup he handed her. The tea's warmth spread through her hands, offering a momentary comfort. She blew on the surface, watching the ripples spread across the liquid.

Iroh sighed, settling down near the fire with his own cup.

Uki frowned, her fingers tightening around the cup as the first clap of thunder echoed from far away.

As more time passed, and the moon rose higher in the sky some part of her started to worry as the rain pelted on the roof and lightning flashed in the sky.

Iroh had fallen asleep a little while ago, his gentle snores filling the quiet space. A small fire flickered between him and Uki, casting shadows on the crumbling walls. She sat on the stoop just outside, her elbow resting on her knee, chin propped in her palm. The storm raged on, thunder rumbling in the distance, and despite her best efforts to push the thoughts away, a part of her couldn't help but worry about the Fire Nation prince.

Storms like this were dangerous, especially in such an open space. She'd seen firsthand how the elements could turn deadly in an instant back home.

Her fingers drummed lightly on the wooden step. She wished she didn't care. She wished she could just let him be-- after all, wasn't he the enemy? Wasn't this the same person who had chased her and her friends across the world, relentlessly hunting the Avatar? The same boy with a temper as fiery as his bending?

Uki sighed, shifting her position as another roll of thunder echoed across the plains. She hated that she cared.

Eventually, Zuko's figure emerged at the bottom of the hill. Uki stood up, watching as he and the ostrich horse made their way through the rain, his silhouette illuminated briefly by another flash of lightning. She remained motionless as he tied the animal up beside the other in the smaller of the two shacks before walking toward her.

His hair was plastered to his face, soaked from the storm, and his clothes were damp, clinging to his body. Despite his bedraggled appearance, there was a quiet intensity in his expression as he approached.

For a long moment, neither of them spoke. Uki could hear the steady patter of rain against the roof and the distant rumble of thunder. She crossed her arms over her chest, unsure of what to say—or even if she wanted to say anything at all.

"You're back," she finally muttered, breaking the silence.

Zuko wiped some of the water from his face and gave a short nod. "How is my uncle?"

Uki uncrossed her arms and glanced back into the house where Iroh lay, his snores still audible over the rain. "He's resting," she replied.

Zuko let out a breath, though it didn't quite seem like relief. More like a release of tension, as if the weight on his shoulders had only shifted slightly. He didn't thank her—he never did—but the question, the way his shoulders relaxed, was enough to show he cared.

"Good," he said simply, looking off toward the storm again, the rain still dripping from his soaked hair.

Uki shifted uncomfortably, hugging her arms closer to herself and before she could stop herself she spoke again: "Why?"

"What?"

She cleared her throat, "Why chase Aang? You uncle told me a bit about it, about your father—"

"Don't talk about him." He cut her off.

Uki flinched at the sharpness of his words, her grip tightening around her arms. The hostility in Zuko's voice cut through the rain, sharp and venomous. For a brief moment, she regretted asking. But then, the frustration that had been simmering inside her all day surged to the surface.

"I'm trying to understand," she bit back, her voice low but firm. "You're doing this all for what? To capture someone who's trying to save the world?" She shook her head, her eyes narrowing. "Is that what you really want? To be like him?"

Zuko's face twisted with anger, his fists clenched at his sides. "You don't know anything about what I want," he spat, taking a step toward her. "And don't pretend you understand anything about my father or my honor, waterbender."

Uki's heart raced, but she stood her ground. "I don't need you to tell me about honor, The Fire Nation doesn't know anything about it." she snapped back glaring up at him. "They only know how to destroy everything they touch." She jabbed her finger at his chest.

Zuko's eyes flashed with fury, his breath coming in sharp bursts as he took another step toward her. "You think you know what it's like to lose everything?!" His voice rose, the venom in his tone unmistakable. "You don't know what I've been through. I was banished! My father burned me and cast me out. You have no idea what it's like!"

Uki's voice dropped, but it was no less fierce. "And chasing Aang will restore what you lost? Is that what's going to fix everything? You're trying so hard to prove yourself to someone who doesn't even care about you!"

"Shut up!" Zuko's voice cracked with desperation, "You don't understand... I need to restore my honor. It's all I have left."

Uki took a breath, her tone softening even though her frustration remained. "Honor isn't something you take back by force. You don't gain it by capturing the Avatar, or by doing your father's bidding." She stepped back, her voice trembling with emotion. "Honor is earned by doing what's right."

As the weight of her words lingered in the air, Uki finally took a step back and turned, her feet carrying her away from Zuko.

Zuko stood frozen, watching her retreating figure. His fists were still clenched.

Uki, on the other hand, fought to steady her breath as she stepped back into the broken house. The warmth from the small fire inside barely touched her cold, soaked skin. She sank onto her bedroll, staring at the flames but not truly seeing them.

Iroh was wrong. He was just like the people that invaded her home.

He could rot for all she cared.

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