ATLA: Azlua

Rebellion part Seven

A Game of Sides

Mai awoke with the faint light of dawn creeping through the cracks of her tent. She lay there for a moment, the weight of everything pressing down on her chest. The knowledge of what she had to do lingered in the back of her mind, like a dark shadow she couldn't shake. Four weeks. That's all she had. Four weeks to play both sides, to navigate the ever-thinning line between the Liberty Faction rebels and the Earth Kingdom forces. She had already survived four days. Now she was coming into the fifth.

As she dressed, she could still hear the echoes of laughter from the night before—the sounds of celebration that had momentarily distracted her from the grim reality. It had been a rare moment of levity, but it had passed. Today, she had to face the war again.

By the time Mai arrived at the planning table, the usual suspects were already there. Rangi stood tall, his presence as imposing as ever, while Asha, ever eager and bright-eyed, sat beside Hong Li, who still seemed to be recovering from the previous night's indulgence. His usually sharp expression was clouded by a slight hangover, but the gruff leader was ready to work.

"Good morning, Lady Mai!" Rangi's voice boomed in greeting, his energy as high as always.

Hong Li, on the other hand, groaned, rubbing his temples. "Morning? Feels more like the middle of the night..."

Asha laughed, nudging Hong Li playfully. "Maybe you shouldn't have let Rangi talk you into drinking half a barrel."

Mai allowed herself a small smile, but it didn't reach her eyes. "I'm surprised you're still alive, Hong Li."

"That makes two of us," he muttered, though there was a glint of humor in his gaze. "Next time, I'll just stick to water."

The banter continued for a few more minutes, the lighthearted atmosphere of the previous night spilling over into the morning. But as they sat around the table, the conversation eventually shifted to the matter at hand—the war.

Rangi was the first to turn serious, leaning over the table. "We need a plan. The Earth Kingdom's forces are tightening their grip, and they're not going to let up anytime soon. We've got to strike back while we still can."

Mai nodded, focusing on the map in front of her. The Earth Kingdom's presence in the surrounding territories was growing, and the rebels, though fierce, were still scattered. They needed more numbers—more fighters if they were going to stand a chance. But that wasn't all. The rebels needed something greater to rally around. A martyr.

She pushed the thought aside. Not yet.

"We'll need more support if we're going to hold our ground," Mai said, tracing a line across the map. "Hong Li, I want you to travel to the nearby villages and cities within our reach. Try to muster as many forces as you can. We need every able-bodied person willing to fight."

Hong Li nodded, still rubbing his temples. "I'll do what I can. If anyone can rally them, it's me."

Mai turned to Rangi next. "You'll stay here and watch over the HQ. We can't afford to leave this place unguarded, not with the Earth Kingdom closing in."

Rangi nodded in agreement. "You've got it. I'll keep things in check here."

With the plan set, they broke away from the table, the others moving to prepare for their respective roles. Mai, however, lingered, her mind churning with thoughts she didn't want to face.

I need to meet with Azula's contact.

The weight of what she was about to do pressed down on her shoulders. She couldn't trust the rebels fully—not when Azula was still watching from afar, testing her every move. As much as she hated the idea of working with the Earth Kingdom's forces, she had no choice. If she was going to survive this, she needed both sides.

Mai slipped away from the camp as the sun rose higher in the sky. The rebels were too busy preparing for their missions to notice her absence, and that was exactly how she wanted it. She kept her movements swift and quiet, heading toward the Earth Kingdom's territory.

Azula had arranged a meeting with a contact—a liaison who could help her keep her footing in this dangerous game of sides. It was risky, but Mai had survived worse.

The journey through the forest was familiar by now, and soon enough, she reached the predetermined meeting spot. The sight of the Earth Kingdom colors made her stomach churn, but she forced herself to step forward. There, waiting for her, was the contact Azula had promised.

As Mai slipped through the trees toward the meeting spot, her sharp eyes caught sight of the figure waiting for her. The familiar Earth Kingdom garb should have brought comfort in this situation, but it didn't. Not when the person standing there wore the unmistakable insignia of the Dai Li.

So, this is who Azula sent? Mai thought, her stomach tightening.

The Dai Li agent stood tall and calm, his hands folded neatly behind his back, his expression unreadable. Azula had taken control of the Dai Li during her time in Ba Sing Se, but not all had followed her. Some had slipped away, their loyalty wavering. Azula, ever calculating, had left one or two of them in key positions—pawns she could use later. But seeing one now, working in secret within the Earth Kingdom army, made Mai uneasy.

The agent must have sensed her hesitation because he spoke first. "I've been filled in on your purpose, and I am here as your servant."

His voice was smooth, confident, as though the situation was entirely under control. Mai's eyes narrowed, assessing him as he continued.

"I have the ear of one of the commanders in the army," he explained. "He holds little sway for now, but with your help, we can increase his authority. Together, we can make him indispensable to the higher ranks."

The pieces began to click into place in Mai's mind. This is how Azula wants me to play it. She cleared her throat, recalling the documents she had combed through in the days before.

She needed something that would accomplish two goals: help the commander rise in the Earth Kingdom's ranks and do so without causing too much damage to the rebels.

"There's a supply route," Mai began, her voice steady as the plan formed. "One that the Earth Kingdom uses to transport vital resources to their forces stationed near the rebel stronghold. But recently, it's been vulnerable to attacks from bandits. Not large enough to cripple them, but enough to be a thorn in their side."

The agent nodded, understanding where she was going.

"We allow the commander to step in and secure that supply route," Mai continued. "He gets the credit for strengthening the army's position, and in turn, he gains favor with the higher-ups. At the same time, it keeps the rebels off the radar. It's a small enough move that won't draw too much attention from either side."

The Dai Li agent's lips curled into a slight smile. "A smart plan. It's subtle, yet effective."

Mai's eyes remained cold and calculating as she replied. "I'm not here to make a mess. We do this cleanly, and we walk away with both sides intact—for now."

The agent gave a curt nod, clearly satisfied with the direction. "I will relay this to the commander. We will execute it swiftly. You'll hear from me again soon."

As the Dai Li agent disappeared into the shadows, Mai remained still, her mind racing. She stared at the spot where he had vanished, her thoughts swirling with the implications of their conversation. Before she could dwell on it too long, the rustle of leaves caught her attention, and a Yuyan Archer silently dropped down from a nearby tree.

"Should I follow him?" the Archer asked in a low, cautious voice.

Mai shook her head. "No. I'll trust Azula on this one. There's no need to risk unnecessary attention."

The Archer gave a curt nod, trusting her judgment without question.

"Have the others begun tailing Hong Li?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"They have," he replied. "They'll keep their distance, but they'll be close enough to watch over him."

Mai exhaled slowly. "Good. Let's head back. They'll notice if I'm gone for too long."

With that, they turned and moved swiftly but quietly through the forest, making their way back toward the rebel camp.