Chapter 19 – Flow of Power
[EXT. MOUNTAIN TRAINING GROUNDS – DAWN]
The first light of morning breaks across the peaks. Mist clings to the valley, wrapping the mountains like a shroud. Ashura stands barefoot on the stone platform, body aching but eyes burning with determination. The diamond mark on his palm pulses faintly, like it's alive.
Master Iroh sits cross-legged nearby, eyes closed, his presence calm yet commanding.
Iroh (calm, steady): "Ashura. Yesterday you unleashed speed that shouldn't be possible for your body… and nearly tore yourself apart. Do you know why?"
Ashura (panting, stretching his arm): "Because I'm not strong enough…?"
Iroh (shakes head): "No. Because you fought against the power, instead of with it. A river doesn't ask permission before it flows. You tried to dam it with brute force. That is why it burned you."
Ashura clenches his fist, staring at the glowing mark.
Ashura: "…Then how do I make it obey?"
Iroh rises to his feet, hands clasped behind his back. His voice is low, filled with authority.
Iroh: "You don't command it. You become it. Balance is not about control—it is about harmony. Remember this: 'Only when flame learns to dance with air does it become light.' Find that harmony within yourself, and the artifact will follow."
Ashura breathes deep, closing his eyes. The mark begins to flicker. He spreads his stance, sword sheathed at his side.
---
[TRAINING SEQUENCE]
Ashura extends his palm, trying to will the energy out. The glow erupts—violent, unstable. His arm jerks, the energy scorching his skin. He gasps and falls to one knee.
Iroh (stern): "Too much force. You're grabbing at it like a child seizing fire. Let it flow."
Again. Ashura steadies his breath. The seal glimmers softer this time. He draws his katana in one fluid motion—shhhhing!—but the energy sputters, dying out halfway. His slash leaves only a faint arc of light in the air.
Ashura (frustrated): "Damn it! Why won't it stay steady!?"
Iroh (firm): "Because you are not steady."
Hours pass. Sweat drenches Ashura's shirt. His hands shake as he tries again and again—sometimes too much energy, sometimes too little. His muscles ache, skin burns from the feedback. Each failure feels heavier.
Finally, he collapses on the stone floor, staring at the sky.
Ashura (thinking, teeth gritted): If I can't master this… how the hell am I supposed to fight Danzi? How can I protect Shoto?
The diamond pulses faintly, like it's responding to his resolve.
---
[EXT. TRAINING GROUNDS – EVENING]
Ashura stands again, katana drawn. The sun sets behind him, fire in the sky. He closes his eyes, breathes.
This time, he doesn't force it. He listens. To the wind. To his heartbeat. To the faint hum of the artifact inside him. Slowly… the glow spreads across his arm, smooth and steady. His katana hums in resonance.
He slashes—whoooosh!—a clean arc of light cuts through the air, precise, balanced. No burns. No backlash.
Iroh (eyes widening, softly): "…So he's found it."
Ashura lowers the sword, chest heaving, but a grin spreads across his face.
Ashura: "…Finally. It worked."
Iroh (serious, but proud): "Don't celebrate yet. You've taken your first step… but balance is a path with no end. Tomorrow, we push further."
The scene closes with Ashura staring at his glowing palm, determination blazing in his eyes. The first step toward true mastery has begun.