AUTHORS NOTES: Hey everyone. Sorry for missing Last week, and yesterday especially. I just moved back to Uni so last Friday was pretty crazy, and at 10pm, seeing this 10,000 monster was quite intimidating to edit. So I saved for a week later, and edited it yesterday when I had the time. Then decided not to work for me, so even more delays. So finally, I have the update, and as I said before, it's quite long. So sorry, and I hope you enjoy chapter 14, What I've Done.
I am just a guy… with a boomerang… I didn't ask for all this flying… and magic.
"You don't quite understand what you two have started, do you?" Zuko said to the two them.
"I think we understand the situation quite well my lord," Chit Sang replied, "The two of you have history that you haven't quite sorted between you two. Upon saving her life she's conflicted between loving and hating you, and so she doesn't want anything to do with you. I think our friend here has seen this and made it his mission to repair the bond you two used to have. Even if it means at least having a clean cut between you both."
Zuko looked at Chit Sang like he was crazy, "No. What would be best is if we never saw each other again. You saw how she was, she is very adamant about not seeing me ever again. I don't blame her either, so, drop the act here and let's move on with this. I need to go home, if not for my nation, then for my half-sister. I have already stayed longer than what I said I would." Zuko reasoned with the two, they looked at each other, slightly less thrilled than before.
"We can handle the situation here, no worries. From the assault and capture on their main strongholds outside of the Fire-Nation should send them a very strong message," Chan placed his hand on Zuko's shoulder, "Those who aren't as inspired will run back to their families. A big crutch will be lost and it will take a lot for them to regain the numbers."
"And the more devoted of them will rise up and launch an all-out civil war," Zuko brushed off Chan's hand, "I need to return to my people. They need a leader to guide even the most lost."
"A guide is useless if he too is lost." Chan pleaded, "You need to be at your best, and right now, you are most certainly not your best Fire Lord."
"Your mother said she sent you here to have a change of pace." Chit Sang said, "But since you've been here, it's been nothing but your head to the grindstone. You need your promised vacation, so at least let it be a leisurely trip to Ba Sing Se. Meet your uncle, see the sights and at the same time you'll help a girl in need."
"I don't need to 'see the sights' Chit Sang." Zuko clearly stated, "I need to go home, and Jin can do whatever she wants. It's better for the both of us that she never sees me again. Tomorrow, I get the next ship going back to the Fire Nation, no questions about it. Good night."
Zuko looked the two advisors in the eye before turning around and walking out the door. A thud as the door closed left Chan and Chit Sang left in the room together. They looked at each other before walking to the map table and looking over it. Chit Sang's eyes lit from realization and he walked to the door.
Peeking his head outside, he called for the Fire nation guard down the hall.
"Soldier, I need you to fetch the superior officer of the scout team we just busted out. Make sure he is alone and guard the door when you return."
/New Scene
Morning rose and Zuko was briskly walking his way to though the districts, passing through the restaurant, a residential, past his old apartment building without a passing mention. He came to the cities gates and with many other dock workers waited for a carriage for passage to the marine access to the city. Waiting in the Earth Kingdom robes, he tried to avoid all the attention he could.
Coming to sight, was a fleet of carriages arrived and many scrambled to the line. One by one workers were allowed into the carriages by a foreman. Zuko came closer and closer to the front and he prepared his fare from his bag. Zuko came to face the foreman and prepared to hand over the money, when he held out his hand.
"Sorry Sir, I am not allowed to let you pass to the docks." The foreman said.
"I beg your pardon, I am a paying customer." Zuko angrily said to him, "Why are you not letting my pass?"
"Sorry but I have orders from higher up, you got a problem," The foreman gestured to a man out of Zuko's vision, "You'll have to speak to him. Now if you'll excuse us, you're holding up the days' work."
Zuko furiously walked out of the way and let the process begin again, waiting just off to the side he watched the foreman and thought of a way to pass.
"Do you have a question for me Sir," a familiar voice said, Zuko turned around to see the rescued officer on an Ostrich horse, "Then you'll have to come with me."
Zuko's eyes narrowed on his, "What are you doing here. I thought I made it very clear that I am leaving for the Fire Nation today."
"You did." He retorted, "There is still something that your advisors need to tell you though."
"That is a poor excuse and you know it soldier. My advisors could have easily sent a messenger hawk instead." Zuko watched his eyes and movements.
"Well I am sorry for that, but I have my orders." He patted the backside of his Ostrich-Horse, "And they require me to take you back to the town hall."
Zuko sighed, "You all are just taking orders, but no-one ever listens to mine." Before he gloomily pulled himself onto the passenger part of the saddle. The officer whipping the reins and the steed cantered back into the city walls.
/New Scene
The morning growing old the two arrived at the 'Blazing Tongue'. The shop was closed at this hour however when the officer knocked on the door, it was answered and they were invited inside. Walking inside there were employees moving about, moving and setting tables ready for their day of work, one table, in the centre of the restaurant was already a round table fully set and lit. Five Chairs around the table worried Zuko as the officer pulled out one of them and sat down.
"Please have a seat my Lord," The officer gestured widly to all of the other seats around the table, "It doesn't matter where you sit. We're early so might want to get comfortable."
Zuko moved slowly to the table and sat on a chair directly opposing the officer. They sat in silence as they waited, Zuko actively avoiding eye contact as the other man watched the Fire Lords every action. They heard the front door open and a few chattering voices was heard from behind the rice paper wall. Revealing themselves from behind the wall Chan and Chit Sang emerged and walked to the table. They did not speak until they were seated, seating themselves of either side of the officer, leaving the last seat between Zuko and Chit Sang.
"Glad to see you're still in the city my lord." Chit Sang said oddly, "and we are honoured that you could join us for a meal."
"Cut it Chit Sang." Zuko's blunt tone cut straight through the atmosphere, "It's obvious that you ordered for me not to leave the city. Any longer and this could be counted as unlawful imprisonment."
Chit Sang motioned his hands at Zuko in dismissal, still annoyed yet he quietened down.
"Calm down. We just want you to think a bit before leaving Yu Dao. There is a lot still yet to be done." Chit Sang softly said.
"Right, of course," Zuko's cynicism clear, "You plan to get me to take Jin to Ba Sing Se. I though you realized that she doesn't want me to accompany her, I thought that she did a very good job at conveying that message."
"Yes we do understand that. Though there is no better way to help you two deal with your personal issues." Chit Sang headed the conversation.
"With our forces so thin, it couldn't hurt for you to be away for a little bit longer." Chan added.
"And it's fairly clear that you two have not only interpersonal issues but your own struggles. Struggles that I believe that you can overcome together." The officer finished.
Zuko clenched his teeth in frustration, the table shared a silence as Zuko clearly worked his words in his head.
"What are you arguing for? That I should escort Jin to Ba Sing Se, no? To me it sounds like you just want to move me around like an expensive Pia Sho piece, having me gallivant around with someone who clearly hates me. Even if she wanted me to go with her, I don't have the time to. I need to be back at the palace and leading my country again. Remember, I agreed to go on this little adventure with the strict timeline of being back to serve after two weeks in Yu Dao. I have overshot that margin already, I've spent the better part of the month away from the throne." Zuko was yelling loudly, the eyes of the three across the table slowly shifting away from him, "What about Jin? Do you even care about her? When did you care so much about a single refugee that you treat her like a goddess?" Zuko was left staring at the three, all clearly with anxious expressions.
"Please be seated Jin." The officer said, Zuko turned around to see Jin, her hair tied cleanly in two braids down the side of her head and dressed in a fresh robe. The moment of shock washed over him, before his anger returned stronger than ever.
She glared at Zuko with ill intent before being seated next to Zuko and Chit Sang, as she pulled her chair in, shifting it slightly away from Zuko. Jin did her best not to face him as the awkward silence perforated the air and Zuko watched the three conductors of this Calamity of an Orchestra. Soon came the waiter, requesting everybody's lunch order, Zuko only heard a blur as the other three ordered, the sounds washing together as he looked on the group. The waiter came to his side and snapped him back to reality, he responded with the first thing that appeared in his mind.
"Roast Game with Hot Peppers and a mild salad." Zuko spared as much breathe as he could, his blatant rudeness attracting odd looks form the other three. The waiter did not question him and simply moved onto Jin.
"Pepper fried Koala-Sheep with tomato-carrot sauce. With a side of green salad." Jin said, clearly irritated.
/New Scene
Lunch was served as other patrons entered the establishment, looking, chattering and speculating amongst themselves at the table of Officials, peasants and military all sitting around it. They all ate without a word except Jin. She had not touched her meal since it was laid out in front of her, even her chopsticks destined to stay in the same place on the table. She held her arms and legs crossed and watched the flickering of the lamps to avoid being too bored.
Zuko was the first to finish and still irritated, he aggressively pushed his plates away from him, sat up and crossed his arms and legs. The three across from them ate slowly, their meals no longer producing steam and their bodies no longer reacting to the heat. The crunch of cabbage from the Scout Officer caught the eyes of both Zuko and Jin. Zuko raised his eyebrow at him where Jin gave him a strong stare. He pushed his plate forward, as did Chit Sang and Chan, regardless of where they stopped eating, however Chit Sang still had a piece of meat still on the end of his chopsticks. He quickly slurped it up before placing his utensils with his plate and refocused his attention to the pair of young individuals.
"It's worse than I thought." The officer said.
"What possibly made you think that it was better before?" Jin asked with cynicism.
"Well, you two seem pretty, unyielding, on not traveling together. What do you think Fire Lord? What are your thoughts?" the Officer redirected the conversation, leaving Jin with a scowl. The Officer looked at Zuko, who looked him in the eyes a moment.
"I would guess that she has gone through a lot in her life. Though I have no quarrel with her, I do need to go home to guide my nation and that means I do not have the time to travel across the Earth Kingdom." Zuko, powerful in his words, never broke eye contact with the officer. He nodded as he processed the information. Jin turned to angrily face Zuko
"I understand." The Officer turned to face Jin, "well Jin, to Fire Lord Zuko's understanding, you…"
"Shush you!" Jin jumped out of her seat, with one hand on the table and second hand held out to the officer, "'been through a lot in life?' My life isn't something YOU can sum up in a few words. Saying 'I've been through a lot' is like saying 'the Fire Nation only invaded the Earth Kingdom a little bit'." Jin slowly began pointing at him as she spoke.
"Well, I am sorry for being terribly vague." Zuko raised his voice a notch, "I have no idea what's in your head. I've picked a few ques but there isn't much else that I can see."
Jin stood straight and walked closer to Zuko, "Hope I am not too vague about this then." She slapped Zuko right across his cheek, a loud crack reverberated throughout the restaurant. Chairs squealed as they flew out from underneath Chan, Chit Sang and the officer, all getting up in a flash. Zuko held them back by holding out his palm, even with his head still recoiling from the hit.
The group attracted a lot of attention, with most of the patrons and some staff watching the five stay still for a moment. Zuko slowly returned to a neutral state and turned his eyes to meet Jin. She scowled back at him and stormed away from the table and to the exit. As she disappeared behind the wall, the three others at the table slowly sat down until a brash crack of the door slamming cause each of them to jump a little in their seats.
Zuko seemed unfazed yet solemnly asked, "Do you have a place for me to stay tonight?"
/New Scene
Zuko sighed as he lay on the bed. He was put up in a Fire Nation hotel, a simple room with a small window and dreary colours of burgundy red dully illuminating the room from the large Fire Nation banner next to the bed.
"At least the bed is elevated." Zuko murmured to himself.
A beat passed before a knock at the door. The Door opened and Chit Sang walked through.
"I am sorry about today sir." Chit Sang solemnly said, "Things got out of hand. It won't happen again."
"No, Chit Sang, I deserved that one. Just don't ask me to describe someone else's feelings, ok?" Zuko said as he lay, facing the ceiling, "Come in if you want to talk but if it's about Jin, then don't bother."
Chit Sang meandered into the room, "Sir, if you don't talk about it, we won't know how to help you."
Zuko sat up in his bed, looking vaguely in Chit Sang's direction, "What if we don't want to be helped. You three keep saying that you're trying to help us by resolving 'whatever' between us two. Just stop it already, we both want to move on with our lives and no amount of your help is going to change that. Our history is relatively short and I don't know what's going on with it but if she doesn't want it anymore, that's fine by me."
"Well, when was the first time you met her? What were your feelings about meeting her?" Chit Sang said softly, he slowly walked to the side of Zuko's bed.
"No Chit Sang, I am not digging up that past. I've changed so much and I do not want to even remember it." Zuko pulled his legs over the side of the bed and Chit Sang kneeled down beside the bed.
"All the more reason to. You don't need to tell me the itty bitty, juicy details. Just how you felt on the first time you met her." Chit Sang spoke softly and calmly, with his full attention to Zuko.
"UUggghh," Zuko groaned calmly as held his forehead with his right hand, "Fine, I met her when I was a tea server, she asked me out to a date, we had dinner and I left her at a candlelit fountain. Happy now?"
"Woah slow down there." Chit Sang held out his hands, "Calm down, I asked you for how you felt. Though now I can see why she's a bit cranky at you." He said with jest.
Zuko pouted at him, "Well I felt awkward and out of place but it was pleasant." Zuko smiled a little as he finished.
"While it lasted." Chit Sang added, with Zuko returning to negatively looking at him again, "So how was the rest of your relationship?"
"Relationship?!" Zuko sounded shocked, "That was the last time I met her before Yu Dao! Well, there was that time she threw an icicle at my head, but that was it."
Chit Sang raised his eyebrows in surprise, "Really? Wow. Well by the way she talks to you, it's like you cheated on her or stole her ostrich-horse."
"I don't know, and it isn't my place." Zuko calmed himself and spoke level-headedly.
"Then are you willing to help her then." Chit Sang tried to contain his excitement.
"You're not giving me much of a choice though. Fine I'll think it over, but that doesn't mean that she is on board with the idea." Zuko pulled his head from the clouds.
Chit Sang exhaled a short 'Yes!' and he pumped his fist, Zuko looked at him with concern before he sat up straight again and coughed to himself. Zuko rolled his eyes at his enthusiasm.
"Thank you my lord. So what do we do now?" Chit Sang said.
"I will give you the next two days to convince her. If she will not go willingly at the end of those two days, I will leave Yu Dao and I leave her in your hands." Zuko looked at Chit Sang, "Does this satisfy you?"
Chit Sang's smile grew again and he bowed deeply to Zuko, "Yes, thank you. I mustn't wait to tell the others," he said excited and elated. He sat straight again and hastily moved towards the door.
"Thank you again sir, I hope we don't let you down." Chit Sang bowed shallowly a second time at the door.
"You said 'you mustn't wait' didn't you? Go, you've only got two days." Zuko sat on the edge of the bed with his elbows on his knees. Chit Sang nodded quickly and rushed out the door, his footsteps heard through the room as he moved away. Zuko pushed himself of the side of the bed and walked around the room.
He walked to the window and opened it, the light, crisp breeze entering the room. Zuko exhaled a breath of fire as he looked upon the restaurant district. The hurried crowd moving below him, as groups of patrons moved between restaurants and other establishments.
"What did I just sign up for..." Zuko said to himself as he leant on the windowsill.
/New Scene
The night covered the land, with Yu Dao lit up in the distance. An Ostrich-Horse trotted to a ridge overlooking and a cloaked figure leapt of their steed. Watching over the lively city, it exhaled a steamy breath. Form beneath their boot, it picked up one of the many loose stones on the ground and tossed it up and down in their right hand, before throwing it as hard as they could. Mounting the steed, the two travelled back along the moonlit road.
Slowly travelling through the city streets, the Ostrich-horse travelled through the centre of the road, as pedestrians and carriages passed them. The shadowy figure kept its head high as they trotted through the district, taking no heed to the people who passed. The crowds became less dense as they entered the residential district, the street lights barely lighting small sections of the path ahead.
A small group of citizens were walking in front, passing them without hesitation. After passing them, it halted his steed in-front of a hostel and hitched the stead. As the Ostrich-Horse was tied to the hitching post, the citizens walked ahead and entered the same hotel. A moment passed before finalizing the hitch and it too entered, the faint sounds of nature were quelled as he closed the door, entering the silent room with audible footsteps. As the counter was the group of three and the hotel staff behind the counter. A key was passed over and the group was bid farewell, before the clerk turned to the cloaked figure.
"Can I help you traveller, do you need a room?" she said, through the hood, the figure nodded, "Well… We have rooms to spare and hot meals to eat. For a cheap too."
Again the figure nodded and pulled out a coin pouch and grabbed some money and placed it on the table. The clerk took all and returned two small coins and a room key.
"You look like you're new in town, did you by chance hear about what happened? The Fire-Lord and his men went out and captured a large bandit camp. It's really the drama between the Yu Dao governors and them that makes this story really juicy though." She said with contained glee.
The cloaked figure brought his hands to the base of his hood and lowered it, his dark hair roaming free once again. He brushed it back out of his face.
"You've peaked my interest." Shojo said.
/New Scene
Light coursed through Zuko's room, the orange hue of sunrise resonating in the room. Zuko lay soundly in bed, eyes lightly closed and content with the rays hitting his face. He rolled over and faced the wall, his body now in shadow he rested longer, and the sweet tranquillity keeping him asleep.
The light under his door was disturbed and a shadow stood in-front of the door. The lock on the door slowly opened, clicking silently as the cogs and gears pull the deadbolt from the doorframe. A soft and gentle clunk echoed as it locked in position, the door handle turned with the squeaking of the hinges and the creaking of floorboards. The door opened a small gap and paused.
"Surprise!" Chit Sang yelled as he burst into the room, with the Fire-Lord Zuko being completely reactionless, still laying facing away from the door.
"I heard you from when you were walking up the stairs Chit Sang. You are not the silent type." Zuko said as he sat up, "What do you want, aren't I basically free of duty for the next two days?"
"Not quite my Lord," Chit Sang meandered into the room disappointed, "We still need to convince Jin to let you be her escort."
"I will not be assisting in your," Zuko paused for the right word, "scheme. If she agrees to go before tomorrow at sundown, I will accompany her."
"Well that's a deadline we hope to beat my Lord," Chit Sang stood straight and fixed his robe confidently, "I am always up for a Challenge."
"If that's how you think about this Chit Sang, then I might as well just leave now." Zuko pushed himself off the bed and walked put a red robe over his shirtless body, "However I trust you are not fully in charge in plans yes? Probably not at all."
"Ouch," Chit Sang grabbed the robe where his heart would be, "That hurts. I have however organized a few things for you two today."
"Oh no, don't tell me." Zuko turned around and put his palm against his head in embarrassment.
"This will be the date you two never had." Chit Sang said with coolness.
"No. No, no, no, no." Zuko walked around the room murmuring with his hand slowly gliding down his face, "This. This is not what I signed on for."
Zuko walked around the room for a moment as Chit Sang watched with a small smile.
"She wasn't my girlfriend, and she will never be. I want this to be over with as quickly as she does, so would you stop forcing us together." Zuko's voice kicked up as he spurred in aggression, Chit Sang in the meantime had been scanning around the room and shuffled his way over to Zuko's coin pouch, "What do you think you're doing Chit Sang."
The advisor picked up the pouch and tossed it around in his hands, "My Lord, we've organized your entire day. You don't need to do a thing, you'll be treated to the finest cuisine in Yu Dao, walk its scenery and hopefully Jin can see that you are a different man from, whoever you said you were. You won't be needing this at all today."
Zuko focused on him and widened his feet, hands staying in a neutral position, "Put that down Chit Sang. Just put it down, I can handle myself."
"Have I hit a nerve?" Chit Sang rhetorically asked, "Just make yourself presentable, we are already behind schedule."
Zuko's face tensed up as he shouted a grunt. He balanced on his right leg, holding a strong pose, he fire-bent with his left, sending a straight fire-blast towards Chit Sang. Chit Sang tried blocking with his free hand, as the other held tightly to the coin pouch, it overwhelmed him however and was sent flying across the room and through the front door. A gasp was heard from the hall and a middle aged man ran up to the advisor. Zuko walked towards the fallen advisor.
"No bending in here," the cleaning man said, "If you're fighting, take it outside."
Zuko came to the door, it broken somewhat at the hinges and stood above the fallen man.
"You heard him. Put on something a little more, green and let's be off." Chit Sang said with a groan and a smirk. Zuko gave him a scowl and slammed the door. It creaked as it fell from one of its hinges and fell on an angle, exposing the room inside a fraction.
/New Scene
Chit Sang waited in the courtyard, just outside the hotel. His hands sat in his pockets and fidgeted as he watched the front door. He looked away and pulled out a small ring from his pockets. It loosely sat in his palm as he stared down at it, the light of the overcast sun illuminating the silver band. He gripped it and spun it around his fingers before catching it and holding it close to his chest. Looking up briefly he saw Zuko walking up to him, lowing his hand, he took a deep breath and pushed off the wall with his foot. Walking to meet, Chit Sang dropped the object back into his pocket.
"Good morning my Lord," Chit Sang pushing out his cheery tone, "Are you ready for a big day of fun with Jin?"
"What was that Chit Sang?" Zuko pointed to the advisors pocket, "What were you just playing with?"
He hesitated for a moment, "Nothing sir," Chit Sang said softly, before he returned to his 'usual' self, "So today we have plans first for breakfast and a quick shop, get you into something with a little more, class. You will then meet Jin for lunch at our handpicked restaurant, serving both Fire Nation and Earth Kingdom cuisine." Chit Sang reached into a pocket within his robe and pulled out a small scroll of paper, clearing his throat he read from the scroll.
"We continue our day with a scenic carriage ride through the Restaurant and Gardens District, afterwards for the remainder of daylight will be at a Waterview table at the Lakes Tea House. Following will be a light meal at sunset and carriages will escort home first yourself and the lady Jin." Chit Sang folded his scroll again and returned it back to his pocket. He looked back at Zuko, his head low from a long sigh. He composed himself and stood tall again.
"That is not going to work." Zuko said flatly, "She is not going to fall for that."
"It will and you two would love it. We've chosen the best restaurants, the best transportation and the best views in the city. You two need only look the part now." Chit Sang said with his enthusiasm, "Come. We have to meet one of the best tailors in the city."
/New Scene
Zuko stood in his new outfit, gripping at the cuffs of his new robe, he looked down at what he wore with tones of repulsion and discomposure. The white shirt he wore, almost entirely covered by a short green and gold Changshan reaching just past his hips, showing his dark brown pantaloons predominantly before his modest boots.
"Chit Sang…" Zuko said slowly and with caution, "What is this? This feels like a workers uniform."
"Why, it's the newest fashion in the city sir," Chit Sang spoke with poise, "Tailors around the city have been working in both cultures into their designs since the colonies became their own province. This is the fruits of their labour."
"It feels," Zuko collected his opinions, "Loose. If I fought in this I am sure something in here would catch, or would be grabbed. I just don't see the use in this."
Chit Sang's face dropped with disappointment, "You don't fight in this, my lord. The craftsmanship, the silk and the fashion is for evening wear or other formalities. Not for a lowly brawl." He said offended.
Zuko looked forward again into a small mirror, and patted down any inconsistencies, "You care about fashion Chit Sang? What else do you need to tell me?" Zuko said.
"After wearing Prison rags, you come to crave even the simplest of cottons. Then you wear the silks and it is just bliss." Chit Sang walked around Zuko to see his other side and smiled, "It looks good on you."
"I don't feel any difference really," Zuko pointed out, and Chit Sang lost his smile once more.
"Moving on, your attire sorted, I request you follow me, my Lord." Chit Sang moved to the door and held it open, a breeze coming through and blowing around his hair a bit. Zuko adjusted his garments a little more before he turned around and headed for the door. He walked through the door and there was a carriage parked directly in front of the Tailor. The driver removed himself from the reigns and opened the door for Zuko, even so much as Earth bending a small step for him as well. Zuko didn't pay much attention and climbed inside the carriage, sitting down in the leather padded seats.
"Have a good day my Lord. I will see you this evening when you return." Chit Sang bowed as the door closed. The Carriage driver climbed back to the reigns and carried on to the Zuko's next destination.
"Couldn't feel the difference, my butt." Chit Sang grumbled.
/New Scene
Zuko was guided to a square table at the far end of the restaurant, on an elevated section with a garden surrounding the platform. A table of two was reserved for Zuko and he seated himself as he waited for his 'date', leaning back in his chair, he inspected the many flora amongst the arrangement. The green foliage broken by an assortment of petals that Zuko did recognize and he didn't. He muttered the names of a few of the flowers he saw, looking quite puzzled at one. Its light purple and white shades dancing in the few petals is had.
"It's the Purple Earth Lily. Common to the meadows of the East Earth Kingdom. In the spring, they blossom and change the landscape to a deep royal hue." Jin's said with a bittersweet smile, "They grew near my village as a girl. I should feel sick to see that flower again, but its dying purple just makes me feel more depressed."
Zuko turned around to see Jin in her new clothes. Her dress forfeited many traditions, the main dark green hugged tightly to her body and showed the contours of her body. The dress itself was a Qipao that travelled all the way down her legs, the back of the dress longer than the front with a seamless angle between the two lengths. Textures were done in a bright green, accentuating her figure more with a similarly coloured and wisping bow around her waist, tied off neatly behind her. Finally, the cream coloured edging heightened the dress wholly, keeping the dress from becoming too bland and lifeless, the edging fraying at the bottom to seemingly disappear. Clearly showing were her simple shoes, colour matching the edging to blend in. Her hair was held in a high ponytail, reminding Zuko of their only date.
"Would you help me rather than look at me? This may be pretty, but this isn't exactly a beach robe," Jin said in dry humour.
Zuko took a moment to take in what she was wearing before calmly standing from his chair and walking around the table to her chair. He pulled it out and she sat down carefully, pulling necessary parts of her dress to get properly comfortable. Zuko waited till Jin completely stopped before attempting to push her chair in, slowly the chair squeaked into position. Zuko sat back in his seat and the two sat across from each other again, awkwardly and without words.
He sat with both hands together on the table and leaning forward faintly where she sat straight back and hands in her lap, out of his view. Jin did her best to avert her gaze, brushing past as she look in another direction. Zuko mentioned over the one of the staff, a young woman seeing his awkward gesture, she rushed to the kitchen.
Zuko let his arm quickly down in disappointment. Returning them to the table he looked around for anything. In the time Zuko had been looking away, the waitress returned to their table with, two menus, two glasses and a bottle of water.
"So sorry." She said as she poured water into both glasses, "I will be back soon to take your order," and like that she was on the move again. The menus sat on the table in-between the two glasses, Zuko reached over, pushed one over to Jin and one for himself. She noticed the gesture, seeing the glass of water and menu in front of her, she immediately went for menu and held it at her lap.
Zuko glanced between his own menu and Jin. The ambient chattering around the restaurant flooded Zuko's mind as he tried to make conversation. He closed his menu and switched it with his glass, taking a mildly loud sip. Her gaze averted from her menu to him. Nothing else moved.
"What else could you tell me about the Purple Earth Lily? It would be nice to visit where they blossom one day." Zuko tried so hard to make conversation.
"Hmm. I don't." Jin said dismissively.
/New Scene
The two sat comfortable with an assortment of empty bowls and plates infront of them. Zuko was finishing his drink as the waitress approached them with a covered platter. She moved some things around and placed the platter in the centre of the table.
"I present to you, you're dessert," The waitress lifted off the dish cover and revealed the dessert. It was something Zuko couldn't recognize, it looked like a rice pudding with mixed fruits inside but that wasn't what Zuko was concerned about. The platter only consisted of on bowl with two spoons sticking out on either side.
The waitress began to describe the dish, pointing out the major parts, "A lychee rice pudding with…"
"What is this?" Jin interrupted.
The waitress was taken off guard by the sudden interruption, "Umm, if you would let me finish I will tell you exactly what it is. It is a lychee rice pudding…"
"No. No, no, no. I mean what is this?" Jin lifted on of the spoons in the bowl and let it drop back down, "One dish? I am sorry but I am not dating him."
"Oh," the waitress said as she realized and bowed, "I am sorry. We were under the assumption that you were dating."
"We," Zuko said slowly, "are not dating. I guess you got that idea from the reservation and paid for meals, yes?"
The waitress did not rise from her bow, "We are sorry. We can bring out another platter with two plates if you would prefer."
"I don't think that would be necessary." Zuko said, "I think it would be best for us to leave." Zuko rose from his chair and walked around the table.
"Finally something we can agree from." Jin said and she held her hand out to Zuko and was helped out of her chair. Zuko walked around the table and faced the waitress.
"Thank you for the service." He shallowly bowed as he spoke. The waitress sprung up from her own and faced Zuko, only to bow again.
"I am sorry our service was misguided. Hope you visit our establishment again." She said dejectedly and the two young adults walked away and towards the exit. She slowly rose from her bow and watched the two leave side by side, and the two of them thanking and lightly bowing to the doorman as he opened the door for their departure. She raised an eyebrow in confusion and slyness.
/New Scene
The Carriage ride was definitely awkward, with the wide windows on either side, Zuko and Jin both sat with a considerable distance between them. They didn't speak a word since the restaurant, however they weren't exactly angry anymore, Jin's stared wistfully out the window and Zuko held his head in his hand in boredom.
They both glanced at each other from time to time, Zuko was visibly relaxed and informal and Jin rested in her hands in her lap, her back straight and her gazed slightly down. The sound of the Ostrich-Horse's walk filled the void.
Slowly, the carriage came to a halt and Zuko noticed the establishment that they were now in front of. A wood carved sign said 'Garden Lakes Tea House' was hung over the entrance, swinging slowly in the breeze. Zuko heard the sounds of simple Earth-bending and the door was open, he exited first, down the stone step and waited for Jin. Zuko held out his hand and helped Jin down the steps, before releasing her hand and walking side by side into the Tea shop.
"Mister Lee and Miss Jin, I presume." A waiter, about middle aged, stood behind a podium, "We have been expecting you. Come, you're table is this way." The waiter guided them through the busy restaurant, people and tables in every direction, the definition of a packed house. They went up a small flight of stairs and they emerged onto a small balcony overlooking the turtle-duck pond, only with a single, circular table with two chairs.
"I will return with a pot of Jasmine. Please, make yourself comfortable." The waiter said with a smile. He closed the door behind him and travelled back downstairs, leaving Zuko and Jin alone on the balcony, the two awkwardly chose their seats and sat down.
Zuko looked out at the pond, with barely any trace of animals on the surface, the breeze blowing ripples across the surface and shuffling around the lily pads scattered around the water. Zuko searched for the turtle ducks, the pond was easily big enough, but none sat in the water.
Jin breathed in sharply and shivered, Zuko immediately focused on her.
"Are you ok?" he asked, "Do you need anything?"
"Well," she said sarcastically, "I wish this dress had sleeves. New fashion doesn't seem to realize the difference between the seasons." She gripped at her shoulders and tried to keep them warm.
Zuko searched the table and noticed a small candlestick on the table. He took it in his left hand and pinched each of the candlewicks, setting them each alight. He placed it to Jin's left and sat back for a comfortable position and closed his eyes.
"Really?" Jin asked cynically, "What do you expect that to do? Set the mood?"
Breathe In.
Breathe Out.
The flame on each of the candlewicks grew fatter and taller, also shifting to a bright orange colour.
"Well," Jin's surprised grin reached cheek to cheek, "I guess a Fire-bender is good for something." She huddled closer to the flame. The sound of the door opening startled her and the waiter entered with a tea pot and two cups.
"Oh, I see you already have lit the candles." He placed down the tea pot and cups in the centre of the table, "However they do not belong there." He went to grasp the candlestick, only to be stopped by Zuko reaching for his wrist.
"That is supposed to be there. It is keeping the young lady warm in this terrible weather." Zuko said passive aggressively, the flames growing taller from his mixed emotions, "Unless you have coat to give her, we would appreciate it if you didn't move that candlestick."
The waiter looked at Zuko with confusion and hesitation, before jumping back and bowing. Zuko sat back in his chair again and relaxed, the flame returning to its previous state. The waiter rose from his bow and carefully poured the two cups of tea on the table. Stepping back from the table with the teapot he bowed and turned for a swift exit.
The two looked at each other, Jin spoke after an awkward second, "Thanks, I guess."
Zuko smiled a little and grabbed his tea cup and gestured his cup to her. He took a sip, and Jin quickly did the same. They sat once again in silence as they examined the contents in their mouth.
"It's not that good." Zuko said bluntly.
"Bland." Jin concurred.
/New Scene
The Candlesticks ran low on wax, then intense heat and size had almost worn the candles down to nothing. The sky had become a dark grey and the breeze had built, the two teenagers still sat on the balcony, Zuko's hair rustled from the wind and Jin's high ponytail was fuzzy and messy, yet she still sat close to the nearly empty candlestick to stay warm. The waiter returned upstairs with nothing in hand.
"I hope you both have had a wonderful stay with us, if you don't mind, I would like to escort you downstairs. You have company." He said calmly and professionally.
"Oh no…" Zuko said as he stood up.
"Anything to get out of this weather." Jin hastily got out of her seat and followed the waiter, leaving Zuko to trail behind, he made a dramatic swing of his left arm and the candlesticks were extinguished. They travelled back down the stairs, and once again looked out to the busy tea house. Near the entrance stood Chit Sang and the Officer, waving at the two from across the room. Once the two parties met, the waiter moved on to the many others in the restaurant.
"Hello my Lord." Chit Sang said smugly, "I bet you've had a good day."
"It hasn't," Jin interjected without remorse, "The food has been mediocre, the weather; cold and the tea; terrible." A few tables away could hear Jin, who turned to face her briefly, Chit Sang smiled at them awkwardly and gave a thumbs up to the insulted patrons.
"Well, I guess either way we will see you both tomorrow." The Officer, "Hopefully Chan's arrangements can suit you too much better."
Jin groaned in disbelief, "Again? Tomorrow? Today was bearable but I will not tolerate a second dreadful day."
"Agreed." Zuko held.
"I'd have faith in Advisor Chan. He did free us from imprisonment." The officer soothed his words, Zuko wanted to say something, but instead just held a small scowl at their complete disregard for his role.
"Don't worry though, we don't have any more plans after tomorrow. After then, you can choose to leave this city by yourself or for an official escort." Chit Sang said, though Jin was questioning it.
"Tomorrow?" She trivially asked, "Why the two days of fake dates. Why not just let me go or make me wait?"
"Well, to help both of you realize that you're hate is really unnecessary." Chit Sang solemnly said, both teens averted their gaze briefly in contemplation, "I would say the dates were our idea, pleasant times make for pleasant memories. However, the two days were not our idea." Chit Sang brought Zuko's full attention and panic.
"That actually goes to fire Lord Zuko," Zuko motioned Chit Sang to cut it, waving his hand at his throat, " He was the one who gave us," Zuko started mouthing 'Stop' and 'No' to Chit Sang, his hand moving up closer to his neck. Jin began slowly turning to Zuko, "the deadline of two days to convince you to travel with him."
Zuko face palmed and Jin looked at him with disappointment.
"You always find a way, don't you?" She bleakly said, she slowly walked out the door. Zuko had lifted his head from his hands to see the door close behind her.
Breathe In.
Sigh.
"I am leaving." Zuko disheartened walked slowly to the exit himself. Pushing through the door he was there to watch her carriage disappear behind the buildings, a soft gust of wind rustling his clothes.
/New Scene
Zuko awoke at dawn, light barely passed through his window. He pushed himself out of bed and sat down at the table.
Breathe In.
Breathe Out.
Later in the day, Chit Sang once again walked down the corridor to Zuko's room. He held behind in his hand what looked like two tickets, the golden ribbons swaying back and forth as he walked. He came to the door and reach out with his open hand to knock. Before he could the door gave away from him and revealed Zuko, ready to leave in his green Changshan, his money pouch tied around his belt this time.
"I see this time you are ready. Do you want a minute or let's just go now?" Chit Sang asked without his usual over-excitement.
"Let's get this over and done with please." Zuko said, seemingly drained of all energy.
Chit Sang bowed and gestured Zuko to walk in front of him. He rose from his bow, reached into the apartment and closed the front door.
.
.
.
The door of the carriage opened from the inside out and Zuko climbed into the seat, Chit Sang following soon after. The door closed behind them and Chit Sang loudly made himself comfortable, Zuko sat and looked out the window in silence.
"So my Lord. Today we have a Lunch date prepared for you two, after that will be a musical performance from Yu Dao's finest over a drink. Maybe today will go a lot better than yesterday and hopefully she will agree to our idea." Chit Sang detailed with some enthusiasm.
Zuko let out a disinterested grunt, without paying him any interest. Chit Sang awkwardly adjusted his clothes and sat with Zuko in silence.
/New Scene
The midday sun lit the restaurant in bright light, the air seemingly so warm and welcoming, and yet there sat Jin, on a small table in the centre of the restaurant, looking so distant and dejected. Over her shoulder stood the Officer, waiting with a slight smile on his face. She never looked up from her hand, as he occupied herself with a small bronze coin. Rollin it back and forth between her hands, she never looked up, almost hypnotised by the motions.
Suddenly shocking her was the opposing chair squeaking as it was moved, she suddenly grasped the coin with all her might and hastily looked up. She met eye to eye with the awkward… whoever he was… who sat down opposing her. She looked at him with an unpromising stare, before looking back down at her coin.
"I am glad that you're already hear Jin," Chit Sang, "After yesterday, I was worried that you would down right refuse today. I am pleased that you give us another chance." Chit Sang bowed to Jin, where she looked back up at him and mumbled.
"Now to hopefully avoid what happened yesterday, both Chit Sang and I will be dining as well." The officer explained, "Not at your table of course, but at a far enough distance that you will still feel comfortable. Any questions?"
"No." Zuko said sat comfortably back into his chair. The Advisor and Officer bowed and left the table, Chit Sang staying within Zuko's line of sight and Jin saw exactly where the officer sat.
The motions when about around them. To them, everything started moving quicker around them. Their table was set and drinks poured yet they did not touch them. The two sat in silence as people passed and the world ticked on.
At last they had a plate of starters placed in front of them, pieces of grilled vegetables and fruit skewered on a thin wooden stick. Zuko looked down at the appetisers and back up at Jin, she met his gaze for a moment and reached down for a skewer. Zuko took one as well and bit off the first piece off whereas Jin only nibbed at the top most appetiser.
Zuko swallowed, "I am sorry about yesterday. Chit Sang means well but he has always been a blabbermouth." He didn't know what else to say.
"Did you ever think of how you make me feel?" Jin said, "Whether or not he is a blabbermouth doesn't matter. It's that you have been a crucial part in this."
"Didn't you hear me the other day then, you know the day that you hit me, that I did not want this happening? Those three roped me into this and I just want to go home, back to my family." Zuko kept quiet, normally he would be more forceful but Jin felt his restraint.
"You've never said it to me." She said with bitterness which caught Zuko off guard, leaving him with a pondered look on his face, "You haven't."
Zuko sat back in his chair and continued eating his skewered vegetables. Jin placed down the grilled food and wistfully looked around the room, she saw the officer, yet he was looking away from the two. She followed his eyes to a woman entering the restaurant, a beautiful brunette woman in a long green dress with her hair flowing like waves. They met and they kissed each other on the cheek and she sat down next to him, he noticed Jin and whispered something into her ear. His fiancée looked surprised and turned to Jin, then smiled a heart-warming smile and waved gleefully.
Jin was taken by her happiness and awkwardly waved back, Zuko looked up from his appetiser and turned his head around to see the couple. The couple shared a laugh and the woman waved at Zuko this time. He turned back with a little smile on his face as Jin still looked, before an offbeat moment of her returning to her meal.
/New Scene
Zuko and Jin sat at their table, with very few plates empty on their table, they sat with poise as they waited. Jin looked over her shoulder, to see Chit Sang still digging into a plate of Roast Duck and searched forward and saw the Officer and his fiancée sharing a dessert, totally engrossed in themselves.
"Excuse me. I require the restroom." She said, and stood out of her seat, she walked around to the back of the establishment. She passed by a small door, with hinges that worked both ways, she turned on her rear foot and peaked inside the door. Zuko phased back and searched for Jin. He saw her looking through a door that was most defiantly not the restroom before disappearing inside with haste. He smiled to himself and returned to sitting patiently.
Jin rushed through the kitchen, passing by the chefs who were too busy to realize. She didn't care about them though as she made a line for the exit holding her dress as she moved quicker. She pushed at the door and it gave away from her. She looked around the back street and ran her way back to the main street and took a deep breath. She walked briskly away from the restaurant and down the drag.
Back inside the restaurant, Zuko contently sat at his chair. Knowing full well that Jin had left the premises, he waited for Chit Sang and the officer to notice. The officer came over with his fiancée first.
"Did Jin say where she was going? She has been gone an awfully long time" he asked.
"She said she was going to the restroom," Zuko said, hiding the fact that he saw her leave. Chit Sang walked over to the table, now aware of the situation.
"Alright then," the officer turned to his fiancée, "could you check up on her please, make sure she is not in any trouble?"
"Happy too" She said and walked to the restrooms, once she was out of sight the two began to talk again.
"How can you be so calm my lord? She's missing and you barely bat an eyelid. Maybe she is right that you are heartless."
"I trust that she will be fine. If any of you want to call me heartless, I won't see you any worse of it." Zuko said, still seated and without facing him. This infuriated the officer further but he did not speak.
A moment of awkward silence passed before the officers' fiancée was back in sight, walking dejectedly across the restaurant, she reached the group.
"No-one is in there, and I checked everywhere." She said, bringing dismay to all face but Zuko's.
"What did you do Zuko, what happened to her." The officer got hostilely close to Zuko, he was unchanged but he at least turned to face him.
"You can't blame him Captain," Chit Sang interjected, "He can't of done anything. He didn't even know where we were going, and I made sure that we were not followed." His serious returned.
"You had enough diligence to not be followed from inside the carriage, why could you not show that much while watching these two? I only saw you stuffing your face for most of the time." The officer had brought this to an argument, the two very close to yelling, but it attracted the attention of the nearby customers.
"Oh so this is my fault, I have no sight on the restrooms, that was your job, or were you being too lovey-dovey with your fiancée to notice her getting up?" Chit Sang snapped back.
"Oh sure, you'll play dolls with two people, but when they actually get together on their own it sickens you. You're a horrific person Chit Sang and I knew this was a terrible idea."
"A terrible idea? Do I not remember correctly when you jumped at this, saying 'It's always nice to bridge the gap between two people'? I am sure your future wife will be very happy with you."
"Don't you dare bring my fiancée into this. I bet you're the one who picks up the baby moose lion cub and wonders why the mother is attacking, you're that thick!"
"Ohhoho. You'd be the guy trying to start a prison riot, and pushing the guy who's on anger management, you're that absentminded."
"Yeah?!"
"Yeah."
The two were in each other's face, any closer and they would head-butt, however the officers' fiancée was getting in between them, trying to push them apart.
"That's enough you two, set this any else but here." She struggled to say as she finally was able to move them a little. The two stepped back and gave each other foul stares, something bugged Chit Sang before he finally realized.
"Hey, did you see where Fire Lord Zuko went?" Chit Sang looked at the empty chair between the officer and himself, puzzled. The empty seat sat there, looking as if no-one had sat there.
"He left while you two were busy arguing, he even just leisurely walked out the front door." The fiancée said passive aggressively, the two men turned around and looked at the exit. The front door was just swinging shut and the doorman was walking towards the group.
"Excuse me," He said, "but I believe you are the people responsible for paying for Master Lee and Miss Jin's table."
The officer sighed, "Yes."
/New Scene
Jin sat in silence at the Tea Weevil. Her eyes slightly watering out of both anger and sorrow and a light trail down her face. Inside the Tea Weevil was somewhat warm and comforting for Jin, even with the strange and threatening looks, the scent of freshly brewed tea and proximity to someone who she could call a friend was enough for her to settle herself down.
The skin and bone waiter walked up to Jin, "Do you need anything? You seem troubled." He said with mellow.
"I wouldn't mind a Jasmine, but I can't pay you and Sensu for it." She said with a coarse throat.
"Don't you worry about money, it's on the house." He said and walked back to the kitchen to process her order.
She sat in silence again, and revealed the single bronze coin in her hand. She fidgeted with it for a moment, before forcefully placing it down on the table and crossing her arms and legs. She choked on a tear and forcefully held it in.
Breathe In.
Breathe Out.
She began to control her emotions when she was drawn to the sound of the door opening, she couldn't see who exactly was at the door, as it opening inwards blocked her from seeing, she watched as a sleeved hand wrapped around the door. From behind the door emerged Zuko, turning his back to Jin to close the door, she slumped in her seat, trying her hardest not to be seen.
He slowly turned and examined the room and Jin fell further and further into the seat, once Zuko actually saw Jin, her eyes were just peeking out from the edge of the table. She saw him exhale and walked towards her, she pushed herself back up onto the chair to show some semblance of dignity.
He chose to stand beside the seat opposite her with his uncomfortable stance.
"Hello," he said with awkward smile.
"Hi," Jin's smile was much less welcoming, irradiating doubt and anger.
"How are you doing?" Zuko still tried to be social, "I mean, before I came here." He trailed off awkwardly.
Jin crossed her arms and legs and turned away from Zuko, he only saw the right side of her face, "Fine and dandy," She said, but Zuko saw the trail of her tears.
He left his awkward smile and sat down in the opposing chair, Jin looked in his direction, not turning her head.
"Did I tell you that you can sit down?" She channelled all her aggression, yet he didn't let it phase him.
"I know you're angry, and I understand that you're upset. They might be children trying to play with our lives but their hearts are in a good place," Zuko didn't bother sugar coating it, no smiles, "All they want, is for you to be home, safe and sound. Now I haven't been the best to you in the past, and that's why they are trying to get us to travel together, trying to forcefully bridge the gap between us." Zuko paused and watched her, her angry scowl had turned to something much more neutral, "I will leave Yu Dao tomorrow, even if you do not, I implore you to trust them. Children they are but dishonest they are not."
After his speech, she just sat there, her muscles had relaxed somewhat, her shoulders dropped and he back slouched slightly. The waiter came to the table with a cup of Jasmine and Jin adjusted her seating to face the table, still legs and arms crossed.
"What do you want here? If you go back in that kitchen I will call the guards." The waiter said forcefully, to which Zuko gave a light smile and faced him.
"A ginseng tea please, I will also be paying for the lady as well." Zuko said. The waiter gave him a shifty eye but placed the tea down in front of Jin and walked back to the kitchen.
"One ginseng." The waiter shouted into the kitchen.
"And tell him I said 'hello'," Zuko added and the waiter cringed, bringing a slight, sharp exhale of laughter from Jin as he lifted her cup from the table.