game of survival ~ zuko

2 - a round of deliveries

"Aren't you the sweetest thing on this side of hell? Sweet angel Lacy, eyes white like daisies" – olivia rodrigo, lacy

~ four years later ~

"Now, these are your last deliveries for your day. Try to keep the cabbages intact, the cabbage seller is mighty protective of them," said Shin as he handed a woven bag over to Gaya. "There's a few deliveries to the Middle Ring restaurants, and Pao's of course. The rest is a basic delivery for new residents."

Gaya took the bag and grinned at her boss. "It's always nice to welcome new people into the beautiful city."

Shin had the biggest grocery distribution in the eastern part of the Lower Ring in Ba Sing Se. His hand-made noodles were so popular, even a few Middle Ring caterers used them in their dishes. Gaya had befriended Shin's daughter when she arrived as a 'new resident' herself, and when his latest delivery boy had disappeared, he offered Gaya the job. That was two years ago. Now, Gaya knew the Lower Ring better than anyone – and everyone knew Gaya.

"Hug Jin for me, I don't think I'll be over tonight." With those words, Gaya slung the bag over her shoulder and whistled a tune as she walked toward the gates of the Middle Ring. She waved at the Dai Li Agents with a smile and held up her courier license. One of the Agents waved back, recognizing her, whilst the other held a bitter stare. Probably a newbie.

She passed a few market stands with plenty of fresh fruits, and Gaya felt her stomach rumble at the thought of the juicy melons a woman held up to her face. "Care for some melon, sweetie? Just arrived from the farmer, ripe and ready for dinner," she said with a catlike smile.

"Sorry, miss... I'm just here for some deliveries – I don't have any money on me." Gaya's words made the market woman's stance harden instantly. Her eyes squinted and the smile on her lips soured.

"Well then stop staring at my stand like a costumer! Get back to work, then!"

Gaya upped her pace and made for the first restaurant on her route. Luckily, the cook was glad to see her and handed her the money for Shin's food. "And here's some of my pork-chicken soup for you, Gaya. A pleasure to see you, as always," the cook said with a smile, as he handed her a tiny package with a wonderful smell.

"Thank you so much, you really shouldn't have." Her bright smile was instant as she took the package. She would have to warm it at her apartment... but the thought of fresh soup made the thought of walking for the next few hours bearable.

The cook shook his head and gestured at her form. "Nonsense, a young lady like you should eat plenty! I can't stand anyone leaving my restaurant without food in either their hands or belly."

Gaya bowed deeply at the cook and bid him goodbye after thanking him again. The people of the Middle Ring did not always treat Lower Ring people with respect or such... some thought they were the reason the walls were designed for; others were too glad to be on this side of the wall to deign another glance at how hard life on the other side was.

Then, there were people like the cook... People who believed in the worth of others, and didn't bother acknowledging the difference between people of the Lower and Middle Ring.

After two more deliveries, Gaya took to the Lower Ring in a hurry. The sun had started to set, and the neighbourhoods she had to pass to get to Pao's teashop, were not the kindest at night.

-

The sun had set over Ba Sing Se, and with a creaking sound, Gaya opened the backdoor of Pao's Tea House. "Pao? It's your supplies for this week." She put her last package on the table next to the small kitchen, before making her way to the front.

As she expected, Pao was just closing down the shop after the last costumers had left. She knocked on the bar and smiled when the older man jumped up.

"Oh, Gaya, dear, I'm sorry that I didn't hear you come in." Pao turned the last lock and made his way back into the kitchen. "Ah, I see Shin got me those new tea leaves that I ordered." With a tender hand, he brushed over the jasmine.

Gaya lifted herself up to sit on the table and smiled at the wistful man. "I'm sorry to rush you, Pao, but it's been a long day, and I would really like to get home... You know I don't like the streets in the dark." And the darker it got, the worse her fear became.

The old man nodded and took the money for his payment from the register. "Here you go, hopefully Shin won't have much work for you tomorrow. I have taken on some new crew today, and one of them brews a mighty tea. Better than you, even."

Gaya gasped mockingly, "Nobody brews tea better than I do! My mother's recipe is unmatched." She'd tried to teach Pao how to brew her mother's healing tea... but the man hadn't found the recipe to be brewed quickly enough for the shop. Gaya could brew the tea quite fast, but it made her feel sad and nostalgic in a way that would always result in a tearful serving for costumers. Nonetheless, she was confident that no one else's tea would top her late mother's.

"That's why you should come to the shop tomorrow. I'm sure my new employee will enjoy your input in his brewing skills. Your first cup will, of course, be on the house." Pao moved around the kitchen to store his new leaves and ready all his materials for a new day of brewing.

Gaya put a pondering finger to her chin. "Throw in one of your mooncakes, and I will tell your new employee all the ways he could give his tea some extra zing."

Pao laughed aloud at that. "Alright, Gaya, but only because I know you and your expertise. Now get on home, it's getting late."

"See you tomorrow, Pao!" Gaya said with a grin as she ran out the door... into the darkness of the night.

-

Gaya did not stop running until she arrived at her apartment complex. The night was her greatest enemy in the entire city, it had eyes and ears in every alleyway and sometimes it moved in the shadows.

As she climbed to the top of the stairs toward her apartment, she noticed a light on the door across from her. New neighbours... that could be fun. 

I REALISE THE CHAPTER IS SHORT, BUT THIS STORY IS MORE OF A 'GOING WITH THE VIBES' KIND OF STORY. I'LL WRITE WHEN I FEEL LIKE IT AND IF I HAVE ENOUGH FOR A SMALLER CHAPTER, I'LL JUST PUBLISH THAT. HOPE YOU DON'T MIND AND JUST ENJOY IT :)