Unbroken Spirit II (Zuko x OC) (Book 2)

Chapter 13

Nakota:

Last night, I brought Zuko to my bedroom so he'd be in a place much more comfortable. Iroh had also agreed to this, telling me he should be at a place where he feels at his most safe. When we got to my room, Zuko didn't want me to leave his side, so in the end, I had decided to sleep next to him. It was actually a good idea since I could now keep a better eye on him for the rest of the night.

The next morning, I had opened my eyes and saw that the spot next to me was vacant, causing panic to rise to my chest. "Zuko?" I called out and looked around my room.

I got up from my bed and rushed out into the living room. My eyes wondered around until relief flooded through me, there in the kitchen I saw him with Iroh, both sitting down. What shocked me however, was he looked...better. "Good morning." He smiled and walked up to me.

Before he could hug me, I smacked his chest out of anger. "Don't do that to me! You scared the heck out of me." I then attacked him in a hug seconds later. "But I'm glad you're okay now." His arms wrapped around me instantly as well.

"I'm sorry, I didn't want to wake you." He said after pulling away. "I felt that you needed more sleep." I gave him an odd look.

"Are you sure you're feeling okay?" I checked him which made him laugh a little.

"I'm fine, I'm glad you're here." He kissed my head. "Come eat with us, Uncle made some jook."

"Some what now?" I looked to Iroh who had a pleased expression.

"Jook, you may not know of it. But if my nephew likes it, then you will as well." He poured me a bowl.

I sat down near Zuko while Iroh was across from us. "So are you excited?"

"For what?" I asked, my mouth full as I looked at them both puzzled.

"Today is the day The Jasmine Dragon opens." Iroh exclaimed happily which made my eyes light up.

"Oh my gosh, I forgot about that." I clapped my hands together cheerfully. "Of course I'm excited, this is gonna be huge." Both of them laughed at my joyful mood.

This felt nice, is this what it feels like to be relaxed and...happy? I smiled at Zuko and Iroh, looking between them both. Maybe, just maybe, it could be like this...forever.

~

I looked up in awe at our exquisite cafe, such a beautiful, enchanting place. We three stood together, looking at all the characteristics and beauty the place brought. We were all dressed in our outfits, feeling proper and decent, watching our customers enter. Iroh and Zuko both wore their dark green robes while I had on a dark green skirt and a long sleeved blouse. I also had the courtesy to braid Iroh's hair.

"Who thought when we came to this city as refugees, that I'd end up owning my own tea shop." Iroh wondered out loud. "Follow your passion and it will reward you." He told us both.

"Congratulations Uncle." Zuko praised with me nodding.

"I'm very thankful." Iroh smiled and closed his eyes in glee.

"You deserve it." I smiled and praised as well.

"The Jasmine Dragon will be the best tea shop in the city." Zuko acclaimed, smiling.

"No, I'm thankful because you two decided to share this special day with me." Iroh placed both his hands on our shoulders. "It means more than you know."

My grin widened when Zuko hugged Iroh, it looked like such a heart-warming moment. "You too Kota." Iroh pulled me into their hug which made me giggle as I was between them.

"Now let's make these people some tea." Zuko declared before he gave me a peck on my cheek and walked away.

Iroh gave me a knowing look and hugged me personally. "Thank you for being here for him. You have no idea how lucky we are to have you with us."

I pulled back with a joyful expression. "No, I should be the one who's lucky. The two of you have changed my life for the better." I bowed to him. "Now if you'll excuse me, we have a tea shop to run."

Iroh cheered. "Yes! Let's make some tea!"

~

I was now in charge of being the hostess since ours had to go on break. The place was getting packed more and more by the minute, but I was happy nonetheless. I noticed someone from the corner of my eye walk in and I greeted them.

"Hello, Welcome to the Jasmine Dragon. How may I assist you?" I didn't look up due to me gazing down at the reservation list.

"Kota?" I snapped my head up and saw the one person I least expected.

"Katara?" I gasped and stepped back. No, she wasn't supposed to be here. If Zuko found out-

She then pulled me out of my thoughts as she hugged me. "Oh my gosh, I was so worried about you." She took a good look at me. "But how did you escape? Are you hurt?"

I sent her a bewildered look and was about to question her until she averted her attention behind me. "Uncle, I need two Jasmine, one green and one lychee!" Zuko ordered.

"I'm brewing as fast as I can." Iroh joked and began to make the teas.

I felt Katara's hold on me loosen. "No..." she whispered and looked at me horrified. "You're...you're still on their side."

"Katara you don't understand." I sighed but she shook her head at me and ran away. "Katara!" I yelled and pushed through people gathering. Regardless of how many people I pushed past, I unfortunately lost Katara in the crowd. I stopped to catch my breathe, the feeling of sadness and guilt crawling back to me. Reluctantly, I trudged back to the cafe, my happy mood quickly dispersing.

As soon as I got back, Zuko walked up to me with a smile. "There you are. I was starting to get worried." His smile soon fell when he saw my saddened expression. "Hey, are you okay?" He softly grabbed my arm.

I attempted a small smile at him. "I'm okay. Though, I think I should go. I don't feel very well."

He nodded and gave me a smile as well. "Okay, I'll walk you."

"No it's fine." I placed my hand on his chest to stop him. "I think I could manage on my own, I'll be okay, I promise."

"Are you sure?" I kissed his cheek and pinched it afterwards.

"Positive." I assured and gave him one last kiss before walking away. This was gonna be a long day, and not a very good one.

~

During my walk, I felt as if someone was watching and following me. I kept looking back over my shoulder but still saw no one. I suddenly then realized that not a single person was around me. That's odd. When I turned back around I saw two guards dressed in dark robes, standing in front of me. Not just any two guards though, the same two who took Jet away.

"Um, hello." I greeted awkwardly. "May I help you?"

They proceed to walk toward me while I felt my body shift into a defense stance, sensing an uncomfortable feeling. What was up with these people? I tried to search for my waterskin but realized I had left it at home. With me distracted, I suddenly felt hands capture my own and a towel cover my mouth, causing me to struggle. Through my attempts to fight back, I felt my body go limp causing me to crash onto the floor. I groaned and looked up, seeing more of the guards surrounding me.

"Why...why are you doing this to me?" I muttered and let darkness cloud my vision.

________________________________________

Wow, we are so close to the end. Time sure does fly by.

Anyway, our precious Kota has been captured. )): So sad.

Also, I just had to put the cliffhanger. Sorry not sorry, loves.☺️

Stay tuned....