The Trouble with Fire
Ch.15: Ba Sing Se
Zuko X OC
disclaimer: I don't own Avatar the Last Airbender. I own my OC
Fang finished her meal and walked to them, sitting beside her husband who reached over and threaded his fingers with hers. He was done seeing Jet flirt with his wife and was going to make it a point to show Jet they were married.
"I hear that people eat like this everyday in Ba Sing Se... I can't wait to set my sights on that wall.", Jet said, as he looked at Zuko and Fang. "It is a magnificent sight.", Iroh said, nodding his head. "So you've been there before?", Jet asked.
"Once... when I was a different man.", Iroh stated, moving his gaze to the other side of the boat. Fang felt like hugging Iroh. He had been through much and she thought of him as very brave for setting foot back into a place that she was sure was very hard for him.
It would probably bring back a lot of painful memories but she knew that it was the best situation for all of them. "I've done some things in my past that I'm not proud of as well... that's why I'm going to Ba Sing Se.. to get a fresh start and a second chance.", Jet said.
"I believe in second chances. I'm sure you will be able to find peace.", Fang said, smiling a little. "We should get some sleep. We'll be arriving tomorrow.", Iroh suggested. Fang nodded, her body ached and all she wanted to do was sleep.
They all grabbed a piece of tarp to lay on. Zuko spread out both of there's side by side and motioned for her to lay down. She smiled softly and did so, moving close to him, wanting his body warmth. Since nightfall it had become increasingly colder and it didn't seem like the Captain was going to be generous with his blankets.
Fang's eyes slowly slid open. As her gaze focused she noticed Jet and her husband standing side by side looking out at the ocean. She closed her eyes quickly, she knew it probably wasn't good to eavesdrop but she couldn't help it.
"You know.. as soon as I saw your scar I knew exactly who you were.", she heard Jet say. Fang frowned, he knew who they were? How? Perhaps he had seen the wanted posters in different shops that Azula had been passing out?
"You're an outcast... like me. And us outcasts have to stick together. We have to watch each others back because no one else will.", Jet finished. Fang's body relaxed, she hadn't realized she had been holding her breath. "I've realized lately... that being on your own isn't always the best path.", Zuko said.
Fang's mouth dropped a little at that statement. Had her husband really just said that.. perhaps he was going to change. She slowly stood up pretending like she was waking up and hadn't heard anything. "Good Morning", she greeted to both of them and slowly stood, making her way over to Iroh.
She could see the massive wall approaching quickly. It was a site to see for sure, the tan bricks piled miles high above. She turned to look back at Iroh to wake him up but was surprised to see that he was already awake. His eyes fell on the wall as he said nothing. No greeting to her or his nephew.. he just continued to stare at the wall with memories of his defeat flooding his mind.
"All passengers prepare to disembark off the ferry.", a voice from a speaker sounded. Fang slowly stood from the ground and made her way over to her husband who was looking toward the wall as well. "We'll find peace here, my pr-", Zuko nudged her side. "Lee.", she quickly corrected herself.
Zuko said nothing but placed a hand on her shoulder. She wondered if he had given up this hope of finding The Avatar and of gaining back his honor but somehow she doubted it. He wouldn't have changed that quickly.
The ferry slowly came to a halt and all the passengers were ushered off. Fang stepped onto the land and felt relief fill her. It was like they had stepped into a place that would be their new home, their new safe haven.
A small smile spread across her face as she looked out at all the relieved faces that stood and waited in line for their ticket. "We should sit and wait for the line to diminish.", Iroh suggested, leading Fang and Zuko to a nearby bench.
They sat their waiting as they watched people file in and receive their tickets after showing a passport. Fang looked up when she saw Jet coming to approach them again. This boy just didn't want to go away. "Hey, can I talk to you for a second?, he asked, sitting next to Zuko.
Zuko nodded his head slowly and crossed his arms. Fang frowned but pretended like she was interested in something else in order to listen. A street vendor passed by selling tea which made Iroh very excited. "Jasmine, please?", Iroh said and held out a few coins for the vendor. He handed him a cup and poured the jasmine tea into it.
Iroh seemed at peace until he took a drink. "Ugh.. it's cold!", he exclaimed. Fang looked to see Iroh about to breathe fire into the cup to warm it but she stopped him. "Someone is going to see you!", she hissed at him. Iroh suddenly stopped and sighed.
"But I hate cold tea and this is such a waste.", he whined. Fang ignored him and turned her head back to "people watch". It was always interesting to watch families, couples and even elders walk by, all having smiles on their faces. "You and I have a much better chance of making it in the city if we stick together. You wanna join the Freedom Fighters?", Jet asked, smiling proudly.
"Thanks.. but I don't think you want me in your gang.", Zuko answered. "Come on! We made a great team when we raided that Captain's food. Think of all the good we could do for these refuges.", Jet persisted. Zuko turned his head away from Jet. "I said 'no'.", he answered.
Fang could hear the irritation in her husbands voice as she turned back to look at Jet, pretending she had not heard a word. "Have it your way.", Jet answered. Fang watched him slowly stand up but he paused and looked at Iroh sipping his tea, steam billowing out from it.
Fang felt a shock of fear go through her. As he walked away, Zuko reached over and smacked the cup out of Iroh's hand. "What are you doing Fire bending your tea?! For a wise old man that was a pretty stupid move!", Zuko criticized under his breath.
There arrival had surprisingly went smoothly. They would be working as tea servers and they were set up with a small home. Iroh had already sought to it to start decorating the house with different flowers and vases.
Her husband didn't seem so thrilled, she could definitely tell that he did not intend to stay here the rest of his life. She felt mixed about it. She missed her home in the Fire Nation, of course, but.. if they lived peacefully and they lived comfortably... why wouldn't she want to stay here.
They could work their way up, get better jobs, even start a family of their own. Fang had always wanted to be a mother but.. it was never the right time. Being exiled or on the run was no place for a baby so she hadn't ever mentioned it.
They stood in front of the tea shop owner. "I think you all will do marvelous! I especially think you will bring lots of clientele!", he said smiling at Fang who blushed a little. Iroh kept fussing with the straps as he tried to get them to reach around him. Zuko was still scowling and looking down at his apron.
The hours passed and Fang was becoming accustomed to serving other people.. rather then people serving her. She would take their order and then bring their tea, serving each member at the table from elder to youngest. She was beginning to really like it.
She was at peace finally, no one was going to come after her and Azula wouldn't tread here for awhile. Fang could finally breathe the fresh air of freedom. It was a good system they had worked out. Iroh brewed the tea, Fang served and Zuko would clean up after the guests had left.
The tea shop owner seemed very pleased with them as the days passed on. He even offered them all a raise which was greatly welcomed. Fang was becoming increasingly more comfortable in the city then she ever thought she could... if only her husband felt the same.
He was back to being in his sour mood all the time and he had barely spoken to her since the day they set foot in the city. She knew it wasn't his idea of 'home' or 'happiness' but she wondered if he ever would be.
A sigh escaped her lips as she returned one of the empty tea pots back to the counter for Iroh to refill with the newly brewed oolong tea. She heard the front door of the little tea shop slam open. "I'm tired of waiting.", a familiar voice said. Fang snapped her neck toward it's direction and saw Jet standing in the doorway glaring at all of them.
"These three are fire benders!", he exclaimed, pointing at each of them. Fang mouth hung open a little as she tried to act like she didn't know what the man was talking about. "I know they're fire benders! I saw the old man heating his tea!", Jet said, explaining to the other customers.
Some of the men raised an eyebrow. "He works at a tea shop... what do you expect him to do?", one man said, holding up his cup. "They're fire benders I'm telling you!", Jet said again. She stepped forward and placed her hands up.
"Please sit down and don't create a ruckus. You're scaring the other customers.", she ordered, pretending like she didn't know Jet at all. "Don't talk to me like you don't know me.", he yelled at her, pointing on of his curved swords at her neck. That was enough for Zuko. He didn't want to create a scene but he wasn't about to allow anyone to point a sword at his wife's neck.
"Drop your swords, boy.", some of the male customers said, standing up from their seat. Jet looked toward Zuko. "You'll have to defend yourself.. then everyone will know.", he said, taking a step toward Fang. "Go ahead. Show them what you can do.", Jet said, taking another step toward Fang.
Zuko stepped forward, grabbing swords out of one of the off duty soldiers hilt. "You wanna a show. I'll give you a show."
End of Ch.15
