The Dance of Pride

[tea_lover64]

Who: Iroh, Duck, Mytho, Anyone who wants to get into a duel with Iroh
What: Shard plot
When: Sunday Throughout the day
Where: All around the village
Summary: Iroh has the shard of pride in him, causing him to act strangely, demanding duels with people to prove his power.
Rating : PG-13

There had been a strange twinge in Iroh as of late. Something that had been making him feel differently. While normally a rather humble individual, he had been swelling with increased pride over the past week. It was a marked change in the man, and on Sunday it comes to a head. There is a marked change in his demeanor and posture as he walks around, pride taking over.

Certainly he was old, but he was a mighty warrior, the Dragon of the West they called him. Enemies had both feared and respected him, worried that he would turn his gaze in their direction. His allies had great respect for his abilities and achievements, and deferred to his judgment. That had all changed with the death of his son Lu Ten. His pride at taking the city of Ba Sing Se had caused him to lose his most beloved son. His legacy had ended with him, and he retreated both from the city and within himself. Seeing him again in the battle, perhaps his family had been right, he should have been stronger, and burned Ba Sing Se to the ground for the loss. The Dragon of the West should have led the attack himself again. He would prove his strength again here, no longer would he lose those he cared for, the Dragon of the West awakens again.

As he strolls around the village he calls out for challengers. This was the quickest and surest way for people to know his strength.

Comments

[tea_lover64]

[Iroh raises his brow at Zuko]

I am in perfect health, I can handle myself.

[Did he think he was weak?]

[lordhotman]

That's not what I mean. You're not acting like yourself.

[And there's no mistaking the genuine concern in his voice.]

[tea_lover64]

Nonsense Zuko. This is who I am. Now, was there something you wanted from me?

[His tone is a bit dismissive]

[lordhotman]

[Zuko can't shake this feeling that something is wrong. Is it a shift or something else? He's hesitant now to leave his Uncle alone.]

I was wondering if you would like some tea.

Refusing tea, something MUST be up

[tea_lover64]

No, I am quite alright for now. You should return home and train.

[There is almost a glimmer when you mention tea, but that seems to be squashed almost immediately]

The world has obviously ended.

[lordhotman]

[Zuko's jaw drops slightly. Uncle Iroh? Refusing tea? Something is definitely wrong.]

I've trained enough for today. I'd like to stay with you.

[tea_lover64]

No. Go home now, Zuko.

[That was a command not a request]

[lordhotman]

[Zuko frowns. He's done being diplomatic now.]

No. There's something wrong with you, and I'm not leaving you alone.

[tea_lover64]

Something wrong with me, Zuko? You are the one not listening to my commands.

[Something he seems rather offended at]

[lordhotman]

You're nothing like my father and yet you're sounding a lot like him. So yeah, something is definitely wrong.

[tea_lover64]

Your sentiment is touching, but unnecessary. I will be strong enough to defend you and keep this village safe. You merely need to obey me.

[lordhotman]

[Okay, uncle. He doesn't want to play this card, but you're making it difficult.]

What about obeying your Fire Lord?

[tea_lover64]

By rights I would be the Fire Lord. I believe you need more time to see how to properly rule. I shall be serving as Regent until I feel you are ready.

[lordhotman]

And what do you mean by "properly rule"?

[tea_lover64]

Showing strength, and keeping those under your care safe, no matter the cost.

[You can tell by the look in his eyes that something is wrong]

[lordhotman]

[Yes, he can see it, and he doesn't like it. But he also doesn't know what to do about it. But maybe as long as he can keep Iroh distracted, he won't do something stupid.]

This isn't like you, Uncle.

[tea_lover64]

Perhaps I just realized I took the wrong direction. I should have taken a much more direct route in protecting you.

[In essence talking about a coup of Ozai]

Now, must I forcibly bring you back, or will you obey me?

[lordhotman]

[He can't believe what he's hearing.]

No. I won't.

[tea_lover64]

... so be it.

[He turns to a fighting stance at that, his body lowering and his hands up]

[lordhotman]

[No... this is practically Zuko's worst nightmare.]

Please... I don't want to fight you, Uncle.

[tea_lover64]

You have left me little choice in the matter, my nephew.

[In his state he firmly believes those words]

[lordhotman]

You do have a choice. Let me help you. We can figure this out.

[He really really doesn't want to fight his Uncle, but he takes a defensive stance just in case. Zuko wouldn't allow himself to be burnt to a crisp either if he can help it.]

[tea_lover64]

There is a time for words, and a time for action, Zuko. Let's see how far your training has gone.

[With that he punches and sends a fireball going Zuko's way]

[lordhotman]

[As the fireball comes his way, Zuko brings up his arms and then quickly moves them outward. Pushing the flames to either side and allowing them to dissipate.]

No. I won't attack you.

[Iroh can come after him all he wants, but just as with his father, he refuses to fight his uncle.]

[tea_lover64]

Positive jing is one of the fundamentals of Fire bending, Zuko, refusing to attack is foolish.

[And with that he will unleash a barrage of smaller fire blasts toward him]