Thrown roughly into an empty room, pain shot through her knees as she landed. Ignoring it she pivoted on them, turning just in time to see the metal door swing closed, the squeal of the lock ringing throughout the room. Pushing up from the ground she examined her surroundings, eyes sweeping the area around her. There was nothing really, it truly was just an empty room. Metal floors, walls, and ceiling, all cold and uninviting greeted her. A single red tapestry hung from the right wall, the symbol of the fire nations dark against the vibrant background. Other then that the room was empty, void of any other furnishings or decorations. But it was better then a cell, at least it was clean and the air fresh. No chains to bind her with or bars to block her way. Just a metal door kept her in, a metal door that locked from the outside; her luck couldn't have been any better.
With a quiet sigh she walked to the corner farthest from the door, leaning against the wall, the cold of the metal reaching her skin through the fabric of her top. Crossing her arms in front of her she waited for something to happen, as she knew there would indeed be something happening soon. Eyes fell to the floor, staring at the texture of the metal, the pattern of it somewhat intriguing to her, raised lines that almost crossed but not quite. At least it was a distraction from the boredom she knew she would feel soon enough.
An hour passed, her eyes never once moving from the floor, her mind never straying from thoughts of how to escape. She decided, for now she would wait, biding her time for the perfect opportunity. The movement of the door swinging open caught her attention, her eyes yanking up from where they were focused on the floor to meet the figures walking toward her. She already knew who it would be before they entered and she confirmed her guess Prince Zuko and his uncle entered. Her chin lifted slightly, her body posture still relaxed but at the same time challenging to them both. She could already she the anger in the prince's eyes as he saw her defiance, he expected her to treat him like the rest of his subordinates did, with respect.
Standing a few feet from her his golden gaze locked on her, his eyes narrowed slightly. His hands were clenched into fists at his sides, his back straight and his shoulders rigid. Everything about his stance was tense as he began questioning her.
"What's your name?" He waited for a moment, only to be met with silence. He gritted his teeth before speaking again. "Where are you from?" Again only silence. From her appearance he couldn't tell what nation she was from. Her clothes were all black, the style different from anything he had seen before. Though her complexion and hair reminded him of the Fire Nation her striking eyes definitely didn't belong. Frustration growing at her lack of a response he moved closer, hands on either side of her head, his face close to hers, pinning her against the wall. She could feel the heat of his body, typical of Firebenders, rolling off him in waves. She kept her face blank though in all reality she felt much discomfort at the closeness of their bodies. Flashes of her past flickered in her head and she pushed them away, disgust rising in her due to her own weakness. She wanted nothing more then to push him away, put some distance between them. But she wouldn't let any emotion slip, she would remain apathetic, blank. He would gain nothing from her, he could try whatever he wanted but nothing would work.
A low growl of frustration rose from him and fire flared to life in his hands, leaving black scorch marks on the metal walls. "Tell me who you are, why did you let the Avatar go free? Did someone send you to stop me?" When silence was his only answer he yelled in frustration. "Answer me!"
A hand placed on his shoulder made pause and turn. It was his uncle, a disapproving look in his eyes, disappointment at his nephew's loss of temper clearly written. A sadness was also hidden deep within his gaze though he would never reveal it to Zuko for it would only anger him further. Without another word Zuko left, slamming the door shut behind him, leaving her alone with the retired General Iroh.
Turning her eyes to the older man before her she waited for him to begin interrogating her as well. So she was surprised when he spoke, asking her something she never would have imagined. "Do you like tea?" Her eyes widened in surprise, her façade slipping for just an instant before all emotion was hidden again. "My favorite is Ginseng." Then he turned toward the door, opening it slightly to speak to the guards posted outside. "One of you bring me a pot of Ginseng tea."
Though her face was blank her mind was reeling. His actions had her completely confused, they made no sense to her at all. Though he seemed kind enough she kept her guard up, her suspicions slowly growing. The movement of the door opening made her eyes shift there, returning to Iroh when the pot of tea was given to him along with two cups. With a sigh he sat on the ground, legs crossed, and poured first her and then himself some of the hot tea. With slow movements he offered her the a cup and though she didn't know why she too slowly moved to sit in front of him, taking the cup in her hands. The outside of the cup was warm, sending a shiver of delight down her spine as it warmed her cold hands.
With a sigh she took a slow sip, her eyes never leaving the man before her. "I apologize for my nephew's behavior. He's a complicated young man with a difficult past." She carefully took in what he was saying, thinking on the words. It was kind of him to apologize on behalf of his nephew but if it were to really mean anything it needed to come from the prince himself.
"So how is the tea?" Iroh himself had already finished his tea but sat patiently, seemingly in no hurry at all. Without thinking she nodded slightly, a silent way of signaling that it was good. She herself didn't catch the movement until it was too late. General Iroh's face lit up at her response though he didn't say anything. The two sat there, staring at each other, each one waiting for the other to speak or make some motion. Finally it was Iroh that broke the silence again. "If I may ask, what's your name? You don't have to answer if you don't want to."
She was stunned by how polite he was compared to his nephew. While one just wanted to force answers out of her the other was patient with her, letting her move at her own speed. With a sigh she set down her cold, folding her hands gently on her lap. She couldn't just ignore him when he was the only one that showed her kindness. "Kaiya." Her voice was soft though a bit rough from lack of use. Speaking again her words came out more clearly. "My name is Kaiya."
A smile grew on his face at her response. "That's a beautiful name. Do you mind me asking where you come from?" He immediately regretted the words. As soon as they left his lips he saw her change in expression. Her face hardened and became blank again as she began shutting everything out.
"I'm sorry if my words upset you." She blinked once at his apology but remained silent, no longer wishing to speak if he was only going to pry into her past. Seeing that his company was beginning to grow unwelcome he stood to leave, pausing at the door. "I'll see what I can do about getting you some blankets." And then he was gone.
Sighing she stood, feet falling silently on the ground as she made her way to the corner of the room. Leaning against it she slid down until she was sitting with her back to the wall, her knees bent in front of her. Gently she leaned forward a bit, her arms wrapping around them and her forehead resting against them. Closing her eyes she tried to ignore the room she was in, the swaying of the ship on the waves, the angry prince that seemed determined to capture the Avatar, the prince she was supposed to stop. It was all a complicated mess, a mess that she somehow had to get herself out of.
Okay, so here's chapter two. Sorry it took so long to put it up, I got a little bit stuck at one point and then changed it a little. Some feedback would be great if you have the time. I like knowing what you like about it and what you don't like. I'll try to have the next chapter up soon.
