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It was an ordinary day. Mai lay stretched out on the lounge chair in her bedroom, lazily turning to the next page of One Thousand and One Stories of Insects. She sighed. This used to be her favorite book until she had read it for the hundredth time and memorized it from beginning to end. But aside from this one, she had no other options. The rest of her books had been reread far too many times already.
It was hard to believe that only a few months ago, she had been so relieved upon graduating from the academy. Now, she longed to return there more than ever. The Royal Fire Academy for Girls had never been an interesting place to Mai, but at least back then, every day brought something new, unlike now. Utterly dull.
Sleep. Eat. Lie around. That was it.
That was her daily routine, looping endlessly. And yet, what was there to complain about? This was the life countless unfortunate children could only dream of. Still, Mai couldn’t shake the suffocating feeling that came with this dream. She hadn’t even stepped outside the house, not once. There was no reason to. Her friends were all busy.
She hadn’t seen them since graduation. Ty Lee had left the Capital to join a circus, as she’d mentioned in her most recent letter. As for Azula, she was definitely busy with her duties as a princess, perhaps even as the next Fire Lord.
Mai shifted upright, absently closing the book and letting her thoughts drift.
Everyone else had already decided on their future paths. Everyone except her.
‘Don’t you have any passion?’ Ty Lee’s innocent question floated back into her mind.
Passion? What even was that? Truthfully, she had never thought about it, not once. And whether she knew or not didn’t matter. In the end, her parents would decide her life for her. They always had.
‘Mai, you will attend the Royal Fire Academy for Girls.’
‘Mai, you should befriend the princess. She will be useful to me– I mean to you in the future.’
“My lady!” The voice of a servant abruptly cut through her thoughts.
“My lady, Lord Ukano requests your presence in the reception hall.” The servant continued.
“…Alright. You may leave.” Mai replied with her plain tone.
Mai rose sluggishly, stopping before the mirror to adjust her appearance before leaving the room.
Her father had gone out early that noon, claiming urgent business at the palace. Why was he back so soon? Could it be that even he–
She let out a long breath, a faint shiver running through her. She hoped, desperately, that this wasn’t about some flashy, polished boy who ‘might be suitable for you, dear’ accompanied by parents with influence in court. She still vividly remembered the boy with his hair pulled painfully tight and a gleamingly cheesy smile. It made her want to throw up.
Stopping before the bright red curtain leading into the reception hall, Mai forced those thoughts aside and stepped inside.
The atmosphere was unexpectedly cheerful.
Her parents sat comfortably at the intricately carved table, sipping herbal tea. Upon seeing her, Michi set her cup down and waved gently in greeting. Ukano looked unusually animated, far from the weary minister he usually was.
Mai felt a knot twist in her stomach. What could possibly make them this pleased?
Keeping her composure, she sat across from them and slowly poured herself a cup of tea, deliberately stalling before the inevitable conversation began.
“Mai,” Ukano spoke.
“Yes, Father?” Mai answered mechanically.
“You’ve heard about our latest victory in the Earth Kingdom, haven’t you?” He asked.
“Yes,” she replied simply, vaguely recalling the dinner conversation from a few days prior.
“Good. This weekend, we will move to Omashu.” His tone was as casual as discussing the weather.
“…Why?” The question slipped out with a frown.
“Your father has received a royal decree from the Fire Lord,” Michi answered.
“The Fire Lord has bestowed a great honor upon our family. Your father is to become the Governor of Omashu.”
She gestured toward a scroll tied with red silk resting neatly on the table.
“A tremendous honor for a humble servant such as myself,” Ukano smiled.
Mai stared at the scroll, taking a small sip of tea, trying, and failing, to swallow the weight of the news.
“We’ll be holding a celebration,” Ukano continued. “Many important people will attend.”
“Yes, there’s so much to prepare,” Michi chimed in happily.
“I think you’ll need a special outfit for the occasion, Mai.” The mother beamed at her daughter.
“I already have enough clothes, Mother,” Mai replied flatly, entirely uninterested.
“Besides, shouldn’t I be packing–”
“Oh, don’t worry about that. I’ll have the servants take care of everything tomorrow.”
“If you’re concerned they might disrupt your weapons,” Ukano added mildly, “you can note them in advance.”
“Fine, then I shall take my leave…”
Mai stood, bowed lightly, and excused herself.
Walking slowly down the hallway, she tried to process everything. This wasn’t the first time her parents had announced a decision she had no say in, but this time was different. This time, it was bigger, because it came directly from the Fire Lord.
She stopped before her chamber door, suddenly reluctant to move.
She had heard stories about families sent to the colonies. The children of governors would either inherit their parents’ roles or be married off to wealthy local merchants to strengthen political control. She was no exception. Mai could already envision the life laid out for her: politics, marriage, children. Not so long a human’s life....
She entered the room, where she had lived in for fifteen years. There was nothing special in this room, to be honest, bed, desk, wardrobe, nightstands. Perfectly adequate. She rarely cared about decorating it, but now, the gaudy flower arrangement on her desk grated on her nerves. A throwing dart slid from her sleeve into her palm. With a single flick of her wrist, the flowers were cleanly cut away.
Then she turned to the nightstand. The real reason she never wanted servants cleaning her room wasn’t fear for her weapons, it was what lay inside this nightstand.
She opened it. Inside were a bunch of papers, newspaper clippings, notices, wanted posters—all centered on one name: The Avatar.
Mai wasn’t particularly invested in world affairs. She collected these papers for only one reason: they were the only way she could know anything about him. Or at least, she hoped so.
The articles focused on the Avatar, of course. Information about him was scarce, sometimes only a small detail she could piece together to guess his whereabouts. But no matter how much she tried, she could never understand his actions. Betraying the Fire Nation during the Northern Water Tribe battle? What had he been thinking? Her fingers tightened around the wanted poster as she studied the drawing.
The first time she’d seen it, she barely believed her eyes. He had changed so much. It wasn’t just the hair or the large scar, her fingertip brushed the dark red mark, and her chest tightened as the echo of that scream resurfaced in her mind. Something in his expression made it clear: he was no longer the boy she once wandered with. She knew these drawings were exaggerated, but every time she looked at it, she wondered what he had endured.
Mai sighed softly, forcing herself to look away. She stacked the papers neatly and tied them together. Better get rid of these before her mother finds them. Carrying the bundle out, she spotted a servant nearby.
“Here,” Mai said, holding out the papers.
“Yes, my lady?” The servant bowed deeply.
“Scraps. Throw them away.” She explained simply.
“…As you wish.” Taking the bundle, the servant departed quickly.
Watching them disappear, Mai clenched her right hand. She had thrown away everything she was supposed to. Right...
‘The Fire Nation’s sunset truly is the most beautiful,’ she thought ironically.
Leaning against the railing, Mai gazed out at the sea. She still couldn’t quite believe it. She was aboard a ship bound for some Earth Kingdom city called Oma–whatever. Everything had happened so fast, it felt as though the day her father overturned her life was only yesterday.
Perhaps her sense of time had long since blurred. Her youth had slipped by in dullness, yet her childhood memories now surfaced with startling clarity.
Like that Blazing Eve's Festival.
She still remembered walking beside him after the fireworks had ended…
~~~~~~
The brightly lit stalls gradually dimmed. The two children walked in silence toward the Ukano estate. Ever since that brief touch of hands, neither of them had said a word, yet it wasn’t hard to tell that something had changed.
Mai let out a quiet sigh as her house came into view. Tonight had been wonderful, she hadn’t expected it to end like this.
The closer they got to the Ukano estate, the more hesitant her steps became. What exactly was she waiting for? They had gone to the festival together, and it was over now. It was time to go home. That was all.
“We’re here,” she said casually, pointing her toes toward the gate.
“Wait! Hold on, Mai!” the boy suddenly called out after her.
“What’s wrong?” Mai stopped and turned to look at him.
“I… I think…” he hesitated, scratching the back of his neck.
“What is it?” she asked, raising one eyebrow.
“I think that I like…” His voice trailed off into a mumble.
With her arms crossed in impatience, Mai let out a quiet breath, careful not to interrupt this strange conversation. Yet, unexpectedly, her hands trembled.
“I like… you–r outfit. Yes, that’s it. It looks really nice,” Zuko blurted out, eyes fixed on the ground.
“Oh… thanks,” Mai replied flatly, a sudden sense of disappointment sinking in.
They stood there again, silent for a long moment. Neither of them looked at the other.
“My mother would be greatly honored," Mai said dryly.
“Hm?” He looked at her, confused.
“She spent ages making sure this outfit was perfect. She says appearances matter, you have to show the world where you stand,” Mai explained, lips curling faintly.
“That… makes sense,” he said with an awkward smile, visibly relieved.
“So do you think she’d like that hairpin?” he asked, half-joking.
“This one?”
Mai lightly touched the delicate golden hairpin, which was shaped like a stylized flame, the one he had chosen for her at the festival.
“It’s hard to tell what her taste is like. But I like it,” she said calmly.
“That’s good… um… ah…” He rubbed the back of his neck again. “For the Summer Solstice this year, did Azula invite you to the ceremony?”
“Yeah. Why?” Mai looked at him.
“Will you wear that hairpin again?” he asked quietly.
Mai looked at the boy in front of her. That look in his eyes…
“Oh! I mean, it’s just a suggestion. You don’t have to–” Zuko rushed to explain, waving his hands nervously.
“I will wear it.”
~~~~~
It’s already been three years, hasn’t it? Mai thought, gazing up at the sky, now darkened into deep shades of purple.
Thinking back on that promise, she wondered if she would ever have the chance to see him again, especially now that the Fire Lord had placed such a generous bounty on his head. And even if fate allowed them to meet again… would he still be the same person?
Back then, she could say she understood something in the look in his eyes. But if they were to meet again, she wasn’t so sure anymore. Time wears down even stone, how could hearts remain unchanged?
“My little girl has grown into such a young lady!” a woman’s voice rang out, cutting through Mai’s thoughts.
She turned to see her mother, cradling a sleeping child in her arms. Mai said nothing, only watched as her mother approached.
“This outfit truly suits you, Mai. You stood out at the banquet, I’d wager more than a few young men lingered on you. But…” Her mother gently brushed aside a loose strand of hair.
“If only you’d listened to me and chosen a more suitable hairpin. I bought so many beautiful ones for this occasion, yet you insisted on wearing that cheap festival trinket,” she sighed, eyeing the plain golden pin.
“Did you need something, Mother?” Mai asked, steering the conversation away from the hairpin.
“I came to tell you dinner is ready. What are you doing up here anyway?” her mother said, adjusting the child in her arms.
“Nothing important,” Mai replied, turning back toward the railing.
“Just watching the sunset and saying goodbye to the place where I was born and raised,” she added with quiet sarcasm.
“Come on, Mai.” Her mother stepped closer.
“I know this all happened rather suddenly. And I know you’re still upset that Princess Azula couldn’t attend the farewell banquet because of her duties.”
“But look at the bright side. Your father will soon be the governor of an entire city. We’ll be no different from royalty there. And before long, the houses, the streets, everything will be colonized. Soon enough, it will feel just like home.” She smiled gently at her daughter.
“I hope so,” Mai said, glancing at her mother before turning toward the door leading below.
Mai let out a quiet sigh and trudged back toward the tank train. Less than a week ago, she had arrived in Omashu with her parents, listlessly wandering around what was supposed to be her new home. And now here she was, soaked from head to toe, her body aching with exhaustion after chasing the Avatar from nightfall until dusk.
Mai knew she had no right to complain. After all, this had been her choice. She wasn’t supposed to regret it.
She detested the dull, suffocating life awaiting her in Omashu, where everything would unfold according to her parents’ arrangements, where her fate had already been decided. That was why she had been willing to seize any chance to leave. Even if it meant traveling across the Earth Kingdom with her two friends to carry out the Fire Lord’s will. Azula’s summons had been an order, but somewhere beneath that, it had still felt like a choice. Like taking control of her own destiny.
After changing into a set of dry clothes, Mai let herself fall back onto the bed. Her eyes slid shut as she focused on the slow release of tension from each aching muscle. She exhaled deeply, then opened her eyes and glanced around. No one was there. Azula hadn’t returned yet from her own chase after the Avatar. Turning onto her side, Mai reached into her pillowcase and pulled out a small scrap of paper.
Yes. Even she knew how ridiculous it was. And yet she still kept it, the wanted poster, with his sketch printed on it.
Their mission wasn’t just to capture the Avatar alive. They were also tasked with hunting down two traitors to the Fire Nation, General Iroh and… Zuko.
She wasn’t sure if she was ready to face him. Yet some quiet part of her still hoped they would be the ones to catch him. Azula was his sister, after all. She would make sure he was brought back alive to face the Fire Lord… at least, that was what Mai told herself. Anything was better than him falling into the hands of bounty hunters.
“Kill them without mercy.”
The words written neatly across the poster surfaced in her mind. Her fingers tightened around the paper, and she forced herself not to imagine it.
“Oh! Azula! You’re finally back? Your hair’s full of sand, what happened? Maybe you should go wash up first. We’ll wait in the room!” Ty Lee’s voice called out from outside.
Mai quickly stuffed the paper deep back into the pillow and rolled onto her back.
A moment later, the door swung open and Ty Lee bounced in, carrying with her the sweet scent of berries. She perched on the edge of the bed, looking down at Mai’s languid form.
“Long day, huh? Those kids were tougher than I expected, especially that boomerang guy.” Ty Lee smiled as she mentioned him. Mai rolled her eyes.
“Yeah,” Mai replied with a sigh. “They wore me down to the bone.”
“Haha, totally! I seriously can’t wait for this mission to be over. I’m starting to miss my favorite spa back in the Capital. Look at my nails, they’re awful.” Ty Lee stretched as she spoke.
They chatted idly for a while, until the door opened again and Azula stepped inside, settling onto the bed opposite them.
“So?” Ty Lee turned toward her. “How did your chase go?”
“Nothing noteworthy,” Azula said coolly, crossing her legs and beginning to file her nails, “if my dear brother hadn’t randomly decided to crawl out of some filthy corner.”
“You mean… you ran into Zuko?” Ty Lee asked, eyes wide with curiosity.
"Yea. He looked awful, like a refugee, honestly. Though his firebending is still just as pathetic as ever.” Azula smirked.
“He’s not much of a threat, really. Just enough of a nuisance to stall me until the Avatar’s little friends and his beloved uncle showed up.”
“I’ll admit, together they’re somewhat competent,” she went on, inspecting her nails. “But it’s adorable that they thought they could corner me.”
She paused, admiring her neatly shaped nails, then leaned back on her hands and looked at the two of them.
“I took advantage of an opening and struck the old man hard, then withdrew in the chaos.”
“Wow! That was quick thinking, Azula!” Ty Lee exclaimed.
“I know,” Azula smiled. “I wish you’d been there to see how miserable they looked. Especially Zuzu, he seemed completely shaken when his dearest uncle got hurt.”
“So… we’ve lost track of both targets?” Mai spoke up at last, her tone flat.
Azula’s smile dimmed slightly. Her gaze locked onto Mai, who had been sprawled on the bed, idly turning a four-pointed dart between her fingers. For a moment, Azula had almost forgotten she was even part of the conversation. They held each other’s eyes in silence.
“Only temporarily,” Azula said at last. “Consider it a brief respite for them.”
“Oh, speaking of resting,” Ty Lee chimed in brightly. “What’s for dinner tonight? Running around all day made me starving.”
Thanks to Ty Lee’s timely change of subject, the rest of the evening passed in calm, easy quiet. No one mentioned the Avatar or Zuko, at least not out loud.
When the lights were finally extinguished and the others drifted off to sleep, Mai remained awake. Her thoughts once again filled with his image.
She remembered the way he used to excitedly talk about sword training or court affairs, those golden eyes always shining like a blazing flame. She had teased him for his foolish smile and naive eyes, yet somehow they had always sparked something unnameable in her chest. Once.
Mai shifted for what must have been the tenth time that night, Azula’s earlier words echoing in her mind. She hoped that banishment hadn't taken too much from him.
‘At least he’s still alive…’ she thought, pushing the weight of those thoughts aside as she tried to fall asleep.
“Thank goodness you're here, Suki. Something terrible is going on. The Fire Nation has infiltrated the city. I just saw Prince Zuko and his uncle.” The girl panted, breathless.
“We have to tell the Earth King right away.”
What a naive little fool, Mai thought to herself. She glanced sideways at her friend, Azula’s lips were already curling into a predatory smile.
“Oh, don’t worry,” Azula replied, her voice unnervingly calm. “I'll be sure to let him know.”
Before the unfortunate girl could react, Ty Lee sprang forward and struck her chi points with effortless precision. The girl collapsed onto the ground, the water from her canteen spilling across the floor. Mai stepped closer, joining the circle forming around her with the others.
“So Zuzu’s in the city too,” Azula said cheerfully. “I think it’s time for a family reunion.”
“This is going to be fun!” Ty Lee added, nudging Mai playfully.
“Yeah,” Mai said.
Night in Ba Sing Se always carried a stillness, like the countless secrets it buried beneath its walls. But that night, the air felt quieter than usual, as if even the city itself were holding its breath.
‘So it’s time,’ Mai thought, carefully removing the ornate Kyoshi Warrior accessories from her hair.
Every night was the same. Even knowing she would have to put them back on in the morning, she still took them off. Lighter that way. But not tonight. Something had been weighing on her ever since that Water Tribe girl burst into the throne room.
Mai couldn’t quite understand why she felt so restless. It wasn’t that she wasn’t ready.
Azula had made her and Ty Lee rehearse the entire plan over and over again, ensuring everything would unfold perfectly. Mai knew every step, what she was to do next, and the step after that. The coup. The army flooded in. The final stronghold of the Earth Kingdom falling. The capture of the Fire Nation’s two traitors. And then… what?
Mai glanced at her reflection in the mirror. Half her face was still hidden beneath layers of heavy makeup.
After the cannons fell silent and the iron cells were slammed shut. When fireworks once again bloomed across the Fire Nation sky, where would she be, standing in that brilliant picture?