~The Tale of Zuko and Liena~

Chapter 2: Liena

Zuko awoke to a throbbing ache in his head. He wanted to reach up and rub the soreness away but his arms felt like lead. His eyes opened slowly, his blurry vision slowly coming back into focus. He was staring up at a thatched roof. He could feel the weight of a blanket on his chest and the bandages around his forehead and arm. Someone had helped him. If the New Ozai rebels had captured him, he wouldn't be lying on the floor so casually.

Zuko turned his head slowly to the side, his body allowing the movement to be pain-free. What he saw were bookcases upon bookcases next to each other, they covered the walls. Books were even stacked up to the ceiling from the floor. It still didn't tell him where he was.

"He…" Zuko tried to talk, but his throat was dry. He cleared it, smacking his dry lips together to try and form some wetness. "Hello?" He called out, his voice barely a whisper.

He was met with silence. Maybe they had healed him and then left him. He probably wasn't dressed the best for a first meeting. Considering he couldn't remember much after staggering from the river, he probably scared any sort of help off with the blood that had coated his body.

Zuko moved his arms under his body and attempted to sit up. His injured arm, the one that had been sliced by the exploring carriage, protested under the weight, but he gritted his teeth and managed to sit himself up.

The blanket fell away from his chest, revealing his bloody and singed robes. Zuko glanced over at the white bandage that covered his arm and examined his hand strength. He could clench his fist with no pain, so luckily the cut hadn't gone too deep.

His head was another story. Now that he was sitting up, all he could feel was a hard thump in his head every time his heart pulsed. Zuko clutched at his head, willing the pain to go away.

Where was Katara when he actually needed her?

Zuko's body tensed when he heard a small shuffle come from the nearby door. He felt his body heat up, the energy flowing down his arms, ready to strike if the person in the house was a foe and not a friend to him.

"Whose there?" Zuko called out, his voice was still not as strong as it normally was, he didn't sound as threatening this way.

There was silence behind the door, and Zuko thought that maybe he had imagined the noise. He wasn't the first in his family to go nuts. Zuko's body relaxed slightly as he tried an attempt at standing on his own feet. That was until he heard the door open quietly. If there had been any other noises in the house, he may have missed it, but he definitely heard it. Zuko pushed through the intense ache in his body, to raise himself to his full height.

"I know there is someone there," Zuko called out. He could see the door open the smallest of cracks. He couldn't see beyond.

"I…I have a knife," a small, timid voice spoke back to him. Zuko was taken aback for a moment. It sounded like a child. Surely a child couldn't have dragged him into this house by themselves?

"I'm not going to hurt you," Zuko replied. "Please, I want to thank you for saving me." Zuko waited, his eyes focusing on the door, waiting to see if his healer would step out and greet him.

"How do I know you aren't going to hurt me?" The voice said again.

Zuko had to lean against the counter to support his weight, standing was making him dizzy because of his head wound. "I swear to you, I mean you or your family no harm. You saved me. I'm not exactly in the position to be hurting anyone right now." Zuko laughed lightly.

Long, thin fingers hooked around the door and pulled it open, and out stepped a girl. Zuko's gaze was still a bit blurry, and he blinked a few times to make sure that he was seeing her correctly. She was not a child, but maybe a few years younger than he was. She kept one hand on the door, and the other was clutched around a medium-sized hunting knife with a wooden hilt.

She was dressed like Zuko had seen many poor Earth Kingdom farmers, with a tattered brown dress that reached below her knees and open-toed sandals. Her brown hair was a mess, but it was long. It was dry and brittle, probably from being in the sun so much and not having access to the soaps and washes that Zuko is used to. She was thin, like Mai or Ty-Lee, but he knew that it wasn't because she had some rigorous training regime. Villages like these in the Earth Kingdom didn't see much diverse produce.

Her skin was darker than his, but only by a little. Her face was thin, but her eyes shone. They were like dark emeralds, caught behind dark lashes and under furrowed brows.

"Who are you?" She asked him, the knife in her hands shaking because of her trembling body.

Zuko pushed his hair out of his eyes, "You don't know who I am?" Even in the Earth Kingdom, Zuko had been recognised everywhere he had gone. His tale had been told throughout the world. The scarred, banished Prince who fought with the Avatar to free the world from his father's tyranny. Now the Fire Lord, travelling the Earth Kingdom to mend the bridges destroyed for one hundred years.

The girl frowned at him, "If I knew who you were, I wouldn't be asking you your name, would I now?" She fired back.

Did she truly not know who he was? Where in the Earth Kingdom had he fallen into?

"My name is Daruk," Zuko said. He decided that if she truly didn't know who he was, then there was a good chance this village didn't, and if the New Ozai rebels were trying to find him—he'd best try to blend in.

The girl studied him for another moment before she slowly dropped the knife down to her side. Her piercing stare didn't waver from him. She had a right to be wary.

"Liena."

Zuko quirked his single brow at her.

She rolled her eyes slightly, "My name. It's Liena."

Zuko bowed his head to her, "Thank you, Liena, for saving me. I won't forget it."

There was a sudden, sharp knock at the door that had Liena gasping and Zuko whirling towards the door. He winced and fell into the side of the counter, still weak from his injury.

"Liena!" Someone called from outside the shop. "It's Ming-Wei!"

Liena placed the knife on the counter as she hurried passed Zuko. "Be quiet," she told him before opening the door and stepping outside.

Liena stepped out, shutting the door behind her as she faced Ming-Wei and baby Ushi in her arms. Ming-Wei had Ushi on her hip as the infant chewed on a wooden toy.

"I'm sorry about last night," Ming-Wei said sadly. Her hair was braided down her back like last night, and she wore a brown dress similar to the one that Liena wore. "I didn't mean to upset you."

"It's fine," Liena said quickly. "Don't worry about it."

Liena was itching to get back inside, she wanted to make sure that Daruk wasn't stealing any of her family's belongings. She also wanted to question him about what happened, was he attacked? Or clumsy?

Ushi dribbled down himself but cooed at Liena's presence, the baby loved her. Liena couldn't help but smile at him.

"I thought we could head to the stalls. My treat with whatever you like," Ming-Wei offered with a smile. Liena knew she felt guilty about their argument, they rarely fought and with no one else in their current age range in the village, they were all each other had.

Liena looked over her shoulder at the closed door at her back. She needed to stay and keep an eye on Daruk to make sure he wasn't an enemy, "I've got to do something for my parents before they get back—"

"They aren't coming back for a few more days, Liena. Come on, please?" She begged. Ming-Wei dangled Ushi in front of her as the baby reached out his chunky little arms to her for a cuddle.

Liena couldn't refuse Ming-Wei. They had always gone out together to the stalls. She couldn't pretend to be angry at her, she was a terrible liar and Ming-Wei would see right through her.

"Okay, fine." Liena sighed in resignation and cuddled Ushi into her arms. Ming-Wei gave her friend a bright smile as they walked towards the village centre.

"Did you hear about last night?" Ming-Wei asked Liena as they passed by the small market stalls. This current one was owned by an elderly lady who handcrafted small toys for children.

Liena adjusted Ushi on her hip and watched as Ming-Wei picked up a small rattle and examined it. "No, what happened?" Liena asked, curiously.

"There was a lot of blood found near the entrance to the village, but no one can find anyone whose injured." Liena felt a shiver run down her spine. She knew helping Daruk was going to cause more harm than good. "The elders have been searching the village but no one's come forth."

"Maybe it was an animal?" Liena offered, she reached down and offered Ushi another toy that he seemed to like, "Or perhaps they moved on." Liena hoped that they wouldn't come looking at her house.

Ming-Wei shrugged and paid for the wooden rattle. "Possibly, but it has some people spooked. We've never had trouble in these parts before, and now some mysterious blood turns up?"

Liena scoffed and handed Ushi over to his mother. "Everyone is paranoid in this village because of the war. Look at my parents."

Ming-Wei laughed and agreed, and then the subject was dropped. Liena used the silence to make up her excuse about helping her parents before they got back and was able to leave her friend and return to her home.

Liena hovered out the front of her house. A part of her was hoping that when she walked in, Daruk would be gone and her problem would be over. She had helped a stranger in need and he had repaid her by not robbing her home and leaving without a fuss.

Liena didn't want to linger outside of her home any longer, or else someone might think it odd. Liena gripped the rusted handle and opened the door, she slowly stepped in, her eyes adjusting from the bright light from outside to the dimness of her home.

Much to her chagrin, Daruk sat on the opposite side of the bookshop, leaning up against the wall and eating from a bowl. It was some of her leftover rice from yesterday. Liena shut the door behind her, seeing nothing out of the ordinary, even the hunting knife that she had left so carelessly on the counter was still there.

"I hope you don't mind," Daruk said sheepishly. "I was starving."

Liena suddenly felt like the worst person alive. She hadn't even offered the man food before she had left him alone, he could have starved to death.

"Not at all," Liena said as she walked to to counter that separated the bookstore from the rest of the house. "How are you feeling?"

Daruk ate a few more mouthfuls before speaking, "Better, but still tired. Why did you help me?"

Liena met his amber gaze. His eyes were like liquid gold, burning through her into the very depths of her soul. Even with the scar on his face, Liena could see a handsome man who had been through a lot at the hands of fire benders.

"I don't know," Liena admitted honestly. She came around the front of the counter and slid down the rough wood, sitting with his legs tucked up by her chest. "My parents have always taught me to be wary of any strangers that come into the village, but I couldn't leave you there."

"Are they alive?" He asked.

Liena smiled gently, "Yes, they've gone to the next village over to buy books for the store. Not many people left the village during the war, for fear of being captured by the Fire Nation, but once the war was over, many people in my village moved on—explored the world."

"…I'm sorry," Daruk murmured. He sat his bowl aside.

"We were lucky," Liena started, causing Daruk to stare at her, perplexed. "Our village remained untouched during the war. We are so remote out here, that there was never any reason for the Fire Nation to travel here. We aren't by any crossroads or ports, so we were left alone. Granted that meant that we had no idea the Avatar had returned and stopped the war until months later." Liena chuckled to herself at the memory.

Liena watched as Daruk's expression slowly dropped, his hands lowering the bowl to rest on his legs. Liena grimaced, maybe bringing up the Fire Nation wasn't such a good idea. Considering the scar on his face, he couldn't have had a pleasant time with them.

"Sorry," Liena blurted out. "I didn't mean to upset you." Daruk met her gaze, his brow furrowed. Liena gestured to her face, "Your scar…it brought up bad memories for you."

"It's fine," Daruk said, setting down his bowl by his side. "It happened a long time ago."

"You were a child?" Liena asked, horrified.

Daruk waved her off, "I've made peace with my past."

Liena continued to look horrified at the thought of someone doing something like that to a child. She couldn't fathom someone doing it to another person when she had first seen the scar, but finding out he had been a child, Liena was angry for him.

"The Fire Nation back then is not what it is today," Daruk mumbled.

Liena scoffed, "The Fire Nation tried to assert dominion over the world. You can't tell me that in the time since the war ended, they've all suddenly had a change of heart?"

"No," Daruk sighed, rubbing the side of his neck.

"Did you grow up in a colony?"

"What?" Daruk asked, confused at the sudden change in subject.

Liena sighed, "I've heard stories from my mother. She grew up in a colony, dictated by the Fire Nation. She remembers having friends who sympathised with them, thinking that they weren't all bad. Thinking that some of them have to be good. If you grew up in one, I can't blame you for feeling confused."

"How did she leave? I heard it was near impossible to escape one." Daruk asked, invested in the story.

Liena smiled softly, "She met my father. He was from the Fire Nation."

Iroh paced up and down in front of the throne stairs, his arms crossed over his large belly. He rubbed his forehead in worry and then sat down on the lowest step. He stared at the empty chair, wondering where Zuko could be. It had been a few hours since he had received the messenger hawk from Captain Jee and Daruk, Zuko's adviser.

Lord Iroh,

We regret to inform you that our entourage came under fire from the New Ozai rebels. We were taken by surprise by the large numbers. Fire Lord Zuko and I attempted to flee but we were pursued. During the attack, Lord Zuko has gone missing. I do not believe that New Ozai has captured him.

Daruk, myself and our contingent are attempting to search all the nearby villages for Lord Zuko, we will let you know as soon as we find him, and we will. We will not fair the Fire Lord.

Iroh read the scroll one more time. Zuko was missing, his beloved Nephew. He had expressed his concerns about the rebel group but had believed him to be far safer in the Earth Kingdom than here. He had been wrong.

Iroh didn't know what he would do if Zuko was hurt, or worse.

The door at the end of the room opened suddenly, Iroh snapped his head up, hoping that it would be his nephew walking in.

It was Aang and Katara.

The Avatar came striding in, "Iroh! We heard the news and came as soon as we could."

"What happened?" Katara asked, extending her hand down to Iroh to help him up. The older man accepted the help as he handed them the scroll as they read quickly.

Aang shook his head at the scroll, "We'll find him. We can take Appa."

"No, Aang," Iroh protested. "You must stay here, and keep the Fire Nation in order." Iroh pleaded. When Zuko had first announced his trip, Aang had agreed to step up with Iroh to watch and look after the Fire Nation, especially because of the rebels.

"I trust Captain Jee will find Zuko, and we must let them. If we announce to the whole world that Zuko is missing there will be an uproar. The rebels will try and take the city again, we cannot allow that."

"Zuko wouldn't go down without a fight either, Aang," Katara said firmly, placing a hand on the Avatar's shoulder.

Aang sighed in defeat but then nodded in agreement, "You're both right. Zuko's probably halfway home by now."

"Your father is Fire Nation?" Zuko asked, not masking the shock in his voice. Liena shrugged him off.

"Only by association. He was born in the colony like my mother. His parents were Fire Nation and he grew up with all the other children. Once he and my mother were old enough they ran. They never looked back."

Zuko continued to stare at the girl. He never would have thought that she would have Fire Nation blood in her. She had all the tell-tale signs of a full-blooded Earth Kingdom citizen. Like the light green eyes and darker skin. "They never went looking for him?" Zuko asked her.

"No," Liena shook her head, "Or not that I know of. My parents don't like talking about it. No one knows my father's connection to the Fire Nation."

"Why are you telling me?" Zuko asked, meeting her gaze. Zuko had never seen bright eyes like hers before.

"Because you'll move on soon," she said dejectedly.

Zuko and Liena fell into an awkward silence after that. Zuko tugged at his tattered clothes and adjusted his head bandage. His wound felt a lot better after eating some food. His neck was still stiff and if he changed position too quickly his head would throb. He guessed maybe one more day of recuperation before he would head out and try to find his way back to his party.

"I'll get you some more clothes," Liena suddenly said, gesturing to his singed robes. He was lucky in a sense. From all the blood, mud and water, his red robes had turned a stained brown colour, hiding the truth that he is from the Fire Nation from Liena.

He wasn't sure what her reaction would be should she find out. It seemed this whole town already had a predetermined judgement of anyone from outside of their village.

Liena rose from the floor and headed into the back of the shop, into the housing section. She was gone for a few minutes before returning with a small pile in her arms.

"These are my fathers. I'll make him some new ones so he won't miss them," she extended them out to Zuko. Zuko realised that this was the closest she had come to him since they had officially met. He pressed one hand to the wooden wall behind him and used the momentum to stand up. He winced at the blood rushing to his head.

He reached out for the clothes, meeting Liena's stare once more. At this distance, Zuko could see the dozens of freckles that dotted her face. He thought that they suited her.

Zuko accepted the clothes. "You made these?" He questioned.

Liena nodded, "We make what we need here," was all she said before turning on her heel and disappearing into the house section, giving Zuko the privacy to change.

Zuko quickly disrobed and changed into the clothes. The material was light and airy, perfect for the hot and dry weather of the Earth Kingdom, especially in these parts. The colour was a murky green, clashing with Zuko's pale skin but he didn't care. At least he was smelling like a burnt sack of potatoes now. The clothes were a little long on him, but he made it work.

Liena crept back in a few minutes later and gathered up his ruined clothes. "I'll dispose of these. I'm guessing whoever you were running from, I doubt you'd want them finding these in a nearby rubbish bin?"

Zuko stiffened, "Who says I was running from someone?"

Liena rolled her eyes at him, and held up the clothes, "Unless you did this to yourself. I'd say you were being chased by fire benders. Did that head wound take away your memory too?" Liena stated with a smirk.

Zuko angled away from her, not wanting to feed into her taunting. He heard her little laugh as she took them into the back rooms. Even though Liena had shared some stories with him, Zuko wasn't convinced that as soon as she found out he was a fire bender, she would go straight to the villagers. He couldn't risk it while he was so vulnerable.

"I won't ask you what happened," Liena said as she reappeared, "But is my village in danger?" Zuko could see the worry in her eyes, not for herself, but for the people she cared about.

"I don't know," Zuko admitted. "I won't stay long. I just need my strength back and then I will leave."

Liena held his gaze for a few more moments before she nodded and clapped her hands together, "Well," she said. "If you need your strength back, eating just rice won't help. I'll go and get some dinner." Liena headed for the door. Before she left, she halted and glanced over her shoulder, "Do I even need to tell you to stay here?"

Zuko held up his hands, "I'll be as quiet as a mouse." Liena smiled at him, opened the door and left.

Zuko smiled.

Liena headed down to the market again. This time in search of something half decent to cook for dinner. Maybe some duck or rabbit would be good? She could spare the few coins she had if it meant that Daruk would be fit and ready to leave. She would hate for whoever was chasing him to come to the village while he was still here.

Liena was searching up and down the stalls for a perfect duck when she overheard a conversation.

"I'm sure I saw someone dragging them off last night."

Liena's blood went cold. Someone had seen her. She angled her head slightly so that she could see who who talking. It was an older man named Boa, who lived on the outskirts of the village.

"They looked dead, not sure who they were, or how they got here," Boa continued.

The other man that he was talking to, was another older man called Urri, "I'm telling you, Fire Nation. They're still hiding out in the Earth Kingdom. I don't care what everyone else says, that this new Fire Lord has got everything under control—I won't trust a fire bender until the day I die."

Liena felt nauseous. She picked a duck quickly and paid for it, spinning on her heel and ready to sprint back to her house when she saw two people that made her freeze in her tracks.

"Liena!" The woman yelled out.

This was bad, oh so bad.

The woman, her brown hair in a tight bun at the back of her head and bright green eyes like her own hurried up to her. Worry was written all over her wrinkled face. The taller man followed behind.

"Liena! Oh, sweetheart."

"Mother…" Liena whispered in disbelief. This couldn't be happening.

Liena's mother, Huan, held onto her tightly. "We crossed paths with a couple of travellers that said Fire Nation were in the area and becoming destructive, we came home as soon as we could."

Liena held the duck with one hand, as the other was trapped between her mother. Liena met her father's brown-eyed gaze for a moment before the terror and dread consumed her.

Daruk was in her home. Her parents were back.

Liena had never sworn in the presence of her parents before, but at this very moment in time, she was using all her willpower to keep her mouth shut.

"I'm glad you guys are home," Liena groaned under the crushing weight of her mother.

How was she going to get herself out of this now?