Equivalent Exchange
Chapter Four: The Western Air Temple
The rising sun stirred ancient instinct in Zuko's blood. He opened his uncovered eye slowly and greeted the day. Something warm and soft leaned against him and then Zuko remembered. He and Mai had watched the sky for a long time the previous night. The prince had even run back below deck to grab a blanket (and some shoes for himself), chivalrously wrapping Mai up inside it to ward off the cool night air. They hadn't said much but the quiet wasn't awkward. Though so much had changed, Zuko was hopeful now that his long standing bond with Mai was still very much intact. She was really here with him and she wasn't going anywhere. Maybe he had some worth after all.
Mai stirred beside him and Zuko watched as she woke up. She grimaced as the bright sun hit her eyes and then gave Zuko a smile.
"The deck is cold," she remarked in a flat voice.
"Yeah, I can't believe we fell asleep here," the prince replied.
"I don't think there's anything comfortable on this ship," Mai noted wryly. "Everything's hard."
Zuko chuckled, his voice cracking a bit, and then the pain hit. He dropped his head into his hands and rocked back and forth in silent agony. Mai watched, horrified, and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.
"I need to get to my room," the prince grunted. "The painkiller…."
"Let's go," Mai said and tugged on Zuko's arm.
They stood up together and walked below deck. Zuko's body was rigid, like a bow pulled back, ready to let loose its arrow. Mai supported him as best she could and helped him into his new room. The salve, bandages and a bottle containing some thick looking liquid sat on the floor next to a red blanket and a few pillows. Mai reached for the bottle and uncorked it, handing it to Zuko. He tilted his head back and swallowed. It took more than a few minutes for relief to come. The prince curled up in a tight ball, the uninjured side of his face pressed into one of the pillows.
"Sorry, Mai," he said breathily.
"It's fine. Do you want me to get your uncle?"
Zuko shook his head slightly and then finally his body relaxed.
"It's better now," he stated and sat up, looking mortified by his display.
"You scared me," Mai remarked bluntly.
"Sorry, but the pain hit me really quickly."
"I saw. It's okay, Zuko."
Mai was unsure what to do next. She hugged her crimson blanket close to her and shifted from foot to foot.
"What's going on in here?" Iroh asked as he stepped into Zuko's room.
"Nothing," Zuko replied. "I just needed the painkiller."
"Jee says that the two of you slept on the deck last night."
"That's none of his business," Zuko shouted.
A perplexed look crossed Mai's face. Zuko's anger was unprovoked and unwarranted.
"Relax," Mai implored her betrothed.
"Lieutenant Jee is a good friend of mine and an excellent soldier," Iroh reminded the boy. "He's also a good firebender, someone I'm sure you'll be training with during your time on this ship. He deserves respect from you. And so does the rest of the crew. I expect you to meet all of them today and speak to them properly."
The retired general's voice was soft but more than a hint of steel lay underneath. He meant what he said and Zuko knew it.
"Yes, Uncle," he said meekly.
His bare cheek was pink and he glanced awkwardly about the room.
"Mai, I suggest you get dressed and cleaned up for breakfast. We'll eat in an hour."
With that he left Zuko's quarters and Mai followed behind, giving the boy one last look.
Back in her room, Mai locked the door and then pulled off her robe and nightgown. Her knives and arrows and shuriken along with their holsters all sat on the larger table. She strapped them on out of habit and then dressed in comfortable black pants and a purple tunic. As she brushed out her long ebony hair, she decided to leave it down. There was no mirror in the room so she opened the door and walked along the hallway to the bathroom. A basin was already filled with fresh, cold water and clean facecloths and towels lay on the small counter. Mai splashed her face and patted it dry then took a look at herself. Her loose hair felt strange but good and she admired her reflection. Tucking some unruly pieces behind her ears, she left the bathroom and decided to explore her surroundings.
She found the engine room where two men worked diligently and then a room that contained a huge tank which, Mai assumed, was full of fresh water. There were huge laundry tubs in the room as well. Mai said a silent thank you. At least she would have clean clothes. Further on was the kitchen. Cook was busy preparing breakfast. It smelled good and Mai's stomach rumbled. There were rooms filled with weapons and armor and store rooms full of foodstuffs like rice, dried meat and produce. Above deck, crewmembers kept watch and the wheel room, which towered above the deck, was staffed by the pilot.
"I see you're making yourself at home," Iroh stated when he discovered Mai wandering about the ship.
"It helps to know your way around," the girl replied dryly.
"Indeed," Iroh agreed with a wink. "We'll get your rooms sorted out today. And Mai, the bathroom nearest the bedrooms, it's yours. I know that young ladies are particular about their appearance. Zuko can use the one a bit further down the hall."
"Thank you, General Iroh," Mai said gratefully.
"Call me Iroh; I haven't been a general for a few years. Now, how about we get Zuko and have breakfast. We'll be arriving at the Western Air Temple soon."
Zuko was dressed and already going over the maps he had taken out of Mai's room. His jaw was set determinedly and his fingers moved along a route known only to him.
"I grabbed my maps from your room. I hope that's okay," he greeted Mai.
Mai just shrugged.
"Nephew, time to eat; you can't afford to skip meals, especially when you're recovering."
The young firebender rolled up the maps and tucked them into a corner. He followed Mai and Iroh into the small dining room where breakfast was served.
"Do you like tea, Mai?" Iroh asked conversationally.
"Sure," she replied.
"You must try this jasmine. It's particularly delicious."
He poured her a cup and she sipped, nodding her approval.
"Another tea appreciator; I'm so happy," the old man crooned.
"We need to focus on more than tea," Zuko interjected bitterly. "We'll be landing below the temple soon. With any luck we'll discover something to help with the search for the Avatar."
"Yes, yes," Iroh said dismissively. "We need to enjoy life along the way too."
"Hmph," Zuko shot back. "Mai, will you come to the temple?"
"Um, sure," she replied uncertainly. "I suppose it beats waiting alone on the ship."
"It's a long, difficult climb," Iroh warned. "But I'm sure the view will be worth it."
"I don't care about the view," Zuko snapped sullenly.
Iroh just sighed and shook his head.
"If it's the last thing I do, nephew, I will teach you to appreciate the little things."
As if taking heed of his uncle's words, Zuko looked up from his dish of fruit and took note of Mai's hair.
"You're wearing your hair down," he stated. "I've never seen it like that during the day."
Realizing what he'd said, Zuko flushed crimson and went back to his piece of mango.
"I like it," he muttered.
"If you can change your hair, I figured that I could too," she replied smartly.
"You're lovely," Iroh complimented the girl. "Zuko's very lucky."
The prince's face grew pink again and he gave his uncle a withering look. Mai covered her mouth and bit back a giggle. Life with Zuko and Iroh might prove to be very amusing.
Zuko watched as some crewmembers moved his meditation table along with his bags from Mai's room next door to his.
"Everything else can stay with Mai," he instructed them.
After their investigation of the Western Air Temple, they needed to make a stop at one of the many Fire Nation colonies that peppered the southern portion of the vast Earth Kingdom. He planned on buying Mai some things to make her life more comfortable and enjoyable. If she could give up everything for him that was the least he could do for her. The young prince smiled as he thought about what he might purchase for her. There wasn't an endless supply of money, but he had enough to treat his betrothed. That word made him smile again. Mai actually wanted to be with him, marry him sometime in the future, despite everything. He truly was fortunate in that regard. Zuko clung to that thought. He had a feeling it would help him through some very trying times that most definitely lay in the future.
Mai poked her head into his room.
"We'll be dropping anchor soon, or so I heard," she informed Zuko.
"Good. I'm going above deck to watch. Come with me?"
He reached for her hand and she took it. They climbed the stairs together and then watched as the ship drew closer and closer to the rocky coastline of the island the Western Air Temple was situated on. The anchor dropped in shallow water and the boat came to a standstill.
Mai, Zuko, Iroh, Jee and two other soldiers would walk to the top of the huge cliffs and then down into the temple itself. The rest of the crew would stay aboard the ship, guarding it against whatever or whoever might be lurking.
"Cook packed a lunch for us," Iroh told his nephew. "I just hope that we can make it up and back before nightfall. Perhaps we should wait and start early tomorrow morning."
"I'm going now," Zuko stated roughly. "You can stay if you want."
"No, no, I'll come," Iroh sighed. "I'm just trying to use some common sense."
The gangplank was lowered and Mai went first. She strode down quickly but slowed when her feet touched the wet sand and stones of the shore. Gingerly she picked her way among them, stepping onto the largest rocks to avoid wetting her feet. She hated damp shoes and she hated walking in them even more.
Zuko was more careless. He ploughed across the beach behind Mai, kicking viciously at stones that got in his way. The rest followed in a straight line. Once they reached the steep pathway, Zuko moved up beside Mai. He was tempted to hold her hand again, but the presence of Jee and the other soldiers stopped him.
It was warm out and Mai felt a thin sheen of sweat begin to form on her face. She wiped at it with the back of her hand and then looked over at Zuko. His topknot swung back and forth and his eye was focused on the path ahead. Not once did he look at his surroundings. They were beautiful, like Iroh had said they would be and Mai felt a surge of excitement. No one she knew had ever seen an Air Temple. In fact, no one she knew had ever set foot outside the Fire Nation. The Air Temples were mysterious and foreign, once home to the monk like airbenders, now extinct, wiped off the face of the earth by the Fire Nation. It was a chilling thought.
It took them more than two hours to make the climb. Zuko huffed impatiently any time Iroh stopped to catch his breath or take a drink from his water bag. Mai placed a calming hand on his arm and that would diffuse his anger a bit. She had to do it a lot; it seemed that just about everything angered the young man.
Mai's pale gold eyes widened with shock when she first looked down from the cliffs at the Air Temple itself. Everything was upside down. Buildings seemed to grow out of the grayish rocks and hang suspended, their sharp tips pointing down into the gaping canyon below. It was truly spectacular. Who had made these buildings? Was it skillful earthbenders? She mused as they walked downward now, the path narrow and winding. Mai purposely looked away from the edge. She wasn't afraid exactly; nervous was a better description of her state of mind.
Finally, they stepped onto a wide platform of sorts that jutted outward, seeming to hover over the precipice. Three alcoves were carved into the cliff and each contained the life like statue of an airbender. They were at least four times her height and seemed to look down at the proceedings with calm gazes. Iroh immediately sat down on one of the benches near the platform's edge. He called to one of the soldiers who handed the lunch basket over to the retired general.
"Mai, would you like a rice ball?" he asked.
Perpetually hungry, Mai nodded. She chewed thoughtfully and watched as Zuko paced the platform searching for Agni only knew what. The soldiers sat with Iroh and ate, commenting on the view and the temple design.
"Would you have a drink of water at least," Mai said, and handed Zuko a water bag.
"Thanks," he said and took a long swig.
"Here, have some."
She held out the rice ball and Zuko bent down to take a bite. Mai gave him a cheerful smile.
"There's nothing here. I can feel it," he said sadly.
"Let's look anyway to be sure," Mai suggested.
Mai was usually the quiet one of the pair, and her support was usually quiet too. In just the last day, though, she had felt a shift. Zuko suffered in silence for the most part and his intensity was almost too much to bear. So she felt compelled to touch and comfort and verbally encourage. She'd spoken more in the last day than she had in a long time.
"Okay," Zuko sighed.
As soon as they were out of sight of the men, Mai grabbed hold of his hand and squeezed.
"You just started," she said. "Don't give up hope already."
Zuko looked at her and nodded. They walked along stone paths, over terrifyingly narrow bridges that spanned parts of the wide gorge, and through old rooms full of nothing but a coating of dust and stone bed frames with molding mattresses. There were water fountains and faded paintings, wide staircases that led to other rooms and hidden tunnels that connected different parts of the temple. But there was no evidence of recent human habitation. Plants grew in abundance and animals nested here and there but it was obvious that no one had lived there for many, many years.
"This whole day has been nothing but a waste of time," Zuko griped as they headed back to Iroh.
"You didn't know," Mai replied.
"Part of me did. The other temples will be the same but I need to look anyway. I need to find him, Mai. I need to get back home."
"You will; you never give up, Zuko. Your father probably never thought about that."
At mention of Ozai, Zuko's entire body went rigid but at the same time, a dreamy, hopeful look crossed his face.
"No, he didn't."
"Ah, it will be dark soon, Zuko. We need to get back to the ship."
"Fine," the prince barked and they headed back up the steep stairs to the top of the cliff and then down the pathway to the sea. The sun had set by the time they walked back up the ship's gangplank. Little bits of pink and orange and purple still coloured the evening sky but they were fading fast, replaced by a brilliantly bright moon and a sprinkling of stars.
Mai and Zuko went below deck to wash up and then eat dinner. As they walked along the narrow hallway, the prince grabbed hold of Mai's arm and pulled her to a stop.
"What?" Mai asked.
"Thank you," Zuko said. "I know that I'm sort of miserable to be around right now. So thanks for coming today."
"Not a big deal," she replied nonchalantly.
"But it is, Mai. You gave up everything just to come with me. That's a very big deal."
"Yeah, well, I was bored at home."
Zuko smiled crookedly and his face softened with affection.
"I'll see you at dinner," he stated and entered the bathroom.
"Where are we off to now, nephew?" Iroh asked the next morning.
They were both standing in the wheel room, observing the ship make its way through the calm blue sea.
"The colonies," Zuko replied. "Mai needs things and so do I. I figured we'd stop at Sagami-wan. It's a fairly large town, from what I've read."
"Ah, good choice; you can get everything you need there and maybe something a little extra for Mai. I'm going to stock up on more tea and see if they have any instruments. I was thinking that a music night might be entertaining."
"Music night," Zuko groaned. "Please don't tell me those old men are going to sing and dance."
"If I can persuade them to, yes," Iroh replied. "Thanks for the idea."
"Ugh."
"Perhaps Mai would enjoy some dancing," Iroh suggested.
"She hates that kind of stuff, Uncle."
"She hates big parties full of nobles. She might enjoy dancing with you under the stars."
Zuko blushed. He had done quite a bit of that since Mai showed herself.
"Maybe," he acquiesced.
"That's my boy," Iroh almost shouted and clapped Zuko heartily on the shoulder. "Where is Mai?"
"She's still sleeping. I checked on her a few minutes ago."
"Hmmmm, well she made quite a choice joining you, Zuko, quite a sacrifice. Making that kind of decision can tire a person out. I hope that you appreciate what she's done for you."
"I do, Uncle," Zuko stated.
"Now, how do you feel today?"
"Alright," the young man replied. "When do you think the bandages will come off?"
"You must keep the burn covered for at least another two weeks," the old man stated. "Then we'll consider taking the bandages off permanently."
"It's starting to itch," Zuko complained.
"Let me take a peek then," Iroh suggested.
In Zuko's room, Iroh removed the bandages and peered closely at the wound. The flesh was red and raw looking like undercooked meat. Some of it was dead and Iroh would have to remove it, so that the living flesh beneath would thrive.
"Hmmm," Iroh said.
"What does that mean?" Zuko asked.
"I'll need to cut away some of that dead flesh," the former general sighed. "The physician mentioned that."
"Mentioned it?" Zuko yelped. "Do you know what you're doing?"
"Well, sort of," Iroh replied.
"Great, try not to do more damage," the prince implored.
"Maybe I should ask Mai to help me." Iroh remarked innocently.
"NO!" Zuko roared. "She can't see."
"Nephew," the old man said gently. "She's going to see eventually."
"I know," Zuko replied desolately. "But it doesn't have to be now."
"Alright, alright," Iroh stated and placed a hand on his nephew's shoulder. "I'll need to sterilize a knife."
"Here, use this one," Zuko offered and pulled the Earth Kingdom blade from his belt.
Iroh made a bright orange flame in the palm of his hand and ran the blade through it until it glowed. Letting it cool down a bit first, he cut away the dead skin and flesh. Once finished, Iroh put on the ointment and re-bandaged the burn.
Neither saw Mai looking through the doorway. She turned and left before Iroh finished, wishing silently that Zuko had more faith in her. She wouldn't let him down.
A/N: More thoughts/explanations/ruminations etc.:
Soon there will be little leaps forward in time. I can't do a day by day story (the 1000 chapter fanfic).
I want to mention something about ages and birthdays. In 'The Avatar State' Zuko says it's the 3rd anniversary of his banishment. So, he was banished in early spring. Iroh calls him sixteen years old right at the beginning of the show. So I figure that maybe Zuko was 13 ½ when he was banished and has a birthday in late summer, early fall. I'm making Mai's birthday in this story fall within a few days of his. So right now, she's 12 ½ and Zuko's 13 ½.
Next chapter they'll stop in the Earth Kingdom colony.
Soon there will be big a big plot development that involves Zhao, Ozai and Azula, but mainly Zhao.
I'm trying to show a sort of temporary split personality with Zuko right now…a bitter and angry one minute, happy with Mai the next, kind of thing.
Right now, they've only been gone a few days. Nothing has truly sunk in yet. But it will.
Well, that's about it, I think. I hope you're still enjoying the story. Trust me, drama and adventure is around the corner (and romance..a little later…they're a bit young yet).
Alabaster