“You didn’t have to join me, you know. I’m just tired.”
He picked up a small, black, volcanic rock and felt it’s cracks and bumps and such. The sun was beginning to make him rather uncomfortable but he didn’t want to leave it.. Not yet.
❝ I know, but I wanted to anyway. Next time, I’ll bring tea and we can have a picnic of sorts out here.“
She gave a quick glance to the guard some
ways away, but it seemed he’d taken to
gossiping with another rather than staring
over at them.
❝ —- ……..!“
❝ ……… What is wrong with this family?”
❝ ……. Uhm…. thank you, Ozai….”
“Thank you.”
He shot a side glance at the guard as they stopped. Ozai needed to rest. That was a bit of a long walk for him at a pace he wasn’t used to. The prisoner would sit down on the concrete but he wasn’t sure if he wanted to look weak in front of the guard.
Her amber eyes drifted from Ozai to the guard,
who seemed rather interested in what the pair
were up to. A small frown briefly made its presence
of her features, the guard looked like a catgator
eying its prey - and that greatly displeased her.
She gave a sighed huff, then lifted her head proudly
before slowly dropping down to join her father-in-law
on the concrete.
❝ You’ll get used to everything outside again soon.
I’ll make sure you don’t stay so sick.“
“Lucky me.”
He didn’t laugh but he was proud of himself for making her chuckle a bit. Ozai always loved to joke about his son in the most subtle ways unless he wanted to make it obvious.
They were approaching the middle of the courtyard where to their right would be the entrance to the prison. There was a guard stationed outside that looked as if he was ready to open the door.
Honestly, who didn’t love to crack a joke at Zuko’s
expense? Even Zuko joked about himself. It was
almost too easy not to, but always appreciated. At
least, by Mai.
When the entrance to the prison came
within their sights, Mai paused. Of course
Ozai wasn’t looking forward to going back
in, who would?
❝ We don’t have to go back right away.“
“Fire Lady’s Honor?”
Ozai wasn’t sure if he believed her. Why should she keep her word? It wasn’t like he deserved it. This was probably a one-time thing.
She couldn’t help but to snort out a chuckle.
❝ I try not to make promises I intend to break. Especially now that honor’s been brought into it.“
“Do you have any tips besides hoping that my son will visit me on neutral ground?"
He hated the yelling matches they had. It seemed to have worn Zuko out so much that Ozai had not seen him in months.
❝ Unfortunately, no. However, I’ll continue to visit you at least once a month to ensure you get some time out of your cell. Perhaps he might join me someday.”
She finished her comment with a light shrug,
but there was a small smile highlighting her
features.
“Would that give me freedom?”
That’s all he wanted, not only redemption. What use was that in a dark and damp cell? No use at all for him. But it might feel good…
❝ Perhaps not as quickly as you’d desire, but if Avatar Aang believed you’ve redeemed yourself, then I don’t see why Zuko would disagree with him.“
“I wish I had. Nothing is worth staying here for the rest of my life.” Except maybe Ursa’s next visit… if there is one.
However, his new ‘friend’ might make it more comfortable for him. It was hard to decide if that was a good thing or a bad thing since it would help him live longer. Either way, he felt like he would still suffer under the weight of his crimes.
❝ That’s what I have to disagree with. Avatar Aang spared your life in hopes you could rise above the tyrant history has branded you as, in hopes that you could mend your relationship with your son. Staying here, despite the discomfort, is a way to potentially begin redeeming yourself. That’s worth something, isn’t it?“
Clearly, Mai’s time spent with Ursa and Iroh had
some form of influence on her. Not to mention
becoming the Fire Lady has forced her to shed
her gloomier attitude and learn the art of comforting
others properly. She still had much to learn, but she
liked to think she was getting the hang of it.
“I tried in the beginning. However, by the time I recuperated from the fight, I had already become rather sick so I gave up.”
His immune system wasn’t used to such filthy conditions. It took him a long time to get used to it. The man still wasn’t in any shape for escape.
“Lock picking isn’t something I’m good at and they made sure I couldn’t kick the door down. Don’t tell Zuko.” Ozai really didn’t care if Mai did tell Zuko about his attempts but he wanted to make it look like he felt bad about it. And he kind of did in a way.
❝ Honestly, I don’t think anyone can blame you
for trying. Anyone in their right mind would try to
break out at least once.“
Zuko probably already had a guess that his father
had attempted to escape before, but Mai certainly
wasn’t going to mention it. Her husband was
extremely touchy with matters that came to Ozai,
but he was all ready in prison and too under-cared
for to be much of a threat, so why beat a dead horse?
