ATLA: Azlua

Rebellion Part Six

Mai woke to a sharp pain radiating from her chest, her hand instinctively clutching the spot as she flinched and groaned. A gentle but firm hand was placed on her shoulder, and she looked up, blinking through the haze of discomfort.

"Rest, Lady Mai. You need it," came Commander Shin's voice, tired but steady.

Her eyes widened as she focused on him. His weathered white skin was bandaged on the right side of his face, and his long grey beard, usually well-groomed to a point, was now haphazard and messy. His dark eyes, usually sharp and alert, seemed dull with exhaustion.

"How long was I out?" she asked, her voice low as she tried to sit up, ignoring the pain. She waved off his hand as he tried to stop her. "How long?" she repeated flatly.

"Only a day," Commander Shin replied. "You're lucky. No serious head trauma, just major bruising on your stomach."

Mai's thoughts suddenly shifted, the events before her collapse flooding back. "What about the—" she started to ask, but Shin interrupted her.

"The plan went smoothly," he assured her. "Some of the attacks didn't succeed, but we overwhelmed them with numbers and rooted them out where it counted. The rebels are secure. Now rest, my lady."

Mai gave a small, amused smile, realizing how tired he was. His formality was slipping, something that rarely happened with the disciplined commander. She nodded, her body too drained to argue, and let herself sink back into the bed. Her eyes fluttered shut, the weight of sleep pulling her back into slumber.

Another day had passed as Mai slumbered, and when she finally stirred, the pain had lessened, though it still made her flinch as she sat up. Her body was wrapped in medicinal poultices, the sharp scent filling the air. As she inspected her surroundings, she noticed her old clothes—stained with blood—folded neatly beside her. She sighed, regretting not having brought extra garments. Fortunately, the rebels had provided her with new clothing: a dark green and gold ensemble. It wasn't Fire Nation finery, but it was of decent quality. She tied her messy hair into a ponytail, too tired to form her usual buns.

As she stepped out into the hub of the rebel base, she was met with an unexpected sight—people laughing, smiling, and drinking freely. The atmosphere was lively, almost festive. She hadn't expected this level of celebration.

A Yuyan archer approached her from behind. "Commander Shin is in the hall. Allow me to escort you, my lady," he said. She nodded and allowed herself to take in the scene as they made their way through the base. It was surprising—warriors celebrating, faces free of tension. This wasn't what she was used to.

Soon, they arrived at a tunnel that led to a grand hall, filled with dozens of tables. Food and drink were being passed around freely, music filling the air. Rangi, already flushed from drink, noticed Mai enter and immediately raised his cup. "The woman of the hour!" he boomed, earning cheers from the nearby rebels. Mai stiffened, unused to such attention. She forced a smile, waving awkwardly as she approached the table where Asha, Commander Shin, and Hong Li sat.

Rangi met her halfway, handing her a cup of something strong. Before he could encourage her further, Mai jabbed him lightly in the stomach, hissing, "Don't do that again."

Rangi barely flinched and just laughed. "Today is for celebrating! Have some fun!" He then rushed off to another group, causing yet more commotion.

Mai sighed and sat down next to Shin, Asha, and Hong Li. "Is a celebration really necessary?" she asked.

Hong Li chuckled, nodding. "It's our first major victory. It'd be a shame not to celebrate. A change of pace helps boost morale."

Asha handed Mai a plate of smoked fish and rice. The smell was enticing, but Mai winced at the taste of the strong alcohol Rangi had handed her earlier. Asha giggled and switched out the drink. "Try this—it's less potent."