The Walls Between Us (Zuko Love Story)

Chapter 6: Lotus Tile

Chapter 6: Lotus Tile

Nami sat and watched as Zuko began to fire bend against one of the crew while restringing her bow. Suddenly everyone was thrown to the side as the ship took a sharp turn.

"Someone is changing our course," Zuko observed before helping Nami stand and made their way up to the ship wheel.

"What's the meaning of this mutiny? No one told you to change course," Zuko was mad.

"Actually someone did. I assure you, it is a matter of utmost importance, Prince Zuko," Iroh responded from his seat. Nami shook her head at Iroh.

"Is it something to do with the avatar?"

"Even more urgent. It seems I-I've lost my lotus tile." Iroh responded.

"Lotus tile?" Nami was shocked Iroh would do all this for a lotus tile.

"For my Pai Sho game. Most people think the lotus tile insignificant. But it is essential for the unusual strategy that I employ." Iroh explained.

"You changed our course for a stupid lotus tile?" Zuko took a deep breath to calm himself.

"See you, like most people, underestimate its value. Just give me 10 minutes to check the merchants at this port of call. Hopefully, they'll have the lotus tile in stock and I can get on with my life. Besides, maybe you can find Nami a nice necklace or something to show her you appreciate her loyalty to you." Iroh bargained with Zuko. Zuko breathed deeply before releasing his anger out in a flame above his head.

"I'm lucky to have such an understanding nephew." Iroh sarcastically exclaimed before winking at Nami. Nami couldn't help but laugh at his tactics. He really likes to get Zuko fired up.

Zuko grabbed Nami's hand and lead her out of the room, "Can you believe him? Stopping for a lotus tile!"

"Does that really surprise you, it's Iroh," Nami laughed. It was such an Iroh thing to put something so little on his top of priorities.

"Well I was considering buying you a necklace like Uncle said, but now I don't know if I will," Zuko teased.

"I take it back, I swear it!" Nami quickly defended as Zuko tried to tackle her. Nami quickly ducked and made him trip over her foot. Nami sat on top of him, "I think this means I win." Nami offered Zuko a hand up and when he took it he flipped her on the ground.

"I think I win."

-o-O-o-

Once making it to port, Zuko and Nami split up. Nami was going to look for some herbs, plants, and containers for sale while Zuko was accompanying Iroh on his search. Nami found a beautiful bundle of lavender and sage and handed over three copper pieces for it. Before she knew it, her basket was filled with various plants and berries that she could use for medicines. As an impulse buy, she also bought some honey since she knew Zuko enjoyed a sweeter flavor to his medicines if he ever needed to take some.

Nami was about to go search for Zuko and Iroh when she caught the sight of a nice silk fabric that was an emerald green. Nami knew it would contrast with her hair wonderfully and bought three yards of it. She would make herself a dress and a hair band to keep her hair out of her face. She may even have enough left over to make Zuko a gift.

Nami didn't take long to spot Zuko and Iroh. Zuko stood at 5'3" and towered above a lot of the people in the marketplace so he was easily spotted.

"Did you find the lotus tile?" Nami asked the two.

"I've checked all the shops on this pier, not a single lotus file in the entire marketplace," Iroh responded.

"It's good to know this trip was a complete waste of time for everyone!" Zuko said angrily at this.