Baptism

By: Zetjintsu

Note: This chapter was originally written after the Boiling Rock episodes. Also, I do not own Avatar; it is the creation and property of Michael DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko.

Chapter 2

An Unfortunate Disagreement

Why'd it have to end up like this? Thought Ty Lee as she dashed through the ruins of the palace, leaping over ruble and rolling under broken columns. It seemed only yesterday that she, Azula, Mai, and an often unwillingly recruited Zuko had played together in the now burnt out palace garden. We we're supposed to be friends for ever. So why did everyone have to be trying to kill each other?

"Are you sure Iroh and the others are doing the right thing Mai? I mean don't get me wrong, I'm thankful that they rescued us all and all, but isn't this, kinda, like treason? That thing they can execute people for? I know Zuko claims its for the good of the Fire Nation, but does that really justify armed rebellion and killing our own-"

"Ty Lee, you've been arguing back and forth the whole trip to the capital. And you know what? I could care less about what's right or wrong. So why don't you do us both a favor and shut up."

"W-what? How can you say that Mai? Lives are hanging in the balance on what gets decided today. Think about the bad karma we could incur if we make the wrong choice. I don't want to spend my next hundred lives as a starving earth peasant because I was responsible for helping ignite a civil war that killed thousands and destroyed my country. I mean, I wouldn't even be able to afford make up or decent-"

"You're right, Ty Lee. People are going to die today. And I'm fighting to make sure Zuko isn't one of them. That's all the reason I need," said Mai with determination as she opened up her weapon case. "Now if you'll excuse me, I need to get ready for the battle."

"There's got to be some alternative to fighting Mai! What if the Fire Nation gave the Avatar the air temple islands in exchange for him acknowledging the status quo of the Empire? If Zuko can't get along with his Father then the two of you could seek asylum in the Avatar's territory. When I visit we could have a lot of fun redecorating those dreary old rui-" whoomph Undressing, Mai tossed her robe in Ty Lee's face, figuring it would muffle her babbling for at least a moment.

"The Avatar has a twelve year olds naïve sense of justice; he can't be bought off or compromise," stated Mai as she stripped down to her black satin undergarments. "sigh If you're not going to give me any privacy you can at least make yourself useful and load that torso bandolier's loops over there with throwing spikes; I'm going to need all the extra ammunition I can get," explained Mai as she placed her leg up on the bed so she could easily strap on a thigh bandolier. Pulling it snug, she then began to load up it's loops and pockets with stilettos, kunai, shurikens, throwing knives, and various other throwing weapons.

"Wow, that's really sexy Mai," observed Ty Lee with a whistle as she armed the torso bandolier on the bed, "Like La Femme Fatale. You should totally have Zuko be the one helping you get battle ready," Ty Lee suggested with a sly wink, "I bet it'd brighten up that dark aura that's been hanging around him, remind him what he's got to live for. Let me get him for you."

"C-could you stop being an idiot for at least ten seconds!" exclaimed a flustered Mai as she switched her legs up on the bed and turned away so the annoying acrobat wouldn't see her blushing and tease her more. Trying to cover her embarrassment, Mai quickly retorted with her usual sarcastic deadpan, "Yeah, I'm sure Zuko would find it real sexy realizing that under my clothes I'm covered with sharp pointy bits of metal."

"I imagine that'd be one of the last things he'd noticed," teased Ty Lee as she looked her friend over, admiring her flawless figure. "In all the great romances a couple spends a tender yet passionate night together before going off to battle you know."

"If you're so set on setting up a romantic rendezvous, why don't leave me alone and go pester that water tribe dork," suggested Mai as she retrieved her robe and started loading the pockets hidden throughout it.

"Yeah, about that," mumbled Ty Lee dejectedly, "turns out he's already got a girlfriend, and she's like a total bitch."

"Either that, or she just dislikes you specifically. Maybe that whole trying to steal her boyfriend thing. I'm personally surprised she hasn't tried to kill you yet," declared Mai as she pulled out a vial. Holding it before her, she hesitated, it's green light wavering over her eye for a moment, before she determinedly placed it next to her few remaining weapons.

"It's not really stealing if I'm willing to share, right? And then do you know what that bitch had the nerve to say after I try and make nice… Wait! I can't be letting you change the conversation and distracting me with romance…"

"you're the one who brought it up and distracted yourself…"

"…while there's still time to reconsider what we're doing. Think about your uncle and my dad. You know how dedicated they are to the military. Do you honestly think that they'd accept an order to throw away our victory over the Earth Kingdom?"

"Your jumping to conclusions Ty Lee. No one's said anything about breaking up the Empire. We're just ousting an usurper and putting the rightful ruler on the throne," said Mai unconvincingly, pausing in her preparations.

"Open your third eye Mai! The Avatar invaded the Fire Nation before Zuko and Iroh joined forces with him, so his motives back then couldn't have been putting Iroh on the throne! You know as well as I do that he wants to restore the world to how it was before the war broke out and make the Fire Nation give up it's hard won Earth Kingdom conquests. Just imagine how well that will go over with the army and colonists. 'Sorry guys, we know you're all ecstatic about having taken the Earth Kingdom capital and having won the war after one hundred years of hard fighting and sacrifices by your comrades and ancestors, but you've got to hand it back because some twelve year old bald monk-kid who killed your Lord says so.'"

"Ty Lee-"

"We were there when it happened Mai! Sure, Azula deserves the credit, but we assisted her single handedly taking the impenetrable capital Ba Sing Se and winning the war. Don't tell me you didn't feel any exhilaration when we brought the Great Walls down and our tanks rolled in. Didn't you feel any pride in what we accomplished that day, or are so emotionally empty that it didn't mean a thing to you? Is that why you can throw it away so easily?!"

"Like Azula threw us away?" replied Mai coldly, as she removed the stopper from the green vial. "You seem to be forgetting that you're on her shit list too. She's been getting more ruthless and unhinged as support for Iroh's claim to the throne has grown. As long as she's in power neither you, me, or Zuko are safe."

"We could at least try talking to her Mai! Deep down I'm sure she wants to forgive her friends and brother."

"Are we talking about the same Azula?" asked Mai as Ty Lee helped her put on her torso bandolier, running it from her left shoulder, between her breasts, and then looping it around her right hip. "The one who last time we met was going to let Zuko drop into a boiling lake, tried to kill me, and left us to rot in jail?"

"She was doing her duty as Princess of the Fire Nation. I admit trying to kill you was a little overboard, but you did push her buttons."

"I've wanted to tell that spoiled brat for a long time that she isn't as perfect as she likes to think she is," said Mai, a rare smile crossing her lips. "We've known her since we we're kids, and she's always been a sadistic monster who can't stand not having things her way. You should know best of all how cruel she can be Ty Lee," reminded Mai as she held up her arms so Ty Lee could attach her spring loaded holsters. "Remember all the times she'd pick on you for being more agile or popular with the boys? Or how she put you're life in danger until you agreed to leave the circus and help her hunt down Zuko? Azula only cares about herself, you'd be a fool to expect mercy from a heartless bitch like her."

"That's not true!" protested Ty Lee, "Okay, Azula can enjoy being cruel when it strikes her and she's not a naturally empathic person, but she can care for others! She adores her father, in her own twisted way she has a soft spot for Zuzu and tried to look out for him, and I know she cares for me! The last time she said some horrible things to me and made me cry she actually regretted it and quickly comforted me! If she was really as heartless as you say would she have gave a damn about my feelings?! You're just trying to demonize her so you can justify-! …Mai, what's that vial?" asked Ty Lee, a slight tremble creeping into her voice as she pointed to the green liquid Mai was dipping her last throwing spikes in.

Mai sighed as she looked down at her childhood friend. Ty Lee's idiocy made it easy to forget how sharp she really was. "…Ty Lee, you're too innocent. If you have misgivings no one will think less of you for not joining the battle. For your own good you should leave the capital. Go rejoin the circus."

"…Mai, you can't be intending to…" gasped Ty Lee as she staggered back.

"What do you think Azula intends to do to me and Zu… HEY! LET GO TY LEE!"

"I won't let you do it Mai!" declared Ty Lee as she grabbed the vial in one hand and went for the two already dipped spikes with her other, attempting to wrest them all out of Mai's grasp.

"Let. Go. Ty Lee." Ordered Mai as she locked her golden eyes with the acrobat. "I'll do whatever it takes to protect Zuko," threatened Mai as she tried to shake off the smaller girl. Ty Lee however had a tenaciousness that belied her size. Redoubling her efforts, Mai warned, "If you side with Azula, I'll be forced to… gasp" Ty Lee had found a wrist pressure point. Mai's hand went slack and she dropped the throwing spikes. Both girls froze as one of the spikes clattered to the floor. Slowly, they both looked down, Mai in shock and Ty Lee in horror. The second spike had landed on Mai's foot, piercing it. "Oh shit…" whispered Mai in disbelief as her other hand dropped the vial. It shattered against the floor, scattering glass coated in it sinister contents.

"No… I didn't mean to…" whispered Ty Lee, her hands going up to her face in disbelief. "Great Agni… I'm so sorry Mai…" Ty Lee apologized, her eyes starting to tear up. Mai gave out an ironic chuckle, then collapsed against the bed. "SOMEBODY, ANYBODY! MAI NEEDS HELP!" yelled Ty Lee as she looked around in desperate panic.

End Chapter 2