Hi there! Sorry everyone, it's been a while. Hopefully this makes up for it, enjoy!
I don't own the Avatar Universe
CH3
"The Yang family of Shu Jing?" Fire Lord Izumi questioned. She arched a thin eyebrow at her son as they sat at the breakfast table.
"I heard from Lady Yang that Grandfather granted their family the title of nobility," Iroh stated, sipping his tea slowly. "I was never aware of this."
Zuko snorted. "Your tutors clearly failed in teaching you all the noble families then," he said derisively. "It's funny enough that they seemed to agree with my decision at the time."
Iroh the younger turned to his royal grandfather. "Then why did Lord and young Lady Yang receive so much scorn last night?" His chest burned with the unfairness of it all, his grip tightened over the ceramic tea cup.
Lord Zuko placed a piece of grilled fish in his mouth and chewed contemplatively. "It's probably because Master Piandao refused to take any noble women as his wife."
"Master Piandao?!" Iroh yelled incredulously, standing up from his seat, his hands braced against the polished wooden table. "You mean Grandmaster Piandao of the White Lotus, who taught you swordsmanship?" His eyes flicked back and forth between his mother and grandfather, who were still eating their breakfast and serenely drinking tea.
"The very one, Iroh," Fire Lord Izumi said calmly. "Sit down, son, you're making a mountain out of a badgermole hill."
The afternoon sun of the Fire Nation burned ferociously. Even in the shade of the verandas of the Royal Palace, Jin Lian could feel sweat bead under her clothing. She adjusted the light, cotton scarf covering her head to further protect her fair skin from burning an angry red. The bold red color shifted to a pale yellow in a gradual ombre. In her opinion, it was a welcome pop of color from her white button up shirt, tucked into a burgundy pencil skirt.
"Lady Yang, what brings you outside the meeting hall?" a gravelly baritone voice asked.
Jin Lian swiveled, nearly tripping over her heels as she attempted to bow to the Crown Prince of the Fire Nation. She had not heard him walk up behind her. "My…my father requested I meet him here for the afternoon meeting to take notes," she said, the scarf slipping over her face.
Iroh smiled. "You're very dutiful," he commented. After watching her attempt to juggle the papers in her hands while adjusting the colorful scarf on her head, Iroh finally said, "here, let me hold those."
"Thank you, my prince," Jin Lian replied, flashing a grateful smile that showed off her 'tiger-tooth' again.
As she pulled the scarf in place, Iroh stated, "You didn't wear a scarf last night." He caught a corner of it, admiring the soft material and colors.
"People don't get sunburns at night, my prince." She regarded him jealously, his skin lightly tanned from his many deployments with the United Forces. He wore his scarlet United Forces uniform, neatly pressed for the meeting. If she were to run around without some form of shade, her skin would turn redder and hotter than fresh fire flakes.
He laughed openly, "That would make sense, my lady." He tucked the remaining fabric of Jin Lian's scarf under a fold, his fingers grazing her shoulder.
Jin Lian stepped backwards out of reach, turning towards the door. "I believe we're expected inside, my prince," she mumbled shyly. Without another word, she strode into the building, taking care to step over the high threshold.
As they approached the council room, Jin Lian looked up at the large imposing doors before her. Twin dragons were inlaid into the rich brown wood, scales glittering with blue and red lacquer. Their white, painted teeth bared to those who would dare approach. She shivered involuntarily, intimidated and nervous for her first official council meeting.
Iroh entered the council room first, Jin Lian hanging back ever so slightly as per tradition. She kept her head bowed respectfully as she entered, taking her place to the right side of her father. Delicate fingers pulled the scarf down, revealing the long black hair which framed her pale face. Her bronze colored eyes peeked through her long lashes, watching Iroh stand next to his mother and grandfather. She speculated that Lord Zuko simply came to meetings to stay updated with the happenings of the Fire Nation, leaving all political decisions to his shrewd daughter. The ministers took their seats as the Royal Family sat at the long table, red robes rustling softly as chairs scraped against the floor.
Fire Lord Izumi glanced around the table, taking note of who was present. Her sharp, golden eyes fell on the young woman from Shu Jing who was nervously twirling a pen between her fingers. Intimidation was a common feeling, she acknowledged, remembering the earlier days of her rule when the male dominated council would try to get their way. She cleared her throat, and spoke. "Shall we begin?"
All the council members turned their eyes to her, and the meeting commenced. The state of the Fire Nation was stable, Izumi noted with satisfaction, as her council members made each of their reports. Domestic and international peace was maintained well, only pirates in international trade waters were a major issue that the United Forces had at the moment, according to Prince Iroh. Industry and trade flourished, technological progress was steadily increasing. Izumi granted herself a small smile at the good news, that is until Lord Yang's turn came.
"Fire Lord, as I had mentioned a few days ago, our relationship with the Earth Kingdom is as strong as it has ever been," the large man said. Izumi nodded. "However," he continued, "I have alarming news from Republic City."
Izumi's eyes snapped to Lord Yang's, her attention immediately gained. "What is it?" she inquired. She noticed Jin Lian's grip on her pen tightened, the neutral expression she had maintained throughout the meeting now looking up at her father in concern. The burly man faced his daughter and nodded slightly.
Jin Lian rose as her father sat. Izumi noted the change in the girl's demeanor as it shifted from timidity to confidence. The colored scarf around her shoulders slipped a bit, now hanging loosely around slim shoulders that were now pulled back proudly.
"It is not unknown to the council of the rampant gang activity that plagues Republic City," Jin Lian started off. She looked around the table, noting the reluctant acknowledgement from the other council members. She continued. "There is a small movement in Republic City called the 'Equalists'", she said slowly, but steadily. "They are led by a man called 'Amon', and he is protesting the oppression of non-benders by the bending triads."
"The people of Republic City are free to speak as they wish," an older female minister stated. "They are not our colonies anymore, and no longer our concern."
Jin Lian nodded her head. "Yes, you are correct, however, Amon calls to end oppression of non-benders by eliminating bending altogether."
All the attention shifted to Jin Lian at this point. Izumi's golden eyes narrowed in suspicion. "How did you come about this knowledge, young Lady Yang?"
"Like Minister Chan said, Fire Lord," Jin Lian replied. "Citizens of Republic City are allowed to speak freely; I was approached by one 'Equalist' in the park where they were spreading their message." She pulled out a pamphlet of a white mask with a red circle in the middle of the face, the background reading '平' or 'equality'. "Thankfully, the movement has not gained much traction here in the Fire Nation," the pale woman mentioned, flicking her black hair behind her shoulder. "However- "
Another minister snorted, interrupting Jin Lian's speech. "These so-called revolutionaries spout nothing but hot air. There's no way bending can be eradicated. The only one who can do that is the Avatar."
"Times have changed, minister," Jin Lian snapped. Izumi and Iroh's eyes widened, surprised at how loud the normally soft spoken girl could be. Zuko, on the other hand, leaned forward against the table on his elbows, his head resting on laced fingers. Izumi was shocked, to say the least, at the change in the young woman's personality.
"Chi-blocking was developed in the Fire Nation by Master Ty Lee, who's to say there isn't someone out there in the world who has discovered a way to take away bending permanently?" Jin Lian argued. "The non-benders are tired of being pushed around by those with power, and only a fool would believe that they wouldn't try to do anything about it!" Her eyes flashed brilliantly, refusing to break eye contact with the old minister.
The old man's face contorted angrily. "You disrespectful, low-born brat!" he bellowed, standing up as well. "I know you aren't a bender, how do we know you aren't a sympathizer for this so-called 'revolution'?!"
Izumi glared at the two. "That's enough!" she ordered. "Minister Zhang, learn some respect for yourself and keep silent when someone is speaking. Minister Yang, discipline your daughter later on how to speak to elders. Council dismissed."
As the council rose, Izumi scanned the faces again, watching the fuming face of Minister Zhang glare at Jin Lian. The young woman's face had reverted to its calm, collected mask, yet Izumi could see fire burning behind the burnished bronze eyes.
Iroh leaned against pillar under the veranda, watching Lord Yang scold his daughter. He was too far away to hear anything, but could see Jin Lian's thin shoulders slump as she hung her head. The red and yellow scarf hid her face from view. After Lord Yang patted his daughter's shoulder heavily, they separated, the two heading in opposite directions. Iroh followed Lord Yang, easily catching up to the older man.
"Lord Yang," he called, walking alongside Jin Lian's father.
The large man stopped and bowed respectfully. "Prince Iroh, please forgive my daughter's behavior today, it was shameful."
Iroh put up a hand, "Don't apologize, my lord, I was more surprised than insulted at your daughter's outburst." He was still impressed with the man's size. Even bowing at the waist, Ji Won Yang's head was still slightly higher than Iroh's shoulder. Had the prince not known any better, he would have thought the foreign affairs minister was an earth bender.
Lord Yang sighed heavily, "She gets it from her mother. Jin Lian may not be a fire bender, but she's got the temper of one." He straightened up, pinching the bridge of his nose.
Iroh smiled. "You must be the tempered one, being the descendant of Grand Master Pian Dao." Ji Won Yang had darker skin than most Fire Nation citizens, much like Pian Dao did.
Lord Yang let out a booming laugh. "My prince, you must be mistaken. My wife is Grand Master Pian Dao's granddaughter."
Lord Ji Won Yang raised an eyebrow at Iroh's confusion. "Grand Master Pian Dao believed himself too old to have children when Fire Lord Zuko granted him the title of nobility, so he adopted an orphan to take on his legacy. That was my wife, Suda."
Iroh nodded slightly, taking in the information. Lord Yang spoke again, "Once again, I apologize for Jin Lian. She still has much to learn." With that, the older man bowed low before Iroh and left, leaving the prince of the Fire Nation alone in the courtyard.
Jin Lian stood at the entrance of a quaint tea room, her heels placed neatly near the door. She shifted slightly, feeling the polished wood beneath her stockinged feet as she scanned the room with her bronze orbs. The décor was mixed, very atypical of what a tea room would normally look like. She saw calligraphy and paintings along the walls, punctuated by odd objects. A blue and black mask, a pair of dao swords, and even throwing knives. A low table with two cushions placed on opposite sides was positioned in front of a large window displaying the peaceful garden outside. On one side of the table sat Lord Zuko, still regal and dignified in his old age.
"Sit, child," his raspy voice ordered.
Jin Lian wasted no time crossing the room and sitting across the old Fire Lord. She bowed fully, head touching the floor with her hands folded delicately in front of her. It seemed like an eternity, keeping that bow, while feeling the intensity of Lord Zuko's stare on her head.
"Rise," he commanded. "Have some tea."
Jin Lian picked her head up and sat on the cushion, pouring tea for Zuko, then herself.
He lifted his cup and took a small sip, watching the young woman in front of him deeply inhale the scent of the tea before drinking. It reminded him so much of Uncle Iroh and his obsession with the drink.
When Jin Lian set down her cup, Zuko spoke. "The last person to speak out of turn in that council room was punished in an Agni Kai."
A shock went through Jin Lian's spine, her back stiffening in fear. Was Lord Zuko angry with her? Was he going to punish her? She gripped the delicate porcelain cup in her hands, her pale hands blanching even further. Her eyes widened and fixated on the old man before her.
He seemed to notice her fear, and placed a comforting hand over her own. "Child, you have nothing to fear from me." This did little to avail her anxiety, her hands shaking even more as her posture became more rigid. Jin Lian saw Zuko sigh, "This only shows that only the young are bold enough to stand up for what is right. I am happy you spoke out, what you reported today was indeed very troubling and will be closely monitored."
"Th…thank you Lord Zuko," Jin Lian stammered. She was glad she was sitting, because she would've fainted from the relief. Jin Lian felt light headed and giddy as her posture relaxed ever so slightly.
"The Fire Lord and I have read your report, it was very thorough. Well done." He continued. Zuko sipped his tea slowly and appreciatively. "It's a shame you had to be reprimanded, but understand it was to prevent Minister Zhang from losing too much face."
Jin Lian nodded, disappointment flit across her face in the form of a small pout and slightly furrowed eyebrows.
Zuko looked at her questioningly. "What kind of 'punishment' has your father devised for you, anyway?" He had always known Ji Won to be a severe military commander, back when the Fire Nation had its own personal army.
Jin Lian sighed, sipping her tea. "He's confined me to my quarters to 'meditate' on my outburst today," she replied glumly. "It just so happens tonight is also the Fire Lily festival." She loved dancing at the festival on Shu Jing Island, and wanted to see what the festival was like in the capital. What made her more depressed was that she was 26 and her father thought that he could still ground her like a 5-year-old.
The old Fire Lord laughed. "You must enjoy the simple pleasures in life." Amusement twinkled in his golden eyes. "The fire lilies grow abundantly on the western side of the palace, perhaps you can go there and enjoy yourself."
A smile broke out on the young woman's face as she bowed. "You are too kind, Lord Zuko." She wouldn't be able to dance, but at least she may be able to see the lights of the festival and enjoy the flowers.
The elderly man waved his hand, dismissing the young woman. "Go on, then. I'm sure you have more interesting things to do than keep this old man company."
Jin Lian remained sitting, resolute on staying. "I owe everything to you, Lord Zuko," the young woman protested. "The least I can do is pour your tea." She motioned towards the tea set with her small, slender hands.
Zuko was taken aback at the hidden meaning behind the words. "You remember, then," he said softly. "I had hoped you forgot, you were so young back then."
"It's hard to forget when you have a constant reminder," Jin Lian replied. She took the tea pot and poured the old man another cup.
"Indeed." A pained look crossed the old Fire Lord's face, memories of a harsher time in his life coming back to him.
The two were interrupted by the creaking of the door. "Grandfather, are you ready for our game?" a baritone voice asked. "Oh, Lady Yang, I didn't notice you there."
Jin Lian turned and bowed before Iroh. Under his arm was a pai sho set. "My prince," she gasped. "Forgive me, Lord Zuko, I wasn't aware that you were expecting company."
Zuko waved his hand nonchalantly. "Nonsense, Lady Yang. No need to apologize."
"I will take my leave, then," Jin Lian said, bowing low before him.
"Remember to visit the western side of the palace," Zuko reminded her, a lopsided smile on his face.
"Yes my lord, thank you." She swiftly rose and turned to exit. As she slipped on her heels by the door, Jin Lian executing a quick bow to Iroh before brushing past him. Her red and yellow scarf floated loosely around her shoulders, the ends caressing Iroh's arm before fluttering away like translucent butterflies.
Iroh watched Jin Lian's hourglass figure hurry down the hallway. The pencil skirt limited her stride length, forcing her to take small, brisk steps that made her hips sway. He noticed she kept to the shade, probably so she wouldn't have to stop and fix her scarf.
He wasn't aware of how long he had been staring, until his grandfather coughed awkwardly behind him.
"Pretty one, isn't she?" Zuko asked his grandson with an amused grin. "She seems to take more after her mother."
"Forgive me, grandfather," Iroh apologized. He quickly removed his shoes and entered the tea room. He noticed the cup Jin Lian left behind still had some tea left in it. Iroh picked it up, seeing how small the cup seemed in his larger hand and imagined how her small, dainty hands held it. He called over a servant, who had brought over a new, clean cup.
"So, grandson," Zuko said. "What is our score now?"
"I believe I'm still in the lead, Grandfather," Iroh answered, a smile dancing on his lips.
Zuko sighed, "I've never been good at pai sho." A nostalgic smile danced on his lips. "Uncle was brilliant at it though," he said wistfully. "Anyway, shall we begin?"
"Let's," Iroh smirked, setting up the board.
Jin Lian explored the western palace, asking servants along the way where the fire lilies were. She was met with enough confused looks to understand that fire lilies were not, in fact, grown in the palace. Instead the western palace appeared to be what used to be komodo rhino stables, and were now a garage for Satomobiles. Mechanics, young and old, were working on the self-driving carriages, some of them noticing the young woman who looked incredibly out of place.
"May I help you, miss?" a young man asked. He ran a hand through his short, black hair as he approached Jin Lian. Streaks of black oil soiled his white tank top and beige work pants, dirty work gloves tucked into the back pocket. Jin Lian regarded him thoughtfully, a small smile on her face. He seemed to be a bit younger than her, the easy going smile on his face reaching up to his russet brown eyes.
"I'm just looking for-" she caught herself. She flushed, not wanting to look like a fool again, asking for fire lilies. This time it would be even more out of context with a young man and a young woman together. "I'm just looking around," correcting herself. "I'm new to the capital, and the Royal Family has been kind enough to let my father and myself stay as guests."
"Huh, interesting," the young man commented. "What do you do?"
"We're merchants from the outer islands," Jin Lian replied quickly. Best not to let them know she was nobility, then she wouldn't get anywhere. Her father already notified the guards that she was forbidden from leaving tonight. "I heard the Fire Lily festival is a HUGE 'to see' in the capital, but no one is available to show me around." She played with the ends of her scarf while gazing up at the mechanic with a charming smile on her face. It grew wider as Jin Lian noticed a light blush creep up on the young man's face.
"The name's Wang, miss," the mechanic greeted. He held out a hand to shake. Jin Lian chuckled and took it, grasping it firmly.
"Jin," she replied. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Wang."
"Oh shoot!" Wang replied, snatching his hand away. "Your hand is dirty now!" He hastily wiped his palms against his pants as he fumbled around for a cloth.
Jin laughed, pulling out a handkerchief and lightly rubbing away the oil that now stained her palm. "Nothing wrong with a little grease," she said. "It just means you've been working hard." She smiled her trademark tiger tooth smile.
Wang's blush grew a deeper red as he scratched his cheek bashfully. "Well, Miss Jin, I'm meeting with a friend at the festival after work. But some of her friends are going as a group, perhaps they could show you."
"I would like that very much, Wang," Jin Lian responded. "Where and when should I meet them?"
The young man rubbed the back of his head. "How about you meet me here later tonight?" he asked. "I need to shower and eat anyway." Wang pointed further down the courtyard, towards a metal door. "There's an employee entrance down that way, we can leave from there. Only people with the door code can go through, anyway."
Jin Lian whistled, impressed. "High tech," she commented.
Wang nodded in agreement. "Sure is!" he said. Behind him, the other workers called out loudly, "Wang! Get back here and stop flirting! We'll tell your girlfriend!"
"Shut up!" he yelled back, his face fully flushed. "Sorry, Miss Jin, those Satomobiles won't fix themselves!"
"No problem! I'll see you later tonight, Wang!" She gave a small wave as the young man ran back to his co-workers.
She turned around and clenched her fist in victory. She had her way out, now she just had to keep her father from being suspicious of her. Jin Lian spun on her heel and walked back into the palace, putting a small spring in her step.
"Lady Yang?" the gravelly baritone of the Crown Prince spoke behind her.
-Iroh-
Iroh watched with bemusement as Jin Lian jumped and turned around in surprise. "Yes, Prince Iroh?" Jin replied.
"I heard from Grandfather about your 'punishment'," he stated. "It's really a pity. The Fire Lily Festival is a beautiful thing to see."
Jin Lian's pale face flushed angrily. "It seems the whole palace knows," she said stiffly, returning to her path. Iroh coughed in embarrassment.
"I didn't mean to be rude, Lady Yang," he protested, catching up to her. He fell into step with her, the two walking abreast in the hallway. He sneaked a glance at her face through the thin material of her scarf, seeing her full lips pressed in a tight line. "It's just…I thought I could have shown you around the festival," he added.
The small woman stopped abruptly and faced the Crown Prince. Her eyes were wide, cheeks still red. "That's…" she stammered. "That's kind of you, my prince."
"The royal garden has a variety of flowers as well, fire lilies included," he added. "I can take you there."
He saw Jin Lian freeze, her bronze eyes flicking back and forth between anywhere that wasn't his eyes.
"Father demanded I stay within my quarters, my prince," she said softly. "It's best if I respect his orders… for his sake and my family's." She bit her lip nervously and looked up through her lashes.
Iroh suddenly felt uncomfortable. Was he being too forward? He knew there were rumors circulating around the noble circles about the Yang family already, he didn't want to destroy the reputation of their only daughter. He sighed.
"I see, Lady Yang," he replied. "We wouldn't want any rumors surrounding you or your family."
Jin Lian bowed low, "Thank you for understanding, my prince."
"Shall I see you back to your quarters at least?" Iroh asked.
She smiled at the Iroh warmly, "Thank you, Prince Iroh."