We had to keep to the shadows as I followed Zuko to this mysterious place. The whole city had transformed from shops and houses, to an army camp.
"The Upper Ring holds the training ground for non-benders and their sleeping area. The large homes were saved for generals, captains and any other high ranking man. In the Middle Ring, there are shops near the library that are being used as war, delivery, and document rooms.
"There, they would plan for battle, send out the orders, and document it all. The Lower ring is used mainly for earthbenders. It was only because that's where we were able to get the most dirt. Even though the soldiers were divided in to separate rings, they're still able to go anywhere." Zuko explained to me as we walked.
It was amazing, how lifeless the city had become. Children were no longer playing in the streets, and the sound of a female voice was gone.
When Zuko and I reached the Lower Ring, we were almost caught. The man who was walking by had almost seen me, but didn't. How would it look like to see the Fire Nation's banished prince running around with a woman? Not just any woman, Admiral Zhao's wife. I shuddered at the thought and promised to be more careful.
"Where here." He announced as he pulled at the doors to a small shop.
There were a few small round tables, chairs and a front counter.
"Oh!" I exclaimed, finally understanding. "It's Iroh's tea shop!"
He laughed and said, "Yes, it is."
Walking over to a table, he ran a finger through the thin layer of dust.
"My uncle loved this place. He told me that it was a blessing that we had been given a second chance."
I remembered how Zuko had told me about this shop. It was after they had left my place, but before Azula took over. Iroh and Zuko were living a new life.
"When the war is over, will you open it back up?"
"It's my uncle's decision. If he wants to bring it back to life, I'll be the first to help him do it."
Satisfied with his answer, I nodded. I walked over to a table close to the door and wondered how ironic it was that Zuko and I were able to meet again. He had been living in the Lower Ring, and I in Upper Ring. There were thousands of people in Ba Sing Se. When Azula had ordered a coup, hundreds were arrested thrown into the prisons for fighting back. I wasn't even fighting back and I was still thrown in a hole. Amazingly, it was the same hole as Iroh. Some would say it was destiny, but I think it was luck.
There was a sound of breaking glass and a quiet curse.
"Zuko? What did you break?"
He didn't reply. I looked up to see his body alert, his eyes quickly scanning the area. It was then that I realized it wasn't him. My body became rigid with fear. Slowly, Zuko moved into a fighting stance. He motioned for me to get down. I laid down on my stomach, trying to become invisible. There was a scuttle, this time I heard that it was coming from the back room.
Suddenly, a familar looking girl came out of the door that led to the back. The tea cup that she had been holding slipped from her grasp the moment she saw him. It fell to the ground and shattered, but she didn't care. She stared at Zuko, as he stared back. They obviously knew each other. I figured that since he wasn't attacking, she must be okay. I tried to get off the floor, but a nail had somehow caught on to the front of my dress. There was no light in the corner, where I was, so I couldn't see how to get it off.
As I fumbled blindly at it, she whispered, "Li?"
My breath caught in my throat. It wasn't the fact that she knew who he was, it was the way she said his name. It was full of build up emotion behind it. Before I had a chance to get up, she crossed the room exceptionally quick and kissed him.
I could hear my heart scream in agony.
Without thinking, I stood up. The front of my dress tore in half, but I didn't care. Zuko had long ago detached himself from her, but he still looked as if I caught him doing something wrong. My pulse had quickened, my cheeks flushed and I was breathing hard. So this is what it felt like seeing the one you love in the arms of another. The girl at least had the decency to look embarrassed. Zuko was looking at me pleadingly. Normally, it would have made me weak at the knees, but it only made me hurt even more. The silence became too much for me. I turned on my heel and ran to the door.
"Wait!" The girl called. It was so commanding, it stopped me. "Let me get you a coat to cover your.."
She then gestured at her chest and disappeared into the back room. So that's why she looked embarrassed. I suddenly felt sick.
"Song?" Zuko's low voice caught my attention.
My head snapped up and I looked at him with a vacant look.
"I have no right to be angry. We don't have a steady relationship, so you're free to do what you want. Besides, I'm still married."
He seemed hurt by this and started, "But-"
"I don't want to talk right now. It seems you have some catching up to do anyway. I'll see you at the palace."
Without waiting for the coat, I left. Cold air met my lungs once I was outside. Because it was summer, it wasn't expected. As I walked through the alley, part on me whished that I had a coat. Not the one that was offered. I wanted to cry, long and hard, but I couldn't. It wasn't my place. Zuko is a free man to do what he wants. If that includes seeing other… It's his choice. Will you stop your whining? It was only a kiss.
"Right, only a kiss." I told myself.
All I had to do was convince myself that it meant nothing. Ugg! Why did I care so much! It wasn't like we were engaged or married. We weren't bound to each other in anyway. Suddenly, my inner voices started having a confrontation.
He is my best friend, nothing more.
Is it considered 'more' when you LOVE them?
No. Don't think like that he's your friend.
"Song!" His voice broke up the debate in my head.
For a moment I was frustrated. He's going to get you both caught. I knew the only way to get him to stop calling, was to face him. So I stopped and waited for him to catch up. I heard scuffling somewhere in the alley, and an uneasy feeling settled itself in the pit of my stomach. Maybe I should wait for him at the palace. It sounded like a good idea, so I turned to leave. There was an opening at the end of my path, marking my way into the Middle Ring. Unfortunately, a man blocked my exit. Instantly, I knew it wasn't Zuko for two reasons. One, he was taller and broader. Two, he was mercilessly dragging someone by the neck.
"Zhao." I said his name with as much hatred as I could muster.
This time, I refused to be scared.
That was, until I saw who he was holding: My mother.
AN: Okay people, please, please review. I don't like begging, but I seem to be doing it a lot lately. Nobody has reviewed for the last TWO chapters. It makes me sad.
