Fun fact for my older readers who have been with me for a long time- This chapter is the first chapter written with my new laptop that I bought myself after many years of using a lot of hands me downs. So enjoy! -Golden :)

3rd Person's POV

Uncle Iroh dragged the young prince along with him through the Third Ring, the moody teenager just wanting to be left alone and to sleep in some off-putting alley somewhere. They currently had no address, no bed to sleep in, nor a roof over their heads. But the way his Uncle's eyes twinkled, it seemed he had a plan. He could only think it had something to do with how they managed to get the tickets into Ba Sing Se in the first place.

"Oh come on, dear nephew! It is time to explore the city! Ba Sing Se is a very beautiful city!" Iroh states as they avoid stepping in goat shit. Zuko makes a face of distaste before rolling his eyes at the irony. Why did they even have goats in the city?! Oh yeah, the lowest of lowest rings, gotcha.

They were practically in the slums of any major city in the world, but all put into one. Zuko feels like taking a shower and just scrubbing his skin raw after walking through here.

Iroh's attention was drawn away from his nephew and his current task of exploration when he heard and saw a large group forming along the sides of the streets, excited smiles and jumping kids that were covered in dirt and grime clutching onto the adults scattered amongst the crowd. Iroh smiled, immediately dragging the sulking prince along with him by his arm.

They stood next to many groups of singles, couples, or families. Iroh sparking up the conversation to find out what was going on for such a large group to form.

"Is there a parade going on today, miss?" He asked her, watching her eyes flutter in confusion at his sudden voice next to her. She turned her head to look at him, a kind smile breaking out on her face. "Sort of! The Royal Princess is visiting all of the rings today! We are her last stop before making her way back to the palace!" Zuko's interest was peeked, slightly pushing his uncle to the side to talk to the woman full front.

"Princess? You mean the Princess of Omashu?" The woman nodded, "Yes! She and her citizens are currently visiting the city for a couple of weeks. It's so exciting! I heard that she is really beautiful!" Stated the woman, gushing over royalty. Zuko shared a look with Iroh, the older man grinning.

"Ah, what a turn of events!"

"You knew she was coming here, didn't you?" Iroh said nothing in reply, closing his eyes in relief. 'I'm glad that she made it out of there safely, and is here.' He thought. Zuko scrunched his brows together, (one brow gang Zuko). His golden eyes looked out past the crowd, trying to see when she would arrive- Shit, he knows what he looks like. He unconsciously wiped his hand through his short hair, wondering if she would recognize him without the ponytail. It was making him nervous to see her again. The last time he saw her is when she treated his injuries after rescuing her and the Avatar from Zhao- No, that isn't right. He bit his bottom lip, it was at the North Pole...

The scream she created still haunted his dreams at night.

When the cheers from the crowd began, so did the thumping of his heart when he caught sight of her, surrounded by Dai Li Agents, one stationed to walk right next to her, the formation in a diamond shape to protect her from anyone.

He could feel the heat rise up along his neck to his cheeks and ears, how she carried herself was so different than how he knew her to be with the few and far in between interactions with her. Iroh smirks at Zuko's reaction that he tried to hide from his and everyone else around them.

When Himoko neared closer to the middle of the street, a child ran out in front of the Dai Li Agents towards the front, interrupting their leisure walk. The two agents went into a defensive stance, thinking it was a distraction to get to the princess.

"Stop, it's fine. You are scaring him." Stated Himoko as she approached the front, silencing the crowd as the little boy whimpered in fear at the sight of the Dai Li Agents ready to attack.

"Apologies, Your Highness, only a safety precaution." Himoko didn't reply as she knelt down, offering a hand to the little boy. She smiles softly at him. "Hello little one, are you okay?" He shakily nods, tears in his eyes, his bottom lip jutting out as he whimpers. Himoko holds out her arms to him, waiting for him to stop rubbing his eyes before scooping him up, bouncing him slightly on her hip.

She goes up to Sadem, who had followed her to the little boy, and grabs the little boy's hand, placing it on Sadem's cheek. Sadem didn't move so he didn't scare the child even more.

"See? They aren't that scary, you have done nothing wrong. Alright?" The little boy didn't seem convinced until Himoko released his hand and decided to pinch Sadem's nose, feeling Sadem flinch when she pinched him, his eyes squinting making the boy giggle.

"Silly!"

"Yeah, silly! That's right, don't worry." Iroh smiles, closing his eyes with a deep sigh, 'You have taught her very well, Bumi.' He thought.

-

Himoko's POV

At the end of the line, I stared ahead at the group of people near the gates, all waiting for my arrival before they could start heading to the sections they were given to settle down at.

Once the Dai Li Agents were in their view, I could hear startled gasps and fearful breaths, but once eyes landed on me behind them, breaths of relief and soft cheers at the sight of their Princess approaching them.

I quickened my strides, raising my hand up to tell the Dai Li Agents ahead of me to walk past, needing to get to my people.

I was greeted by one of the guards, the man who had saved me that night many years ago. Pulled me out of the ashes and brought me to Omashu, he greeted me with a hug, tears in his eyes.

"Your Highness! I am glad to know that you are safe." He told me, truth ringing in his ears. Commander Queut was part of the division who saved me that night and has protected me, the citizens, and the city since he was a young man. His hair was greying, eyes sullen but wide in alertness, the mustache he adorned before my absence- Was now shaved off.

"How was the journey here? Did everyone manage to get out? How did everyone get out?"

"Your friend, Avatar Aang, helped us escape. We were surprised to learn that you weren't with him." I smiled, breathing in relief, "Then they are okay? All three of them?" He nods, rubbing my arm to keep me calm, noticing how anxious I was beginning to feel, wanting to know how Omashu managed to fall, how could Pappy have let it be? He wouldn't have, he would have fought to the bitter end.

"May I ask you a question?" I tilt my head, watching his dark eyes shimmer in the light before nodding, "Yes, you may. Your Highness."

"How... Did this happen? We fought to keep them out for so many years."

"I am still unsure of that myself, Your Highness. They just arrived one morning and never left. I told King Bumi that we must fight, however... He, he told us not to. To just let it be."

"Please tell me he isn't going senile already." I joke half-heartedly. He chuckles, shaking his head, "I would have preferred that rather than the punch in the face of being told to stand down. He didn't fight back when they captured him and putting him in that metal coffin. I watched it happen before I was led away and downgraded to stand by with the rest of the citizens. More and more military troops poured into the city during the first week when the Avatar and his friends arrived, they helped us escape the city under the guise of virus contamination. It was brilliant, we walked right out of the city. And then sent word to the King, now after many long nights and days of walking and journeying across the nation, we made it here. I am forever thankful for the Avatar's help." I smiled before pulling him into a hug once more, "I'm glad that all made it out safely, I assume that you all got the rundown of how things around going to work here in Ba Sing Se?" He nods, "We did, it isn't the most ideal, but at least we will be inside the city walls with a place we can sleep and not worry of being mauled by fox-wolves."

"Alright, I shall go and speak to everyone else before making my way back, if anyone has any trouble with anything, send for me and I will come and find a way. In the days coming, I will be roaming around the city more often to check on things and put people at ease."

"Thank you, Princess Himoko."

"Thank you, Commander Queut."

-

"I just want our new place to look nice in case someone brings home a lady friend~" Iroh nudged his nephew with his elbow, watching Zuko's face twinge in disgust, more so when a familiar face popped in his mind at the suggestion.

"This city is a prison. I don't want to make a life here." He stated firmly, arms crossing.

"Life happens wherever you are, whether you make it or not. Now come on, I found us some new jobs, and we start this afternoon." Iroh emphasized, knowing full well that Zuko was on edge ever since the two saw Princess Himoko in the street. The knowledge of Himoko being here did bring Zuko to hope that the Avatar was also present, but would their whole crew be with her? Since the Avatar was an important figure? He didn't know, nor did Himoko speak anything of the Avatar during her short speech like he thought she would have.

He knew he should have been ecstatic with the possibility of the Avatar being in Ba Sing Se, however, knowing Himoko was here as well as making him feel nervous. Abnormally so. He should feel this way. He was a strong Prince, he knew how to fight with his fist, swords, and fire. What on earth would she do in a serious battle with him?

He shakes his head, continuing to follow after the tea-loving old man, just wanting to get this day over with.

"Look at them, firebenders living right under everyone's nose." Jet mutters from afar, adamant on the two being firebenders. Longshot and Smellerbee approach him from the other side of the alley, the two both tired of Jet's actions, wanting a different life in Ba Sing Se.

"Jet, you saw a man with a hot cup of tea. It doesn't prove he's a firebender. And what if he is, are we supposed to attack them I thought we were starting over here, changing our ways." Smellerbee stated, using her hand gestures. Voice calm and collected, hoping that their leader would listen.

"We are when I get the evidence I need, I'll report them to the police and let them handle it. Ok?" Jet made the promise, not intending to break it. In his mind, if there were firebenders here, then they weren't safe, no one was. The view was beginning to twist, not thinking of why firebenders were here, and how they managed to even get in the city in the first place. They all had to go through the process to just get on the damn ferry.

Himoko tiredly stares up at the ceiling, listening to Yangchen speak to her, but barely present, her eyes threatening to close.

"Did the message ever get to Aang?"

"It did. I promise you that. Now please, pay attention to what I am saying." Himoko didn't, wanting nothing to fall asleep.

Yangchen sighs heavily, watching the girl's eyes close, and soon enough, soft snores leave her body. She shakes her head, glancing at the door before leaving, moving elsewhere.

Yangchen watches after the group of children, seeing Aang glance around, searching for an indication of where Appa was. It broke the old Avatar's heart to know that his guide was currently missing, she didn't what she would do without her own, none of their past lives did. They were so important to them, they were their companions on their journeys in each lifetime.

"The Upper Ring is home to our most important citizens. Your house is not too far from here." Stated Joo Dee, sparking Aang's thought of Himoko. Thinking back on the message he gained a day beforehand before they headed to Serpent's Pass.

Aang didn't expect to see the spirit of a mana-eel, about falling over when it whipped past him. The others stare back at him in confusion, watching the young boy nervously chuckle. "Uhh, I will right back! Potty break and then we can go!" He stated, not giving of them anytime to say anything. Toph doesn't say anything about he lied, instead of wondering why of all things he lied about going to the restroom.

He went to the secluded part of the station, staying out of everyone's way as he went into a, not so clean stall, just to speak to the spirit who was circling around him. He waited a little bit to make sure no one else around that could potentially hear him, using the skills that Himoko taught him.

He turned to the spirit, his whole attention on it.

"Soo... Hi?" He asks in a questioning voice, watching the eel stop, then looks directly in Aang's eye. He didn't realize at first what the creature was doing until he heard Himoko's voice, his shoulders untensing.

"Hey, Aang, your good ole runaway teacher here. I hope that you and everyone else is doing well. I'm sorry that I didn't get in contact with you sooner, a lot has happened since the North Pole. And I only recently found out I could do this." She stated in the message, Aang able to hear the insecurity in her voice.

"So um... I'm the Adversary. I have a spiritual guide and everything. I don't know if the monks told you what an Adversary is, but basically, it's a really spiritual person? Like, they go hand and hand with the Avatar. You are the entrance sign, and I'm the exit is the easiest way for me to explain it, and for me to even understand it."

"Sorry that I can't tell you this in person. I had to leave abruptly, I had gotten a letter from Pappy, issuing an order for my safety. Omashu is currently... Currently under the Fire Nation's control. I was sent to Ba Sing Se to be safe, if Pappy were to pass, then I would have to take the crown. It was done for my protection, and the Royal Family's."

"I know that Pappy is more than capable of knocking a few fire nation soldier's skulls together, but he is getting up there an age, so it won't always be definite he will survive, as much as I hate thinking about it. Sorry for being a downer."

"Anyways, I know you are looking for a teacher for Earth, right? The best place to find a master would probably be in Ba Sing Se, where the police force is called the Dai Li, in which one of your past lives, Avatar Kyoshi, is the one who created the force. They are very strong earth benders, I can put a good word in for you." Aang smiles when he hears her chuckle, glad to know that she was alright. She didn't tell them that she was leaving because she hated any of them, but because she had to. It wasn't of her freewill.

"I-... Tell Sokka and Katara that I'm sorry, I hope that when you guys manage to get here, we can talk it out. I will be in the palace, only been out in the city during the night to keep that I'm here safe until we can freely say that I have arrived here. You know, Royal Protection protocols and all."

"And Aang- Stay safe. I will see you soon." The message ended, leaving tears in Aang's eyes.

"-Who are the mean-looking guys in robes?" Sokka asks, snapping Aang out of his memoir.

"Inside is the Royal Palace. Those men are agents of the Dai Li, the cultural authority of Ba Sing Se. They are the guardians of all our traditions." 'The Dai Li, Himoko mentioned them.' He thought before glancing at Toph, 'I don't need one of them to teach me now, I have Toph to help.' He smiles before eagerly asking Joo Dee, "Can we see the King now?" Joo Dee laughs as if Aang had just told her a great joke.

"Oh, no! One doesn't just pop in on the Earth King." She told him a matter of factly. Aang's smile disappears, dejected.

The group soon comes upon an open house, small in relative size, but you could tell that they were currently in the Upper Ring, the shingles on the roof were basically sparkling, the walls on the outside all wiped down, the mini garden tended to- It was a little much for the group. Toph sniffles at the overbearing scent of flowers.

"Here we are. Your new home-" Joo Dee began before a messenger runs up to her, handing her a scroll, quickly bowing, and then running off again, quick as the wind, "More good news, your request for an audience with the Earth King is being processed, and should be put through in about a month. Much more quickly than usual." Joo Dee states. Sokka is stunned, groans inwardly. "A month?!"

"Six to eight weeks, actually." She adds on, igniting more stress within the group. They didn't have time to wait for a whole month to pass, just to talk to the Earth King.

"What about Princess Himoko?" Aang speaks up, causing the three with him to blink in confusion, Joo Dee continues smiling, "It will also be difficult to hold an audience with the Crowned Princess. She is currently visiting her cousin, the esteemed King of Ba Sing Se, and has barely any time for world affairs." Toph furrows her brows, 'She is lying.'

"Wait, since when is Himoko here?" Sokka asks Aang gives him a small look, physically telling him that he would explain later.

"Even if we personally know her? She traveled with us around the world, it has to be easier to speak with her than the Earth King."

"You say that you are friends with Princess Himoko? First of her name, Heir to the Throne of Omashu, Royal cousin to the Earth King, Grand-daughter of King Bumi of Omashu? I apologize, as I find that hard to believe."

"What do you mean?! By now everyone knows that she traveled with us!" Katara argues before feeling Toph grab ahold of her arm, silencing her, "Katara, she won't speak the truth. It's useless to argue with her." Katara opened her mouth to reply when Sokka beat her to it.

"So... May I ask, when did the Princess arrive here?"

"Yesterday morning, today she was making her rounds throughout the rings in a parade fashion to greet all of the citizens." The group shares a look, Aang mildly glancing at Toph who nods, saying that she was telling the truth about that. Except- Himoko hasn't been there for only a day, Aang knew this by the timeline of when her message got to him. Perhaps Joo Dee didn't know how long she has truly been in the city?

The conversation dies down as the group moves to the inside of the home, checking out the interior of the place. Katara worriedly glances at her brother, seeing the permanent frown on his face. After Omashu, they figured Himoko was sent away for her own protection, which is why she left so abruptly, leaving only a letter behind.

---

Himoko's POV

I flop onto the couch in Kuei's study, groaning into the cushions. Kuei doesn't spare a glance towards me, only chuckling as he continues to write.

"You're being dramatic."

"My feet have blisters on them from the damn shoes I wore, I am not being dramatic," I whined in dismay, flopping over onto my back, smirking at the sight of Sadem standing awkwardly by the doorway, not knowing what to do with himself. He still had about ten minutes left with me before he had to go and do his other Agent duties, like patrolling around the palace and on top of the walls or something. I didn't really care for the details, just that he had to leave my side soon.

"If only everyone else could see you right now, the Crowned Princess complaining to her King about something as little as blisters."

"Keeps my mind off of things, or else you would have a Crying Princess on your hands." I glanced at Kuei, watching his brows furrow before tearing his eyes away from the scroll. "What happened?"

"I learned that Pappy didn't even fight back, he just let them take him in. He was put into a coffin of metal so he couldn't bend himself out. I- I pictured him like that, I couldn't help it. I have never seen him helpless, or powerless ever in my life. I don't care if it's only my imagination, it's the thought that- That, that it was his current situation. He can't move, at all." I choked down my tears, not wanting to cry in front of the two. Sadem moves away from the door, walking over to the couch and sitting down on it, respectfully resting his hand on my shoulder, he couldn't exactly give me a hug with my cousin watching, it wouldn't be appropriate. Even if I knew that Kuei wouldn't care, Sadem was too awkward to do that in front of his King.

Kuei stands himself up, walking over and dragging a chair with him, Basco looking up from his place on his bed, wondering what everyone was doing.

"Hey," He begins as he sits down on the seat he dragged with him, "This is difficult for you to grasp, you are used to King Bumi being the strongest person in your life. He has raised you as his own, so the thought of seeing him like that- Is unbelievable. You have to constantly remind yourself that he is human and very old at this point in time. I can only guess why he so easily gave up Omashu, did he do it to avoid bloodshed? The safety of his citizens? Or, to give himself more time to devise a plan, whether it be how to defeat and regain the city, or to stay alive for as long as possible." He grabs ahold of my hands, rubbing his thumbs over my knuckles in attempts to comfort me. I knew that he was trying his best, but with all of the attention on me- I was starting to feel guilty. The person who should be feeling like this is Pappy. But- I don't know how he is feeling. I.. I can't exactly talk to him, get wrapped up in his hugs anymore. I- I don't know how to deal with this. I can't lose him too.

"I don't know how to deal with this... I know I should be strong for him, but just how much can that be pushed?" The question lingers in the air, gaining no answer from either one of us.

---

The next day came and left me with more waning thoughts as I walked around in normal clothing, Sadem at my side.

Nobody stopped me on the side of the street to Sadem's surprise, always at the ready for me to be stopped as we walked, I had to remind him that since I was wearing a flamboyant dress or all dolled up with my hair pulled back, I looked like any other person. Just a random teenager walking with another teenager around the streets of Ba Sing Se.

Sadem didn't adorn his Dai Li Uniform, instead of wearing black slacks and a green long sleeve that hangs down to his mid-thigh, pretty comfortable in the clothing it seems. He looked like a normal teenager like me, the only time he got looks was because of his eye, it seemed to freak people out, I had yet to learn what had happened to it. I knew that he had trouble seeing out of it, but wasn't completely blind in that eye like you would think.

We walked to Seren and I's meeting place, not having a chance to speak last evening as I was too caught up in thoughts, and didn't want to burden her any more than I already have. My problems were strictly mine to bare.

"Everyone seems quite busy today." Sadem commented with pursed lips and narrowed eyes, "Really? I haven't noticed."

"Maybe it's from the refugees coming in, so more money is being exchanged, and in turn, more items needed to be up for sale? I'm not too sure how the market system works."

"I'm not surprised by that, as you mostly stole from them rather than buy," I state with a laugh. He rolls his eyes at me, glancing at a shop keeper selling elaborate silk fabrics. He scoffs, shaking his head, "I don't know why they are selling silk so late in the season, cold temperatures will be here soon." His words left me to stop in place, my mind flickering at a memory.

"Your life will take a turn at Summer's End..." I was reminded of Aunt Wu's fortune, and of the nearing of Aang's timeline. He had to learn all of the elements by then... It was getting closer and closer, we couldn't stall time.

"Himoko?" Sadem's voice brought me back to reality, looking to him. "Oh, sorry. Got lost in my thoughts for a moment."

"You have been doing that a lot recently."

"Hard not to... Come on, Seren's waiting. She has been eagerly waiting to meet you." I dragged Sadem with me the rest of the way to the meeting place, arriving there minutes after Seren herself arrived, the girl smiling at the sight of me.

"Siren! There you are, I was wondering when you were going to show up."

"Sorry, it's busier than usual apparently," I stated, eyeing Sadem who gulped nervously. Seren arches her brow before smiling, "Really? Well, I guess Mom was pretty busy this morning... Oh well, that just means we are going to have a great meal tonight!"

"Seren, this is Sadem, Sadem, this is Seren. We are now the S Clan!" Sadem rolls his eyes again at me, getting over his nerves for the moment to poke fun at me. "The SSH Clan more like."

"Shh! Secret disguise and name ya know!"

"Yeah, yeah, whatever. Alright, what are we doing?" Sadem questions the two of us. "Well, Sadem. How much money do you have in your wallet?" He frowns, "Why..?"

"We are going to be checking out all of the restaurants today starting in the Lower Ring! I have been meaning to show Himoko all of the food here, but since she was only ever able to leave the palace during the night time without permission- They were all closed by then! So-"

"You are going to make me pay for it, aren't you?" Seren quickly shakes her head, pulling out a sack filled with money from her pocket, "Nope! I will be helping out, don't worry. I have been saving money from tips at the shop!" Sadem looks at me, "And are you paying for anything?"

"I was too scared to ask for money from my cousin, or Long Feng." He groans, "Ahhh, fine..." He grumbles under his breath, knowing that he couldn't argue against that.

With my two friends beside me, we walked down to the Lower Ring, weaving through different crowds, Sadem gripping ahold of my wrist to keep me at his side in case someone did recognize me and decided to sweep me off of my feet and run away.

The two were fairly awkward around each other, only exchanging small talk about the weather and the expensive elaborate things people seemed to be wearing in 90-degree heat (Fahrenheit) I knew why they were awkward around one another, Seren didn't trust the guards or the agents, and well. Sadem was one, even though I have told her countless times before their meeting that he was on our side, there was still that fear at the back of her mind to keep her hands close, and mind locked off. Sadem, in general, just wasn't comfortable with new people around him. Especially when on duty, he was in the protection mindset and was viewing Seren as a potential threat, regardless of my affiliation with her.

Putting my fears and worries to the back of my mind, we continue onward, visiting every restaurant we came across, smelled every dish, and tried at least one popular item. I was pretty limited due to me being a pescatarian and most of the options being of meat variety. But regardless, I was enjoying myself, the oncoming future's events pushed to the back of my mind, laughing at the sight of Sadem pouting as he looked through what he had left on him, muttering about stealing food from the palace kitchen for the next week until he could get paid again.

"How much do Agents get paid anyway?" Questions Seren curiously.

"10% more than a regular guard."

"Okay... So how much does a regular guard get paid for-" Sadem sighs heavily, hanging his head before resting it on my shoulder in exasperation, "It doesn't matter, I have money put away that I can't touch, so that's what is currently killing me right now."

"What for?" I ask him this time, this information new to me. "Emergency. A just in case situation." He didn't elaborate after, signaling to us to shut that conversation down. With a small glance to Seren, eyes being the gateway to have a silent conversation.

---

"Now we gotta check out these creampuffs!" Stated Seren 3 hours into our journey through the food of Ba Sing Se. Sadem pouted beside me, completely out of money. "Guess this is our last stop then, Seren you better have enough."

"Don't worry I do! If not, I and Siren can just use our good lucks to get free creampuffs." Seren stated with a wink, laughing when she saw my face heat up at the compliment.

"I don't think that's how it works, Seren," Sadem stated with a sigh, scratching the side of his face as he followed after us, his strides were shorter than usual, most likely from all of the food we had eaten in the past 3 hours. We made sure whatever we bought was just one plate of it that we could all share, to save money, and to save stomach space for more food.

Nonetheless, we were stark broke after this one.

We entered, 'Pao Family Tea House'.

"Woah, there are so many people drinking tea in here!" Seren said out loud thoughtfully. I arch a brow, "So? Isn't that how it is supposed to be?"

"Usually the tea here sucks ass, so yeah, it's really unnatural for there to be this many drinking just the tea and nothing else."

"Well, we aren't here for the grand tea of shit, let's just order the creampuffs and leave. I am ready to head back." Sadem told us tiredly in annoyance. I sharply whack the back of his head, hearing him grunt from the force applied to him. "Don't be so rude, Sadem." I scolded like a mother, watching him roll his eyes at me.

"Yeah, yeah..." Seren giggles at the interaction, "If I didn't know any better, I would think you two were siblings." Sadem scrunches up his face in mock disgust before wrapping an arm around my head, ruffling up my hair like how an older brother would, "Hey!" I yelped, listening to the two laughs at me. Despite getting a noogie from Sadem, which did hurt to an extent, I felt elated. I was at peace for this moment in time. I would love to have every day be like this. All of us just being regular teenagers having fun and being friends. No obligations, no war, battles, fights, death, or destruction, lingering the forefronts of our minds. Just peace and tranquility.

I didn't realize that in the same tea shop we stood in, were two individuals who bore the same wishes.

3rd Person's POV

"Lee, mind grabbing the fresh creampuffs out of the oven!" Called Iroh, ahem, 'Mushi', Lee Junior nods softly, grabbing the oven mitt before pulling the oven door open and grabbing the creampuffs.

"How many?"

"6!" Stated the tea shop owner in reply. Zuko fishes out a plate from the recently washed dishes pile, placing 6 creampuffs on the plate. He walked on over to the counter, being mindful of the two older men, maneuvering around them as they did their own work. The owner, Pao, was quite short staffed and was helping them out today because of the influx of customers coming their way all day. And that was all because of Iroh's tea.

Zuko didn't want to admit it to anyone, or even himself for that matter, but he was starting to enjoy the work he was doing, it was helping distract him from who he truly was... He was beginning to feel normal. He didn't know how or why, why was he having this feeling? He was a Prince, the norm for him was to be a Prince, not a tea shop worker or busboy.

"Here you go." He hands over the plate of creampuffs to the Earth Nation Girl, watching her eyes shine in excitement at the fresh steaming creampuffs before her. "They are steaming hot, so be mindful!" Called Iroh as he passed to grab something from under the counter. She nods, smiling widely. "We will! We have a good air conditioner with us- Ow! Siren don't pinch me!" Zuko blinks, his impaired eye not noticing the figure that was standing next to the girl who received the creampuffs. Pao comes up beside him, handing over a tray of hot tea.

"This one is Chamomile Tea, and the others are regular Black Tea," Pao told her and that's when Zuko fully looked to see who he was speaking to, his heart-stopping, and eyes widening at the sight of Himoko.

Himoko aired a thank you when she felt another set of eyes on her, and looked to her left, to see Zu-

"Pony-"

"Come on before they get cold!" Seren tugs on Himoko's arm, pulling her away from the counter and over to the table where Sadem sat, resting his head on his arms and eyes closed. Zuko was frozen in his place on the other side of the counter, his eyes trained on Himoko, her black hair framing her face, the light coming in through the windows, and hitting her stunning eyes.

"I'm going on break." Zuko rushed out as he took off his apron, passing Pao and Iroh. "Alright, dear nephew!" He walked to the back of the building before exiting, slamming his back into the wall, shakily breathing and eyes wide.

"Shit." He cursed, closing his eyes, she saw him! How unlucky was he really? And of course, he had to storm out! Would she say anything to Pao? He knew she had that authority and could easily just say, 'Oh hey, you got a Banished Crown Prince of the Fire Nation and an Ex-War General on staff!'

Should he go back to the apartment and pack up? Grab his Uncle and just escape from the city? He didn't know if he would rather rot in the prisons of the Earth Kingdom, or get captured by Azula. What even was worse?!

He didn't know anymore, he was so confused and distraught, he didn't know how to feel-

"Ponytail, what the hell are you doing here?" The wall beside his head suddenly had a boot implanted into it, snapping him out of his anxious thoughts. His eyes narrowed, wondering when the hell Himoko got here, and how on earth she knew he was there.

"None of your business."

"This is my cousin's city, of course, it is. How the fuck did you even get in Ba Sing Se?!" She questions harshly, high on emotion. Zuko arches his own brow, glancing around them, "Where is your friend?"

"Inside. I told them I had to go to the restroom. You are very lucky right now, Zuko. That Sadem didn't come up and pay."

"Sadem?"

"My Dai Li Agent." 'Ah shit.' He thought, 'There is an Agent in the shop?!' What the hell were they going to do?!

"D- Does he know that we are here?" Himoko shakes her head, "No. I am here investigating myself because I know that if you even dare try to lay a single finger on me, you would be dead meat in the city of emerald." Zuko feels a rush to prove her wrong, his cocky side showing. He swiftly grabs ahold of her ankle and turns her around, reversing the power situation, caging her to the wall with nowhere to go unless he let her leave.

"Ah, look at that, you are quite bold."

"Listen here, Uncle just wants to work in this tea shop. We are currently in hiding from my sister, who wants to bring us back to the Fire Nation as prisoners-"

"Ah, explains the new hairdo." Himoko airs out sassily. Zuko huffs, a thought coming to mind before he shakes it away.

"Uncle had help getting us into the city, and I would hate to see him lose that. You can take me to the authorities if you want to, but leave him out of this." Zuko rambled, his anxieties getting the best of him. He didn't want to disappoint Iroh, he didn't want him to lose his chance of getting away from this, to have a new life.

Himoko heard the pain in his voice and fell short on reprimanding him more. Her authority waning as they stared at one another, wondering when the other would speak again. It was deafening silence between the two for the outsiders who couldn't hear, Himoko could hear his heart thumping wildly in his chest, hear him pick at his nails nervously above her head where he had her pinned. Parallel on opposite sides, what shall transpire in the new few moments of their future?

Of course, a not so surprising turn of events, as Iroh entered the scene, "Nephew, we are getting a rush again-!" The teacup drops from his hand, before it hits the ground, the air swirled around it with a move of her hand, stopping it from hitting the ground and splattering everywhere.

Iroh blinks a few times at the teenagers, sputtering in surprise as the cup made it's way back to his hand, the tea cooling down from the wind. "Y-Your Highness-" He stops himself, still processing- The location, the sudden leaving of absence from his nephew, how he had her pinned to the wall- Oh...

"I will just leave you two younglings be, I didn't realize when I suggested getting yourself a lady friend you would go for Princess Himoko-"

"Uncle!" Zuko yelled, his face heated up before pushing off of the wall and away from Himoko, turning around so the old man couldn't see his blush. Himoko blushed as well, brows furrowing, 'What..?'

Iroh laughs heartedly at Zuko's embarrassment and Himoko, before he turned to the Princess, bowing his head in respect.

"It's wonderful to see you again, even if in this situation."

"See me again?" Himoko questions in confusion.

"Ah, I take it that you don't remember our first meeting." Himoko shakes her head, trying to remember what Iroh was talking about. "You were young then, so I am not surprised. Shall we carry on with this on a later date? My nephew and I have a rush hour to complete."

"Uh, yeah sure." Himoko clears her throat, looking over at Zuko, "If you cause any trouble at all, I will not hesitate to drag your ass out of my cousin's city, myself." She threatened before turning on her heel and retreating around the building through the connected alleyway to return to her friends who were most likely wondering if she had an upset stomach from all of the food they had consumed...

"Uncle, what are you talking about?"

"I will explain on a later date, back to work now!" Iroh stated, grabbing his nephew before walking back inside to continue on their workday.

To Be continued

TOTALLY OFF TRACK BUT I JUST FOUND OUT THAT I'M GETTING A NEPHEW!

DUDES I'M A FUCKING AUNT.

YOU BET YOUR ASS I'M GOING TO BE LIKE UNCLE IROH.

HOLY SHIT.

I'M GOING TO BE AN AUNT AMANDA.

I AM AUNT AMANDA.

Ahem.

My sister isn't pregnant, my best friend for the past ten years is. AND I'M SO EXCITED FOR THEM AND THEIR PARTNER LIKE HOLY SHIT.

Come February they gonna have a little baby boy.

I'm too hyped to write out an in-depth A/N so I hope all of you enjoyed this chapter! We are back on track to going along with the storyline woohoo! Let me know what you think, I love reading your comments! -Golden

Total Word Count: 7,080

Total Pages: 19.7