"Ty Lee, stop playing with your food." Azula snapped, demolishing Ty Lee's concentration and successfully knocking down the wonton tower on the acrobat's ceramic plate.
"Even my brother doesn't play with his food and he's two." Mai wearily swirled the contents of her bowl with a pair of chopsticks.
"Heh," Ty Lee smiled bashfully. "Sorry." She plopped a wonton in her mouth.
"So, Mai." Azula started. "Will Zuko be joining us for breakfast today?"
Mai shrugged and without turning her head to the princess, she replied, "How would I know?"
"Oh sorry, I just thought you would. I mean, you used to be so close. I figured you've already reconnected by now. It's already been a week since his arrival." Princess Azula slanted her head to the side whilst tapping two of her fingers on the long dining table.
"I haven't really had the chance to talk to him,"
"Then what was the point of me ordering you to escort him to his chambers on his first night? Surely, you two would've spoken about something," Azula grilled Mai harder.
"What do you want me to say?" Mai sighed exasperatedly. "It was a quiet walk."
"Oh, Mai! If you were having trouble with communication, I can certainly be of help! I can write a list of small talk subjects if you want! This girl from the circus, Tenu, taught me all about it! It's very effective! It's best to start with something you both have in common. For example, you can talk about- oh, I don't know- swords?"
"No, thank you." Mai said succinctly, "I can handle my own affairs."
Ty Lee pouted slightly. Mai and Ty Lee have been friends since childhood, and not once has she been able to lend her expertise to her friend. Even Azula has asked her for boy advice at some point.
"Don't forget Mai, about our..." Azula leaned in and lowered her voice, "...plan. You need to get close to him."
'You don't need to remind me,' Mai thought bitterly.
"Don't worry. I haven't forgotten." Mai reassured the Princess. "In time, he will trust me."
Azula narrowed her eyes in annoyance, "We haven't much time! We only have three weeks until- Zuzu! Nice of you to join us!" Mai and Ty Lee's heads whipped around to stare at the dining hall entrance. Zuko approached them, he wore a blank expression, something he had to practice around his sister. Zuko ignored the surprised look on the three girls' faces, he was surprised at himself joining them as well. Perhaps the growing loneliness since he last sparred with Mai has finally gotten to him.
Mai's glance drifted to the maid polishing silverware on the shelf located in the far corner of the room. The servant's eyes did not meet hers, but they followed the Crown Prince's footsteps. Mai had paid a hefty amount of gold pieces to a kitchen servant. All to live her life far away from the Upper Ring of Ba Sing Se. This allowed Suki to be hired as a servant in her place. As Azula's plan progressed, so did theirs.
"Good morning," One of Zuko's attendants pulled a chair for him and the young prince sat. "It is a nice day, so I thought, why not?" Zuko tried a convincing smile. He refused to tremble under Azula's suspicious stare. He couldn't even look at Ty Lee for too long, he was afraid he'd be blinded by her overly welcoming pearly whites. So, at last his eyes landed on Mai, who looked somewhere between constipated and feeling faint. He broke eye contact with her almost immediately.
What he didn't know is that his sister was firmly kicking Mai under the table, trying to signal her to start a conversation with him. Mai would have started a conversation with the Prince right there and then just to stop the Princess' nagging, if only she knew how to start small talks. Mai silently regretted declining Ty Lee's lesson offer. Just as when Mai had enough of Azula's bruising jabs on her shin, Mai impulsively kicked the princess back.
"Ow!" Ty Lee jumped up, causing all of the ceramic-ware and utensils to clatter. "Who kicked me?" Azula raised an eyebrow at Mai. And Mai looked at Zuko who was also looking at her.
"No one. Shut up." Mai whispered harshly to Ty Lee. Mai cleared her throat, "So, Prince Zuko..." Mai nervously tapped her chopsticks against her bowl. Zuko blinked, waiting for her to finish. "I think... that, uh... your sword..."
"My sword?" Zuko repeated.
"Y-yes, your sword. Uh... um, I think is... the perfect length."
Three pairs of eyes widened at Mai. Zuko, not knowing how to react about Mai talking about his sword, blushed deep red. Azula, whose original intention was not at all to embarrass Mai but somehow successfully embarrassing her anyway, threw her head back and laughed. And Ty Lee, who was so proud of Mai for even bringing up sword lengths this early in a relationship decided to add a comment, "I second that, Mai! In fact, I think his sword fits perfectly in your sheath!" Ty Lee shared Azula's laughter, but Mai did not share Zuko's level of embarrassment.
"Of course not! His sword is way too big for my sheath!" The dining hall erupted in giggles and laughter, even from the Prince's attendants who are usually stoic and Suki who was giggling to herself in the corner. Mai scrunched her eyebrows together, wondering what she missed. Then her gaze landed on a seemingly very sunburnt Zuko. He looked shocked, terrified and a little bit dazed.
Oh, Mai must have offended him! "I did not mean to offend, Prince Zuko. But, wouldn't it be foolish to even attempt to insert a broadsword in a knife sheath? It would instantly rip my sheath!" Zuko started looking anywhere but her, nibbling on a piece of bread. His face was redder, if even possible. Zuko's flushed face was not unusual for Mai, it was a reaction that was often a result of her doing, but she did not know that.
Amidst the laughter, Mai frowned, she couldn't help but look discreetly at her fellow Order member for support. Suki fought off a smile as she put down the silverware and the rag she was holding and made a circle with one hand and the other hand pointed- Oh!
"Oh." Mai managed a small gasp, "That is not what I meant at all!" Feeling the most foolish she has ever felt in her life, for the first time in never, Mai actually wanted to go back to Omashu. Perhaps, death by boredom will serve as her penance.
The laughter didn't stop for another five seconds, until Prince Zuko cleared his throat. "Mai, would you like to join me for a walk?" He stood up and his attendants were quick to follow him, but at a wave of a hand, they stood still.
Mai wanted to upchuck. Her mother did not raise a daughter who spoke of such lewd things! To the Prince, worst of all! Well, there goes her shot at being a poised and graceful wife to Zuko- not that she was hoping for anything anyways. She was not a firebender after all...
Zuko was slipping away from eye view, past the dining hall entrance. Azula grabbed Mai's arm as the onyx-haired girl was about to go after the Prince, "This is your chance, don't mess it up. Also, thank you for the morning entertainment. Maybe this should be routine!" Azula teased.
"Talking about swords is a good ice breaker, huh?" Ty Lee wiggled her eyebrows.
"Ugh," With a roll of her eyes, Mai pulled her arm back and headed towards the dining hall entrance to follow Zuko.
Mai expected to run a great distance to catch up with the Prince. As it turns out, he was waiting for her next to the door frame. He leaned against the wall behind the dining hall, hidden away from prying eyes.
"Hi. I apologise for the, er..." Mai opened her mouth again but nothing came out. For once, she was at a loss for words. She did not know how to construct the sentence she was trying to say.
"Forget about it, let's just restart the day."
Mai's lips parted faintly. After a moment of gratitude, Mai pursed her lips to fight back a smile threatening to form on her face.
"What?" Curious, Prince Zuko wanted to know what Mai was thinking. To normal people, Mai would be considered as someone who was very hard to read. Everything that comes out of her mouth is the truth, people could always count on her honest opinions. They are not just blank, pointless opinions, but opinions that are worthwhile, profitable, and rewarding, even. But she does not speak much, and people wonder; what is going inside her head? Of course, they would never know, that such a pretty head could hold so much calculations, strategies, secrets...
Mai relaxed her lips, "Oh nothing, I knew you were a Prince, capable of anything and everything but I didn't know you could also turn back time,"
"You know, being a prince and all, I might just be able to make that happen."
"That would be impressive." Mai tittered. "So, what's the plan?"
"Give me a tour of Ba Sing Se. And not just within the Upper Ring, I want to see all of Ba Sing Se."
Mai's head started to nod in understanding, however, Zuko felt he still had to elaborate, "I've been here for a week. And I have not seen anything outside these palace walls. If I'm going to rule Ba Sing Se, I need to know my people." Zuko feared that Mai would say no.
"And why can't you just ask one of the Joo Dees? Or anyone for that matter. I haven't been here long, either." If Mai was a normal Fire Nation girl, she wouldn't even dare question the Prince, especially when he has asked to spend time with her. But Mai isn't a normal Fire Nation girl.
There was silence. It is true, the new Governor wanted to see all of Ba Sing Se. He needed to see why and how he can serve the people of Ba Sing Se. But there was a reason why he chose Mai show him around. When he was with her, he didn't have to put up an act. "Because I heard you've done rounds in the Lower and Middle Rings. And I'd rather have someone from my court." He explained.
Mai nodded slowly in approval. "Brace yourself. They are not going to welcome the Crown Prince of the Fire Nation with open arms."
"But I won't be the Crown Prince of the Fire Nation." Zuko pulled the pin holding his top knot, releasing his dark hair, letting them fall just above his shoulders. Mai scrunched her eyebrows, confused. "And you won't be a Fire Nation noblewoman. Today, it's just going to be Zuko and Mai. Two Earth Kingdom teenagers, hanging about."
"I never thought I'd say this out loud but, I like the way you think."
"I thought you'd approve."
With Zuko's orders, the Prince's attendants were left behind at the Palace. Before that, he ordered them to acquire Earth Kingdom clothes for him and Mai to wear. Mai and Zuko left behind their red garments in their respective chambers and for the day, they were just girl and boy. No title, no expectations.
Mai knew the Lower and Middle Rings well enough not to get lost, they didn't need a tour guide to show them around. Mai was glad his attendants were not joining them in today's activities. But she also knew that it was foolish to let Zuko wander around the unpolished Lower Rings of Ba Sing Se without protection. So, she convinced Zuko to bring along a servant girl who used to live in the Lower Ring, and this servant could show them around and tend to their needs. Like Mai, Suki was also invested in Zuko's protection.
Zuko, Mai and Suki rode the train from the Upper Ring of Ba Sing Se to the Lowest. From there, they will travel inwards. Zuko found his first time using public transport to be fairly peculiar. As he entered the vehicle, he felt uneasy due to his close proximity to strangers. Zuko sat on the edge of the seat and Mai sat next to him. Suki decided it was beneficial to stand next to Zuko, instead of sitting next to Mai. He needed surround protection.
The Prince saw that the servant girl chose to stand next to where he was sitting, "Please," He gestured to the empty seat next to Mai. Mai's eyes were blank, Suki couldn't tell if she agreed with Zuko or not. The train was packed with strangers, even though the Prince was in disguise, the unexpected should be expected.
"Please, sit," Zuko repeated.
"Uh, may I sit here?" Suki motioned to where he was sitting.
With a reluctant nod, Zuko responded, "Sure." He looked at Mai who already shifted a seat down. He shuffled towards her and provided Suki a generous space to sit down.
In forty minutes, the train came to a halt at Ba Sing Se's Lower Ring. The Lower Ring had a stench that most titled individuals would find quite putrid. The street was narrow, its perimeter was decorated by endless stores and stalls. Puddles gathered in the uneven ground and litter accumulated on the sides of the street. Zuko was appalled. He had only seen the best Ba Sing Se could offer, but not the worst.
"It gets better, don't worry." Suki advised as she noticed Zuko's troubled expression and Mai with her fingers pinching her nose. "This is where the train stops and it is always busy, that's why it's so, uh, cluttered. Near where I used to work, there are hundreds of places to dine. Usually, the spices fill up the smell of the place."
"Let's head there." Mai removed her hand from her nose and walked towards their destination.
Suki walked a few paces back while Mai and Zuko walked next to each other. They encountered the half-burnt shops and houses, caused by the arrival of the Fire Nation soldiers. Families gathered wood and supplies to repair what was damaged. Zuko leaned closer to Mai's ear, "This was done by our soldiers." Not a question but a statement.
"To instil fear." Mai agreed. The Fire Nation taught its young that it is the superior race and through fear, people would obey. Death and destruction were always effective.
"They were successful. The citizens fear us. And hate us. We should send them supplies, and workers, to help them rebuild."
"I agree."
The trio eventually made their final turn to a restaurant packed street. Mouth-watering scents filled their noses. Zuko's stomach immediately remembered that it barely ate breakfast and it growled at him. Zuko's gaze shot up at Mai to see if she's heard his stomach's complaints.
"They're singing a duet." Mai tapped her own stomach with her hand. Mai ate a lot for breakfast, but it was already passed half day. Nearly late for lunch. "Suki, which restaurant would you recommend?" Mai turned her head back towards Suki.
"Oh, I know just the place!" Suki took the lead and directed them to a moderately sized restaurant. Green lanterns were hung from the ceiling, illuminating the area. Short table runners were placed in the middle of the wooden tables as well as a couple of candles and a vase containing a single panda lily. The ambiance was warm and friendly.
They entered the restaurant. "Do we wait to be seated?" Mai asked.
"No, we can sit wherever. We can wave at the waitress when we want to order."
The three teenagers sat on a four-seat table in the corner of the room. The windows displayed the flower shop located next door and children chased each other in the streets. It was evident that the restaurant was located in the 'good' part of the Lower Ring.
"I didn't think there would be dishes I don't recognise still." Zuko flicked through the menu, "I would've thought the Palace has served all Earth Kingdom dishes by now."
"What are you thinking of having?" Mai asked as she peered over his arm.
"This one." Zuko pointed at the paper, "But this also sounds interesting."
"We'll just get both of them and share." Mai took the menu and passed it to Suki, who was staring at them with wide eyes and an amused smile. Mai sent a discreet glare over to Suki. She knew what the other girl was thinking.
"I'll call over the waitress," Zuko stood up and took a couple of steps until the waitress has noticed him and gestured that they are ready to order.
Meanwhile, Suki whispered to Mai, "You know, Mai, there's other ways of sharing saliva. And don't even think of kicking me under the table, you know what it costed you this morning," She sniggered.
"Yeah, but this time, I won't kick the wrong person." And with that, Mai booted Suki's shin.
Zuko found his way back to his chair, "She's coming."
A teenaged girl approached their table, "Hello, what will be your order for today?"
Suki, holding the menu, answered for them, "We will have soft shell pork-crab, chicken-tiger curry and beef curdled soup, thanks."
"Got it. Oh, I'm Jin, by the way."
Mai was not looking at this Jin girl and was instead staring at her nails, at first. But Jin's odd introduction urged Mai to have a look at her. She was pretty, with long nut-brown hair in braids and a winner smile, Jin held her hand out towards Zuko.
"Oh, uh. Lee." Zuko grasped her hand and gave it a respectful shake.
A/N: I had so much fun writing this! I hope you had fun reading it as well! Sorry for the delay. My internet wasn't being friendly these past couple of days. Hope you understand!
Please, review, favourite and follow! See you next week!