Suvi had thrown a tantrum about the gala that Tarrlok had decided to throw in honour of Korra. The little girl had demanded that Zhu go as well since she hadn't left home in a long time. At Guo's pleading looks, Zhu had caved in and said yes.
Ever since the discovery of Liang being Amon's henchman, Zhu had tried to minimize her interactions with him. Not wanting to seem suspicious, she drowned herself in work. Zhu took on more cases, went out on patrols, and even did more paperwork. Saikhan had never looked so happy when she offered to finish his backlogs.
Looking at Liang made her feel angry at herself for not noticing it earlier. He was the one who received the tip offs on most of the Equalist rallies and incidents. All the evidence that had gone missing mysteriously, all the interrogations that didn't add up, the slight wounds he'd show up with even though he was assigned desk duty the day before.
Had he wanted to kill her during the time they dated?
They had been together for a year. Surely, he must've harboured ill-feelings towards her for being a bender. More so for being a Beifong. Zhu had spent time with him alone as well. Had he wanted to hurt her then? He had so many opportunities. Did Liang treat her as an exception?
Zhu loved him. She loved Liang so much that his betrayal sent her into a frenzy. Her eyes would look tired and heavy, and she had yet to shed tears. Her braids were gone and her unkempt hair would give her a wild look. Zhu couldn't bring herself to talk to anyone about it. Kazuki still wasn't back from the Fire Nation. Chen barely came home from Kengdao. Lin worked overtime and rarely saw her.
Her friends from school were out of the question as were Mako and Bolin.
Guo had sensed something amiss and visited her with an excited Suvi leading him. Zhu was reluctant to let them in but out of moral obligations she sat down with them in the living room. Suvi had pouted and complained about how Zhu hardly spent time with her.
Zhu heaved a tired sigh and forced a smile, "Sorry, kiddo. Work's been a pain."
"About that," Guo placed his cup of tea on the table and crossed his leg, "Councilman Tarrlok is throwing a gala in the City Hall in honour of the Avatar's arrival." He did not miss the way Zhu scoffed at the Avatar's mention, "In the absence of Prince Kazuki, you have the duty to represent the Fire Nation at the event."
She blinked once. Twice. The scowl that appeared on Zhu's face reminded Guo of Lin so much that it was terrifying. "Absolutely not." She firmly said, "I am far too busy to concern myself with something so trivial. Besides, I'm the High Prince's bastard - " She ignored how Guo flinched ever so slightly, "I don't think I can fill in Kazuki's shoes."
"I doubt that anything concerning the Avatar can be labelled as 'trivial'." Guo was quick to retort. "What is it, Zhu? What is bothering you? Baki said that you sounded mournful in your letters."
She alternated between telling him or brushing it off. Zhu decided the latter.
"Just...work, I guess." It was impressive how she lied through her teeth without feeling guilty, "Too many violent cases to deal with."
"I see."
With a tone of finality, Zhu once again refused the invite to the gala. It was then that Suvi started to bawl her eyes out, throwing claims like how Zhu did not like her anymore. Sighing in exasperation, Zhu reluctantly said yes.
Since she wasn't a legalized daughter of Prince Kasai, Zhu wasn't allowed to wear the Fire pin in her hair. That did not, however, stop her from dressing regally. She was still Lady Zhu Beifong. Zhu wore her hair in side buns with complex braids, a golden flower pin in each bun. She put on her royal hanfu with multiple layers of red, black and gold, with large sleeves. Her dress trailed after her as she strode into the City Hall with her head held high.
Baki was still overseas so she was accompanied by Guo and Suvi. It was the first time Suvi had seen such a large gathering. The girl looked around with wide eyes, ooh-ing and aah-ing at the chandeliers and ice sculptures. Two large banners with Korra's picture on them were hung on both sides of the entrance, making Zhu scoff.
The gala looked lavish enough but Zhu couldn't help but secretly compare it with the banquets and celebrations back in the Fire Nation Capital.
Guo introduced her to various officials as the daughter of High Prince Kasai and the Police Chief, Lin Beifong. It earned them as few gasps and looks of disbelief, but Zhu was used to it by now. They met a number of familiar faces, people she had met in Fire Lord Izumi's court or during the Fire Festival.
Zhu discreetly sent out a flare to find her mother. Lin Beifong was indeed there as part of security. However, what made Zhu stiffen was the fact that Liang was walking after the Chief. She had completely forgotten that her 'boyfriend' would also be here. Not wanting to face him, Zhu excused herself and hastened away from Guo and Suvi.
She moved swiftly through the crowd, trying to find a quiet corner when someone called out to her.
"Councilman Tarrlok," Zhu plastered a smile as she turned, "Good evening."
"I hope you are enjoying yourself, Lady Zhu." The man bowed his head a little and then gestured at the person next to him, "May I introduce you to our Avatar, Korra. But then again," Tarrlok smirked, making both the girls feel uneasy, "you were the one to arrest her, weren't you, Lady Zhu?"
"It's all in the past," Zhu replied, diplomatically, "Besides, it was hardly her fault for not knowing the laws of the city. All the Avatar wanted was to protect the helpless."
Korra's blue eyes widened at the honeyed words that spilled out of Zhu's mouth. She took a moment to realize how different the police officer looked in the dress. She seemed like a completely different person. Zhu held an air of sophistication around her that Korra had never seen or heard about from Mako and Bolin. Feeling oddly flustered, the Avatar cleared her throat.
"Thank you for saying that." She smiled, uncertainly, "We've met outside of all the...official business. I'd like to think we're somewhat of...friends, I guess."
Respectfully bowing, Zhu thanked her back.
Tarrlok observed the exchange in an amusing manner, "Is that so? Then it is a good thing that you have made friends with influential power. You are going to need it." At Korra's confused gaze, he started to explain, "Don't you know? She's the daughter of the Fire Nation's -"
Hiroshi Sato had approached them with a warm and friendly smile, interrupting whatever Tarrlok was going to say. As they exchanged greetings, Sato bowed.
"We expect great things from you."
Korra chuckled nervously. "Right...greatness." She mumbled to herself.
"I had heard rumours that you were working with the police force now, Lady Zhu," Sato turned towards the Beifong girl, "Councilman Tarrlok here told me that you were indeed an officer of great skill."
"You flatter me, Mr. Sato." Zhu bowed her head in gratitude, "I try to do my best."
"Hey, Korra!" To Zhu's surprise, Mako walked towards them. His arm was hooked with that of a prettier girl. Bolin was on his other side. The brothers were dressed in fancy suits, though Mako still had his scarf on. Neither of them had noticed her.
Unnoticed, Zhu snuck glances at Mako. He cleaned up well.
Sato gestured at the dark-haired girl, "This is my daughter, Asami."
The name seemed vaguely familiar to Zhu.
"It's lovely to meet you." Asami smiled at the Avatar, "Mako's told me so much about you." Before the girl could turn towards Zhu, Korra interrupted by scowling.
"Really?" She crossed her arms, "Because he hasn't mentioned you at all. How did you two meet?"
Bolin leaned towards her and whispered at a fast pace, "Asami crashed into him on her moped." He then took a double take at the girl standing next to the Avatar and slowly raised his finger to point.
Korra raised her voice out of concern, addressing Mako, "What? Are you okay?"
"I'm fine." Mako could not have looked happier, "More than fine. Mister Sato agreed to sponsor our team." He gestured at the man and exclaimed, "We're back in the tournament!
The group was startled by the loud gasp Bolin had emitted while gesturing wildly at the lady in red robes standing next to Korra.
"Oh my Spirits!" The boy more or less shrieked, attracting attention, "It's Zhu! What the heck - You look like some rich snobbbbeautiful lady." He caught himself and chuckled nervously, "You just...don't...look like yourself."
"Thank you, Bolin." Zhu grimaced, hands clutched together in front of her.
He nudged his brother on the side as the latter gaped at Zhu. Shaking himself out of the daze before he could insult his date, Mako plastered a smile on his face, "Zhu! Hey...Long time no see."
Zhu straightened her posture even more, "It's good to see you as well." She ignored the way Mako frowned at her formal tone. This was a public event and she could not be found slipping.
Asami brightened up visibly, "The police officer friend of yours? I've been dying to meet you. Mako said you wouldn't be attending the gala but this is certainly a pleasant surprise."
"That's because we haven't spoken in days." Her date was clearly upset that Zhu had ignored/avoided him for such a long time.
"Pleased to make your acquaintance, Asami Sato." Zhu bowed her head slightly, "On the rare occasions that we've met, your father has never failed to praise you. It seems you take after him in the field of technology and automation."
Hiroshi let out a hearty laugh, "That's where the similarities end. She's the spitting image of her mother, thank Spirits. Asami," He turned towards his daughter for the introductions, "this is the Lady Zhu of the Fire Nation."
Before Asami could respond, Tarrlok called out to Chief Beifong, who happened to be passing by, "Chief Beifong, I believe you and Avatar Korra have already met." There was a slight sneer in his tone. His expression morphed into glee the moment the Chief moved towards them with a fierce scowl.
"Just because the city's throwing you this big to-do," Lin leaned closer to a wide-eyed Korra and hissed, "don't think you're something special. You've done absolutely nothing to deserve this." Without waiting for a response, the woman began to storm away, followed closely by another guard.
The words had hit Korra in the heart. What more was that it wasn't the first time she had heard them. Zhu had said something similar to her before. Korra looked away with a heavy heart as a part of her realized that whatever Chief Beifong had thrown at her was somewhat true. But was it really her fault when her family as well as her teachers had hidden her away from the world? Korra was here now, to take on her duties as the Avatar. And she would make Beifong eat her words by protecting the city. A hand on her shoulder brought her out of her thoughts.
"Chief Beifong has been under a lot of stress due to the Equalist movement." Zhu explained, "She's very harsh during such times. Don't take her words to heart."
Too late for that, Korra wanted to say but gave Zhu a tight smile.
As if someone had whispered in her ear, Zhu turned her head slightly and hastily gathered herself, "If you'll excuse me, I have to meet with the counsel." She left before anybody could utter another word.
The gala wasn't very amusing anymore. Zhu had tried to maneuver through the crowd, narrowly avoiding Liang. She had gone as far as to turn a deaf ear to him as he had called out to her from a few feet away. The girl had turned around promptly so that Liang didn't suspect that she had heard him loud and clear.
She had tried to busy herself in conversation with the various officials who knew her. They talked of the economy, the Equalists, if Zhu could let them in on any secret about the police's findings, and the Avatar.
When she had had enough of the unproductive chatter and fake courtesies, Zhu hid herself by the staircase. She searched for Guo and Suvi only to find them all the way across the hall, speaking to Guo's colleagues. Sighing, she leaned against one of the pillars. It was at times like this did she miss Iroh and Ursa.
"I was looking for you," Mako emerged from the crowd, still frowning as he had been before, "We haven't seen you in days, Zhu. Are you alright?" Asami wasn't with him. The boy strode close enough so that their conversation would go unheard.
"I was busy with work," Zhu replied, "It's overwhelming, really. I've barely had time to see my family, Mako." Technically, she wasn't really lying. "Where's your date?" She changed the subject.
"With her dad, talking to some important business people." He gave her a small smile. Zhu didn't know if it was because he was talking to her or if he was talking about Asami. "I'm glad I got to see you here today." Mako admitted, "With us being back in the tournament and you being busy with police work, I didn't know when we'd meet."
Zhu grinned convincingly, "I would've found a way." She felt a tug by the ear and found that strands of her hair had gotten entangled in her earring. With careful, elegant movement of her fingers, Zhu freed her hair. She hurriedly tucked the loose strands of hair in her bun, muttering a curse.
The boy in front of her chuckled, "I've never seen you like this. All dressed up and being proper."
"Yeah, well," She looked over the crowd casually, "the situation required it so my brother threw me in as the sacrificial goat. Believe me, I'd do anything to go home and sleep. In fact, I might as well do that since there's nobody else I have to greet."
"You won't stay till Korra's speech?" Mako asked with furrowed brows.
Zhu shook her head, "It's hardly a is using her to make his reputation better by manipulating Korra to stand in front of the press. It's surprising to see how much he's participating in the hunt for Amon."
The two stood side by side, observing the people who passed them by.
"Shouldn't he?" Mako asked, giving her a sideway glance.
"Tarrlok isn't the kind of person to put himself on the frontlines during battle. He'd rather be the puppeteer than the puppet. And there's an ulterior motive to everything he does, including standing next to the Avatar in front of the journalists." Zhu replied.
Mako observed her for a second, "You know him well."
Letting out a dry chuckle, Zhu crossed her arms, "Due to my family's background, I'm required to know the Earth Kingdom representative's favorite colour in case we need to send him...tokens of appreciation."
"Oh," Feeling a little bold, Mako took a proper look at the girl next to him. What he had said earlier was true. He had never, in his wildest dreams, would've seen Zhu looking like...like royalty. All Mako knew was that she belonged to a noble family but Zhu never seemed like the sort of person to don a layered hanfu. He felt like he was seeing her for the first time.
She felt like a stranger but Zhu shone amidst the crowd and Mako did not want to take his eyes off of her.
"What?" Zhu quirked a brow, noticing his staring.
Mako shook his head in internal panic, "Nothing. You...uh...look nice." If he could, he would've punched himself at the half-assed compliment.
Giving him a strange look, Zhu smiled, "Thank you. You don't look too bad yourself. Who knew you looked this dashing in a suit." She teased, bumping their shoulders together.
"Shut up."
They reduced to a comfortable silence until Zhu stiffened her back. She looked around a little before turning to Mako. "I think I'll go back home now, Mako."
His hand shot out, grabbing Zhu by the wrist, "Why are you avoiding Liang?" Mako tugged her towards him a little, "He came looking for you at the gym yesterday. Did something happen between the two of you?"
"No," Her breath hitched, "Nothing's wrong. I mean, maybe. A little." Liang was getting closer to them and Zhu could not deal with the confrontation. "I'll tell you some other day, Mako. I'll see you around."
His grip slid from her wrist to her hand, "I miss you."
Zhu gaped at him in surprise, before softening her eyes, "I miss you too. I'll try to visit you and Bolin, I promise. I just need to take care of some things."Not really. I'll probably avoid them at all cost.
"You look beautiful."
The smile from Zhu's face fell. The nerves and jitters she felt from an approaching Liang became worse. A very tiny part of her heart felt elated by the compliment as it hammered away in the rib cage. But she couldn't focus on the compliment. She just needed to get away.
Gently prying her hand out of Mako's, Zhu turned around, "Asami must be waiting for you, Mako. You should go. Tell Bolin I said goodbye."
In a blink of an eye, Zhu had disappeared in a sea of people, leaving Mako feeling as if his insides were a bottomless pit.
I love writing this, honestly. Even though it took quite some time, I enjoyed this chapter. Especially since the last scene acted as a turning point in Zhu and Mako's relationship.
Thank you so much for your kind reviews. I absolutely love reading them!
Let me know what you think of chapter 18! See you all next week.