*。☆。
★。＼｜／。★
˚ ₊ ♡ ❰  MIRACULUM ❱
*✧ ─── ❝ ❪ PRIDE AND SHAME ❫ ❞

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

YUGODA HAD ONCE TOLD UKI THAT HEALING WAS A MOST CRUCUAL ART, ONE THAT COULD MAKE THE DIFFERENCE between life and death, but as a young child who felt slighted by her own tribe, she hardly appreciated any words of wisdom passed on to her.

But now, sitting beside Iroh as the night pressed in around them, those words echoed through her mind. Her hands, still tingling with the last remnants of healing energy , rested in her lap as she watched the elder man breathe more easily. He was still weak, but his strength would return in time—she was sure of it.

Zuko sat not far from her, his knees drawn up to his chest, eyes locked on Iroh's resting form. His expression was unreadable, a mix of fear and gratitude warring with the ever-present anger simmering beneath the surface. Uki could see it—the uncertainty in his eyes, the vulnerability he tried so hard to mask.

"He'll be okay," Uki said softly, breaking the silence. "The worst has passed, Zuko. He just needs time to recover."

Zuko didn't respond immediately. His gaze flicked to her, eyes shadowed. For a moment, Uki thought he might snap at her again, but instead, he let out a long breath, almost like a sigh.

Uki let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. The tension between them seemed to ease—just a little.

Taking a quick glance at the older man sleeping soundly, Uki pushed herself up from the ground to glance out through one of the windows—darkness clouded over the desolate town, stars shimmering like diamonds in the sky.

Uki's thoughts drifted to her friends—Katara, Aang, Sokka, and Toph. She wondered how far they had managed to get, if they were safe, or if they were still on the run from Azula and her friends. The uncertainty gnawed at her, but she pushed it aside. They were strong and resourceful; they'd find a way to stay ahead of the danger. At least, she hoped so.

She sighed softly, pulling her cloak tighter around her shoulders as a cold breeze brushed past her, sending a shiver down her spine. The night air was crisp, biting at the exposed skin of her face and hands. She could hear Zuko shifting around on the ground behind her, the sound of rustling fabric and the soft scrape of dirt beneath his feet. She tried her best to ignore it, focusing instead on the stars outside.

But then, the sudden warmth of flames against her back made her flinch. She whirled around, water already gathering in her hands, ready to defend herself. But the sight that met her eyes made her falter.

A small campfire crackled gently between them, its orange glow casting dancing shadows on the worn down walls. Zuko was kneeling beside it, his back turned to her, shoulders tense and hunched slightly forward. He hadn't said a word, but she was certain he'd heard her hitched breath.

For a moment, there was only the sound of the fire and the distant wind howling outside the house. Uki let the water she had drawn fall back into her pouch, her heart still racing slightly from the sudden adrenaline. She took a cautious step closer to the fire, the warmth a welcome reprieve from the cold.

"Thank you," she said quietly, the words slipping out before she could second-guess them. It felt strange to thank him after everything that had happened/

Zuko didn't respond immediately. He simply stared into the flames, his face partially obscured by the flickering light. The silence stretched between them, thick with unspoken tension and when he finally did speak, his voice was low, almost hesitant.

"You should rest," he said, still not looking at her. "I'll keep watch."

Uki blinked in surprise, not sure what to make of his offer. There was something different in his tone—an edge of weariness, perhaps, or maybe even remorse. She hesitated, unsure whether to trust the sudden shift in his demeanor. But the exhaustion of the day was catching up to her, and she knew she needed sleep.

"Are you sure?" she asked hesitantly, studying him carefully. "You've been through a lot too."

Zuko's shoulders tensed slightly, but he nodded. "I'm fine. Just... rest. I'll wake you if anything happens."

She didn't have the energy to argue. Nodding in return, Uki settled down near the fire, the warmth seeping through her cloak and easing some of the tension in her muscles. She lay down on her side, facing the fire, but kept her eyes on Zuko, watching him out of the corner of her eye.

He remained where he was, staring into the flames as if lost in thought. The light played across his face, highlighting the sharp lines of his features, the scar that marred one side of his face, and the shadows under his eyes. He looked tired—no, more than that, he looked worn.

As Uki's eyes began to grow heavy, she couldn't help but wonder what was going through his mind. The anger and pain she'd seen in him before were still there, but there was something else now.

Sleep tugged at her, and despite her best efforts to stay awake, to keep watch over the strange truce they had formed, she found herself drifting off. The last thing she saw before sleep claimed her was Zuko, still sitting by the fire, his eyes distant and haunted.

UKI WOKE TO THE SOFT CRACKLING OF DYING EMBERS AND THE FIRST light of dawn filtering through the windows. She sat up, blinking away the remnants of sleep, and immediately noticed that Zuko was no longer where he had been. Her body tensed and wariness began to stir in her gut once more.

She scanned the small room, her heart skipping a beat, but then she spotted him near the entrance, standing watch with his arms crossed, silhouetted against the pale morning light.

"Zuko?" Uki called out softly, her voice still groggy from sleep.

He turned slightly, but did not look at her. "It's almost morning," he said gruffly.

Uki pushed herself to her feet, stretching out the stiffness from sleeping on the cold ground. She glanced at Iroh, who was still resting peacefully, his breathing steady and calm. His bandages still looked clean and well wrapped. Relief washed over her.

"Did anything happen?" she asked, moving to stand beside Zuko at the entrance.

"Nothing," he replied, his voice as distant as his gaze. "It was quiet."

Uki nodded, looking out at the landscape beyond. The town was still shrouded in early morning mist, the world bathed in a soft, ethereal light. For a moment, it almost seemed peaceful, as if they hadn't all fought here just yesterday.

But Uki knew better than to be lulled into a false sense of security. Azula was still out there, and here she stood next to a boy who's only purpose was to capture Aang.

"Now what?" Zuko asked, his voice cutting through her thoughts.

Before she could respond, Iroh stirred from his sleep, his eyes fluttering open. He groaned softly as he tried to sit up and Zuko hurried to his side. "Uncle, you were unconscious. Azula did this to you—it was a surprise attack."

"For some reason, I hardly think it was surprising." Uki cut in, gaining the attention of the elder man.

Iroh turned his gaze to her, his expression one of faint curiosity Uki tried to muster a reassuring smile, but hesitated, still wary of the firebenders.

Zuko's voice broke the brief silence. "The waterbender healed you," he said, his tone flat as he nodded toward Uki.

Iroh's eyes widened in surprise, his brow furrowing slightly as he turned back to Zuko. "Nephew," he began, a hint of gentle reproach in his voice, "don't tell me you didn't even ask this young lady who helped us, for her name."

Zuko scoffed, the sound more defensive than dismissive. His gaze flicked away, clearly uncomfortable with the implied criticism.

"My name is Uki." She informed him.

Iroh shook his head, a weary smile tugging at the corners of his mouth despite the pain he was in. "It seems even in dire circumstances, manners are easily forgotten," he said softly, his tone carrying a touch of his usual warmth. He winced as he tried to sit up further, the effort drawing another pained grunt from his lips.

"Take it easy," Uki said quickly, rushing to his side. She placed a hand on his shoulder, guiding him gently into a more comfortable sitting position. "You're still recovering."

Iroh gave her a grateful nod, the lines of pain on his face easing slightly as he settled into a better posture. "Thank you, my dear," he said, his voice more measured now. "It seems I owe you a debt of gratitude."

Uki shook her head, her earlier hesitation melting away. "I owed you a debt," she replied, her tone firm but kind.

Iroh studied her for a moment, his gaze softening as he took in her sincerity. "Still, I appreciate your kindness."

Uki turned her head as Zuko moved to the window sill where he had been standing next to earlier. "I hope I made it to your liking." He moved back, holding a steaming cup of tea in his hands.

Uki stifled her laughter as Iroh's face contorted into one of barely disguised disgust as he took a sip. "Good..." He quickly gulped it all down, "That was very, uhm...bracing."

The waterbender was relieved that the Fire Nation prince's pride kept him from offering her a cup of tea. She preferred to keep her distance from him for now, and the silence was less tense that way.

Zuko, oblivious to her thoughts, handed Iroh another cup of tea— Uki noticed with a wry smile that Iroh discreetly poured it out as soon as Zuko turned his back.

"Uncle," Zuko began, his tone serious as he stared into the flames. "Before I run into Azula again, I'm going to need to know more advanced firebending if I'm going to stand a chance against her."

Uki blinked in surprise, her fingers tightening around the strap of her pouch.

"I know what you're going to say," Zuko continued, his voice edged with frustration. "She's my sister, and I should be trying to get along with her—"

"No," Iroh interrupted gently but firmly. "She's dangerous, and she needs to be stopped."

Awkwardly clearing her throat, Uki brushed off her pants as she stood up, feeling like an intruder in this family moment. "I'll just...go look for some fresh water," she murmured, backing away from the fire the teapot rested on. "You'll need another healing session later."

Iroh nodded appreciatively as she stepped away, his gaze lingering on her for a moment. "Thank you, Uki," he said, his voice warm despite the exhaustion. "You've been a great help."

Uki wandered through the quiet town, the warmth of the morning sun seeping into her skin and easing some of the tension from the night before. The town was eerily silent. As she walked, the sound of water trickling reached her ears, drawing her attention. She followed the sound until she came upon a small stream just outside the town, its clear waters reflecting the golden rays of the sun.

Kneeling down beside the stream, Uki dipped her hands into the cool water, letting it flow over her fingers before filling her pouch.

But as she watched the water ripple gently in the stream, her thoughts inevitably drifted back to her friends. They were her family, and the thought of being separated from them gnawed at her heart. Yet, there was a pang of guilt too. She had stayed behind to help Zuko and Iroh, knowing full well that her place was with her friends. Yet she could not ignore Iroh—not after what he did for her at the Northern Water Tribe.

Was she doing the right thing? Uki questioned herself, her fingers absentmindedly tracing patterns in the water.

With a deep breath, Uki stood up, tightening the pouch at her side. The sun was climbing higher in the sky, its warmth now almost oppressive as the day began to heat up. She turned back toward the town.

As she approached the house again, Uki hesitated for a moment before stepping forward. She was about to speak when Zuko, sensing her presence, turned to look at her, his eyes shadowed.

Wordlessly, Uki crossed the room and knelt beside Iroh, who was still resting, his breath steady but shallow. Gently, she began to remove the makeshift bandages that covered his wounds, her fingers deft and careful.

Uki drew the fresh water from her pouch, the liquid swirling in the air before settling over Iroh's wounds. The cool water began to glow with a soft, ethereal light, and she felt the familiar pull of energy as she guided the healing process. Iroh let out a relieved hiss, the tension in his body easing as the water's healing properties worked to soothe his pain and accelerate his recovery.

"Lightning is a pure expression of firebending—without aggression. It is not fuelled by rage or emotion the way other firebending is."

Uki's hands paused for a split second as she continued her healing work on Iroh's wounds. The thought of Zuko mastering such a dangerous technique sent a shiver down her spine. Lightning was not like the firebending she had seen before—it was something colder, more calculated, and infinitely more dangerous. It was the kind of power Azula wielded with terrifying precision, and the idea of Zuko gaining that same power unsettled her.

"Some call lightning the cold-blooded fire," Iroh continued, his eyes focused on the distance as if recalling something from his past. "It is precise and deadly, like Azula."

Uki gritted her teeth at the mention of Azula. The princess had already caused so much pain and suffering. If Zuko learned to bend lightning, would he become just as dangerous? The thought of him using that power against her, against Katara, or worse, against Aang, filled her with dread.

"To perform, the technique requires peace of mind," Iroh added, his voice taking on a more serious tone.

"I see. That's why we're drinking tea—to calm the mind," Zuko breathed out, his voice carrying a hint of innocence.

"Oh yeah—good point!" Iroh stated joyfully, his eyes crinkling at the corners with a smile. "I mean," he cleared his throat, attempting to regain his composure, "Yes."

Uki's hands resumed their careful work, drawing her focus back to Iroh's injuries. The healing water in her hands glowed softly as she finished the treatment, feeling the tension in Iroh's muscles begin to ease. With practiced hands, she carefully rewrapped the bandages, making sure they were secure but not too tight.

As she drew her hands back and tied off the last bandage, Uki tried to steady her thoughts.

"There," she said quietly, her voice a touch softer than usual. "The bandages are back in place. You should be good for now."

Iroh nodded in appreciation, his warm eyes meeting hers. "Thank you, Uki. Your skills are remarkable. I can already feel the improvement."

Uki gave a small nod, trying to ignore the way Zuko's intense gaze flicked between her and Iroh.

Iroh was careful as he stood up and Uki watched gnawing at her bottom lip in worry. He motioned for the two teens to follow him.

"I don't know Iroh..." Uki muttered, shifting from one feet to the other, crossing her arms over her chest.

"I think you might learn something as well."

Uki nodded but she remained silent.

Why would she want to learn anything from a nation that destroyed everything it touched?

Iroh walked ahead and bend down to reach for a broken branch on the ground. "There is energy all around us. The energy is both Yin and Yang—a positive energy." He held up his right hand, "and a negative energy." His left hand rose too.

Uki listened attentively a small spark of something lighting in her chest. Someone who knew about the spiritual side of bending...some she had prided herself in knowing and learning about. Something she wished to master...

"Only a select few firebenders can separate these energies." He turned to look at Zuko. "This creates an imbalance—"

"The energy wants to restore balance." Uki breathed out.

Iroh smiled at her, and to her own surprise she beamed at him.

"In the moment the positive and negative energy come crashing back together," he clasped his hands together. "you provide release and guidance, creating lightning."

Uki stepped back instinctively as Iroh began to move,—almost akin to a waterbender would to circle his arms in a fluid motion, Light flashed and crackled around his fingertips as lightning gathered, dancing with raw power. Uki's breath caught in her throat as he sent the lightning arcing into the sky.

She could not help but flinch as Iroh shot the lightning up in the sky.

"I'm ready to try it." Zuko proclaimed.

Iroh nodded, his face a mask of concentration. "Remember, once you separate the energy, you do not command it. You are simply its humble guide. Breath first."

Uki wrapped her arms around herself, her nerves on edge as she watched Zuko mimic the motions Iroh had demonstrated. He stood poised, his focus intense. Yet, despite his concentrated effort, no lightning sparked at his fingertips.

When Zuko finally thrust his fingers forward to release the built-up energy, the result was disastrous. Instead of a controlled bolt of lightning, the force exploded violently, sending a shockwave that sent Zuko hurtling backward. He collided with Uki, and the two were thrown to the ground, rolling a few feet away before coming to a stop.

Uki groaned as she pushed herself up, her body aching from the impact. She glanced over to where Zuko lay, disoriented but seemingly unharmed.

Uki stood up fully, dusting herself off as she watched Iroh help Zuko back on his feet.

The same result happened again, and again and again.

The sun had climbed high in the sky, casting a warm glow over the ruins of the town. Uki and Iroh had retreated to the shade of a crumbling porch, where they observed Zuko's relentless attempts.

"It seems you already understand the concept of Yin and Yang," Iroh remarked, breaking the silence.

Uki wrung her fingers anxiously before turning to face him. "Most of my knowledge about waterbending—and bending in general—came from books. I wasn't taught by a master until recently. I taught myself using ancient texts that detailed the spiritual aspects of waterbending."

Iroh nodded thoughtfully. "It is disheartening to see how much of that knowledge has faded over time."

Uki hesitated, then, sensing a rare moment of trust with Iroh, she shared more than she usually would. "I recently learned that I am supposed to be Aang's spiritual guide," she said, pulling out her necklace from beneath her tunic to show him. "One of my ancestors held the same role."

"A noble job I am sure." Iroh stroked his beard.

"I feel mostly afraid...I don't know much about what I am supposed to do. I've been trying to learn more about him—a vision told me I must find him."

"Well, it is often we find what we need when we are not looking for it." Iroh stated sagely. "Destiny has a plan for us all, your path will lead you exactly where you need to be."

Before she could say anything else, a frustrated cry startled her.

"Why can't I do it!" Zuko yelled, his voice filled with exasperation. "Instead of lightning, it keeps exploding in my face, like everything always does!"

"I was afraid this might happen," Iroh said, standing with Uki's help to approach Zuko. "You will not be able to mastering lightning until you have dealt with the turmoil inside you."

"What turmoil!?" Zuko snapped, his frustration palpable.

"Hey! Don't yell at him!" Uki interjected, pointing angrily at the prince.

Iroh stepped in before Zuko could retort. "Zuko, you must let go of your feelings of shame if you want your anger to go away."

"But I don't feel shame at all," Zuko insisted. "I'm as proud as ever."

"Prince Zuko, pride is not the opposite of shame; it's its source," Iroh said gently. "True humility is the only antidote to shame."

⋆⋅ ━━━━ ‧ ༻✩༺ ‧ ━━━━ ⋅⋆
wordcount: 3435