Categories > Cartoons > Avatar: The Last Airbender > Breath Life Into Flame
Walking in silence for a ways the trio of Zuko, Mai and Jaherah seemed to have lined up with Jaherah falling back a few steps looking at her left arm. It was considerably dark than the opposite which Mai took the time to pick on. “You look like a half-fried dumpling,” she seemed to laugh.
Jaherah was all smiles as she said, “I know! I should have switched sides. Been a while since I had a decent tan.” The awkward silent moment that followed involved Jaherah and Mai staring shocked at one another with Zuko looking between the two.
Did they just have a friendly moment? Two young women who have been at each others’ necks since the day they met just had a non-confrontational moment. None of them was sure how to break this weird air floating around now. There was no reason to punish Jaherah; she simply made fun of herself, actually agreeing with Mai! He blinked then choose to continue their little walk, not certain as to where to lead them. Out into the koi garden, never leaving the path and into a grand hall. All the while Zuko’s mind wandered. In a different time and place, Mai and Jaherah could have been friends, giggling to one another, finding ways to make him feel uncomfortable. Doing what ever it is that girls do when boys are not around. Perhaps have an interest in different men to preserve their friendship.
He sighed, which was noted by both girls, but only Mai could inquire as to what was on his mind. “What’s wrong?” she asked, hugging his arm.
He looked down at her then kissed her forehead, glancing back at Jaherah, catching her off guard. “Nothing.” If she could read his mind, Jaherah showed it best by always looking away, knowing if he was faced with his own reflection, he would not want to look upon it either.
He had spiraled out of control, becoming someone with so many contradictions. He had his honor and his father’s respect back but that did not sit well with him. He had the love of his life at his side and yet he keeps a slave girl close by as well. He finally asserted his seniority over his sister and yet did everything possible to keep her happy and her mouth shut about the Avatar. Everything for him seemed a hollow victory. He longed for the day when he could hold his head high with out living a lie and not have to look over his shoulder for his sister, who lay in wait to sabotage him. The crazy witch will be the death of him if he is not careful.
“Zuko, your father,” Mai whispered as she gave his arm a tug. Zuko snapped out of his trance as Ozai’s precession approached their little party. He stood at attention like a soldier and snapped his fingers at Jaherah. With a roll of her eyes, she dropped to her knees and bowed with her hands folded on the floor and her head resting on them. Mai exhibited the etiquette taught to all women of her high class, a modest smile and a bow with her hands folded in front of her.
The fire lord threw out his arm to stop his group of servants and advisors or, more appropriately termed, yes-men. Zuko promptly bowed his head and extended the following greeting in a solid tone, “Good afternoon father.”
“Good afternoon my son,” Ozai said coolly with a nod. He glanced to Mai and gave a slightest hint at a smile. “Hello to you as well young governess.”
“Hello Fire Lord Ozai,” Mai said with her head down then lifted it finally, such a discomfort to bow for so long. “I hope your day is going well.”
“It is.” Gold eyes rolled over Jaherah’s back for a moment. Zuko was relieved that she was behaving in his father’s presence, but how long could this last? “I trust your pet has not been difficult to manage, my son.”
“No she has not.” And like a well oiled machine the contradiction kicked in. Jaherah’s head shot up as she stared down the hall. Zuko tried not to panic but could not react. What was she doing? She just sat staring with wide eyes, with the entire group curious. She shot up to head in that direction but Zuko was on top of things this time. His hand reached out and yanked at her black tresses. She fell to her knees, bending backwards as her head was tugged down, Zuko looming over her, glaring at her with such urgency. He had reacted out of a hidden drive of survival but not for his sake, for hers. His head was beginning to pound as he tried to relay the message to her through his stare ‘If you value your life you will do as I say’. Ozai folded his arms as he continued to watch. “Is there a problem?” he asked with such admonition in his tone that anything other than a “No” would mean a death wish.
Zuko arched a brow at her. “…there’s a disturbance at the palace entrance,” she said very calmly.
“You’re lying,” Zuko hissed then tugged her hair harder.
“I am not lying!” She cried with her eyes slammed shut. “I can hear them fighting. Foolish revolutionaries, trying to over take your precious palace.”
Ozai stepped around to look down at her. “And you wished to join them?”
“I wished to send them away, to keep their lives from being thrown away with such bold aspirations. The second you found out it would mean their heads.” She inhaled deeply, staring at his chest as she tried to jerk her hair free. Zuko was looking between the two of them, his headache mounting, heart beating in his ears. This was far too dangerous.
“I know now that you’ve told me. I doubt my men would bother divulging the fruitless attempts on my life by weak individuals.” The air was thick, especially around his advisors. There have been quite a few incidents such as this that were swept under the rug, all easy to put down and keep quiet. “You could have lied when I asked you if there was a problem.”
She glared at his chest, at his heart, hoping that the power of her stare would cause his beating heart to explode. “I do not tell lies,” she said with a shaking voice.
“Are you incapable of telling lies?”
“There is nothing for me to gain from lying.”
“What about your freedom?” The silence that followed was unexpected. They, Jaherah and Ozai conversed as if they were in private chambers and their company was elsewhere. There were servants on both ends of the corridors that stopped a fair distance away, afraid to walk past the fire lord.
Jaherah inhaled, trying to look dignified even in her humiliating position. “If I wanted my freedom I would have walked away,” she said, her voice shaking. Zuko wanted to let go of her, to disappear into some dark void and allow himself to feel what he wanted to feel; disgusted with himself.
Ozai seemed intrigued with her answer and Zuko prayed he would not push the subject. She would speak these delusions of love between them then it would spiral out of control. Zuko, a blood traitor and Jaherah a harlot, banishment would be the least of his worries. They were lucky. A winded messenger stumbled into the hall, looked around, rushed to Ozai, dropping to his knees and thrusting forward a bronze cylinder. “I…” he gulped for air, sweat dripping off his brow. “I’m sorry to intrude my lord, but urgent news.” Ozai took the message from him, the container dented and his arms bruised. “I’m sorry for the damage, there was a scuffle at the palace gates.” Gold eyes shot to Jaherah who remained stoic.
Ozai ripped out the scroll and read quickly then looked to his son, then the messenger. “You are dismissed,” he said. The messenger bowed then left. As his father’s eyes darted to him again, he dropped Jaherah’s hair and bowed his head, Mai following suit and Jaherah choosing to keep her gaze low. “Carry on, and if you see your sister, tell her I hope her day is going well.” Zuko nodded and watched as his father left the hall. He would sigh if Mai and Jaherah were not around.
Mai relaxed, placing her hands on her lower back. “Man, I thought I was going to get stuck like that,” she said with a slight moan. She blinked then looked to her boyfriend. Zuko seemed in a trance. “Zuko?” She touched his hand and he jumped.
Flustered he shook his head. “Sorry.” He took her into his arms and kissed her cheek. “How about we hang around the koi pond for a little while. We could have a picnic, just you and me.” He smiled, watching her look to Jaherah who remained sitting on the floor. “You go on ahead. I’ll lock her up in her room and make sure Azula and Ty Lee are busy elsewhere.”
Mai smiled then kissed him sweetly. “Don’t keep me waiting,” she said then made to the largest courtyard.
Zuko’s tone changed dramatically as he pulled Jaherah up by her collar. “Walk,” he snapped. She responded in numb fashion, following behind him. They were heading in the direction that led to a set of servants’ stairs but did not take them. They ventured to the center of the structure, to a room with no windows, a library with the walls lined high with books and scrolls. The many lanterns scattered around and high chandelier illuminated the room to near daylight. Zuko shut the door behind them, locking it then made to the center of the room. Jaherah kept her distance as he circled around an ornate rug. “Your hearing is impeccable,” he said in a low voice. She did not respond only watched him from the center of the room. “Do you hear eavesdroppers?” Silence on her part. “Respond.”
Jaherah narrowed her eyes on him then tilted her head back, pushing her hair way from her ears. She listened for everything there was to hear. “I hear no one.”
“Good,” he said with a nodded then continued to pace around. His still felt like it was trying to explode and he tried his best to think through it.
Jaherah was relaxing now, stretching even. The concern for the failed assault by unknown rebels was behind her now. She had danced dangerously close to a dragon and lived. She wanted to celebrate but the thick aura hanging around the young prince was enough to ruin her plans. “Is there something wrong dear prince?” she cooed, falling backwards into a chair. “Did your father scare you?”
Zuko stopped to glare at her. “Why do you hold so little concern for your own life?” he asked, bearing down on her.
She smirked, crossing her legs as she leaned back. “Why do you hold so much concern for mine? I thought you didn’t love me anymore.”
He let out an aggravated groan. “Get it straight girl. I never loved you!” he barked.
“You’re in denial, and keep your voice down or someone will hear. That was the point of dragging me here wasn’t it? To talk and not be heard.” She leaned forward, watching him pinch the bridge of his nose. “If we’re done here you should get going. Don’t want to keep Mai waiting.” He shook his head, trying to relax. “If we’re not here to be nasty to each other or for you to beat me for something stupid then tell me what’s wrong.”
“There is nothing wrong,” Zuko said moving to lean against a table.
Jaherah shot out of her chair and rounded on him. “Don’t lie to me like you’re little girlfriend. I may have stopped caring about myself but I haven’t about you.” Their eyes locked before she turned away. “We didn’t come here for nothing.” She faced him again. “What do you want from me? My silence? Do you want me to swear that I will not utter the full details of our past to any one? Even your father?” He was found out and showed it with him avoiding her gaze. “…you…” She sighed, and moved to sit beside him. “You’ve become like a book. Mind you a very contradictory book but a book nonetheless.” She watched him shift to give a little more room between them. “I’m not much of a threat to you any more, and I really don’t plan to be so let me help you.” She glanced down to his hand then laid hers on top of it.
His head shot up and he looked into her eyes, his were vivid while hers were calm. Something in him was slowly clawing it’s way to the surface. “I...can barely remember any time we spent together.” He looked away, letting his eyes roll over worn spines and curled pages. “It’s like black spots in my memory. I remember my anger and frustration with you. Why were you so difficult?”
“I told you why already. You have to remember.”
“I can’t!” He slammed his eyes shut, trying to fight through the pain in his skull. “It’s like an axe trying to cleave my head open when I try. Every time my father gets near you, I get these horrible headaches. I don’t even want Azula around you and I don’t know why.” He faced her and she seemed to retract. “I don’t like hitting you, I don’t like watching you get hurt by anyone, but it’s too late. Things have gone too far.”
Jaherah slid back a ways on the table and pulled her knees up to her chest, closing her eyes. “As long as there is an ounce of light in you, there will always be a chance for redemption. Your darkest deeds can be forgiven, but while they are forgiven, they cannot be erased. They serve as a reminder that darkness should not rule our lives.” She hugged her legs then opened her eyes, listening again. They had stayed far too long yet no one could be sensed near the room.
Zuko leaned back on his arms, watching her closely. The chaos around her was still there, just faded, possibly something he manifested around him to put distance between them. Just a line of defense for a cornered man. “I made a promise to you that I know I kept.” Jaherah was alert to him now, waiting. “I didn’t kill the avatar and I doubt he’s dead.”
She smiled weakly. “Thank you,” she sniffed and touched her forehead to his arm. “I knew you wouldn’t do such a horrible thing.”
He hooked a finger under her chin to raise her head and hold her gaze. The rage aimed at him had melted away, replaced with not just joy but pity as well. He let down his uncle, Jaherah, and most of all himself. He was not happy where he was unless things changed, not for her or even for Mai but for him. “Jaherah…” He touched his forehead to hers, shutting his eyes. “I may not remember everything but I do understand now.” His thumb rolled over her bottom lip before he cupped her face in his hands. “I’m sorry.”
Jaherah was all smiles as she said, “I know! I should have switched sides. Been a while since I had a decent tan.” The awkward silent moment that followed involved Jaherah and Mai staring shocked at one another with Zuko looking between the two.
Did they just have a friendly moment? Two young women who have been at each others’ necks since the day they met just had a non-confrontational moment. None of them was sure how to break this weird air floating around now. There was no reason to punish Jaherah; she simply made fun of herself, actually agreeing with Mai! He blinked then choose to continue their little walk, not certain as to where to lead them. Out into the koi garden, never leaving the path and into a grand hall. All the while Zuko’s mind wandered. In a different time and place, Mai and Jaherah could have been friends, giggling to one another, finding ways to make him feel uncomfortable. Doing what ever it is that girls do when boys are not around. Perhaps have an interest in different men to preserve their friendship.
He sighed, which was noted by both girls, but only Mai could inquire as to what was on his mind. “What’s wrong?” she asked, hugging his arm.
He looked down at her then kissed her forehead, glancing back at Jaherah, catching her off guard. “Nothing.” If she could read his mind, Jaherah showed it best by always looking away, knowing if he was faced with his own reflection, he would not want to look upon it either.
He had spiraled out of control, becoming someone with so many contradictions. He had his honor and his father’s respect back but that did not sit well with him. He had the love of his life at his side and yet he keeps a slave girl close by as well. He finally asserted his seniority over his sister and yet did everything possible to keep her happy and her mouth shut about the Avatar. Everything for him seemed a hollow victory. He longed for the day when he could hold his head high with out living a lie and not have to look over his shoulder for his sister, who lay in wait to sabotage him. The crazy witch will be the death of him if he is not careful.
“Zuko, your father,” Mai whispered as she gave his arm a tug. Zuko snapped out of his trance as Ozai’s precession approached their little party. He stood at attention like a soldier and snapped his fingers at Jaherah. With a roll of her eyes, she dropped to her knees and bowed with her hands folded on the floor and her head resting on them. Mai exhibited the etiquette taught to all women of her high class, a modest smile and a bow with her hands folded in front of her.
The fire lord threw out his arm to stop his group of servants and advisors or, more appropriately termed, yes-men. Zuko promptly bowed his head and extended the following greeting in a solid tone, “Good afternoon father.”
“Good afternoon my son,” Ozai said coolly with a nod. He glanced to Mai and gave a slightest hint at a smile. “Hello to you as well young governess.”
“Hello Fire Lord Ozai,” Mai said with her head down then lifted it finally, such a discomfort to bow for so long. “I hope your day is going well.”
“It is.” Gold eyes rolled over Jaherah’s back for a moment. Zuko was relieved that she was behaving in his father’s presence, but how long could this last? “I trust your pet has not been difficult to manage, my son.”
“No she has not.” And like a well oiled machine the contradiction kicked in. Jaherah’s head shot up as she stared down the hall. Zuko tried not to panic but could not react. What was she doing? She just sat staring with wide eyes, with the entire group curious. She shot up to head in that direction but Zuko was on top of things this time. His hand reached out and yanked at her black tresses. She fell to her knees, bending backwards as her head was tugged down, Zuko looming over her, glaring at her with such urgency. He had reacted out of a hidden drive of survival but not for his sake, for hers. His head was beginning to pound as he tried to relay the message to her through his stare ‘If you value your life you will do as I say’. Ozai folded his arms as he continued to watch. “Is there a problem?” he asked with such admonition in his tone that anything other than a “No” would mean a death wish.
Zuko arched a brow at her. “…there’s a disturbance at the palace entrance,” she said very calmly.
“You’re lying,” Zuko hissed then tugged her hair harder.
“I am not lying!” She cried with her eyes slammed shut. “I can hear them fighting. Foolish revolutionaries, trying to over take your precious palace.”
Ozai stepped around to look down at her. “And you wished to join them?”
“I wished to send them away, to keep their lives from being thrown away with such bold aspirations. The second you found out it would mean their heads.” She inhaled deeply, staring at his chest as she tried to jerk her hair free. Zuko was looking between the two of them, his headache mounting, heart beating in his ears. This was far too dangerous.
“I know now that you’ve told me. I doubt my men would bother divulging the fruitless attempts on my life by weak individuals.” The air was thick, especially around his advisors. There have been quite a few incidents such as this that were swept under the rug, all easy to put down and keep quiet. “You could have lied when I asked you if there was a problem.”
She glared at his chest, at his heart, hoping that the power of her stare would cause his beating heart to explode. “I do not tell lies,” she said with a shaking voice.
“Are you incapable of telling lies?”
“There is nothing for me to gain from lying.”
“What about your freedom?” The silence that followed was unexpected. They, Jaherah and Ozai conversed as if they were in private chambers and their company was elsewhere. There were servants on both ends of the corridors that stopped a fair distance away, afraid to walk past the fire lord.
Jaherah inhaled, trying to look dignified even in her humiliating position. “If I wanted my freedom I would have walked away,” she said, her voice shaking. Zuko wanted to let go of her, to disappear into some dark void and allow himself to feel what he wanted to feel; disgusted with himself.
Ozai seemed intrigued with her answer and Zuko prayed he would not push the subject. She would speak these delusions of love between them then it would spiral out of control. Zuko, a blood traitor and Jaherah a harlot, banishment would be the least of his worries. They were lucky. A winded messenger stumbled into the hall, looked around, rushed to Ozai, dropping to his knees and thrusting forward a bronze cylinder. “I…” he gulped for air, sweat dripping off his brow. “I’m sorry to intrude my lord, but urgent news.” Ozai took the message from him, the container dented and his arms bruised. “I’m sorry for the damage, there was a scuffle at the palace gates.” Gold eyes shot to Jaherah who remained stoic.
Ozai ripped out the scroll and read quickly then looked to his son, then the messenger. “You are dismissed,” he said. The messenger bowed then left. As his father’s eyes darted to him again, he dropped Jaherah’s hair and bowed his head, Mai following suit and Jaherah choosing to keep her gaze low. “Carry on, and if you see your sister, tell her I hope her day is going well.” Zuko nodded and watched as his father left the hall. He would sigh if Mai and Jaherah were not around.
Mai relaxed, placing her hands on her lower back. “Man, I thought I was going to get stuck like that,” she said with a slight moan. She blinked then looked to her boyfriend. Zuko seemed in a trance. “Zuko?” She touched his hand and he jumped.
Flustered he shook his head. “Sorry.” He took her into his arms and kissed her cheek. “How about we hang around the koi pond for a little while. We could have a picnic, just you and me.” He smiled, watching her look to Jaherah who remained sitting on the floor. “You go on ahead. I’ll lock her up in her room and make sure Azula and Ty Lee are busy elsewhere.”
Mai smiled then kissed him sweetly. “Don’t keep me waiting,” she said then made to the largest courtyard.
Zuko’s tone changed dramatically as he pulled Jaherah up by her collar. “Walk,” he snapped. She responded in numb fashion, following behind him. They were heading in the direction that led to a set of servants’ stairs but did not take them. They ventured to the center of the structure, to a room with no windows, a library with the walls lined high with books and scrolls. The many lanterns scattered around and high chandelier illuminated the room to near daylight. Zuko shut the door behind them, locking it then made to the center of the room. Jaherah kept her distance as he circled around an ornate rug. “Your hearing is impeccable,” he said in a low voice. She did not respond only watched him from the center of the room. “Do you hear eavesdroppers?” Silence on her part. “Respond.”
Jaherah narrowed her eyes on him then tilted her head back, pushing her hair way from her ears. She listened for everything there was to hear. “I hear no one.”
“Good,” he said with a nodded then continued to pace around. His still felt like it was trying to explode and he tried his best to think through it.
Jaherah was relaxing now, stretching even. The concern for the failed assault by unknown rebels was behind her now. She had danced dangerously close to a dragon and lived. She wanted to celebrate but the thick aura hanging around the young prince was enough to ruin her plans. “Is there something wrong dear prince?” she cooed, falling backwards into a chair. “Did your father scare you?”
Zuko stopped to glare at her. “Why do you hold so little concern for your own life?” he asked, bearing down on her.
She smirked, crossing her legs as she leaned back. “Why do you hold so much concern for mine? I thought you didn’t love me anymore.”
He let out an aggravated groan. “Get it straight girl. I never loved you!” he barked.
“You’re in denial, and keep your voice down or someone will hear. That was the point of dragging me here wasn’t it? To talk and not be heard.” She leaned forward, watching him pinch the bridge of his nose. “If we’re done here you should get going. Don’t want to keep Mai waiting.” He shook his head, trying to relax. “If we’re not here to be nasty to each other or for you to beat me for something stupid then tell me what’s wrong.”
“There is nothing wrong,” Zuko said moving to lean against a table.
Jaherah shot out of her chair and rounded on him. “Don’t lie to me like you’re little girlfriend. I may have stopped caring about myself but I haven’t about you.” Their eyes locked before she turned away. “We didn’t come here for nothing.” She faced him again. “What do you want from me? My silence? Do you want me to swear that I will not utter the full details of our past to any one? Even your father?” He was found out and showed it with him avoiding her gaze. “…you…” She sighed, and moved to sit beside him. “You’ve become like a book. Mind you a very contradictory book but a book nonetheless.” She watched him shift to give a little more room between them. “I’m not much of a threat to you any more, and I really don’t plan to be so let me help you.” She glanced down to his hand then laid hers on top of it.
His head shot up and he looked into her eyes, his were vivid while hers were calm. Something in him was slowly clawing it’s way to the surface. “I...can barely remember any time we spent together.” He looked away, letting his eyes roll over worn spines and curled pages. “It’s like black spots in my memory. I remember my anger and frustration with you. Why were you so difficult?”
“I told you why already. You have to remember.”
“I can’t!” He slammed his eyes shut, trying to fight through the pain in his skull. “It’s like an axe trying to cleave my head open when I try. Every time my father gets near you, I get these horrible headaches. I don’t even want Azula around you and I don’t know why.” He faced her and she seemed to retract. “I don’t like hitting you, I don’t like watching you get hurt by anyone, but it’s too late. Things have gone too far.”
Jaherah slid back a ways on the table and pulled her knees up to her chest, closing her eyes. “As long as there is an ounce of light in you, there will always be a chance for redemption. Your darkest deeds can be forgiven, but while they are forgiven, they cannot be erased. They serve as a reminder that darkness should not rule our lives.” She hugged her legs then opened her eyes, listening again. They had stayed far too long yet no one could be sensed near the room.
Zuko leaned back on his arms, watching her closely. The chaos around her was still there, just faded, possibly something he manifested around him to put distance between them. Just a line of defense for a cornered man. “I made a promise to you that I know I kept.” Jaherah was alert to him now, waiting. “I didn’t kill the avatar and I doubt he’s dead.”
She smiled weakly. “Thank you,” she sniffed and touched her forehead to his arm. “I knew you wouldn’t do such a horrible thing.”
He hooked a finger under her chin to raise her head and hold her gaze. The rage aimed at him had melted away, replaced with not just joy but pity as well. He let down his uncle, Jaherah, and most of all himself. He was not happy where he was unless things changed, not for her or even for Mai but for him. “Jaherah…” He touched his forehead to hers, shutting his eyes. “I may not remember everything but I do understand now.” His thumb rolled over her bottom lip before he cupped her face in his hands. “I’m sorry.”
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