Other Half (Zula)

[Zula]

“You need a challenge,” Zula agreed. “You never could settle for anything simple.”

That wasn’t a bad thing, at least in Zula’s eyes. Her sister had always been determined and didn’t like to take the easy route. She preferred to work for what she wanted, even if that meant trying to fulfill dreams so far ahead of her that they didn’t seem reachable to most. Somehow though, Zuka always found a way. Zula wondered if it was the same sort of situation with her workplace, and if it had taken her an immense effort to get involved.

But she kept patient as Zuka led her there, and when she stepped out of the car she was immediately intrigued. Zula didn’t fail to notice the atmosphere of the area they were in when Zuka had pointed out some of its highlights, and she assumed that it was one of the nicest sections of the city, if not the best. The fact that Zuka had not only her home in this district but her workplace as well said enough about what she had accomplished. It only made Zula more interested as her sister brought her inside the building. Once Zuka stopped Zula did as well for a moment, her gaze travelling over the ornate decorations and setup of the club.

“I’m not surprised you’d consider such a lively place to be another home. It nearly mirrors your personality.” Zula meant it as a compliment and nothing less than that. In the Fire Nation, Zuka had never fit well with a high strung, mannered society that enjoyed pleasant, simple conversation over dancing and running wild. But here, it was Zula that felt like the outsider. The club exhibited a feeling of freedom, even if it was during the day. It felt carefree and with an undertone of excitement, merely a place to have a good time.

She began to walk around, though not venturing too far into the club. While she wasn’t entirely sure how to act when she was clearly out of her element, she did want to see more of it. This place didn’t just remind her of Zuka’s personality, it was visible in every way. From the colors to the organization, Zula could tell that Zuka had some sort of position here that was more than just a worker. She stopped walking and looked over her shoulder, eyeing her sister knowingly, “I can see your touches everywhere. How much of a hand did you have in this place?”

[Zuka]

Zuka watched as her sister took in everything around her and Zulas uncomfortable look did not go unnoticed. The look from her employees didn’t either. Zuka could see the waitresses whispering to each other as they looked at the twins, even some of the Dolls were looking too and Zuka sighed. She knew that bringing her here would cause a stir but it was better to do so so that people knew there were two of her instead of someone mistaking Zula for her and saying the wrong thing to her. It would happen but she was trying to avoid that, there did not need to be a case of mistaken identity, especially when it could end so horribly.

While everyone gossiped Zuka ignored them and went back to focusing on her sister and when she heard her question Zuka smirked a little. ”Oh, I did things here and there” as she spoke Zuka turned a little and swept her hand out at the club ”like picked the location, the colors, approved the design, the menu, the entertainment…the name. “ she paused and turned to look back at her sister ”welcome to the Blue Dragon. “

[Zula]

“Welcome to the Blue Dragon.”

A slow smile came onto Zula’s face as her sister looked at her, “If I didn’t know you so well, I’d think you were joking.”

But it wasn’t a joke, and it wasn’t something Zula intended to laugh about either. This wasn’t just Zuka’s workplace, it was her business, and by the looks of it her pride and joy as well. While it wasn’t what Zula had expected her sister to be involved with, she couldn’t say that she was shocked. Success for Zula meant her political position and eventually marrying into another wealthy family, possibly the Fire Lord’s son if Feena continued to push it her way. For her, following in the footsteps of a traditional path was what would make their mother happy. The responsibility was on her shoulders to fulfill, and Zula knew she was accomplishing that as well as she possibly could.

But Zuka had made it a point that she wouldn’t be doing the same a long time ago, and though Zula had for a long time been frustrated that there couldn’t just be peace in their household, she finally saw that leaving had been the best decision her sister had ever made. Their mother often looked down upon Zuka’s choices, but Zula could not ignore how much better her sister appeared to be. She was so proud of what she’d done, she was a business owner and had accumulated wealth on her own, without the assistance of her family’s money. Yes, it was a nightclub and yes, Feena would be appalled to know that her daughter ran one and not a business of what she’d consider “higher standing.” But Zula could never remember seeing Zuka like this, not even when she’d returned from her stay at the North Pole and told her all about what she’d seen and learned. This was something different: this was her sister finally finding herself.

Zula could not fault her for that, not when she could see the joy in her sister’s eyes at the sight of what she’d built. They had two different paths, and as much as Zula would have loved if her twin decided to come home, she knew that seeing Zuka here and content was more important than having her at her side and miserable.

“You’ve made a nice life for yourself here, Zuka. A bold choice of business, but what you’ve done is incredible.” She paused, and then added in a softer voice, “Father would have loved to see you so happy.”

[Zuka]

Zuka couldn’t help but swell with pride as she watched her sister react. Zula was the first person from back home that knew what she did and the first one to see it up close and to know that she had done this all on her own without asking her mother or the rest of her family for help was something she was immensely proud of.

When Zula told her that their father would be proud of her Zuka bit her lip. She liked to think that yes, Sota would be proud of all she had accomplished and it was because of him why she did what she did but Zuka knew there were aspects of her life that their father would be less than pleased about. Things that Zuka had done and was part of were things he had worked so hard when he was alive to stop. It was a thought that kept her up late most nights but right now she could not afford that and so she pushed that to the back of her mind. ”He would be proud of both of us.” Even if their mother had in her opinion divided their family Zuka knew that their father loved both of them unconditionally…even if Feena had kept Zula close by her and discouraged the girls learning about their watertribe heritage Sota loved them.

”He would also be proud to see us both together at the unveiling ceremony.” Everything had been going to plan with their fathers statue and in a few short weeks they would be there at the Northern Water Tribe conciliate showing the world just what a great man their father was.

[Zula]

At the mention of the ceremony Zula paused, glancing to the side briefly. It was true that her father had been a great man, and Zula had loved him. He had been nothing but kind to her, even when she wanted nothing to do with the Water Tribe and his customs. He deserved this dedication more than anyone. But to say that she was enthusiastic about attending the ceremony herself would be a lie. She had never once gone to the Northern Water Tribe with her father when she was growing up, and knew nothing about the other side of her family. Her ties had always resided with her mother, always with the Fire Nation. Since finding out about the dedication, she was more than a little stressed about having to go. She’d had dreams of being forced to stand before a crowd and speak of her father and having nothing to say, at a complete loss for words. The truth was that even if her father loved her, even if he would be proud of her now, she had barely known him.

Not to mention that going to the North Pole felt like a terrible insult to her mother. She had always done her best to focus on the Fire Nation, so much so that she disregarded anything Sota had ever taught her about her Water Tribe roots. She was a firebender after all, and her mother had expected her to be purely that and nothing else. Since Zuka had been the rebellious child it was up to Zula to be that perfect Fire Nation noble, and thus far she had done just that. So to travel to the North Pole, even when she was well aware that she wasn’t full Fire Nation, still seemed like she was betraying Feena in some way.

Zuka was the waterbender and the one closest to their father. Going to the North Pole for her was exciting and felt right. But for Zula, the dedication would put her so out of place that uncomfortable wasn’t a strong enough word to describe it. It made her feel like a fraud to have to stand there, not knowing the culture, not knowing her own father. But she would go because it was expected of her, and because even if she had never seen Sota in his true element, even if they hadn’t been close, he was still her father and she did love him, and he did deserve her support even in death.

“He deserves to be honored,” Zula said finally, knowing that she couldn’t hold off on answering for long, though she was certain Zuka could tell there was something off about her response. In letters it was easy to hide her hesitance, but face-to-face it was harder to force enthusiasm.  “I think he would have been pleased to see us together rather than on opposing sides for once. It’s the least we can do for him after all that has happened.”

[Zuka]

Zuka could see the shift in her sister as the topic was changed to their father and Zuka had to bite the inside of her cheek to keep from saying anything. It wasn’t fair of her to say anything about that considering what she was sure Zula had to keep herself from saying when it came to her and their mother but her sisters uneasiness wasn’t unnoticed.

Had they really been that alienated? Zuka would have done anything for her father, she still would even though he was gone. She loved him and while she loved their mother too it was not the same. Zuka loved Feena because she had to but their mother had really never done anything for her growing up, at least, nothing like what Sota had done. Sota was the one that encouraged Zuka learn her waterbending, he was the one that went toe to toe with Feena when it came to her training. He had always been in her corner, supporting her, encouraging her..but, he hadn’t done that for Zula, did he?

Thinking back Zuka could not remember a time when the two of them had had their own time together. Zula was always with their mother and she was always with their father. It was just how it had been and Zuka had never questioned it because it worked in her favor.

But, there was no use in questioning that now either.

”He would be. “ was all she said, if Zula had not said anything to her about Feena then Zuka wasn’t going to ruin their reunion by saying anything about Sota.

”You should see this place at night!” Zuka switched gears, figuring it was best to change the subject ”our house band is one of the best in the city and we bring in the best singers from all over to sing. Never a empty seat in the house and the dance floor is always full of people. You have to come Friday night. Jiao is coming to sing and its going to be such a great night!’ Jiao was a popular jazz singer from the Firenation..someone Zuka had been after for a long time and finally after the right bribes she was able to get her to come to the Blue Dragon. It would truly be a entertaining night and they were projecting a packed house and the potential for profit was immense both in the club and at the casino below.

[Zula]

At the change in topic Zula relaxed, glad to move away from touchy topics like their family. Their reunion had gone smoothly so far, for the most part, and she wanted to keep it that way for as long as possible. She listened to Zuka talk about the club’s band, and at the mention of the singer Zula’s eyes widened in surprise, “You managed to hire Jiao? Not even Mother has been able to get her to sing for one of her social gatherings.”

Not many people were able to say no to Feena, but Jiao had been one of the few to turn Feena down. Zula couldn’t even imagine her mother’s face if she went home and told her that Zuka had been able to get her to sing at her club. Just another accomplishment that Zuka had made on her own, and Zula was secretly proud of that ever growing list of things that she could tell their mother. Maybe then Feena would see that Zuka didn’t need to be a noblewoman when she was successful this way, and then the two could work on getting to better terms.

But the mention of Friday sparked something in her mind, and Zula frowned slightly. She thought over her schedule for the week: all the meetings where she was required to be present were during the day. Still, there had to be something going on if it sounded familiar…

Oh, right.

“I do have a dinner to attend Friday night…” Zula wasn’t really interested in going, but she had to go for her own position and to please some high up officials. However, she didn’t want to spend all her time around Republic City politics. If she could spend more time with Zuka, she would feel better about how distant they’d been over the years. Plus, this was Jiao who was performing, and it could very well be a once in a lifetime opportunity to see her. “But I can do my best to leave early. I don’t think this is a performance I want to miss.”

[Zuka]

Zuka smirked at her sisters obvious surprise and at the fact that not even their mother could get such a popular jazz singer to come to her parties. ”Yes, it wasn’t easy but I somehow managed it.” She had to pay a hefty sum to get the woman here and while she was here she also had to make ridiculous accommodations for her and once she was here provide her with as much Xiānjìng as she demanded. All of that was small in comparison to the amount of money she was about to make so Zuka didn’t mind. All of the performers were divas in some way, some worse than others but she had never run into anyone she couldn’t handle or ‘persuade’ to come sing at the Dragon.

Hearing that her sister had plans that night Zuka’s shoulders fell a little bit. She would have loved to get Zula here, to really see the club at its best and to just get her to enjoy herself. ”Oh..” she said quietly. That was how this was going to be this whole time, wasn’t it? Zula would always be busy and really, she couldn’t complain about it because Zula was here on business first. Zuka didn’t have much room to talk either but at least she made her own time. Was this really going to be the only time they had together without trying to work around ridiculous schedules?

Zuka nodded when Zula said she would try to leave early ”do that. I can even make a excuse for you to leave like we used to do when we were younger.” When Zula had her bending training without her Zuka would always come up with some kind of excuse to get her out of it. Telling the master that their mother wanted the girls for something elsewhere always got her in trouble but it had been worth it because she got to spend time with her sister.

[Zula]

“The amount of times that you fooled the adults still astounds me,” Zula said, shaking her head a little. Using their mother as an excuse was always something that her masters and teachers had never wanted to question, but Zuka had done it so often it was amazing that they still let Zula go. Of course, she could always rely on Zuka to get her out of some situation she didn’t want to be in, which made her the designated escape artist. For all the trouble Zuka had gotten into, Zula had to say that she appreciated her sister’s talent in this aspect.

The corner of her mouth moved upwards, and Zula tipped her head slightly. “What would you suggest this time? An urgent letter from Mother that demands the Ambassador’s attention? My place of residence burglarized? Or just plainly that I would rather be listening to jazz music instead of politics?”

Because as much as Zula enjoyed her job, she could only take so much political talk and stuffy officials before she became bored with it. Yes she knew how to handle it and let people talk, but she found herself more interested in communicating with nation’s leaders and discussing plans for continued peace rather than the more politically competitive side of her career. Nor did she want to spend any more time than she had to being polite to people that, if she had the option, she would have kicked off the bow of her Fire Nation ship without a second thought. If she had to spend all week listening to these people in her meetings, she’d have spent more than enough time around them, and no part of her truly wanted to make conversation with them.

But that was a part of her job and Zula had to keep appearances and save face. She was representing the Fire Nation, after all. She couldn’t risk her own country over a few sour and greedy politicians. If Zuka could get her out a little early though, she’d be able to do her job and still get out without going insane from hours of simple-minded talk.

[Zuka]

Sadly I don’t think a message from mother would be as urgent here. Feenas reach didn’t reach as far as she thought, here a visiting noble was a dime a dozen ”but I’m sure I can think of something….you just have to act surprised.” Zula had always been good about that when they were younger but she didn’t know if all of that had gone away over the years, it only worked if you could really sell it. ”but if you can get away I promise you a night you wont forget!” Zuka knew for a fact that anything that happened on Friday night could not compare to those stuff, boring high society parties.

[Zula]

“I think I can manage that,” Zula assured her sister. What she had learned growing up was that when it came to these situations she just had to trust what Zuka had planned. Sometimes her plans put the ambassador on edge, but they usually worked out in the end. Whatever excuse Zuka would come up with this time would most likely do the trick. Besides, Zuka had always been fun and knew how to get Zula to loosen up, and it had been quite a long time since the sisters had done anything fun together. It would be like old times, and hopefully even better than those memories.

“Speaking of something I won’t forget,” Zula said, “you did promise me an adventure. I’m a little concerned what you have up your sleeve, but I can’t say that I’m not intrigued to find out.”

Their definitions of fun had always been opposite, but it didn’t mean that Zula wasn’t curious to what her sister found to be entertaining here in the city. She assumed whatever Zuka had planned would either be somewhat within her comfort zone so not to scare her off, or something that would completely take her aback. There was no saying for sure, but that wasn’t about to stop Zula from wanting to know the answer.

[Zuka]

You’re right, I did. Wouldn’t want to disappoint you.” This was going to be fun and since she had promised an adventure she had better deliver on that promise. The girls stayed at the club for another half hour while Zuka figured out what she wanted to show her sister and eventually she had decided on showing her the Probending arena and catching a game in her private box. It was safest in the long run, Zuka didn’t want to shock Zula too much and she didn’t want to give too much away about her unsavory dealings. After the match she drove them to another club that had a bit of a rougher reputation but nothing too awful and enjoyed the rest of the night there.

When she dropped Zula off that night Zuka told her to be ready on Friday and Zuka drove off feeling..happy. Who knew reconnecting with her sister would make her feel so good?

~*~*~*~

Friday evening :


”Excuse me Lady Ou-Yong A young Firenation aide whispered to Zula in the middle of her dinner ”we received a urgent message…something happened to your..pet..Parrotlizard. The aide clearly didn’t know what to make of the message and seeing a proper woman such as Zula with such a loud and messy pet seemed off to him but he said nothing.

~*~*~*~

Zuka wondered if Zula had gotten her message, she had called and gave her best and most exaggerated story about how something had happened to Zulas beloved pet. It had taken a lot for her not to laugh on the phone as she felt a little cruel but it could have been worse, she had been tossing the idea of using a hogmonkey instead. Once her message was delivered Zuka waited outside the consulate where her sister was having dinner. She parked her car on the side of the street in front the building and got out to wait, leaning against the car on the passenger side so she could see Zula when she came out…if she came out. Zuka couldn’t wait here all night, she had to get back to the club before the show started so if she didn’t come out soon then she would just have to go in there and get her herself.

SPOILER: Click to show

Meh, this is not what I had planned for this at all. I wanted to get them to the club already but had a hard time focusing enough to write all that. Sorry for the icky post. I keep wanting to write for Han so that is where my mind is atm >.<

[Zula]

Zula paused in raising a glass to her mouth, her eyes widening not from the message itself, but from the absolute absurdity of it. Obviously this was Zuka’s way of getting her out of the dinner, which had so far been nothing short of boring. Zula had made her rounds beforehand and conversed with whoever she’d needed to speak with, but the pleasantries and small chatter couldn’t be classified as entertaining. Zula had been grateful to sit down for dinner so that she would have an excuse to not speak as much, only listening to the politicians go back and forth with each other, not that she even had much to add to the conversation. As much as Zula wanted to be elsewhere, she forced herself to focus on her task at hand, the small voice in the back of her head asking when Zuka would launch her escape plan.

Now here it was, and a thread of embarrassment went through Zula. Leave it to her sister to make such a bizarre statement, but thankfully she didn’t have to explain herself fully to the higher ups around her. However, the strangeness of the excuse did act to help her seem surprised. The ambassador nodded to the aide and stood, hands clasped in front of her and she gave a respectful bow to the people in the room, who had turned their attention to her. “I am dreadfully sorry, but it appears there is an emergency with a beloved pet of mine that I must see to. Thank you for your hospitality…”

Zula finished her thanks and excused herself as quickly as she could manage, saying that she would be seeing all of them in the near future. As she left she noticed the whisperings of the aides and knew they were certainly gossiping about her, but pushed it aside and made her way out of the consulate. The breath of fresh air that hit her as she exited the building was a welcomed one, and Zula hurried down the stairs, spying Zuka across the street and making her way over.

“Subtle,” Zula said sarcastically as she approached her sister. “However, I think it woke up every other bored guest who was about to fall asleep in their food.”

Not that it was any concern of hers now. Zula glanced over her shoulder, made sure that no one of importance was around, and then slipped off the long coat that she had worn over her outfit, which had made her seem more professional. She hadn’t wanted to make Zuka stop for her to change yet again, and so she’d hidden a more “going out” outfit underneath her layers. The red and purple dress kept to her tastes but was more fun than the majority of her wardrobe, and she assumed it would fit the evening just fine. She held her arms out a little at her sides, and turned a questioning look onto her sister, “Well? Have I managed to blend in with your crowd yet?”

[Zuka]

Zuka watched her sister cross the street to meet her and she smiled and held out her arms in a “I don’t know what you’re talking about’ manner ”Hey, it could have been worse. “ It could have been a lot worse but she figured she would spare her sister that embarrassment even if the idea of it was so, so tempting. Now that she was here however they had a party to get too and Zuka still had to slip into her dress for the night, having decided not to wear it here to draw less attention to the two of them. Thankfully, everything she needed was waiting for her in her office so she just had to get there.

She was about to ask Zula if she still needed to change when her sister pulled off her coat to show the dress underneath. It was pretty and it suited Zula well while still being ‘hip’ it even looked like something she would have picked out for her. ”You look like a regular jazz fiend” Zuka said in approval and pushed herself off the side of her car and walked around to the driver side ”Lets get out of here before someone sees you. “ They didn’t need someone trying to hold them up from leaving because Zuka was certain that she would not wait around and if they just drove off on some Ambassador it wouldn’t look good for Zula.

So yeah, time to leave before any of that happened.

~*~*~*~

The car pulled to a stop in the back alley behind the club and Zuka parked it and was immediately greeted by one of The Dolls who quickly slid into the drivers seat once both girls were out and went to park the car in its usual spot. The line in front of the club was already nearly around the block while people waited for the chance to make it inside. Jiao was set to go on in a half hour so that didn’t leave her much time to get dressed and get down stairs.

”The place is hopping tonight, Boss. “ Mei, her large and burly enforcer who was watching the back door (and casino entrance) told her as she opened the back door for the sisters to let them in. Mei looked at Zula with her one good eye and gave a curt nod and Zuka quickly ushered her sister inside before she could ask too many questions. Thankfully the actual casino entrance was at the end of a flight of stairs under the club so Zula couldn’t see anything but the less questions she asked the better.

Now that they were inside Zuka had Zula follow her up the stairs to her office so she could finish getting ready. ”For once, you’re the first one whos ready.” It was usually always the opposite. Zuka remembered many times in their youth waiting for what seemed like forever for Zula to be finished getting ready for whatever party their mother was throwing or dragging them too. ”I didn’t want to draw any unnecessary attention while I waited for you” she explained while she went to her washroom and started brushing out her hair.

[Zula]

The fact that she had chosen something suitable for the night relaxed Zula a bit more. She hadn’t really gotten out much, and even her trips around the world for work often led her sightseeing to organized tours. None would take her to clubs or popular spots for people who were her age to socialize, and Zula knew she was a bit out of touch with that sort of thing. As much as she was surprisingly eager for the night, there was an underlying nervousness that kept her on edge. But she was determined to push it down and let Zuka show her a good night and her club in its finest light.

As they pulled up to the club and around the back, Zula didn’t question it: the line for the front was insanely long and they did need to make a quick entrance. She also didn’t question the valet service that appeared to accompany Zuka everywhere, as it was a service of sorts that Zula was so used to at home and seeing it here with her sister felt natural. However, she did take pause as her eyes fell on what Zula could only assume was someone guarding the back door. Why would there be a guard when everyone was sure to use the front? She didn’t see this district being one that many would try to sneak in places, the club being one of them.

Zula looked at the guard, her eyebrows involuntarily raising as she took in the sight of the gruff and brutish looking woman (it had taken her a moment to realize she was indeed a woman) who opened the door for them. Zula briefly considered that maybe it was just extra security for Jiao, but as the guard called Zuka ‘Boss’ the idea was quickly refuted. If this woman did work for her sister, why did Zuka need such a person on hand?

Before she could think to ask, Zuka had pushed her inside and led her upstairs, and Zula decided to keep it to herself for now. The night hadn’t even started yet, and so she allowed herself to think, for now, that it was for Jiao and nothing more. She couldn’t help but smile a little at Zuka’s comment as her sister went to get ready. “After spending my entire day preparing, I would hope so. I didn’t want to be even later than I could have been.”

“I didn’t want to draw any unnecessary attention while I waited for you.”

“You, attract attention? I never would have guessed.” She had to tease, as it had always been that way; Zuka being the loud one and Zula the quiet one. While Zula knew they were merely discussing outfits, she couldn’t help but remember that Zuka had a way about her that always drew excitement and action her way, no matter how hard her sister may have tried to stay out of it.

While Zuka was in the washroom Zula couldn’t help but walk around as she waited, scanning over the walls, and finding herself peering at the top of Zuka’s desk to see if there was anything interesting lying out for her to see. While her sister had told her about her business, there was still much about their five year absence that Zula didn’t know about. “I’m almost surprised just having my doppleganger waiting for me didn’t cause any confusion.”