Hi, hi! New story by me! I know I have like, 2 other stories that are unfinished and stuff, but I just had to write this one! It's been in my head FOREVER!!! But I hope you enjoy it anyway.
Summary: A young servant girl named Yu-Lin, Prince Zuko, and Ty Lee become the best of friends after the Prince and Nobleman's daughter see that Yu-Lin is being physically and verbally abused by Azula and Mai. Ty Lee becomes a main part of their growing friendship—especially since she sees that Zuko and Yu-Lin's friendship has gotten closer. Mai, being in love with Zuko, gets overwhelmingly jealous of Yu-Lin and vows to make her life a living hell.
Note: This story will most likely go from when they are children, to teenagers, to present canon. But I'm not sure, but I hope you enjoy it anyway!!
The Daily Routine
The sun's rays flowed from the sky onto the Fire Lord's garden and it's surroundings. They reflected off the waters of the pond as it winked back in welcome of the light. The only protection from the from the warm sun was from a lone tree by the bank of the small boy of water, where a little girl of about the age of ten sat, shielded in its shade.
She had short hair, about shoulder length though still long enough for her to tie in a low ponytail below her right hear. However, quite an amount managed to escape and two large chunks of it lay distributed on either side of her face.
She was dressed in a traditional Chinese-style red, short-sleeved dress with two wide slits on either side. Both the hem and the collar were lined with gold fabric and she wore baggy brown pants, which gathered at her knee, and plain red shoes.
Her name was Yu-Lin and she worked with her mother as a servant in Fire Lord Azulon's palace. A she sat by the pond gazing at the dancing shimmers, she tore off pieces of the bread she had brought with her and started to feed the turtleducks swimming in the pond.
As all hungry animals do, they came swimming to her, each determined to get the first piece of bread. One was even brave enough to come out of the water and stand in front of her, begging for a piece.
Yu-Lin giggled and gave him what he asked. She then gently picked it up and held it to her eye level.
"You're so cute," she said to it. "I think I'll call you Qiao." Then she placed it back in the water where it swam away.
Yu-Lin continued to gaze at the water and the turtleducks and started to daydream. She had always wondered what it was like outside the confinements of the palace and often dreamt about venturing out. She has often gone to the market with her mother to get some ingredients to help her mother cook for the Royal Family—and that was as much of the outside world she got.
She dreamed of going…somewhere; somewhere big—like the Earth Kingdom. She could run away and…no, she reasoned. The law clearly states that anyone who abandons their post in service to the Fire Lord—whether they are serving in the army or otherwise— was met with certain death by beheading.
The young girl place both hands around her neck. She sighed and put them on her lap. So much for her dream.
She straightened up when she heard someone call her name. She stood up and ran onto the open grounds to greet whomever it was that called for her.
"There you are, I've been looking everywhere for you," said a woman looking sternly at the young girl with golden eyes. Then they softened and she bend down so she was level with Yu-Lin.
"Have you been playing with the turtleducks again?" she asked with a smile.
"Yes Mother," said Yu-Lin, looking at her. Like her daughter, Yu-Lin's mother, Huiquin, wore a uniform identical to hers except the pants of her uniform were loose and came down to her ankles. She had long black hair that she kept tied back in a bun, and full lips. She laughed at her daughters answer.
"Well, do you think you could help me make breakfast for the Royal Family? You can come and play with the turtleducks later," she offered.
"Yes ma'am. I'll come help," answered Yu-Lin.
"Ok, then. Come along." She and her mother went inside.
"Do you think they're up yet Mother?" asked Yu-Lin. They were in the kitchen with the other servants and she was pouring hot tea in cups while her mother made spicy noodles.
"They might be; the sun's been up for quite a bit so I think so."
Yu-Lin poured another cup of tea and asked, "That means we have to hurry, right?"
"That's right," said her mother as she poured noodles into five plates. "Is the tea ready?" she asked Yu-Lin.
"Yes Mother," she replied and handed her each cup one by one.
"Is Fire Lord Azulon's breakfast ready?" asked a guard coming to Yu-Lin's mother.
"Yes," she said as she placed the plate and a small hot teapot on a tray and covered the noodles in a warm white cloth. "Here you are," she said as she handed the tray to the guard. He took it and left.
Her mother finished preparing another four trays of food and put two each on two larger trays. She gave one tray to Yu-Lin and said, "You take that to Prince Zuko and Princess Azula. I'll take this one to Prince Ozai and Princess Ursa."
"Yes Mother," said her daughter as she took the tray. She then left her mother to deliver the food.
Twelve-year-old Prince Zuko had just gotten out of bed, brushed his teeth, and was coming back from his bathroom when there was a knock on his bedroom door.
"Come in," he said. The door opened and in popped Yu-Lin carrying his breakfast.
"Good morning, your Highness," she said, casting her eyes down, as was accustomed. "I have brought his Majesty breakfast. Did his Excellency sleep well?" she asked as she placed the tray on a nearby table and brought his breakfast to him, all the while keeping her eyes down.
The Prince accepted his food and said, "Yes. Thank you."
"It is my pleasure, your Majesty," replied Yu-Lin, bowing. "I hope you enjoy your breakfast." She then walked to the table, picked up the tray with the remaining food, and left.
She walked across the hall and stopped at the door to Princess Azula's room. She hated having to give the Princess breakfast; it always ended with Yu-Lin getting hurt one way or another.
She took a deep breath, secured the tray in her right hand, and with her left, knocked on the door.
"Come in," said an annoyed voice from within the chambers. Yu-Lin opened the door and entered.
"It's about time. I was waiting forever," said Azula. The nine-year-old Princess sat Indian-style in the center of her bed, glaring at Yu-Lin.
"What took you so long?" she demanded. "Oh wait, you're just too stupid to find your way here fast enough. My food is probably cold now."
Yu-Lin had never been as happy as she was at that moment that she was obliged to keep her head down in front of those superior to her, for she felt her eyes glaze over with tears.
"My humblest apologies your Maj—" she started to say but the Princess cut across her.
"Just shut up and give me my breakfast, you stupid girl," said Azula.
"Yes, of course," replied the girl, her voice shaking. She took the tray of food and handed it to Azula who snatched it out of her grasp.
"I—"
"Get out," snapped Azula. Yu-Lin bowed and obeyed. When she had gotten to the door she heard Azula say something about the tea and she felt something hit her back. Azula had thrown her cup at her. She felt searing pain where the tea had splashed her and she gave a cry and fell to her knees.
"The tea was too hot," said Azula. "I don't want it anymore, take it back."
Yu-Lin pivoted on her knees so her body faced the Princess. She placed her hands on the floor in from of her and bowed deeply.
"My apologies," she said, choking back tears. She got to her feet and walked to Azula's bed where she held out the small teapot.
As Yu-Lin held out her hand for the pot, Azula smirked and let go. The servant girl dove for it, but unfortunately she grabbed it as the hot liquid spilled out, scorching her hands. She gasped but said nothing and bowed out of the room—but not before picking up the shattered remains of the cup that lay strewn on the floor.
Once she had closed the door and was out in the hallway, she walked a couple paces to her left towards the kitchens, then stopped. She placed the teapot and the broken China on the floor, crouched down, and cried.
Well, there you have it: the first chapter of Madoka Ame. Hope you all enjoy! Reviews will be appreciated!