We need to get to Azula as quickly as possible.
Omashu didn't look occupied. At least not from the deck of the airship. Hints of red dotted the trailing lines of green roofing tiles like flower buds on a vine. In a now distant conversation, Mai had told him how New Ozai was blackened from coal soot. The city kingdom became a rotted tooth against the rows of sun bleached peaks. Here and now, Omashu was still itself, but burned behind walls and tiers.
Zuko didn't ask about Bumi. The old king was only ever mentioned in passing in his world; another White Lotus member with his uncle and Aang's last childhood friend. In this world, Zuko feared the worst.
It was late afternoon when they landed. A large pavilion was in the midst of being changed into a hangar of sorts but there were no other airships to be seen on the expansive deck. Omashu didn't seem to have a lot of traffic coming or going.
Not seeing any help, Jee had his crew scrambling inside and out of the airship, connecting thick chains to anchors jammed into the beige rock. The lowering ramp did act as a call, and a door opened at the pavilion. Three figures walked out just as their small group started to disembark.
Once again, Zuko's heart jumped into his throat. Mai looked different; still vaguely irritated, she didn't seem withdrawn at all. Instead, she looked at each of them with fierce intent. The piercing glare to her gaze struck Zuko when she finally turned to him, and it slashed him as she looked away.
He had to remind himself, this was not his girlfriend. Despite looking exactly like her, and living the same life.
Katara came up beside him and Zuko felt a strain in his neck. He had already spent this long with Katara and still couldn't break away from the woman he knew in his own world, how was he supposed to do that with Mai?
"Your highnesses." Ukano said, greeting them with the noble style salute. Ursa and Zuko returned the greeting, while Michi and Mai followed suit.
"I am glad to see you again, Governor Ukano. I trust you have been well?" Ursa asked.
"As well as one can be in this climate. I'm afraid the Earth Kingdom air doesn't sit well with my daughter." Ukano replied.
Zuko glanced at Mai, but she was focused on the interaction in front of her.
"Oh that's terrible. I have many herbs on hand, perhaps I can help?" Ursa asked.
"I think she misses the Fire Nation." Ukano said and laughed lightly.
"Don't we all? Now," Ursa clasped her hands together gently. "Where is my daughter?"
"The princess was resting in anticipation of your arrival, your highness." Michi said.
"Let's head inside. We just finished some new renovations to the villa. I couldn't believe it when I saw how many rooms were kept underground!" Ukano said, turning to the side to allow Ursa to walk forward.
"Truly, I think Earthbenders are more at home buried under the rock." Ursa remarked.
As Ursa walked with Ukano and Michi, Zuko moved forward with Sokka and Katara.
"Not going to say hi Zuko?" Mai asked suddenly, forcing him to pause.
"I didn't know if you wanted to talk to me." Zuko replied honestly. Mai regarded him, her eyes sweeping over him from head to toe.
"I heard you got kidnapped." She said, watching his face.
"Err, yeah." Zuko stammered.
"Are you Mai?" Sokka asked.
Mai turned and glared at Sokka, causing him to step back.
"I don't think I gave you permission to speak to me." She snapped.
"Cut it out Mai." Zuko shot back, feeling heat rush up his neck. Mai looked back at him, a faint look of surprise veiling her face.
"Sokka and Katara are my guests." He continued.
"Well look who grew a spine finally." Mai scoffed. "We could've used this two years ago."
"Mai." Zuko sighed and Mai held up a hand.
"Let's just get this over with. I'll be done with you soon enough." She said and turned around, walking back to the pavilion.
Sighing again, Zuko rubbed his face with a hand.
"So who is she in your world?" Sokka asked.
"My girlfriend." Zuko muttered.
"Her?" Katara blurted and blushed when both Sokka and Zuko faced her.
"I just thought…" Katara stammered for a second before shutting her mouth firmly and marching to the door.
"Why are girls so weird?" Sokka whispered sharply.
"I have no idea." Zuko whispered back, staring after Katara.
"If you boys are waiting for something to do," Captain Jee called out. "You can help me with these trunks."