One Who Has Eaten the Fruit
by epithree

Two:

An Unlikely Pair

The Avatar sprinted rapidly through a sunny courtyard. He was augmenting his speed by bending the air currents around him. Aang's usual demeanor of playfulness and cheer had escaped the boy today. Instead, a great deal of anxiety consumed his spirit.

He approached a pack of nobles who were there to greet him, but Aang had no time for tiresome pleasantries. The boy flew by them, focusing upon his goal. Their regal clothing billowed due to the wind created by Aang. They would not get the honor of meeting the Avatar today.

Aang exited the courtyard to the north, and made a quick left. Up ahead, he spied a lush garden signifying that he was nearing the royal palace. Today, its beauty went unnoticed by Aang, for he was too wrapped up with nervousness. Another large group of admirers were blocking the pathway to the adjoining garden, which contained a serene pond.

Just beyond the water-themed garden was the entrance Aang needed to reach. He immediately decided to use his patented air scooter technique to avoid the group of fans. A spherical ball of air was produced instantly. Aang balanced himself upon it, increased its speed, and headed for the crowd.

At the appropriate moment, Aang levitated the scooter and easily cleared the awestruck admirers. Though anxious, he couldn't resist smiling as the scooter landed in the next garden. Aang continued to ride his scooter across the pond, causing the water to spray. A family of turtle ducks swam away as he raced by. Once he reached a short scramble of stairs, the ball of air dissipated into nothingness.

He quickly ascended the stairs and ran to a pair of large doors that were open. This wasn't the main entrance to the palace, but rather a location where Aang came to meet with Zuko and Mai. Hopefully Mai had explained to the guards inside that the Avatar was expected.

Aang strode into the royal palace of Fire Lord Zuko with many intrusive thoughts preying upon his mind. To relax, he employed a breathing exercise that he had learned from the monks. Aang had recently taught the technique to Zuko, hoping that it would quash his situational anger.

'The fire lord,' Aang mused. Zuko was one of his closest friends. The boy still harbored some disbelief when it came to their relationship. Once adversaries, they had since formed a unique bond. Aang never thought Zuko would become his firebending instructor, let alone friend. However, now it was a reality. The world looked upon them as an extraordinary duo.

Avatar Aang quickly walked through an anteroom that led to the palace's west wing. Eight guards were there to meet him. The commanding officer spoke. "Avatar, you have been granted passage by Lady Mai."

Bowing to the guards, Aang began to think about Mai. He entered the western corridor not knowing what to expect from her. Their relationship was awkwardly complex. Both showed great respect for the other, but they had not become fast friends. During the war, Aang only knew her as brooding and dark. However, her gloomy personality brightened significantly when she was reunited with Zuko at war's end.

Soon Aang noticed Mai exiting the nearest palace chamber. Zuko's girlfriend approached the Avatar in a stoic manner, and he couldn't read her at all. 'Hope she's in a good mood,' he thought, reaching the halfway point of the west wing. That's where they met, standing next to an impressive fire nation tapestry.

Mai felt awkward as well, although she did not show it. She wanted to make a conscious effort to get along with Aang, for she knew that it would mean a great deal to the fire lord. Nevertheless, she had always viewed the Avatar as the reason she wasn't able to spend much time with her Zuko. Aang was always stealing him away for some mission.

She spoke first. "You were supposed to be here at noon." There was no emotion in her voice.

Aang blushed ever so slightly, placing a hand on the back of his neck. "Um yeah. I know." There was a brief pause. "Sorry about that. There were some pressing matters I had to attend to." He let out an embarrassed chuckle. "Anyway, we're going at dusk, right?"

"I'm afraid not," Mai responded. She exhaled and her shoulders slumped a bit.

Aang actually detected slight emotion from the girl. She seemed distraught. "Aren't we meeting Zuko at the throne room?" he asked.

Mai hesitated. She wasn't sure if Aang wanted to hear this. "Zuko's gone," Mai explained, looking at the immaculate palace floor.

"What?" Aang was confused. "We were supposed to meet him and head to the asylum together." He scratched his bald head.

"I know," Mai said. Her eyes narrowed, and now Aang could tell she was angry about something.

"I don't get it Mai." The Avatar knew something was amiss. "Zuko said that the appointment wasn't until nightfall."

Mai seemed a bit anxious now. "Exactly!" She had no choice. It was time to tell Aang. "That's what Zuko *told* us."

As Mai's anger returned, Aang began to catch on. "No! He didn't."

"I'm afraid so," she revealed. "He left this morning, at dawn." The worried girl interlocked her fingers.

"Oh no! But he said the meeting was at dusk!" Aang exclaimed, a bit worked up now. He put his fingertips to his eyebrows and rubbed.

"Well, obviously he didn't want us to come." Mai placed her fists upon her elegant waist. "We should have seen this coming anyway," she added. "Zuko fought us about it all week."

Now Aang's anxiety about visiting the asylum disappeared. It was replaced by anger towards Zuko. "This can't be happening." Shaking his head, he looked at Mai with a hard glance. "Why didn't you stop him?"

Mai was a bit insulted, for she would never have allowed Zuko to attend the meeting alone. "Because I didn't know!" came her heated response. She stared at Aang.

"But you said he left this morning." Aang spoke the words more calmly now. He hadn't meant to sound so accusatory to Mai.

The girl reached into her silk clothes and pulled out a letter. "Here." She handed it to the Avatar. "I found this in Zuko's private study just before you arrived."

Aang took the parchment and read it fast. "This is the note Zuko received last week by messenger hawk. It's from doctor Jen Teel." Then the Avatar's fears were confirmed. "The meeting *was* at dawn," Aang muttered quietly, feeling dejected. He whacked the letter with the back of his hand.

Mai stated the obvious. "He lied to us." She became stoic and unreadable again.

Pounding the wall with his fist, Aang let out some of his anger. "Zuko!" He stared at the marble floor. "Why does he have to be such a hothead? He should have *wanted* us there!"

"Don't be so dramatic, Aang," Mai offered up with no emotion. "He was just trying to protect us."

Now it was Aang's turn to be peeved. Mai certainly knew how to be blatant. "Dramatic? The meeting was about Azula's release! Don't you think our opinions matter?" He thrust the letter back towards Mai, and went on. "Here! It says so right in the letter. Doctor Jen Teel personally suggested that you and I be there!"

Mai said nothing.

Aang explained himself further. "We were supposed to determine if Azula was ready as a group. Now it's just Zuko and the therapists! What if they influence his decision?"

"Zuko won't let that happen." Mai spoke her mind again. "You saw how angry he was. Just the mention of Azula's release made him burn with rage. I had to deal with him all week!"

"Azula has only been in therapy for six months," Aang reminded the girl. "The monks taught me to believe in second chances, but it's just too soon. I don't want her out of there yet… do you?"

"Um, let's see," Mai responded sardonically. "Do I want them to release the monster that locked me away?" She paused for effect. "I just don't know."

Aang ignored her sarcasm. "All I know is that Azula had shown no signs of improvement. Now they're actually considering her release. There's something very suspicious about that." He sighed. "We really needed to be there."

"Well," Mai uttered. "There's nothing we can do now." She shifted her gaze to the ornate tapestry. "Believe me, if they do release Azula, I don't want her alone with Zuko."

"I'm glad you agree… clearly she can't be trusted." Aang continued to ponder the situation. "There's got to be something we can do." He scrunched his cheeks with one hand as he thought.

Mai looked at the boy. "I'm sorry Aang, but if the meeting was at dawn, then I'm sure the decision has already been made." She spoke more warmly now.

Suddenly, Aang's eyes widened. He was struck by a realization. "Wait a minute! The meeting was this morning." The Avatar posed a question. "So why isn't Zuko back yet?"

Mai appeared unaffected by the inquiry. "I don't know." Then, she added some information. "Last time we visited, Zuko and I were there for almost a full day."

"Oh." Aang spoke softly. A moment later, his hands clenched into fists. "I still don't like it," he elucidated firmly. "I'm going to find him." The Avatar began to head for the exit.

Rushing after him, Mai called out. "Aang!" She caught up. "The original plan was to visit the asylum together. You shouldn't go alone." The boy was surprised by her concern. "Where's Katara?"

Aang was even more stunned that Mai remembered his girlfriend's name. "She's back at the earth kingdom, helping Zuko's uncle with his tea shop." Taking Katara along was not an option. "I have to leave now," he explained. "Appa is waiting just outside the royal estate. He can get me to Boiling Rock by nightfall."

"Your sky bison?" Mai had once hunted for the beast with Azula and Ty Lee. She wasn't very fond of the creature.

Evidently, Mai knew more about Aang than he realized. "That's right… my bison." He headed for the anteroom again. "I have to go now."

Mai ran over to Aang once more. "Then I'm coming with you." She placed one of her strong hands on Aang's shoulder.

The boy spun around to see her face. Mai's statement had sounded sincere. "You're coming?" This was unexpected. "But Zuko told me you hate to fly."

"I'll manage," she assured. Aang noticed the tiniest of smiles tugging at the corner of her mouth. "I'm not letting you go alone. Besides, I really need to give Zuko a piece of my mind."

"Okay… thanks Mai." Aang knew that doctor Jen Teel had requested her presence at well. Plus, Mai was the foremost authority on all things Azula. Bringing her along could only help. "Good luck taking on Zuko," the Avatar joked in a playful manner. He let out a soft chuckle.

Mai responded. "Well, we're both mad at Zuko. Now we can team up on him." Her smile grew ever so slightly.

Aang returned a much larger smile. "Sure." He laughed. "Now let's go!" The Avatar was still anxious about the possibility of seeing Azula, but at least he'd have company for the journey.

Turning around, Mai grabbed Aang by the arm. "I'll lead you to your bison. We'll take Zuko's route, just in case he's already on his way back." They ran by the tapestry and headed for the palace's main chamber. "Let's leave through the main exit and cut across the eastern garden. There shouldn't be any noblemen to bother you in that area."

Mai had already made two helpful decisions. Aang was impressed. As they entered the main chamber however, they noticed a group of nobles near the giant exit doors.

"Just follow me," Mai whispered. "We'll duck into the throne room until they leave." Darting left, they entered the much larger northern wing, which housed the fire lord's throne room. Directly opposite of the main exits, this third wing would give them a perfect vantage point.

Once known as the war room, the elaborate chamber was guarded by a dozen men. Aang expected the guards to stop them, but the commanding officer granted Mai access immediately. "Lady Mai," the guard acknowledged. The Avatar hadn't realized the magnitude of Mai's power.

"How long until they leave?" Aang asked while gazing at the fire-themed moldings of the throne room. "We have to get going."

Peeping out the elaborate doorway, Mai whispered an answer to Aang. "The nobles should head for the east wing in a moment. Then we'll have a clear path out of the palace."

"So is this where Zuko makes all his decisions?" Aang took notice of numerous black pillars, each supported by an intricate gold base. "I mean the decisions he makes without me," he added.

"Not all of them," Mai explicated quietly. "Zuko doesn't spend much time here. The throne reminds him of Ozai." She continued to spy on the noblemen.

Aang looked deep into the chamber and stared at the lavishly covered throne. "Oh." It sat on a high platform surrounded by flames. The Avatar thought about fire lord Ozai and all of the atrocities he planned in that very chair. Behind the throne was a portrait of a dragon breathing fire.

"Occasionally he comes here to formulate strategies with his civilian advisors, or the new council." Mai noticed the nobles heading for the east wing. "Ironically Ozai used to consult with the military here."

After examining the black tiled floor, Aang shook away his musings of the former fire lord. "Is it time yet?"

"They're on the move," Mai said. "Get ready."

As soon as the noblemen entered the smaller eastern corridor, Aang and Mai left the throne room. They ran past the guards and headed for the palace's main exit.

Upon reaching the enormous double doors, Mai was addressed by another palace guard. "Lady Mai." She and Aang raced out the exit and into the main garden.

Mai had been correct. The pathway to the eastern garden was unoccupied. That being the case, it only took seven minutes for them to reach the royal estate's great wall.

"That staircase leads into the wall." Mai pointed to a nearby stairwell surrounded by bushes. "Let's go."

"You mean enter the wall?" Aang asked.

"Yeah," Mai plainly answered. "Then we can exit into the courtyard where Appa is. I know the way."

The Avatar was truly impressed. Mai could boss around fire nation guards *and* navigate through the clandestine tunnels of the wall. As much as Aang wanted to explore the secret corridors, he opted for a simpler idea.

"No need, Mai." The boy pulled a bison whistle out of his outer tunic. "We're close enough now. I'll just call Appa with my trusty whistle."

Aang blew the small wooden instrument. Mai was surprised when she heard Appa grunt from beyond the high wall, for the white whistle had made no sound.

The Avatar attempted to enlighten Mai. "Only sky bison can hear the whistle," he told her. His simple statement was true. The device produced sound wave pitches that were too intense for Mai to hear. Appa, however, could recognize the transmitted reverberations and pinpoint the location of their origin.

And sure enough, Appa appeared just above the great wall of the royal estate. He hovered there a moment, scanning the area for Aang. Once Appa saw the boy with Mai, he immediately flew towards them.

Landing gracefully next to Aang and Mai, Appa let out a satisfied grumble. The Avatar ran up Appa's large tail in an instant. Sitting in his usual spot upon the beast, Aang grabbed the reins and prepared to steer.

"Oops," he exclaimed. Aang was so used to the gang mounting Appa quickly that he had forgotten to assist Mai. The girl stood next to the flying bison, looking up at the huge saddle.

The Avatar had never known Mai to be timid. However, she made no attempt to climb aboard Appa. She appeared to be overwhelmed by the bison's presence.

"It's okay… just take my hand," Aang offered. "Toph used to be afraid too. Now she rides Appa all the time."

Mai glowered up at the Avatar icily. "I'm not scared," she declared extra slow, accentuating all three words.

"Oh," Aang replied. "Sorry." Then, he grabbed her soft hand and pulled her up to the saddle. The Avatar changed the subject. "We should have a great view of the capital when we take off. The sky is really clear today."

Now a passenger, Mai looked at Aang with a forced smile. "Thanks for the help Aang, but I'll be fine. Really." She grabbed the saddle tightly as Aang returned to his usual spot.

"Ready?" the boy asked.

Mai's stomach tingled from anxiousness. "As ready as I'll ever be." She nodded bravely.

"Yip-yip." Aang spoke the standard command casually, and his flying bison took flight.

Appa and his passengers, Aang and Mai, cleared the great wall instantly. Taking to the skies, they left the fire nation royal palace far behind them. Mai took one last look at the beautiful estate, noticing the triple eaves of the main tower.

Soon, the entire crater that houses the palace could be seen. Then, all of Caldera City revealed itself as they flew higher. Heading north, they would leave the fire nation capital and cross the sea to Boiling Rock.

"Keep an eye out for Zuko's ship," Aang yelled above the winds. "He might be on his way back already."

Mai hid her discomfort well, and yelled back. "No problem." She wasn't afraid of heights, but she never felt comfortable around large animals.

Once they reached the shoreline, Aang lowered Appa's altitude and the winds let up. "Are you okay back there?"

"Just fine." Mai watched the fire nation capital appear smaller as they progressed. Soon it would disappear beyond the horizon.

The Avatar turned around. "Um… Mai." His hand went to his neck. "I just wanted to say that I'm sorry for getting all worked up back at the palace." He rubbed his forehead with his arm. "I guess I'm just worried about Zuko."

With minimal emotion, Mai spoke. "You don't have to apologize. I'm not the easiest person to get along with." She paused. "I shouldn't have called you dramatic. I'm sorry."

"It's okay." Aang smiled. "Well that's all cleared up. Now we can focus on teaming up against Zuko." He laughed.

Mai allowed a brief smile. Then, her demeanor became somber. "Aang?"

The Avatar waited for her to continue.

"Where could he be?" Mai seemed far more concerned now. "I don't fear Azula," she stated vehemently, "but I don't trust her either."

A serious expression formed across Aang's face. "Don't worry." He tightened his grip on the reins. "We'll find him."

~to be continued