'The icy inferno'

Part 4

Mai and Azula

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O.K. time for a bit more on Mai, this time with Azula, now that just has to be an interesting dynamic, particularly when concerning dear Zuzu…

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Mai glided down the corridor, her long soft step not making a noise as she walked apprehensively towards Azula's quarters. She could see the large ornate wooden double doors up ahead, flanked by two Dai Li agents. Azula had taken the kings own quarters as her own.

Mai slowed a little as she approached a small alcove in the corridor. It jutted from the palace walls and allowed a small space to sit away from the walkway. Mai knew that she had been summoned straight away, but as far as she was concerned, Azula could wait, she had to clear her mind a little. Taking a seat in the alcove Mai crossed her legs, one arm leaning on the windowsill as she looked out into the star filled night, the lights of Ba-Sing-Se glistening off in the distance.

Mai wondered where Zuko was, it had been almost a week since their talk at the baths and though she saw him at dinner and at breakfast, she had only had the briefest chance to talk to him alone since then. Mai's free time had suddenly been shortened considerably, as Azula once again found uses for her two close friends. Zuko too was now busy; he had made his presence known to the Fire Nation generals quickly and had started to assert his authority within the first few days, much to the annoyance of Azula it would appear. Mai smiled, her Zuko was back, but unfortunately his renewed activities had made it even less likely that the two could meet up under normal circumstances.

Mai was at least pleased to note that Zuko paid her considerably more attention and kindness during their few meetings. She could sense that he was also disappointed with their inability to have more time together. But Zuko being Zuko, this was only a side note in his current renewed field of interest, and he made no particularly special effort in her direction, much to Mai's disappointment.

There was however, something between the two, and it was obvious enough for all around them to notice, something which Mai now considered unfortunate, considering the conversation that she was about to have with Azula.

Zuko's sister had initially raised an eyebrow at the two arriving together for Zuko's first appearance to dinner, but to her credit Azula had remained civil and reserved while judging this new development; or at least, as civil as she was capable of. Mai instead had to contend with an overactive Ty Lee, whose insinuations and chattiness had made the first dinner decidedly uncomfortable until Mai shot her friend a glare that could nail wood to a tree.

Zuko to his credit had played the whole matter down, instead quickly moving onto more official matters regarding the occupation. Azula's attempts to dismiss his renewed interest were met with steely determination, much to Mai's enjoyment, and had put Azula onto the back foot. What followed was a subtle but intense game of indirect verbal power positioning between the two siblings. Zuko had seemingly managed to get considerable concessions from his sister; this was apparent from Azual's sudden bad mood, something which always happened when the younger fire princess did not get her way.

Mai put in a lot of effort so as not to smile during the dinner. It appeared that the matter had been settled by the evening of the next day, it was about this time that Azula had called her friends back into service, an indication that Zuko had again managed to interrupt her plans somewhat.

During the next few meals Azula slowly calmed, but it was obvious that she was not entirely happy with the current developments. It was during this time that Zuko and Mai's new closeness had made itself more apparent; with the morning and evening meals being about their only contact, both put in extra effort to pay attention to the other.

Ty Lee had naturally pestered Mai no end after her and Zuko's first appearance together; Ty Lee knowing more of Mai's feelings towards the prince. Mai had provided a lot of information to her friend, but not all. Though Mai mostly trusted Ty Lee, trust was not enough when someone like Azula was in the game, and Mai could never be 100 sure of Ty Lee's loyalties.

So here she was, about to talk to Azula about her intentions towards Zuko. Mai smiled ironically then frowned, deeply unsure about the upcoming conversation. Though Azula had known of the crush, she had obviously never taken it too seriously. But that had changed… Mai had long known this conversation would come if she was ever successful in gaining Zuko's attention, but that didn't mean she could ever be prepared for it. Azula was simply too unpredictable… she was going to have to be extra careful.

Mai took a deep breath. Standing back up, she walked towards Azula's residence, a determined look in her eyes.

The Dai Li agents opened the door without hesitation, Mai walked through casually, turning to walk towards the private study, sure that this was where Azula was waiting. Another Dai Li agent opened a second door and Mai walked through.

Azula looked up from the document she was currently studying. The fire princess was leaning back into her large leather armchair, her legs up on the corner of the massive polished desk. To one side an impressive fire was lit. Above the mantelpiece hung the fire nation flag, draped across a portrait of some dead king.

'Mai' Azula said pleasantly, 'So good of you to come straight away.'

'Azula' replied Mai mechanically in greeting.

'Take a seat, take a seat,' offered Azula, indicating towards a small table in the middle of the large room where tea and cake had been set up. 'I organised us a little something' Azula said happily.

Mai looked over at the table, pausing for only a second before she made her way over and took a seat.

Azula threw the document on the table, before getting up and strolling to the fireplace.

'Be good enough to poor us some tea would you' said Azula with a smile, inspecting a random object.

Mai blinked before preparing the tea dutifully.

'You would consider us good friends, wouldn't you Mai?' said Azula, her voice over innocent.

'Certainly' replied Mai automatically.

'And friends tell each other everything, don't they?'

Mai took in the loaded question. She had finished pouring the tea and had decided to share out the cake. Mai never liked Azula's way of questioning, it was designed to intimidate, and Mai had long developed a counter for this, be direct.

'You have long known about my feelings for Zuko' said Mai simply, cutting off Azula's line of questioning.

'Yes… the crush' said Azula teasingly.

'I actually thought you had gotten over that'

Azula's tone indicating that she found the whole matter uninteresting.

Mai didn't answer the statement, simply taking a sip of her tea, she knew how do handle Azula's conversations.

'It would appear that the feelings were not forgotten however' Azula said while trailing her finger across the mantelpiece, 'and surprisingly, it would appear that there is a chance that these feelings could be returned.'

Azula rubbed her finger and thumb together as if inspecting some annoying speck of dust.

Mai ignored the 'surprised' comment as a cheep shot designed to unsettle her.

'I was just wondering how this came to be?' Azula asked, turning around and leaning against the mantelpiece.

'We met in the gardens and talked, that's all' answered Mai.

'Really' said Azula, not giving anything away. 'The last time I saw Zuko before his appearance at dinner he was a blubbering mess. I was just wondering, how did you manage to transform him so quickly, just with a simple talk?'

Mai didn't reply immediately, causing Azula to speak again.

'I only ask because of my concern for my brother, you understand'

Mai raised an eyebrow. She had actually known Azula for a long time, and if asked would have considered her a friend just on the face of it… but this was now more a matter of historical context then her current feelings towards the dangerous woman standing in front of her. Azula's change had been gradual, just like Mai had changed over the last few years, their friendship now was more a matter of mutual convenience, though their long history made it a subtle intertwined relationship, even if no longer particularly close.

'I simply reminded him of who he was, and what his duties are as a leader of his people.'

Azula frowned slightly, thinking of the current resurgent interest of her brother, and the annoyance that it caused her.

'You sure did that,' said Azula, a hint of annoyance present in her voice.

'Don't misunderstand me, I am grateful that he has come out of his little hole' continued Azula, knowing that her last statement would not have come across positively.

'But it would appear that you did too good a job, his current involvement is a… bothersome distraction, you see' Azula continued with a smile, as if seeking sympathy of some kind.

'He is the prince of the Fire Nation' said Mai automatically, with a slight amount of defiance.

Azula stopped what she was doing. Mai knew she had just slipped up and was annoyed with herself for having a sudden rush of emotions, this was not like her.

Azula couldn't figure out if she should be pleased or angry regarding the outburst. Though being disrespectful and placing Mai's loyalty in question, it had shown Azula something about Mai she had long searched for, a weakness.

'It would appear your feelings towards Zuko are a lot stronger then I had assumed' said Azula eventually, her smile putting Mai into more discomfort then a retort would have.

'I never made secret my desire to have a relationship with Zuko' said Mai, truing to bring her thoughts back in order.

'Really… but you also never discussed your intentions openly, not even to a person whose Zuko's well-being is so important to.'

Azula had moved closer to the table, her tone and physical stature conveying well enough her displeasure regarding the statement. Azula found the whole subject somewhat disrespectful, and was looking for some type of concession.

Mai locked eyes with the fire princess, Mai was fighting hard to suppress a resurgence of her new emotions, they were unstable and dangerous, particularly given her current environment… she would have to be careful.

'Naturally I would only pursue a further relationship with your approval,' said Mai coldly, bowing her head slightly, respectfully.

Azula smiled smugly, it was good that Mai still knew her place. Azula turned to face the large open doors to the balcony outside, taking a few steps towards the desk.

'Of course I'm delighted that one of my friends has caught the interest of my brother, you would make a lovely couple' Azula said happily, now that Mai had finally submitted to her judgement.

Mai couldn't read Azula's statement at all, remaining neutral.

'Its important that Zuzu has a strong woman by his side, one that I know will not lead him astray, and one that will help him to… find his place.'

Mai frowned ever so slightly, being the only external indication of her unstable mind's attempts to calm itself. Mai had gotten used to being patronised herself, and she had always shrugged off Azula's remarks regarding her brother. Suddenly however, it was as if a monster had been released inside her head, seemingly lashing out at any attack upon Zuko, it was ridiculous, they weren't even together yet. Mai struck down her wayward thoughts.

'We are not together yet' Mai reminded Azula, and herself.

'Oh that won't be a problem' said Azula confidently, moving over she sat beside Mai, taking her cup of tea into her hands.

'I think I can help you there in fact' continued Azula confidently.

'It's not as easy as you think…' interrupted Mai, guessing Azula's intentions before she even had a chance to state them.

Azula gave a questioning glance, taking a sip of her tea.

'He is now focused on being a Fire Prince again, I won't be able to distract him as much as you would like.'

Mai's comment had a hint of pride behind it, despite the seeming contradiction regarding her own intentions.

Azula took in the information at face value.

'Yes' Azula admitted, taking another sip of tea, 'however, any distraction would be useful at the moment… You see, he's been through such a traumatic time with his banishment and all… I just don't want him to take on too much responsibility at once.'

Azula was using her most concerned sounding voice, Mai had to remind herself not to role her eyes. Zuko was obviously making a lot of problems for Azula, Mai internally smiled.

'He needs time to recuperate, find his orientation, settle into the new order. And you're just the woman to help him.'

Mai smiled dangerously, and she let it show. She knew that Azula would now actively assist her to achieve her aims. Things could not have worked out more perfectly.

Azula was actually pleased to see the dangerous smile; this was more like the Mai she knew. Mai's recent actions and open disrespect had not been normal. Azula couldn't even begin to understand these odd feelings Mai was having towards her brother, the whole subject of emotional attachment being seen by her as a weakness, pure and simple...

'You'll be happy to know that I've arranged it so that the two of you will be spending considerably more time together.'

Mai took a piece of cake and took a bite, now more relaxed.

'How so?' asked Mai.

The fire princess was also suddenly more at ease, her plan seemingly coming together nicely.

'There are numerous rebellions occurring in the outlying towns, obviously not all of the Earth Kingdom realises that they have been conquered.'

'There are also numerous rebellions here' commented Mai calmly, remembering some of her numerous tasks of late.

'I know…' said Azula, 'and the rebellion here would be handled a lot more… 'efficiently' if a certain element was removed.'

Though Zuko had only been interfering for a few days he had quickly ensured that some of the more… enthusiastic suppression techniques were removed from the occupational doctrine of the Fire Nation army, he had even began to restrict some of the actions of the Dai Li. In addition to this he had organised food and coordinated efforts to bring the lives of the citizens back to normal.

As far as Azula was concerned the population needed to know that it had been conquered, it needed to know who was now in charge. With no fear there was no order, and Zuko playing the role of a Fire Nation Saint didn't help matters at all.

Mai smiled again, her new sanctioned target was Prince Zuko himself; she was going to enjoy this a lot more then her previous missions. Mai ignored the insinuations regarding the 'efficiency' comment of Azula, though Mai assumed it meant nothing good for the Earth Kingdom population in general, she deliberately pushed the matter out of her mind, she had become quite good at detaching herself like that… It was none of her business; she would focus on what was at hand.

'Zuko won't accept some small task in the backwaters' commented Mai, now actively aiding Azula in their combined scheme, the comment was her honest assessment.

'Oh it's nothing small; it's a full rebellion of a regional capital and the surrounding villages.

It will actually take the two of you to sort it out I would imagine, in additional to a full division.'

Azula gave Mai a smile.

'The perfect opportunity for the two of you to spend more time together.'

Mai had to agree, but somehow she couldn't believe that it was all that straight forward.

'You're giving him such an important task?'

'As you said, he won't accept anything else. Anyway, I'm interested to see how the prince of piece handless a full armed rebellion, particularly when he has only reservists under his control.' Azula's smile was evil, her enjoyment at the continued manipulation apparent.

Mai for her part was not particularly surprised, she expected nothing else from Azula, this was not going to be easy… still though, she would be with Zuko, and that was enough to keep a small smile on her face…

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Hmmmm… not too sure, I think it works. In the back of my mind I keep trying to see the scenes as they would appear in a cartoon, just to ensure that I'm not slipping too far out of the realms of the series… but it isn't easy. Had to make some assumptions here, but I think it works in context of season three and continues to flush out the characters and their complex relationships. Well, hope it was entertaining, let me know what you think, even short reviews are appreciated and keep me going

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