Chapter 8: Long Haul
(The Wedding)
Mai's heart was finally at ease as she was being escorted to the wedding venue by her royal procession. She was draped in a gorgeous red kimono that trailed behind her elegantly. She walked tall and proud, physically embodying what a Fire Lady ought to be.
As her royal procession escorted her to where Zuko was standing, waiting for her outside the entrance of the venue, she felt her dark red lips quirk upwards slightly.
Sure, this morning had been beyond difficult. Sure, sitting around and crying the morning of her wedding certainly hadn't been part of her "perfect wedding" itinerary for the day. But, if there was one thing she learned about being in a relationship with Zuko, it was that every single day of her life would be unexpected. There may never be a set-in-stone "plan" for any given day, but Mai was okay with that.
In fact, she decided that she was okay with whatever life threw her way – so long as she had her Fire Lord by her side.
Mai walked forward towards him then, and he extended his arm for her to take him by his hand.
"You look nice," he whispered quietly enough for just her to hear, "Going somewhere fancy?"
"Something like that," she whispered, playing along, "I'm going to a wedding."
"Oh?" He raised a brow, smirking, "What a coincidence. So am I." He glanced at her briefly. "I heard today is considered particularly inauspicious - do you expect the ceremony to go well?"
They walked forward so that they were just outside the wedding venue. From inside the venue, Head Fire Sage Nya spoke in a reverent voice. "All rise in honor of Fire Lord Zuko and Lady Mai," she announced.
The crowd rose, turning to look back – watching for the soon-to-be Royal Couple to enter through the curtained entrance.
"Let's find out," answered Mai, and they stepped through the entrance.
Caldera City Welcomes Their Royal Couple
Aya Young
Fire Lord Zuko and Fire Lady Mai's wedding ceremony is officially the most-attended event in history. Thousands gathered in the streets of Caldera City, hoping to catch a glimpse of their new Royal Couple. Thousands more have tuned in via the newly invented radio, gushing over the sweet vows the couple exchanged at the altar.
Streets all over the Fire Nation are littered with signs and banners that express the people's adoration of their new Royal Couple. Little girls across the globe are styling their hair to match Fire Lady Mai's iconic wedding hairdo, and there has been a revival of the "Blue Spirit Mask" trend amongst little boys.
FNN spoke with several inside sources regarding the union.
"It's no secret [Fire Lord] Zuko is beloved by everyone as the hero of the Fire Nation. According to Fire Nation lore, he's the physical embodiment of Agni and the art of firebending. [Fire Lady] Mai, in contrast, is an amazing role model for young non-benders everywhere," spoke one inside source. "Today, she proved once and for all that anyone can be powerful – regardless of their bending status. Together, they serve as role models for everyone – benders and non-benders alike. The Fire Nation is proud to have them as our rulers."
Others spoke of Fire Lady Mai's wisdom and her famous life-changing policies – such as the introduction of "food stamps." Others spoke of her passion for spearheading organizations in which non-benders are trained to fight just as well as any bender. The Fire Lady herself is an incredibly skilled bladeswoman with an aim that rivals the Yuyan Archers, so she has made it her personal mission to ensure that no non-bender ever feels worthless or weak.
Others spoke of her compatibility with their beloved Fire Lord.
"It was important to us – the citizens of the Fire Nation – that the Fire Lady was someone who would be an asset to our Fire Lord – not a liability," stated another source, "Our Nation has struggled enough with liabilities in the form of rash rules, and we needed to make certain that history wouldn't repeat itself. I think I speak for all the Fire Nation in saying that Fire Lady Mai has and will be the clear-headed, wise ruler we all need."
All in all, the consensus was the same: The union between Fire Lord Zuko and Fire Lady Mai represents a more than welcomed addition to the Royal Family.
Long may they reign! ■
Fire Lady Mai: Trendsetter of the Year
Zarok Yen
The Royal Wedding was no doubt one of the most popularized events in recent years. It's been a few days since the wedding, and still, it's all anyone can talk about it.
More specifically, everyone's talking about Fire Lady Mai's trendy and influential wedding choices.
"The ceremony was gorgeous," reported one inside source, "The open venue layout was a great choice. It felt like I was attending a fairytale wedding."
Indeed, the ceremony was described by many as "fairytale-like" or "picturesque." Fire Lady Mai took a big risk in having her wedding in an outdoor venue, but it certainly paid off. Attendees of the ceremony left feeling like they had just attended a kind of divine union they thought only existed in myths and legends.
Michi, the mother of the bride, had a few things to say when interviewed by The Sage.
"My daughter has always had an eye for hosting events," she said humbly, "She's an incredibly ambitious and purpose-driven woman. She sought to have a memorable ceremony, and that's exactly what she has achieved. I'm beyond proud of my daughter, and happy for my new son."
Michi's description of the Fire Lady was in line with what the Queen Mother had to say.
"I'm beyond happy for my son and my new daughter. She's everything that my son needed and was looking for in a Fire Lady. I'm incredibly grateful for her!" Jokingly, she said, "I thank Agni every day that my daughter-in-law was involved in planning the wedding. If [Fire Lord] Zuko was left to his own devices, I'm certain the wedding's theme would've been Love Amongst the Dragons!"
When The Sage asked regarding the somewhat controversial decision not to hang the traditional banner after the vows were exchanged, the two mothers-in-law had this to say.
"Throughout history, many traditions were lost and many more were gained," stated Michi, "For example, it used to be a tradition for the Fire Nation couples to burn the tips of their fingers and exchange Fire Vows during the ceremony. Now, of course, we consider that dated. Perhaps certain traditions should be left to the discretion of the new generation."
The Queen Mother had been in agreement with Michi. "I agree whole-heartedly," she had said, "As Michi stated, some traditions are lost with time. I mean, it certainly wasn't traditional for my son to outlaw Agni Kai's, was it? But it was for the sake of our Nation. Similarly, it was for the sake of the ceremony that the traditional banner was not used. It's impossible to continue the tradition without a pulley system in place, and given the outdoor nature of the wedding, there was no such system."
After speaking with the Royal mothers-in-law, we agree with them! It's clear the choice was either to keep the beautiful ambiance of an outdoor ceremony or to keep a banner displaying the names everyone is already familiar with.
And the Royal Couple certainly made the correct choice – one that many, many couples will try and replicate over the coming years. ■
Inside Sources Leak a Romantic Fire Nation Tale!
Shi Gyarang
With the Wedding of the Century just completed, rumors of an incredibly romantic tale certain to be in the history books are circulating. After speaking with exclusive inside sources, Gossip Network has uncovered a wonderfully romantic tale regarding our favorite couple.
According to an inside source who wishes to remain anonymous, the palace staff had been surprised to find that Fire Lord was missing! Of course, the palace was confused and concerned for the safety of their Fire Lord. Rumors of cold feet and abductors overtook the palace.
Thankfully, just over an hour after he was discovered missing, he returned to the palace! When asked what had happened, and why he had left, he answered by showing a box of luxurious fruit tarts.
Apparently, remembering that Fire Lady Mai's favorite food had been fruit tarts from a local city several hours away, he decided to surprise his lover by spontaneously acquiring them the night before. In addition, on the way back to Caldera City, he encountered a peasant man who lacked insulative clothing to keep him warm during the early hours of the morning, so he selflessly offered up his own outer garments – walking the rest of the way in light clothing.
Fire Lady Mai was reportedly moved to tears at the generosity and thoughtfulness of the man she was about to marry.
A Gossip Network reporter obtained an exclusive statement from Lady Ty Lee, the newly-wed wife of Princess Azula.
"[Fire Lord] Zuko has always been the romantic type, so I wasn't surprised when I heard what he had done," she had said whilst smiling. "It must run in the family."
Ah, looks like there's more than one pair of lovebirds in the palace! Here's to wishing that both Royal Couples have long, fruitful relationships full of romantic moments like this. ■
(Three Days After the Wedding)
Ty Lee placed the three news articles down onto the table in the common room where everyone was gathered for a private wedding celebration. It wasn't as much of a "celebration" as it was simply hanging out, but everyone was happy with the low-key event after the prior high-stress events.
"I found these if anyone wants to read it," she said.
Mai leaned over and quickly scanned the articles.
"Seeing if you're name's spelled right?" guessed Zuko, grinning at how quickly his wife was flipping through the articles.
"Hey, don't tease her," said Katara, who was seated beside Ursa.
"Yeah," said Suki, looking up from her game of Pai Sho which she was currently losing to Iroh, "Poor girl is already traumatized." She looked back at Iroh. "Your turn."
"I won three rounds ago," said Iroh.
Suki's mouth opened in disbelief. "No. No, you didn't."
"Yes, he did," said Azula, who had been watching their game closely. "Actually, no, it was four rounds ago."
"Ah, that is true," said Iroh, "I wasn't counting the round I won."
Sokka stood up from where he was arm-wrestling Tom-Tom and Kiyi. "Don't worry, babe," he said to Suki, "I'll avenge you."
Iroh grinned knowingly. "We'll see," he said simply.
As Sokka sat across Iroh, Katara slid to sit next to where Mai and Zuko were reading the articles together and began reading the article about Mai the Trendsetter.
"Michi, were you actually supportive of your daughter's outdoor venue?" Katara dared to ask, opening the can of worms she knew had been there.
"Of course not," Michi said, scowling in distaste, "But I wouldn't dare say it in front of anyone who could hurt her reputation. I may not support my daughter's decisions, but I will always support her."
Toph, who was busy untangling her hair from the braid Katara had put it in, stated, "She's telling the truth."
"Well, of course, I am, Toof," said Michi, looking a little offended. "Why did you feel the need to state that?"
Mai sighed. "It's Toph, Mom."
"Right, right. Sorry, Toof."
Mai shrugged an apology in Toph's direction, but Toph seemed more interested in whatever it was that Aang was doing on the floor. He had a large map of celestial dates laid out alongside a bizarre-looking calculation device.
"What in the world are you doing, Twinkles?" Toph asked.
Aang frowned as he looked up. "I'm just doing some research into auspiciousness. I mean, the Fire Sage Nya was kind of right in saying the wedding would be inauspicious, but I was wondering whether it was an actual science to it, or if it was just coincidence."
Ty Lee shrugged. "I'm sure there is some actual science to it. Fire Sage Nya once told my mother that she'd have more fruit than she knew what to do with. She came from a farming family, so she took that to mean that she'd have a plentiful harvest," Ty Lee said, "Well, the next year, her harvest was no different than usual, so she figured that the prediction was bogus. Two years later, she had eight children at the same time. More fruit than she knew what to do with."
"Oh!" Ursa sniffed. "I'm sure it was just a coincidence. Fire Sage Nya is insane, and I long for the day I no longer have to see her face in this palace." Ikem placed a placating hand over hers, but Ursa continued in her rant. "I'm serious! Nobody has any idea how many grey hairs and wrinkles I gained from her ridiculous 'prophecies'!"
Ikem soothed her. "You still look lovely, my dear."
This seemed to placate the Queen Mother to some degree, though she still glanced irritably at Ty Lee and Aang, who was still doing his research.
"Hey, Aang," called Sokka, who was still playing Pai Sho with Iroh, "What's the likelihood that I'll win this game of Pai Sho?"
"Erm, hold on." Aang fiddled with his calculating device and scribbled down a bunch of numbers of nonsensical characters. "Near impossible," he answered after a few minutes.
Everyone laughed, and Sokka gave a disgruntled grumble and called Aang's answer hogwash before continuing his game. None of them had expected Iroh to make the winning move the very next round.
"I won," Iroh said, unnecessarily.
"Science," said Ty Lee sagely.
"Coincidence!" harrumphed Ursa. "Everyone already knew that Iroh would win against the boy – it was hardly a prediction at all."
"Hey!" said Sokka.
Mai frowned, turning away from the ensuing disagreement involving Ty Lee and Ursa, and looked at Zuko. "We're not having three kids. Two - max," she said, feeling a tad unsettled. "Better to be safe than sorry."
Zuko blinked, confused for a moment before laughing. "You sure?" he asked. "I specifically recall you saying," he took on a silly, feminine voice, "'It's better to be safe than sorry about things like wearing helmets when riding ostrich-horses, not things like getting chronic hemorrhoids after the birth of your third-born child'."
"Zuko…" Mai warned in a low voice.
"Alright, alright," he said in surrender, "Just refreshing your memory."
Mai sighed in relief, tucking her head under Zuko's chin and watching her crazy friends and family interact with each other. Zuko followed her gaze and realized she was looking at the chaotic environment their friends had cultivated. Toph was teaching Michi to pronounce her name, Katara was struggling to rebraid Toph's hair, Tom-Tom and Kiyi were big-toe-wrestling, Sokka was demanding a rematch with Iroh, Aang was tapping his head and mumbling nonsense that Azula and Suki were trying to decipher, Ursa was arguing with Ty Lee, and Ikem just looked on blankly at the situation.
Zuko snaked his hand up to play with the hair that escaped Mai's crown. "You're not planning on backing out now, are you? If so, I'm afraid I must burst your bubble, my dear. You're kind of in it for the long haul now – crazy family and all," his tone was joking, but Mai knew that he was also wanting her reassurance.
Mai turned her head to look at him. "I knew exactly what I signed up for, Zuko. Maybe that makes me crazy too."
"Oh, great," said Zuko dryly, "I've gone and married a self-proclaimed crazy woman."
Mai smirked, poking his ribs lightly. "You're in it for the long haul," she teased.
"Yeah?" he said, dipping his head down to kiss her.
She smiled against his lips. "Yeah."
End.
A/N: I had like all of this posted on AO3 and then some chapters here and there posted on FFN. Just decided to finish it off here.