|•|W I T 卄 E R||•| Zuko X Reader ⚠SLOWBURN⚠

Welcome to Ba Sing Se.

You were taken into an area filled with farmlands. There were earthbenders patrolling the walls, and their hostile stares were not helping the untrusting aura the city gave off. The guards who were instructed to escort you stopped when a woman with long brown hair and a nervous expression approached you. When she nodded, the guards left.

She leaned into your ear, murmuring in a soft voice. "I am Joo Dee. Please, do as I tell you, and nothing bad will happen." The earthbenders around the wall squinted at the two of you. Joo Dee backed away from you with a grin on her face.

"This is the Agrarian Zone! It contains most of the resources to make your life in this city comfortable. The guards you see around these mighty walls are here to protect you from any potential harm, and I am here to guide you through the city."

The uncomfortable feeling you were experiencing only grew. "Now then, let us stroll towards the Lower Ring."

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When you finally reached the wall of the lower ring, which, for some reason, "Joo Dee" couldn't shut up about, the stone split apart, creating a walkway for the two of you.

Although the city was extremely strange and suspicious, seeing the way everything functioned was rather interesting. Not only that, but...

You were amazed by the number of buildings, the large monorail made of aged, yet strong stone. The noise of a bustling city and sight of citizens and refugees within the rocky stronghold, the joy on their faces. They truly believed that they were safe.

You stepped upon the pavement, moving away from the idolized citadel. You couldn't help but wonder, how many? How many people had to leave their homes and come into this city? How many people, people like you, have placed their own footsteps upon the ground which birthed this "legendary" city?

You turned to Joo Dee, who had a grin on her face.

How many have been silenced?

"Considering your swift arrival, we haven't had a lot of time to prepare. We will have to prioritize the other citizens. I am sure you understand. These refugees need a lovely place in Ba Sing Se to stay!"

"So that general... He intentionally sent me into Ba Sing Se like this, didn't he? He must not like being questioned." You scoffed. "The people who run Ba Sing Se have only your best interests in mind. I will stay with you, as this is your first day in this wonderful city." Joo Dee smiled.

You let out a sigh. "Do you know any nice areas to get a meal?" Joo Dee nodded, still smiling. You took a final glance at the massive walls of Ba Sing Se. "Lead the way, I guess..."

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"This is the Pao Family Tea House. It serves tea with very low prices, and has a few baked goods you can purchase along with your drink." Joo Dee beamed. You entered the building, and saw two men arguing.

"What do you mean you can't increase my pay!? I qui-" The angry employee saw Joo Dee behind you and immediately shut his mouth. "U-Um, welcome to the Pao Family Tea House! What would you like to order?" The employee asked. He was practically sweating bullets.

"Uhh... Your cheapest tea, please." You shrugged. "Oh, you should try some of our baked buns! They're filled with a delicious red bean paste, and-" The man you assumed to be the manager of the tea house paused when he noticed your wary expression.

"Buy one... Get one free?"
You put a finger to your chin.
You held up two fingers.
"B-Buy... Two, get one-"
You shook your head.
"Buy one... Get two free...?"
You gave him a smile and a nod.

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You nearly spat out your tea when you drank it. What flavor was it, dead cow!?
You tried to quell the taste with the baked buns, and to your surprise, they were actually delicious. Joo Dee sat in front of you with her usual creepy grin.

You glanced at one of your baked buns, then at her. "Here." Her smile dropped and she looked at you in shock. "...Th-Thank you." She averted her gaze to the floor, before clearing her throat and smiling again.

As you stood up to pay the man, you decided you could help him out a bit. You were the only customer in the restaurant, after all. His business... Probably wasn't doing so good.

"Here you go, sir. Thank you for the meal." You gave him an extra amount of money. He stared at it, mouth agape. "I-I... Miss, you're- Wow! This is- I can't-"
"You'd better use it wisely." You chuckled, walking towards the exit of the tea shop. "Yes, of course! Thank you, ma'am!"

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For some reason, it was already evening. The air was cool, and your body was illuminated with the glow from a few street posts. "Maybe... You could've asked him to stay there for the night?" Joo Dee questioned. She was in the shadows, and shockingly, wasn't grinning.

She had a relaxed expression, albeit with a hint of anxiety. "I don't want to burden him anymore. He's having a hard time as is." You hummed. "But you could burden him for two extra baked buns?" Joo Dee laughed. "The buns are worth it!" You huffed.

"...I am Hua Lín."
You stared at Joo Dee in surprise, before a soft smile made it's way on your face.
"You have a lovely name. I'm Y/N."

The two of you walked through the almost silent city.

You held a bun you saved in your hand, about to bite into it. "You seriously live those things, don't you?" Hua Lín hummed. "Yes, I do." As you were about to bite into it, something felt... Off.

You looked around, when Hua Lin shouted, "WATCH OUT!"

A man jumped down from above, slamming his feet onto the pavement and snatching your glove and food. You let out a cry of pain as the fabric scratched against your burn. Squinting at the man as he ran, you chased after him, bending a large lasso. "STOP IT!"
Hua Lín yelled.

"I can't loose that glove! It's one of the only things I have left of them!" You declared, about to grab the man. "IF YOU DO ANYTHING, I'LL BE THE ONE WHO IS PUNISH-"

You froze. Why did she stop talking?
You slowly turned around.
Two men wearing conical hats which covered their faces grabbed Hua Lin. She began to fight back, "LET ME GO! LET ME GO!" You ran up the the men, dodging the boulders they tossed at you. But then... Your hands and feet were clasped together, preventing you from launching your attack.

"I'm sure Joo Dee would enjoy a nice break from all thos stress at Lake Laogai." One man said. "I AM NOT JOO DEE!" She screamed. The men nodded at each other. "NO!" You cried out, but it was no use.

Hua Lin hung her head, clenching her fists. "If you ever see this face again..." She looked up at you. "It's not me, okay?"

You watched in horror as the men created a wall of rock and disappeared behind it, along with Hua Lin.

You were right. Ba Sing Se was a prison.
But you definitely weren't the only prisoner.