'The icy inferno'

Part 3

Mai and Zuko…

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Hello Hello. I am going to have to assume that most Fire Nation citizens are not fully aware of the true horrors of their nation's foreign occupation, including the full extent of the Air-bender extermination. This chapter was a real pain, I spent ages coming up with a dialogue context that would actually work between these two… and was still entertaining and relatively quick, hope it came out ok.

Let me know what you think! Thanks for the reviews so far! It keeps me going, this thing is a lot more work then I expected!

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Zuko's toes flexed, he rocked back and forth slightly, subconsciously enjoying the texture of the rough, warm sandstone tiles under his bare feet. The fire prince was standing in front of a glistening pool, the light tan motif contrasting superbly against the lush green plants which provided privacy to one side. Throwing his towel onto the ground, Zuko took a short run-up before diving headlong into the pool. Underwater, he required only a few powerful strokes to bring him to the other side, breaking the surface he gulped in some air.

Despite the idyllic surroundings, the stubborn scornful expression which had occupied his face for the last few days was still as present as ever. It was as if the wrinkles on his brow were a barometer for the overall emotional tension which was manifesting itself physical in his body. He was tens, and it would take a lot more then un-expectantly good company to dissolve this build up.

One major positive development was that the sudden distraction had seemingly temporarily broken the vicious cycle of his thoughts. Though his mind was still too poisoned to appreciate the beauty of his surroundings, he was at least observing them now in a clinical way. He was focussed, he had something to do, and despite his every action being laced with underlying aggression, it was at least a minor release. Diving underwater, Zuko started to do laps of the pool.

Mai could hear Zuko splashing from the female changing room on her side of the pool. She frowned slightly at his over zealous exertions. She took her time disrobing, for some reason she had no immediate desire to speak to the prince again. The last few minutes had been some of the most difficult and frustrating of her life. Mai knew that Zuko's travels had changed him, but in the back of her mind she had seemingly told herself that what she liked about him where the elements that could never change, his pride, his strength, his direction and many others… But what she had suddenly found next to her was a Zuko that was anything other then that which she could remembered. Once again she had to remind herself that she actually never knew the real Zuko, but Mai had known him well enough to recognise that what she now had in front of her… was not him.

Mai had done her best to build up an interesting conversation, no mean feat for a girl that was anything but practiced in the conversational arts. She had started by effectively giving a short tour-guide of the Earth Kingdom palace as they made their way across to the baths; assuming correctly that Zuko had yet to acquaint himself with such things. This had seemingly been well received, particularly with the dry/sarcastic humour that Mai injected into her descriptions, seemingly on instinct. Zuko's reactions had been almost impossible to read, rarely replying or even commenting.

One thing that Mai was sure of, however, was that he didn't want to talk about any time after his banishment… His presence had grown ever darker, if that was at all possible, when she had halfway asked about his experiences in the Earth Kingdom. Mai had wisely decided to bring the conversation back to more mundane matters, talking about the general goings-on.

It was obvious to Mai that Zuko was deeply troubled… but at the end of the day she was not equipped for this sort of thing… the thought of a heart to heart made Mai cringe, it was not her style, the whole thought of such a confrontation made her… uncomfortable. To say that she was becoming frustrated with the entire situation was an understatement; this was not how this was meant to be, this was not even close to the Zuko that she remembered, and at the moment she was at a bit of a loss of how to get him back.

Mai moved out towards the female half of the pool. Walking to the pools edge, she but down some soaps and cleansing creams before noticed a shadow on the dividing wall next to her. Stopping, she observed the shadow, her shadow? Turning, she could see the sun reflecting off a nearby polished rooftop through the large open windows, the round tiles obviously caught enough light to ensure that a good 'female' shadow was visible against the thin, semi-transparent dividing wall at most times of day.

Mai rolled her eyes.

'Perverts' she thought to herself, men were all the same, no matter which nation they came from.

A sudden decrease in noise from the men's side of the pool told Mai that Zuko had noticed.

Suddenly smirking, Mai struck a pose momentarily, one hand on hip; she flicked her long hair back then took the few steps to the side of the pool, diving in elegantly with minimum splashing.

Zuko was momentarily stunned, his mind instantly devoid of any thought… what was that? Shaking his head clear he started to swim again, a little more uncertainly. It wasn't long until Mai's voice came across the small divide.

'Zuko' came Mai's voice, not quite as softly as it had been during their walk.

'Ya' replied Zuko, being about his longest reply since their walk had started towards the bath.

'Did you bring any soap?'

Zuko looked around, of coerce he had forgotten to bring anything from the changing room.

'No' he said, slightly annoyed.

'I thought so' sighed Mai, 'Come over here, I brought extra.'

Zuko made his way over to the far edge of the pool where the tall divide abruptly ended; from here you could see only the heads of those in the next pool, assuming you were polite about the matter.

'Here,' said Mai, seemingly uncaring about the whole thing, her previous annoyance not fully abated, 'catch.'

Zuko almost fumbled the catch, still himself perturbed about the whole situation.

'And this.'

Zuko looked back up just in time to barely catch a small bottle that was suddenly launched towards him. Grimacing, Zuko popped the cork, taking a sniff of the contents.

'What's this?' he asked.

'It's for your hair' replied Mai, having lowered herself slightly again to slowly wash herself undisturbed. 'If you're going to have hair as long as yours, you're going to have to look after it' she said flatly.

Zuko was somewhat unsure, his hesitation indicating this easily enough to Mai. Mai sighed again, why was he being so… useless, to be honest she had had enough. If he was going to be so damn unsure of how to behave then she was just going to have to tell him.

'Look Zuko' said Mai suddenly, her flat voice carrying a hint of annoyance, 'you're now a Fire Prince again, that's what you wanted, right?'

Zuko didn't react, unused to being talked to like this, particularly if the person knew that he was Prince Zuko.

'You're going to have to start looking like prince again… and acting like one.'

Mai was slightly surprised that she was talking so aggressively, but she wasn't about to baby Zuko, and she wasn't scared of his title either, she had grown up in the upper circles of power, and had learnt to handle Azula to a certain degree.

Zuko for his part was still trying to take it all in, Mai simply continued to surprise him, she had triggered his pride to a small degree and invoked an image he had momentarily forgotten in all his self analysis, he was a Fire Prince again…

Though still muddled, Zuko had enough pride left to know a comeback of some kind was required, the problem was, he had no idea what.

'I don't need to act like a prince here. Anyway, Azula has everything under control' Zuko stated in a half hearted defence, 'and you're one to talk, the state I found you in...'

Mai stopped what she was doing, was that a retort?

'That was then, and this is now. I take my opportunities when I get them, but I still remember my duties.'

'What duties do you have? Following my sister's orders?' Zuko replied aggressively, his old hostility returning.

'My duty is to the Fire Nation, and to its leaders, if my part is to help your sister, well then that is what I'll do.'

'You don't strike me as the patriotic type somehow' said Zuko, unbelieving.

Mai laughed, it was surprisingly hearty, but unsurprisingly full of irony. Zuko found himself shocked once more.

For some reason the statement had struck a cord in Mai, the situation forcing her to reflect on this strange aspect of herself from a new angle, and the current aggressive communication with Zuko put her in an odd, light-headed, frame of mind.

'No…' admitted Mai, 'not in a typical way at least.'

Zuko absentmindedly put some bathing cream into his hair, this girl had turned out to be considerably more intriguing then Zuko would have guessed.

'In what way then?' asked Zuko, actually interested.

Mai thought about this for a few seconds, not really knowing her own view on the matter.

'We all have our part to play in the Fire Nation,' she said.

Mai reflected back onto her childhood, she had grown up with a classic Fire Nation Academy education, one for nobles and the elite, filled with patriotic rhetoric and notions of rule and order. Mai had actually been glad of her cynical nature; her dark view of her own upbringing had allowed her to see past the pomp and glamour of her position. Though she despised elements of the system she was detached enough to see its gains, the Fire Nation was prosperous, there was no denying it… and it was seemingly because everyone knew their place. Mai had concluded this once her own limitations in freedom became more and more apparent to her; it was almost like a justification of sorts. She had told herself that she was stuck in her role, just like the pig farmer or the Iron merchant or the carpet weaver, she could only move in limited circles, but she would make the best of this. Though she detested her predetermined role in life, it seemingly performed a purpose in the greater scheme of prosperity, and this, her pride would not allow her to ignore.

'I'm not really in a position to do anything for anyone,' Mai said coolly.

'My duties would normally consist of me marrying someone and helping to run an estate or lands… and if that is my role…' Mai said, drifting off, 'but while I have the chance I want something more, something exciting, and if that means helping your sister, so be it, I would hope she is working in the interest of the Fire Nation after all.'

'You're helping her to conquer other nations' said Zuko cynically.

'So?' retorted Mai, becoming mildly defensive.

'They're better off this way anyway; the earth king was an idiot. The Dai Li were in control here, or going to overthrow him soon in any case.'

'That's no reason to come in and take over.'

Mai had moved from her seating position to look Zuko in the eye over the numerous plants. Zuko had already worked up a considerable lather in his hair and actually looked rather comical.

'Most kings and nobles are self serving jerks, kingdoms fight and conquer each other all the time, at least ours are better then the rest, I'll lose no sleep over what we've done here, it was better then a full war.'

'The other nations are not as bad as they're made out to be' said Zuko, lowering his hands, his half washed hair forgotten.

'Maybe so, but they're defiantly not better then us, they may even be better off with us here.'

'Really' said Zuko, raising an eyebrow, he doubted his sister was what history would refer to as a compassionate conqueror.

'Well that's not really something I can influence now is it' said Mai defiantly. Zuko was about to say something when Mai interrupted.

'That's your role. You're the Fire Prince.'

Zuko filtered, there simply being no affective retort, somehow he had forgotten what his role really was, or indeed could be, he had been chasing the avatar for so long…

Mai noticed Zuko's sudden silent contemplation, it was different from his normal hostility, maybe she had taken the thing too far in her frustration.

A chunk of lather detached itself from Zuko's hair and fell into the water.

'Look Zuko' said Mai, her voice suddenly more consolatory, 'we are who we are, we all have our role to play, the question is, are you going to make the most out of it?'

Some of the lather was creeping towards Zuko's eyes, automatically he dunked underwater quickly. Resurfacing, he threw his hair back. Momentarily, Zuko locked eyes with Mai again, his face unreadable.

'The Fire Nation needs its prince' said Mai softly, the sudden comment born from a subconscious though that she needed him to. 'You have the power to change things, and I am sure that you would do a great job.'

Mai finished up with a compassionate half smile, the previous few statements bringing an unwanted blush to her normally pale face; she was not used to giving complements.

Again her unwanted physical reaction served only to aid her, as Zuko's lingering hostility found no avenue to escape her poignant but ultimately kind words.

Zuko's face had changed, it was still concentrated, but now there was an element of determination in his eyes instead of hostility and tension. His mind had found a new focus, one that he had forgotten recently in his uncertainty. He was the Fire Prince, his self identity as such was powerful, it being one of the reasons for his recent actions against the Avatar.

Well, he now had what he wanted, and though he had failed to come to terms with his actions on a personal level, when he placed himself in the bigger picture, a sense of identity began to form, a purpose, he wasn't just Zuko, he was Prince Zuko…

Mai waited patiently for a reaction from the young man, unsure of what he was thinking. Somehow, however, she could tell that he was back, it was something in his eyes.

'We had better finish washing' said Zuko finally, his strong, calm voice communicating that they had finished talking for now, but that he was in no way displeased with Mai.

Mai nodded with a smile, sensing that some critical decision had been made, and it was the one she had been hoping for. She moved away from the small divide to continue her washing in private, a permanent smile on her face, she would never have dared to dream of such a sudden change.

Mai had tried to get ready quickly once she had left the pool, but her hair always took a bit of time, and even when not forced to, she maintained the part of her cleansing routine she saw value in. Slipping into some clean robes which were provided as part of the baths, she couldn't hear Zuko anymore, she frowned at the thought that he may just have left quickly after getting out of the bath.

Mai emerged from the female changing room into the hall, stopping suddenly as she saw Zuko nearby leaning against a large windowsill, arms crossed, looking out onto the palace compound. Zuko looked totally different. In addition to his tidy new robes, which he had similarly taken from the bathhouse stockpile, his hair was now mostly pulled back into a small ponytail, only a few loose strands falling forward. He was cleaned, shaven and crisp.

Mai's surprised expression turned into a soft smile, he had been waiting for her.

'Welcome back Prince Zuko' said Mai approvingly, referring to his considerably improved appearance.

Zuko turned to look at Mai, now in more familiar attire, she was back to her elegant self, playing her role perfectly, and very attractively at that.

'I thought I would walk you back to your quarters' said Zuko with a half smile, his confidence back in force.

Mai smiled, a level of playful aggression showing through. In her mind the playing field had just become a lot more interesting, and more importantly, it looked like her game style was not only effective, but appreciated.

With an approving nod, Mai waited until Zuko was by her side before turning and walking down the long hall.

The two young adults were approaching Mai's quarters.

Mai felt as if she was walking with a different person to that of a few hours ago. Only a few seconds into their walk, Zuko had started asking Mai all kinds of questions regarding the current state of the Fire Nation; the current political situation, reports, the state of the army, loyalties, last years harvest, everything and anything. Mai had suddenly found herself very glad of her trained observant nature, despite having little interest herself in many of the areas Zuko wanted to know about, she knew enough to answer most questions. Mai provided as much detail and information as possible, knowing that the matter was of great importance to Zuko.

As well as taking in all of the information given, the young prince also couldn't help but admire Mai's precise and detailed descriptions, there was a lot about this girl which he was still to learn, and everything so far had been a pleasant surprise, to say the least.

'Well here we are' said Mai suddenly, indicating an ornate door in a wing of the palace.

Zuko frowned slightly, there was still a lot he wanted to talk about.

'Do you know the way to your own quarters from here?' asked Mai pleasantly. Also being a little disappointed that she hadn't been able to think of an even longer path to her temporary residence.

'I should find it easily enough?' replied Zuko. As well as having a great sense of direction, Mai's very indirect way to her quarters had actually shown him a great deal of the palace.

'So I'll see you tonight at dinner then?' asked Mai.

Zuko thought about this for a second, he didn't actually know where the dining hall was, this being one of the few rooms that he had yet to see. Even though he could have asked one of the few servants that were still in the palace, another idea sprung quickly to mind.

'I don't actually know where the dining room is,' admitted Zuko honestly, 'Would it be possible for you to come and collect me fifteen minutes before the start of dinner?'

Somehow the thought of having Mai there suddenly made even the idea of eating with Azula seem less irritating.

'I would be glad to' replied Mai happily, 'I'll see you at quarter to six.'

Mai turned to open her door, there being no need to keep the door locked. Once she stepped through she turned to see Zuko still standing there.

'We should take the opportunity to talk again sometime' said Zuko pleasantly, his expression being the most relaxed it had been in ages.

'I would like that' replied Mai confidently.

Zuko nodded respectfully before turning to walk down the hall, his mind already full of things that needed to be done.

Mai watched him walk away, noting the posture and power in his simple steps. An honest smile appeared on her face, this was going to be very interesting.

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Well there you go, quite aggressive and quick, but he's a bit of a mess and Mai takes no crap… a perfect combination… Considering Zuko's mentality, he needs a bit of order and stability, and Mai's just the girl to do it. It turned out better then I expected, hope it is enjoyable for you all out there, I like to flush out my characters a little, to show that they are all human, I hope I did that without showing Zuko to be too whiny or useless or Mai too cold, that would just be too easy and take away from what I like about the characters… let me know what you think. :-)

Still more to come, and trouble at that, they're not together yet!

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