Ba Sing Se
A few days after sending the letter to Suki, Princess Yue and the Elders, Mai heard back from the Elders and Suki. Naturally, it would take longer for Princess Yue to reply, she does live in the Northern most part of the globe. The Elders are spread out all over the world, Mai sent their letter by meeting up with a messenger from the Order of the White Dragon just outside of Ba Sing Se. They promised to make sure the word gets to the elders. This was how communication worked in the Order, most of the time, Mai relied on her instincts and listening to anyone who overly uses Pai Sho as a metaphor.
It was tricky leaving Ba Sing Se or even going out to the Middle and Lower Rings without Azula knowing. This was why Mai volunteered to do rounds in the Middle and Lower Rings, to read how soon the people are proceeding with the inevitable uprising. She also had another reason of equal, if not of greater importance. It was now common knowledge that Princess Azula and her companions, Mai and Ty Lee, infiltrated the city of Ba Sing Se under the disguise of the Kyoshi Warrior uniforms.
Before they arrived in Ba Sing Se, Mai, Ty Lee and Azula encountered the Kyoshi Warriors in a forest. It wasn't hard to pretend to not know Suki. They were both trained for this just incase they met each other out of official Order business, after all. What was hard for Mai was sparing Suki from being transported to the Boiling Rock Prison and smuggling her to Ba Sing Se. This was the other reason as to why Mai volunteered to keep watch of the Lower Ring to avoid suspicion. It was her only way to roam around the Lower Ring to meet up with Suki regarding Order business.
Suki's letter arrived first, of course. Suki felt that it was pertinent that they assembled soon to carefully devise a plan. Mai agreed.
On the day the Prince is expected to arrive, Mai did her rounds in the lowest ring of Ba Sing Se during sunrise. Suki mentioned in her letter that she is working as a waitress at the local tea shop. Now, Mai was in a quest to find the apartment complex where she is currently living in the maze-like Lower Ring.
Mai greatly distastes the green robes she was wearing but grateful for them because they camouflaged her from people knowing that she is Fire Nation. She walked right next to grimy walls and in dodgy alley ways to avoid using the main roads as she travelled to Suki's apartment. Luckily, there weren't a lot of people in the streets, just a few vendors that are trying to ready their stalls for the day.
When Mai saw the apartment complex where Suki is apparently residing in, Mai was glad she was not the one who had to live there whilst undercover. The railing of the apartment complex was lined with clothing as improvised clothes lines. Every wall was peeling, Mai scrunched her nose at the smell of what she believed sewer smells like.
Mai arrived in front of Suki's apartment door, she knocked to a certain beat. She heard shuffling inside and Suki's voice was heard from the door crack, "Mai?"
"Yeah, it's me."
Suki opened the door. Suki was wearing normal green Earth Kingdom robes like Mai. She did not look familiar at all without her signature Kyoshi Warrior uniform and war paint. "Come in". Mai stepped inside and Suki searched the apartment hallway for any watchers before closing the door.
Suki's place was small. There was a kitchenette, a couch that looked more like a bench and what looked like a door to a room or a bathroom. Other than that it was empty. "Nice Apartment," Mai really did try to compliment the apartment like the nice guest she was but it just sounded like her usual sarcastic remarks.
Suki rolled her eyes playfully, "Gee, thanks." She directed Mai to sit on the wooden bench, "I'd make you tea but I doubt your noblewoman stomach can handle it,"
Mai did a thing that sounded like the closest a noblewoman can get to snorting, "Don't you work at a tea shop?"
"Yes, but I'm a waitress, not a tea maker." Suki pulled the two worn sheer cloths for curtains together for privacy, blocking the window. The wooden bench creaked as she took a seat next to Mai, "So, Prince Zuko's ship is expected to dock this afternoon?"
"Yes, Zuko will be travelling with a few of this personal guards. Azula plans on separating him from them be before the raid. Or they would just have to be taken care of during the raid. It shouldn't be too hard, they were trained to lay down their lives for him. Either way, Azula doesn't really care for collateral damage."
Suki shook her head, "This family... Everything is so complicated between them. I mean, the Firelord decided his son was a waste of space and he just ships him off to get him killed? What is that?" Mai appreciated how Suki found that fact so interesting. Fire Nation is nothing if not oozing with politics, betrayal, and their usual Royal Family drama. It made her wonder how different nations are to each other.
"You don't even know half of it. I grew up with them, seems to me that Zuko is closest to normal there is. Firelord Ozai decided long ago that he isn't not capable. They don't know that. I've watched him for a long time. He puts his mind, heart and soul in everything he does. Not a lot of people are capable of that, but he is. He will make a better Firelord than Azula or Ozai," Mai rambled off into her thoughts. Which is not like her at all. She caught a barely audible gasp and looked at Suki who's trying very hard not to smile.
"You like him." Suki revealed, eyes wide with now a giant smile on her face.
In a second, Mai's pale skin transformed to a cherry colour, "No, I dont!" She said defensively, eyebrows scrunching together. She inwardly cursed, she should've stayed stoic like she usually does instead of giving a reaction like that.
Before Mai could defend herself, Suki said, "It's okay Mai, you've watched him for years. He's a very handsome prince, and very capable like you said. I don't blame you. You know, it's very healthy to have a crush," For a fragment of a second, Suki's mind drifted off to a certain Water Tribe boy. Suki did feel as though she had something on Mai now. For the long time they've worked with each other, Mai opened up more in the last twenty seconds than the last two years Suki has known her.
Mai crossed her arms against her breasts, "Suki, as a member of the Order, it's my job to watch him. And that's the only reason why I noticed things about him in the first place," False. She's stalked him like a fangirl years before she even took the oath to become a member of the Order. And he was in fact the very reason she joined the Order in the first place.
"Okay, whatever you say," Suki tamed her smile, "Back to business, have you heard back from Yue yet?"
"No, I haven't. I'm expecting her response in two days or three. Don't worry about her, she has time. According to our surveying, the citizens of Ba Sing Se are hiding the uprising very well. There is a big chance that the raid will be on the Day of the Black Sun, that's still a month from now."
"Day of the Black Sun? Where have I heard that before?"
"The Elders mentioned it before. It's the day when the moon covers the sun for only a few minutes. All firebenders lose their ability to bend in that timeframe." Mai examined her finger nails. This was already old news to her. The Fire Nation has been doing drills for this day for months now.
"Woah! That is a big deal!" Suki's mouth was agape, her eyes widened. "To think that the Fire Nation is powerless for a couple of minutes." Firebenders have cursed the world by using their power of destruction for the last one hundred years. Just the thought of firebenders not being able to bend was astonishing.
"We won't be," Mai smirked.
"That's right! You know, I'm glad I'm not a bender. Benders get so cocky with their gift, like what would they do without it?"
"That's why Ty Lee's chi blocking is so effective. She did it on the Avatar's companion- the Water Tribe girl- in Omashu." It's not like Mai didn't like the Avatar or his friends, but that Water Tribe girl's expression when she couldn't bend was so satisfying. In Omashu, Mai had to prove her loyalty to Azula so she fought them. And that has been the case since. The Elders have revealed that the Avatar and Zuko's destinies were somehow linked. In a way, it was also Mai's duty to keep the Avatar alive.
Suki's ear's perked up at Mai's familiar description of the girl, "Katara?"
"Uh, I don't know their names."
"We met the Avatar and his friends in Kyoshi Island a while back, he was with two Water Tribe siblings."
"Ah yes, I read that from your briefings from before," Members of the Order are responsible for reporting any activities aside from the norm to their group mates and the Elders.
"I think they're bound to show up anytime soon now. Last time I saw them, their plan was to find a waterbending master for the Avatar. After that battle in the Northern Water Tribe, I suspect they're in the Earth Kingdom looking for an earthbending master."
"Well, I hope they don't come before the raid. Azula has it in for the Avatar since the reported sightings. That's just another headache waiting to happen. We have to focus on the Prince's assassination." Every time, she said it out loud, a lump formed in her throat. She was the one instructed to kill Zuko.
Suki groaned, "I wish I could be more involved! I'm stuck here waiting tables. I haven't kept my mind off of my friends... I wish I could've helped them."
"Me too. I'm sorry about that." Mai did pity them a little bit. She thought back to how she, Azula and Ty Lee stripped the Kyoshi Warriors down to steal their clothes.
There was a pause.
"I think I figured out a way for you to be more involved,"
Suki's sad face morphed into a hopeful one. Finally, some action. Mai explained further, "Azula and Ty Lee never saw you without your warrior paint on. That means they have no idea what you look like without it! They are certain you're at the Boiling Rock Prison right now!"
Excited, Suki understood what Mai was trying say, "I can just disguise myself as a palace servant!"
"Er, no. I was thinking maybe a Fire Nation soldier." Suki scrunched her nose. Mai continued, "But being a palace servant might work even better. That would remove the pressure of pretending to be Fire Nation." Mai agreed.
"If I can wait all day at the Tea Shop, I'm pretty sure I can handle waiting on people at the Palace!" Suki expressed enthusiastically.
That afternoon, Mai, Ty Lee and Princess Azula stood just below the throne platform. Rows of Fire Nation soldiers and the Dai Li faced towards the middle where the Prince will walk. They were all waiting for the arrival of Prince Zuko, he was expected to arrive shortly. The trio had been standing in this position for fifteen minutes now. Azula briefed them on the plan before the Prince arrived. They would treat him as if he is Governor and pretend to go with his plans. Even Azula. Normally, there would be no way Azula would want to serve her brother as a subordinate. But this was different. Azula was playing a game. She was playing to achieve maximum impact. She was playing the long game.
They were told that the Prince will not be riding the train to Ba Sing Se. He will simply arrive in one of the war balloons. Mai half wondered if the war balloon was chosen as a mode of transport for the sake of making a bold move. To show the citizens of Ba Sing Se that the new ruler is here by flying above everyone in a red balloon. Mai wouldn't be surprised if the balloon was struck down. Seeing as her role is to keep him alive, she would have to somehow save him from the crashing balloon. That would most likely blow her cover. Mai didn't like that. She was also in it for the long game.
Mai's outward appearance showed no emotion. Just a pretty, pale and blank face. She now wore her usual burgundy red outfit, the same with Azula and Ty Lee. Just normal, unemotional Mai. But inside, everything was churning. Her thoughts are going as fast as a mongoose lizard going downhill. Zuko was coming. She's longed to see his face since her family moved to Omashu. She didn't even get to say goodbye. That was probably the most restless she's been in her life. The White Dragon's oath confirmed that it was her responsibility to keep him alive. Alas, the Elders assured her he will be taken care of. Someone will ensure his safety while she's gone. And now, he is going to be killed. By her, apparently.
Great.
Mai's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of a booming voice. One of the attendants from the doors of the throne room announced, "Sent by the Great Firelord Ozai to be the new ruler of Ba Sing Se, Prince Zuko of the Fire Nation!"
The Prince of the Fire Nation entered the throne room along with two of this personal guards behind him. Zuko... grew up well. Very well. Or so Mai thought. She has not seen him in a year, wow, he's grown taller. He was wearing his usual royal robes with the pointed shoulders. His eyebrows were scrunched, it actually made him look intimidating. Mai quickly glanced at Azula, a careful smile was on the Princess' face. Azula wasn't buying the tough act. Mai looked back at Zuko, his face made it seem like he has gone through life changing events of some sorts. He looked wiser, older, hotter. Mai internally shook her head. Bad Mai, she scolded herself, that's your charge!
Before they knew it, Prince Zuko found himself standing a few metres from where they were standing. He half-glared at his sister like he usually does. That's just his automatic response to Azula's face now. "Azula." He acknowledged her.
"Prince Zuko." Azula bowed, which signalled Mai and Ty Lee to do the same, "Welcome to Ba Sing Se. Your throne awaits you." Mai saw Zuko's eyes flicker to her before he moved past them, he walked on to the throne platform but he didn't sit.
"Soldiers," He addressed the crowd, "My father has sent me to govern Ba Sing Se. We will work together to maintain order in this city. And I will do my best to lead you." Zuko's voice was young. Only a sixteen year old's voice. But it was strong. It knew how to appear authoritative. Mai didn't know if it was because she hasn't seen him in years, but she was in awe of him.
"We will hopefully fall back into routine in a week. There is not a scheduled meeting for the higher generals as of yet, but it is my intention to lay down all of my plans for this new colony. Although I am deeply grateful for this opportunity given to me by the Firelord- and I greatly respect my Father's way of ruling- I want to attempt to govern this city with a few modifications. I want the Earth Kingdom citizens of Ba Sing Se to have a say in our plans for this city." A wave of murmur rose within the rows of soldiers.
"Of course, we will still strive to maintain control. But I believe it is our duty to look after every citizen of Ba Sing Se." If Azula wasn't glancing at Mai and Ty Lee at that moment, Mai would've cracked a smile. Azula's eyes showed a glint. As one of Mai's longest friends, Mai knew what that meant. It was uncommon for Fire Nation to seek approval from non Fire Nation people. Azula believed he was already failing as a governor. Caring showed weakness. But this convinced Mai even more that Zuko was destined to be Firelord one day.
Despite the murmurs and the discreet objections of the soldiers listening to Prince Zuko's address, the Fire Nation soldiers had no choice but to follow the demands of their new ruler. Quickly after the Prince's speech, the rows of soldiers exited the throne room. Prince Zuko and the higher ranking soldiers were discussing certain subjects on the opposite side of where Mai, Azula and Ty Lee were standing.
"See, girls. This is easier than I thought." Azula said between her grinning teeth, "And I thought all those years stuck with Father straightened him out even just a little bit somehow."
Mai and Ty Lee didn't get to say a word, Prince Zuko bowed to a group of soldiers before he and two of his advisors walked towards Azula's group. It wasn't a long walk, but in those few seconds, Zuko's eyes found Mai's again. Amber met light-gold. As if it was reflex, Mai averted her eyes to the floor but still maintaining her flawless posture. Ty Lee waved at Zuko with her usual energised pep, he gave a small polite bow.
"Brother," Azula started, "Great speech! I didn't know you had it in you!"
Unconvinced by Azula's praise, Zuko grumbled a thanks, he continued, "We will have a meeting with a number of higher-ranking officials tomorrow at noon. I suppose there is a meeting room here somewhere?"
"Why yes of course, Ba Sing Se has it all! Why don't you let me organise this? It will be my little welcome gift to our new governor."
Zuko's eyes slightly narrowed in suspicion. "Very well. Just make sure you tell everyone about the location a few hours before."
"I know." Azula said those two words as if to say 'I'm not stupid'.
Azula continued, "I'm willing to bet you're just exhausted from that long war balloon ride. We had the best quarters prepared for you, in fact, they used to be King Kuei's chambers. And don't worry, it's been heavily sanitised. Mai, you should show Prince Zuko to his quarters." Shit. Mai's head perked forward after hearing that sentence. Azula made sure it was said as an order, not a question. Azula's face tells a story of mischief.
Unable to think fast, or clearly, "I would be delighted," Mai said without giving as much of a glance at the Prince. She proceeded towards the entrance of the Throne Room, with the Prince and two of his attendants on her trail.
A/N: Things are going to get interesting soon, I promise! I feel like I have to paint the scene first haha. As usual, please review, favourite and follow. I do upload weekly for those who want to see this story through.
Thanks for reading!