#*scripture

He feels it burning beneath his skin, inextinguishable and fully alive. It boils through his blood like some uncontrollable force, and even after years of devotion and effort, it still feels like it'd eat him alive. If he slips, it could. If he messes up just once, it'll make sure he'll never have to worry about mistakes again.

And that was the true fury of fire. It didn't care who handled it or who even bothered to try; seasoned veteran or weak beginner, it did not matter. Elements weren't something to be conquered, but a power that sought vessels. He was just a messenger for these wild, hungry flames. He could burn down everything he saw by the ways of destruction, or reborn life by the ways of the phoenix.

Zuko inhales. 

With a powerful kick, the air around him singes with massive heat, fire licking up the trees that surrounds him. Embers fan through the lazy breeze, and Zuko continues strike after fearsome strike. His body moves in one seamless flow, legs and arms dancing with a fire that still threatens to consume him and everyone else around him. Fire was boundless. Fire had no mercy.

And did it show. Moving under the sun, Zuko's strength soars, fires feeling hotter, the crackling growing thicker. The rest of the group watched on in awe, but if they felt the tiniest hint of fear, he could not blame them.

Like he's said before, fire, unlike the other elements, was fully alive, an element of its own that'd dominate you if you let it. Just give it one chance. Just one.

Then his body stops, chest rising and falling under the strain of his work. The air still carries with it the merciless fury of wild flames, Zuko's body covered with the thinnest layer of sweat. Aside from the furious burn that marks his left eye, however, he remains untouched by the power he'd been blessed with. Or cursed. Really, it was all a matter if opinion, or so he supposes.

"That was great, Zuko!" Aang cheers from the side, a smile on his lips that far outshined that of the others. They seemed hesitant. Perhaps he needs more time before they accustom themselves to living with a once oh so desperate hunter. He still prickles at their skin. He can't really blame them.

Rising up from his perch on a rock, Aang confronts the fire bender, asking, "you gotta teach me that move you just did! Uh, how'd did it go again? Like this?"

Zuko watches on with a motionless expression, and save for the blunt instruction of "you're doing it all wrong. Try it again, and this time, show me your progress," everything remains silent.