Eye of the Storm

Page Six

Quila wasn't sure how to take the fact that Lee was the Blue Spirit. He was not only the swordsman that attacked her, but he was also an enemy of the Fire Nation. How bad could he be if the Fire Nation hated him so much? Unsure, she made her way back to the tea shop. She walked up to the counter, and was pleased at the fact that the furniture was replaced since the night before. "Ahh, Quila! Good to see you. Shall I get your tea ready?"

"Sorry, Mushi, I can't stay long. I need to talk to your nephew."

"Funny. I need to talk to you too." Lee stepped out of the back and they locked eyes. Lee nodded his head to the back room and Quila followed him. When Lee was sure they were alone, he turned back to her. "I know who you really are."

"Who would that be?"

"Your the waterbender in the Black Bandits." Quila's eyes widened and she swallowed. "You don't have proof of that."

"I know you were mugged by the Blue Spirit. That's how you got injured."

"Oh yeah? And how can you make the case that you're not the Blue Spirit?" She countered. She had caught him. "Listen, Lee. I can explain myself. I'm doing this for my mother. I don't enjoy this line of work, but it's all I can do. I'm not a craftswoman like my mother. All I am is a waterbender, I have no other skills. This is the only way I can feed us. Wouldn't you protect your uncle if you could?" He was silent and she sighed. "We can't tell anyone else about this. I'll keep your secret if you keep mine. Okay?" He nodded. "It's a deal."

"You know, Lee. I don't think you're as tough as you seem."

"Excuse me?"

"I mean, you act all hard and sharp on the outside. But I think you really care for your uncle, don't you."

"Yeah..." He nodded, and Quila smiled. "I knew you're secretly a softy." She began to walk away. "Quila, wait."

"Yes?" She turned to look at him. "Are you going to give me my swords back?" She smirked at him. "I quite like them actually. I think I'll keep them."

"What!? You're the one who--"

"Relax, Lee! I'll give them back. Follow me." He nodded and followed her outside. "Uncle, I'm taking my break."

"Okay, have fun!" Mushi put on a knowing smile and Lee scowled at him as they left the tea shop.

He followed her to her house, and Quila lifted the crate and held the swords out to him. "Here. I believe these are yours." He took them back and examined them for any scratches or notches since she had them. "Thank you."

"Lee."

"Yes?"

"We're in this together, now. Okay? We have to have each others' backs now." There was a moment of silence. His gold eyes gazed into her violet ones. "Right." He said after a moment. Quila nodded. "Good."