FicWad

Days had passed since Jaherah’s first real lesson in discipline and she was proving to be a bad student. Zuko saw she chose not to change her ways so easily but did not go out of her way to say something disrespectful. She simply behaved normally, facing each strike without flinching. She shed no tears and held only pity for the prince. She would find out what was troubling him, even if it took her a lifetime to do so. Zuko, however, was another story. He was slowly loosing his temper when it came to her questions about their past together. The topic alone gave him a headache. He bought her from a slave trader, used her for her lovely body then dumped her in Omashu. It was just perfect timing that she should show up to be a fail safe if the Avatar were to make himself appear very alive.

Zuko held his hand out past Jaherah’s face, the slap still echoing off the stone walls of the sitting room they stood in. He was furious with her once more. As he glared down at her, she looked up to him with emotionless eyes. “Why do you continue to insist that we had something intimate between us?” he barked. “Do you really believe in this lie?!”

“It is not a lie,” she said in a calm tone.

“If not then why don’t I remember?!”

Her eyes dropped and her voice seemed to hush. “I wish I knew.”

He sighed, lifted her chin with a finger then cursed himself for the compassion he showed. Those silver eyes had once again drawn him in. He could not resist falling into them. “Why do you torment yourself like this, or are the beatings not enough?”

She pulled away from him and walked towards a high window. “You know that I have been beaten harder than this.” His eyes moved to her back for a moment then looked to the floor. “And I am not tormenting myself. I’ve already shed my tears; it’s only a matter of time before you do the same.”

Zuko felt this girl must truly be in denial. He loved Mai. There was no way he would even think of her in that light. Yet, she seemed so sure of herself. Having exhausted his patience with her, he sent her to her room and made way to his own, rubbing his temples. His headaches were beginning to grow more frequent. Not even Mai’s lovely face could soothe his mind. Her mellow disposition used to do wonders for him as apposed to Jaherah’s snippy remarks and the chaotic aura around her. He stopped in the middle of the hall and held the sides of his head, sighing.

“Having trouble dear brother?” Azula asked as she coolly stepped into the hall.

“Not now Azula,” he groaned then picked his feet up again.

Azula smirked then followed him, keeping her distance. “You know I’m only trying to help you Zuzu. The more you struggle to gain control over her, the more father will see that you are weak.”

Zuko quickly rounded on his sister. It was not enough that he was on the edge but Azula had to go the extra mile to push him over it. “What do you want from me?” he snapped.

“There goes that ferocity again.” She smirked then stepped around him. “She certainly has poured fuel into your fire hasn’t she?”

“If that’s all you have to say then I’m leaving.”

“Lend her to me.”

“What?!”

“I need a sparring partner,” she said casually as she played with her hair. “I’m tired of the effortlessness of bending against those dummies in the dojo, oh and the wooden ones. I rather liked fighting with the Avatar and”

“Fine!” he snapped to get her to leave him alone then marched on to his room. His headache had doubled in size and now all he wanted to do was find something to pop his skull so he could get it over with it. He threw himself onto his bed and stared at the canopy above him hoping for a peaceful night of sleep.

Jaherah sat with her legs crossed and her eyes focusing on the steel door before her. They choose to insult her now as always by not sealing it shut, but using normal locks. She was deep within her own mind, trying not to loose it over her own distaste of her behavior. She had not stopped her usual onslaught of crude remarks and quips not because she was accepting the position she was in, but out of sheer annoyance. It was simply irritating to be slapped every time she opened her mouth so to keep from killing the next man that hit her she had to cut back.

Her eyes shot out their half-lidded stare and she glared at the door. A visitor at this hour was unusual. The locks clattered around before they dropped to the floor and the door was pulled open. Jaherah was livid as she leapt up, grabbed the young man by the scruff of his shirt and threw him towards the bed, slamming the door shut. “What are you doing here?!” she hissed at Ren while he composed himself. “You were supposed to carry on the mission!”

Ren eyed her for a moment then sat down on her bed. “I figured you’d be happy to see me,” he said in a low tone.

“My well being should not be your concern! There was a mission that you were supposed to carry out forever ago!” She paced around the room, throwing up her arms. “Why didn’t you listen to me?”

“Because we need you to finish the mission!” he snapped, rising to his feet to tower over her. “Besides.” His eyes softened as he placed his hands on her shoulders. “I…we miss you. We need you there with us.” He looked into her eyes as she looked up and smiled weakly. “We can’t do it without you Jaherah.”

She downcast her eyes as she pulled away from him. “Yes you can. You were all trained like me; you can do it without me.”

Ren frowned. “We were trained to work as a group and unless the group is whole, we can’t move on.”

“And risk missing the deadline?!” she said, rounding on him.

He stood his ground and crossed his arms. “The only reason we might miss it is because you had to go all servant on me and leave with him!”

Jaherah bit her lip, doing her best to remain vigil. “This isn’t about him; it’s about the Fire Lord.”

“What we do has nothing to do with taking down that demon man ourselves and you know that! You came here because of him but now we’re leaving!” He grabbed her arm. She wrenched away. “What is wrong with you?”

She shook all over as she stared at the floor. “You are my subordinate. I do not take orders from you. You will leave here without me, is that understood?”

“As your friend I can’t leave you here to die!”

“I CAN TAKE CARE OF MYSELF!” She screamed, tears quickly forming in her eyes but only for a moment.

Ren froze, shaking his head. He could not believe what he was hearing. “What’s happened to you? You told me once that you hated living in a cage as someone’s pet and yet you willingly walked back into one!” He approached her and she backed into a wall. He hesitated for only a moment then reached out, cupping her face in one of his palms. “Why are you throwing everything away just to be with him? He doesn’t love you!” Jaherah bit her lip and looked away. Maybe Ren was right and that this was simply a waste of time to make Zuko remember something he probably forgot the day he left her in Omashu.

“I know he doesn’t love you Jaherah because,” Ren paused as his finger tips traced around of her collarbone, “I love you and I would never do this to you.”

“Ren, I…” Jaherah sighed, unable to face him. She did not have to say anything more; the rejection was as obvious as her hair was black. He clenched his fists and moved away from her. “Wait!” she called out to him as he reached for the door. He would not face her now. She was saying no to so much so why should he? “There are others here, lurking in the shadows.” She opened and closed her hands, unsure as to what to do with them. “One is waiting for you right now. He probably reports directly to Ozai so you must eliminate him.”

“Is that an order?” he sneered, gripping the door handle so tight he was crushing it.

His words cut Jaherah deep and she knew she deserved that and much worse for her selfish acts up until now but she would do anything to make up for it. “No, just advice from a friend,” she said in a soft voice. “I’m sorry Ren.”

“Whatever.” He quickly left the room to leave Jaherah in her solitude, taking heed of her words. He was frustrated, heartbroken, jealous and angry enough to take on this sneak on his own to take out on him everything that pained him.

The following day Ren still lingered on her mind as she followed Zuko around the castle, just nodding when she was given a command and keeping her eyes low. The young prince was happy about this change in her, quiet and obedient was what he was trying to make her be and it was finally showing but something seemed off. He could feel something was wrong but why show concern for her again? He had made that mistake once before and no doubt Azula had seen and tried to use this sparing idea as a way of seeing if he was indeed soft on Jaherah.

Two heavy doors were pulled open from the inside as Zuko approached them and before him laid a dojo large enough for a hundred students. Azula was off to the side speaking haughtily with Mai and Ty Lee by a display of weapons. Jaherah narrowed her eyes on Azula then looked to Zuko. There was that misplaced anger he was looking for. He signaled for an attendant to come over. “Have her changed,” he said then waved them off as he approached his sister, giving her a stern look then smiling at Mai’s beautiful face. A warm hug and a kiss, then nodded to Ty Lee.

“You’re late brother,” Azula said as she glanced over her shoulder. She was stretching, as if she needed it. She was far too skilled a fighter to fall prey to a pulled muscle. However, it didn’t hurt to be prepared. This air-bender might have more in her than she anticipated.

“I don’t work on your schedule Azula,” he said in a low voice then moved to take a seat on the side of the ring with Mai and Ty Lee, far enough from the danger.

“Do you really think this air-bender girl has a chance against Azula?” Ty Lee asked, more curious than excited.

“I doubt it,” Mai said with her arms crossed. “All she’s good at is running her mouth. So unless she plans on talking Azula into submission, she’s going to lose.” Ty Lee giggled, even in that area Azula might win. She did love hearing herself talk but neither would say it aloud.

Zuko was concerned. If Jaherah won then she would probably have her head lopped off or be beaten until she ran out of blood. Loosing would also mean Azula, who had no problem with going all out even on her weakest opponents, would slaughter her. Zuko didn’t want her hurt or dead. Unlike his sister, he wasn’t so eager to watch human life slip away.

His eyes shot up as Jaherah was led back into the dojo. Her training robes were simple and form fitting and Zuko caught himself staring for longer than he should have. Shaking his head, he looked to Azula who was smirking.

“Aren’t you a little fat to be an air-bender?” she snickered as she moved to the center, keeping a good distance from Jaherah.

Jaherah smiled, stretching a little. “Aren’t you a little underdeveloped to be fifteen?” she asked in a calm tone, not the least bit sarcastic or haughty. She must be prepared, Zuko thought. Back on the ship, when they first meet, she exhibited the fighting style of a caged lion; wild and full of rage. However, now she seemed every bit her element, serene.

Ty Lee was holding in a giggle now as she leaned in to share with Mai. The corners of the stoic girl’s lips twitched and nothing more. They would watch their friend in silence, occasionally looking in Jaherah’s direction.

“GO AZULA!” Ty Lee cheered.

Almost in silence.

Azula moved into a strong fire-bender stance and smiled at her prey that choose to sit with her legs crossed and eyes closed. “…What are you doing?!” she snapped.

Jaherah peeked at her with one eye then closed it. “Nothing.” A little irritated she sent a strong blast past Jaherah’s right ear but the girl did not flinch. “The greatest training obstacle is an unmovable force.” She grinned. “Or would you rather me run? I doubt you’d be able to keep up with those skinny little legs.” Zuko was the picture of calm but inwardly he was livid. She’ll be burned alive if she doesn’t fight back or at least run. Her breathing was deep and calm, too deep to be normal. What was she playing at? “Have at it Azula. I’m a sparring partner but that doesn’t mean I have to do squat.”

Azula seemed to be regaining her cool as she paced around the dojo. “Have it your way, but just remember. You’re not a rock, you will break.” The next blast expelled from the sole of her left foot careened for Jaherah’s head. The girl inhaled deeply then exhaled a steady and heavy stream of cool air, cutting into the center of the flame. When the blast finally hit her nose, it was barely a tickle.

“Maybe so, but I will break when I am damn well ready.” She stood but it wasn’t long when she was on her back again thanks to a trip from Azula. She just smiled up at that fist aimed at her. “So hostile.” Jaherah wagged her finger at her. “You should get a massage.” She wiggled away from the princess and pushed up onto her feet. “From a strong, cute earth-bender. They have such strong hands.” Azula was not amused but Ty Lee seemed to be enjoying herself. She rarely saw any one outside of the circus as limber as her. She might want to have a go with this air-bender as well. It could be fun and a challenge.

The fire princess attempted to roundhouse kick the lazy girl but missed as Jaherah ducked under her leg. Azula jumped off her other leg and slammed her raised foot into the mat where Jaherah once was, the spot erupting in flames. She managed to jump away at the last second, looking, if anything confused. “Anger is not the answer. You’re still a kid, like me! You should be out shopping and talking about boys and” She was cut off with a ball of fire zooming over her head as she leaned back then snapped up into Azula’s face. “Smile girl, damn! It’s just a game.”

“Just a game?!” Azula snapped. She was heated now as each attack became more fierce and difficult for Jaherah to dodge but the girl chose to stay close. “You won’t think it’s just a game when you’re burned beyond recognition!” As her anger flared, Jaherah continued to dance around her feet, ducking and weaving around each attack, barely. Her clothes were starting to gain char marks and burns, and her tied back hair seemed a little shorter. They ignored Ty Lee’s fanatic shouts, cheers and screams of “LOOK OUT!” They were in their own world now and it was already too crowded. “HOLD STILL!” Azula screamed.

Jaherah jumped back, crouching then standing at an angle, looking across her shoulder. “I don’t take orders from you,” she said in a flat tone, then smiled. “But if you ask nicely.” Nice was out the window. Azula curled around, thrusting both fist forward. The fire that exploded from them soared towards Jaherah. Silver eyes were still as she circled, arms, legs and torso, stepping towards the flame as a gust formed around both her forearms and left leg. Her left arm was raised and locked in front of her as the other’s palm was open and pushed halfway across the left. It was sloppy but the affect was clear. The fire blast was curved around her body though the heat was still apparent as she began to sweat, waiting for Azula to stop. She shut her eyes and just concentrated on waiting out the onslaught. The entire left side of her body was beginning to tan now.

Ty Lee was leaning forward on her hands, bright eyed. “Oh! She’s good!” she said in awe but as to who she was referring to was undetermined. Both girls were holding their own, showing great feats of endurance. Zuko would be on the edge of his seat as well but he had to seem apathetic.

Mai sighed, obviously unimpressed. “This is boring,” she yawned, then tugged on Zuko’s sleeve. “Let’s go.”

His chance to end this before the whole palace was burned to cinders. “ENOUGH!” he yelled as he rose to his feet. As if Azula were his slave as well, she pulled back her hands and her attention was snapped to him. Jaherah simply dropped her hands and smirked, satisfied with how little she had to work. “Get dressed girl and come on.”

“We’re not finished here,” she said in a growl, hands flaring up before she composed herself, smoothing out her hair. “But whatever. Take your little pet away from me. She fights nothing like the avatar.”

Jaherah bowed to mock the princess then was led out to change back into her bohemian robes. In no time, she was following Zuko and Mai out of the dojo with a smug look on her face. Ty Lee was buzzing around Azula, her eyes bright as always. “That was amazing Azula!” she squealed. “I had no idea you could hold your fire for that long!”

Azula was irate enough to snap at the girl. “SHUT UP TY LEE!” she roared then went to change. She had pushed herself a little with maintaining that fire. The girl was indeed different from the avatar. He was afraid of her, the great Azula but not this gypsy slave. Perhaps another fight without her brother commanding the girl away will help reveal the girl’s true colors.