Chapter 11: Iroh’s Wisdom and Pain | Azula and her Mom

(A/N: I released this at 2 am. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Technically Friday already... I just didn't want to go through the day thinking, 'oh, gotta remember to release the chapter.' I'd rather release it than go about my busy workday without worrying about it.

Yes, some of you may know, there is a timer available for writers. Meaning I could finish the chapter, and then put it on a timer to release automatically...But who wants to wait till 6 PM?! Cause that's the earliest it was letting me release it! I can't do my readers like that soooo

Here ya go! Enjoy XD

ps: next release is on Sunday )

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"This sounds like something meant for the Avatar...and you didn't answer my question," I said.

"Ah yes, if benders can use the other elements" Iroh paused and held his chin.

"Benders can not use elements they are not born with. But something not everyone knows is the sub-elements. With enough mastery over your bending, one can extend their control to an extreme version of their respective element."

'The extension of your element…' I thought. Perhaps this is what I need to better understand the essence of chi. "And you already know the sub-elements right?" I questioned.

Iroh steps back and starts explaining. "Fire has the concentrated form of lightning. To summon such a high concentration of power is not easy for any fire bender. I don't know anyone other than me, your father, and my father that can do it. For the other elements, it is only a theory of mine but I haven't seen them done."

Iroh continues, "I believe an earth bender should be able to bend metal if they can sense the earth inside. A water bender, of course, can make ice but I believe they can bend any liquid with enough practice. Unfortunately, the air nomads were wiped out by Fire Lord Sozin, so we won't know their element can extend to. But I suspect possible flight or something more spiritually inclined."

My eyes were already beaming at this point. 'Lightning! I need to harness such power!'

"How can I bend lightning?" I asked.

This is where Iroh stopped explaining things. "I won't teach you how to bend lightning, Prince Sasuke. Fire alone is a dangerous element, and without control, can easily hurt those we care about. How could I teach you the more dangerous extension, Lightning?"

'Tsk. Of course, you don't want to teach because you want to hold on to all the power you have. All people in high places want to hold their positions.'

"Whatever" I walked away from him. Azula was still here and happened to be in my path.

"That was incredible! Big brother is so strong! Can you teach me?" Azula beamed at me. The level of affection I'm receiving is giving me strange flashbacks of myself with...Itachi. Why does she remind me of myself?

Tap*

I found myself uncontrollably tapping her forehead with two fingers. She couldn't quite understand what was happening but my situation made me feel uncontrollable emotions. I need to get some air.

"Maybe next time," I said while quickly escaping the area.

--- Azula POV ---

'He...tapped my forehead? That was weird...but I didn't dislike it.'

But the power Sasu showed was so incredible! I need to be just as good! As perfect as he is! Strong, uncaring, dedicated to a cause, nothing and no one stands in my big brother's way! Hehehe, if I can become like him, who can stand up to me?

I started walking back towards the palace and found mom sitting next to the pond outside.

"Hello my beautiful daughter, come sit with me"

'Ugh, she is so needy'

"Yes, mother" I beamed at her and sat by her side. Though she is needy, I like spending time with her.

"How was the training with your brother Sasuke?" She asked.

"It was good! I only wanted him to see my form and correct it, but he actually wanted to spar and check on my skills, which surprised me. But his level of calculations while in battle was amazing! He could distinguish which flames were feints and which ones were real instantly. All the while delivering attacks that increased in difficulty to test my limits. I can't seem to understand how strong big brother is, he seems more like a bottomless well that won't stop getting stronger!"

"You must be very happy to have spent some time with Sasuke." Mom said with a smile.

"Of course! Fighting him pointed out all of my current flaws and showed me how to improve without him actually telling me how to do so. Oh! Even Uncle Iroh showed up at the end and they had a sparring match too!"

"Oh my!" Mom said surprised.

"Hehe, I knew that would surprise you. You wanna guess who won?"

"Hm, considering how good you say your big brother is, can I assume Sasuke won?"

I stood up, "Of course! Uncle Iroh couldn't do anything but defend against big brother's attacks, and only barely managed to block big brother's huge attack at the end! Mom, his flames turned crimson red at the end!"

All mom did was smile at me while I was talking about big brother. Though we don't play with dolls or anything like May and Ty Lee do with their families, I like this. We talk about big brother and how great he is. I already know my brother will be the Fire lord one day, and I, as his sister, will stand by his side and help him in all the matters that he needs me.

--- Iroh POV (After the sparring match with MC) ---

'That boy is truly hard to read. He is much stronger than I ever was at that age, I wonder if it has to do with his great grandfathers. Sigh, just thinking about the difficult journey ahead of him aches my heart. He will have to make big decisions that will influence the state and direction of this world. I can only hope to be there for you like I wish I was for my own child...Lu Ten.'

I walk towards the back of the palace to the catacombs. I mark the newly made grave for my son Lu ten...Right next to my wife. I have an already prepared pair of incense, fruits, and some money for the journey. Lighting the incense with a bit of fire bending, I place them down on his grave.

"I was blinded by the frivolous ambition of the family for world domination. I always knew It was wrong but still followed it thinking it was my destiny. And even brought you along with me... Losing you made my world crumble. Just like when your mother passed away giving birth to you. Destiny is a funny thing. Losing my wife gave me you, and losing you has only brought me pain. Maybe by keeping an open mind and an open heart, my true destiny will show itself to me. A destiny you can be proud of to have a father like me."

I choked on my words as tears overflowed from my eyes.

"I'm sorry, my son. If only I could have been there for you... "

The silence in the catacombs returns with only Iroh's sobs to keep him company.

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(A/N: Gave a little peek into how Azula is doing emotionally and her relationship with Ursa. Now that Sasuke took Zuko's place, being the genius that he is, he gets the attention of Ozai instead of Azula, making her less cold as she isn't emulating her father as much. This also gives both Ozai and Azula strong ideas about our MC. One having a good heir while the other having a brother to rule beside. And because Sasuke is so cold and distant from his family, it gives the opportunity for Ursa and Azula to talk more, and Azula now has her new favorite subject 'Big brother' that she can talk to Ursa about.

If you didn't know, Zuko's great grandfather from his dad's side is Fire Lord Sozin...And his great grandfather from his mother's side is Avatar ROKU! They were the start of the 100-year war!

In the anime, there was earth nation money on Lu Tens grave. This is an assumption on my part but in Chinese folklore, there is a belief that money can buy you happiness in the afterlife. That's the age-old belief behind the tradition of Chinese mourners burning fake money at funerals – they want to ensure that their ancestors are literally dead rich. This was just a quick search so don't @ me.

Nothing is known about Iroh's wife. Literally nothing, not even a name. So I'll assume she passed while giving birth to Lu Ten. making his death all the more tragic. I don't know if I can describe this level of loss accurately but I hope I can deliver with my words. I know loss is a part of life and very hard to go through. I wish all my readers my condolences if you are going through a hard time or have gone through such a hard time.)