Cadence paced worriedly around the apartment. Today was Zuko's first day back on his feet, and he was once more serving tea in the shop. He seemed more at peace with himself now, though still not completely recovered. However, he was insistent that she not hover over him like a mother hen with a lone chick. Iroh agreed with that assessment, and Cadence was left to her own devices. The one time she'd projected over to look in on him, she'd found it amusing that he didn't seem to mind Jin hovering over him worriedly. She was glad to see his heart opening up that way.
As she wandered over to the desk, however, she noticed something that both surprised and concerned her. The heartfire pouch had been left on his desk, and it had ejected a letter. Confused, she picked it up, becoming more confused to discover it was Zuko's letter to Mai.
I'm sorry.
I truly am the traitor now that Azula named me, and the refugee I have pretended to be. I had a chance to choose...to be a good Prince, or to be a good person, and I made the choice I could live with, though it tears me apart to have done so. Prince Zuko is no more.
As things are, I can never return to the Fire Nation...or to you. So I do the only thing I can. Say goodbye.
I won't ask you to forgive me for this. I can't even forgive myself for how this will hurt you. And part of me hopes you don't. Better to die by your enraged hands then to fall into Azula's.
Goodbye, Mai.
Zuko.
Cadence sighed softly. "Oh, Zuko..." she murmured, shaking her head. Turning the letter over, she found a different message scored on the back, the calligraphy showing barely contained fury in the writing.
I will find you.
If I have to tear Ba Sing Se apart stone by stone, I will find you.
And you will regret this if you don't take this back the moment you see this.
Rolling her eyes, Cadence realized it was time to do damage control. "Boys," she muttered, rolling her eyes at Zuko's stupid attempt to be noble. Taking another parchment, she penned a message.
Meet me at the restaurant three doors down from The Jasmine Dragon.
C
With that written, she slipped it into the pouch, watching as the smoke flowed towards the palace. "Hmm...interesting." Turning, she made her way towards the restaurant.
Cadence wasn't surprised that she didn't have to wait long for Mai to show up. She was a bit surprised at the disguise, however. "A Kyoshi Warrior?" she murmured curiously. "You might want to be careful with that disguise. The Avatar's group knows them personally."
"I'm aware," Mai replied, taking a seat. "But why did you want to meet with me? And why here?"
"Several reasons," Cadence replied. "For one, Zuko hasn't seen your return message...and he isn't going to."
Mai's eyes narrowed dangerously. "You better have a good explanation for that," she muttered, hands slipping into her sleeves.
"Don't threaten, Mai," Cadence chided. "You have no idea how strong I've gotten since we last met face to face. Not only that, an archer that puts the Yuyan Archers to shame has an arrow trained on your heart. If you actually attack me, you'll be dead before you can make it three paces...and that's if he has to deal with you." Once Mai had relaxed, Cadence smiled. "But there's no need for such hostility. I called you here to talk."
Mai let her hands fall out of her sleeves. "Then talk," she stated.
Cadence turned towards the tea shop. "Look over there," she said softly.
As Mai looked, she saw Zuko step out to serve tea to a girl Zuko's age Mai didn't recognize...but who was obviously familiar to Zuko, if the way they chatted - and she flirted - was any sign. "Who's that?" Mai asked coldly.
"That's Jin," Cadence replied easily. "A friend of Zuko's. And if he's truly embracing this new life now, she may be more than that sometime in the future." She chuckled. "Maybe a lot sooner, if he can handle it." She frowned as she heard Mai shifting. "None of that," she chided, her horn igniting.
Mai found herself affixed to the bench by a powder blue aura. Glowering, she turned back to Cadence. "I thought you were on my side," she murmured.
To Mai's surprise, Cadence laughed in her face. "My dear girl, wherever did you get that idea?"
Mai stared. "But...the proposal-"
"I helped Zuko make things right with the girl he was smitten with," Cadence explained. "And I crafted the pouches because he was so distraught about leaving you for so long." She sat back, steepling her hooves. "And here? I gently nudged things so Zuko could make a friend of his own." She then leaned forward. "And now, I have a question for you...one I want you to ponder and decide for your own later.
"Do you love Zuko? Or do you just love being loved by him?"
"...what?" Mai asked flatly.
"It's a very simple question," Cadence replied. "It's all about what's best for him, when you get down to basics. You see...recently he underwent a serious spiritual illness. A choice he made tore his spirit apart, and it's still piecing itself back together. I won't allow anything that will run the risk of those spiritual wounds tearing open again. If I think there's anything that might risk that...I intend to deal with it most harshly..."
As she spoke, a piece of metal on Mai's outfit warped and twisted under nothing but the sheer force Cadence was bringing to bear on it with her magical aura.
"The question is...are you one of the things I have to deal with?" she murmured. "Or...are you something that will help him become whole again?" Releasing Mai, she stood up. "I have enjoyed our chat, dear. We really should do it more often." Turning, she headed back to the apartment.
Mai stayed at the table for a time, before she eventually stood up and headed back towards the palace. She was rather startled when Jin came up to walk beside her. "So you're the one Lee's still holding a torch for," she stated bluntly with a happy smile.
Seeing no reason to be less than honest - as far as it went - Mai shrugged and replied, "I was."
"Wow," Jin replied. "I figured he was important before he came here, but I didn't think he was betrothed to a noble."
Mai turned to stare at her. "What makes you think I'm a noble?" she asked calmly.
"I used to live on the outskirts of one of the larger Earth Kingdom cities," Jin answered easily. "Saw enough noble's daughters acting aloof to recognize it when I see it."
Mai said nothing in response for a time. "...Lee...seems happy," she said at last.
"He's getting there," Jin replied. "A weight seems to be lifted. I hope he's all the way better soon."
"...me too." Mai watched Jin's face for a time. "You know he's more than just a tea server."
"I know," Jin replied. "I don't need to see his scar to recognize he's marked by destiny." She sighed sadly. "Sometimes...he acts like the whole world's resting on his shoulders. He doesn't seem to know how to handle it."
"That destiny might call him back," Mai pointed out. "What will you do then?"
"Go with him," Jin replied without hesitation.
"...really?" Mai asked. "You'd leave behind everything you know, the whole life you've lived here...to go into the unknown with him?"
"If he'd let me," Jin confirmed. "I get the feeling he might not like the idea of me doing so. He'd worry I'd regret it."
Mai was silent for a time, thinking this all over. "...on an unrelated matter, what do you think of the war?" she asked.
Jin hesitated. "We're...not supposed to talk about that," she muttered, looking away.
"No one's watching us, and I won't tell anyone," Mai reassured her.
Jin was silent for a time. "...I hate the Fire Lords for starting the war," she replied softly. "And I hate the Earth Kings and the leaders of the Water Tribes for not acting in concert to stop the Fire Nation sooner, and the Avatar for vanishing for a century..." She shrugged. "But...the soldiers? The generals? They're just doing their jobs, following orders, trying to serve their countries the best way they can." She smiled softly. "Though I still have to wonder about the Prince..."
"The Prince?" Mai asked quickly.
"The Fire Prince," Jin replied. "Before the war destroyed my home, he came through once with his crew, looking for the Avatar. I only saw him from a distance...but he looked sad. I found myself wondering what he had to be sad about."
Mai was silent. "We're almost to the palace," she pointed out. "...Lee...might just want you to come with him when and if the time comes."
"Maybe you'll be there, too," Jin replied. Giving Mai an unexpectedly familiar pat, she turned and headed back towards the tea shop.
Mai was very glad that the Kyoshi Warrior makeup was so thick. It gave her plenty of time to control her blush before someone noticed.
...Damn! Cadence just jumped up like five levels on the badass meter! I really can't wait to see how she meshes with Equestria. Keep up the excellent work Tatsurou!
I'm gonna stay out of this, except to say that you might have sparked an internet debate that could go down in the record books, unless you count it as just rekindling an old one.
In the iteration of equestria PWNY cadance isfrom I wonder if herding/polygamy is legal?
Just read and I have to say that the situation was not seen coming but looking back on how Candence has been is not too surprising!
Soooooooo......... two girlfriends (wives)? I honestly have no problem with Zuko and Mai. It's a little sweet. I'm just wondering where this is going, but you don't have to tell me. I'm also very intrigued with this story plus Cadence. Avatar the Last Airbender is a very well written show that does a lot of things right and one of those things is Zuko and his story so I'm wondering how things will change with a pony like Cadence added to the mix. I'm also pretty certain that at the end, they're going to discover the world Cadence comes from and I'm looking forward to that.
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6824111
6824112
6824113
Can I just sasy that Zuko doesn't have to choose? Polygamy can be thing.
Why not both?
6824112
Don't see why it wouldn't be, but then again look at some of the laws in our world.
6824113
Sorry buddy, try "fourth."
... What's the meaning of this title?
Just great, the ONE time that I believe that one of your characters are exhibiting an emotion, you manage to bungle it all by using the wrong word; it's than, than!!!... Nah, I'm just kidding, there've been other times I believed your characters were feeling stuff.
Which shall it be, Taken, or that one scene from Korra?... I think we all know the answer to that.
i.ytimg.com/vi/Z0JkXs1Vm8c/maxresdefault.jpg s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/47/4a/fa/474afa53c008fd160ce95a243a1fe2ce.jpg
Of course, BOTH!!!!!
F14M3RZ?... Calm the heck down. Just because they're doing the same thing they do EVERY SINGLE FREAKING TIME, it doesn't mean I have to worry about it. What's important, is what they're actually talking about, NOT what passes for humor. Just read whatever development is taking place, and that will be that.
Huh, aside from the thing being taken as a joke, it's nice to see this other thing not be taken as a joke. NOW if Mai and Zuko get together, there won't be any of this "Teehee, I'm a kuudere who this guy likes, but I'll lead him on for good measure, and if he stops, then I'll get mad at him as though it's his fault!" Besides, this stuff with Cadence is actually RELEVANT, given her relationship with Zuko. So congratulations, you win this round... MWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!
Ah, a voting apparatus... Well CLEARLY there's only ONE choice.
images5.fanpop.com/image/photos/26200000/zutara-kiss-zuko-and-katara-26244259-994-804.jpg
Heheheh, you have no idea what I'm going to choose, and that will be the best part. HEHEHEHEHEHE- Wait, does "yes" mean both of them? Crap, now I can't make a decision.
*Slow claps*
The pathway you have opened and implied, has been fanfic material for years, and there is no shortage of those who'll never say "No"
If this happens... fun times ahead for three
6824111 Yeah I'm going to have to agree with that...even thought there are plenty of things that here for the internet to argue about...
Um...I read it...and I don't know if whether or not you want Mai and Zuko to be together...which is weird...can someone please explain? Or am I just looking the wrong way and it's blatently obvious that Mai is working to win Zuko back?
Judging on what the votes are now, this could veeeery interesting.
...I'm guessing that Zuko is going to end up being the Fire Lord by the end of this, and while it would be possible for him to be married and to have a concubine... I really can't get behind the idea, but in the end I guess it all comes down to a simple question: Do you love Zuko, Mai?
Doesn't Mai end up breaking up with Zuko in the comics?
I'm going to assume YES means both, so I'll do that.
6824135
Don't look at me like that, you were the one who set yourself up.
I haven't read the comcs that continue after the show, I will eventually necause I want to see about Zuko's mom, but I do know what happens between Zuko and Mai, and that will affect my vote
Huh... I... don't know. Both are good for him eventually... Mai is one that's admittedly been with him and supported him for a while, but Jin has shown that she's willing to do a lot, give up a lot for him... Hmm... Jin loves him, but it's not clear is Mai loves him, or loves being loved by him as Cadance asked...
Honestly I want Zuku to end up with both. He deserv that after what his sister and father did in the cartoon.
6824243 Well, I love her ass. Does that count?
I was gonna say Mai, but then I said Yes.
Cadence really knows how to lay it down
Mai loves Zuko more than she fears Azula. What do you think?
6824278 THAT'S THE SPIRIT!
That was fun, may I have another? Looking forward to more.
Keep up the good work. Deus tecum.
One has shown experience, and the other has shown emotion.
I am torn three ways here. Emotion can be a drive to get experience for a few situations, and experience can endure any situations that has happened before.
The war between mind and heart is a complexed thing.
Mai has shown that she has a very leveled head. But she lacks the flexibility to keep up with her heart. She has shown three emotions in the show as far as I know. Bored, angry and ticked off.
So if you want my opinion. Ask Zuko.
i always liked Jin, she just seemed 2 b 1 of those people who anyone could get along with.
Relating to the poll, I personally don't really care as long as Zuko ends up happy. In the show, he ends up with Mai until he screws things up in the follow up comics, and Jin is not heard from again once the Ba Sing Se arc wraps up. Could be interesting either way.
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"Yes" means that Zuko ends up with both girls.
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Given that Mai - as soon as she learned about Jin - had to be stopped from trying to attack her, it shows jealousy.
Simply put, at this time, both girls are viable love interests for Zuko...and it's up to the readers in the poll who he ends up with.
6824503 I'd love to see him with Mai though. I know she can be a little...rough at times but still even in the show after Zuko came back to the fire nation him and Mai were both on cool ground and loved each other.
Wow, that conversation really had a... Crushing aura to it.
Cadance is really getting her... Point across to Mai and getting to bender initial reasoning for her relationship.
The end of the vote is going to be very interesting.
6824503 ..I wish i'd known what 'yes' meant sooner.. Damnit!
And I happen to be frustrated by votes with only simple answers for complicated issues.
I voted 'don't care', because I truly don't have a preference given the story thus far. There's some character hurdles to overcome for both options first. For Mai, we need to hear her answer. Will she have a crisis of spirit as well, and decide she wasn't truly loving Zuko as Cadence implied, or will she decide to stand by him, and tell him that he has her love and support no matter what his status, nation, or destiny. For Jin, although she has made some big promises here, I don't think she grasps the shear scale of what she just committed to. Will she truly embrace Zuko and all their life together entails, or will the fact that she will be queen , that she's going to be immersed in the world of nobility, and of another nation no less, be too daunting?
As it is, I think Mai has been set up to be a bit more sweet/loving in your story than we often see in the show, so I could see her pulling through rather easily. A 'political' marriage for Zuko and Jin could also spell some interesting aftermath to the war. Really, both are exciting, and I believe I trust that you, author, have the ability to execute properly whatever you or the poll choses. Just don't forget the details (I'm sure you wont, though! ).
6824503 I don't swear often in my comments, so forgive me, but (ahem),
NO FUCKIN' WAY, THAT'S AN ACTUAL, GODDAMNED CHOICE?!! YOU'RE SHITTING ME!!!... Pardon me.
That... has interesting ramifications. I mean, not only would it be an interesting thing to deal with, but just imagine how much facehoofing there would be!
Anyway, I just thought for a bit, and I realized something... this plan was poorly thought out.
Let's say that Cadence was lying when she said that she had archers aiming at Mai if she tried to confront Zuko. What would she think of Cadence if she learned the person she thought of as a friend threatened to kill her?
Now, through some unspeakable universe I wish not to know of, what would happen if she fully intended to have her threat carried out? Two things would happen if Mai decided to confront Zuko and/or call the bluff.
1. She dies, and then it causes a stir that wouldn't be able to be covered up, and Cadence would suffer the cruelest fate known to man: Iroh's/Zuko's disappointment.
2. She's able to use her instincts to avoid getting killed (because Avatar characters do that an awful lot), and it causes a smaller scare than that, but it causes an even worse punishment than mentioned above: an added bonus of Mai-brand disappointment.
This is, by far, the dumbest thing I've ever seen a main character do / fail to realize... and I've read DIARIES OF A MADMAN for Pete's sake! It was risky, it was too emotionally-guided, and it would've blown up in her face in such catastrophic ways, it's not even funny. And for what, some broad to quit her bullshit and treat her brother nicer?... I'm starting to wonder who the REAL antisocial chick is, here...
Other than that... great story...
6824134 It could, yes, but bare in mind that we're not dealing with ponies in the relationship. You can't use the excuse of herd mentality to validate it, nor can you use the 5-1 gender deficiency that is common in Equestria. I personally wouldn't care if Tatsurou put Zuko into a polygamous relationship with Mai and Jin, but I also recognize that Tatsurou has created warring personalities between Mai and Jin. A polygamous relationship is incredibly unlikely with those two involved.
Mai was able to swallow her pride and indignation for the moment because Cadence forced her to see the situation from an unbiased view. She would not be able to continuously do so just to keep Zuko happy, no matter how much she may want to. Her pride wouldn't allow it.
At least, that's what I'm getting from this chapter. Wouldn't be the first time I misread Tatsurou's intentions, and it won't be the last either.
6824572 Yes he should have specified that. My vote is changes to Both tats.
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You've interpreted the situation regarding the archer (Zhin) incorrectly.
When Cadence called Mai out, she was not doing it to try and make things up between her cousin and an old friend/ex. She was addressing an active threat to her cousin.
Mai was not an ally in that situation. With Zuko having come to see himself as a traitor to the Fire Nation, Mai becomes an enemy agent. Cadence was taking practical precautions against an enemy...and she wasn't bluffing. Zhin was on the roof of the Jasmine Dragon, arrow trained on Mai, as Cadence had insisted, with orders only to fire if Mai attacked Cadence and overpowered her.
From an interpersonal, social perspective, this is a bit cold and unfeeling. But from the tactical, survival perspective, this was perfectly logical. As she explained to Mai...she's on Zuko's side.
Another enjoyable chapter. Good job.
Thing to remember is that kings and princes were known for taking multiple wives.
6824718 Ah, so what you're saying is, if Cadence wasn't (isn't) bluffing, and Mai just so happened to call her bluff / confront Zuko over Love bullcrap, then Mai would be dead right now?...
And Ba Sing Se would be alerted to a threat of something OTHER than just the Fire Nation?
And when Zuko finds out that it was an arrow that shot Mai...?
There's something important you should know. There is a TIME... and there is a PLACE... for these things. If Cadence wanted to deal with a "threat", she could have easily done it at night, at a place where there's one around, and be able to dispose of the body if there even is one. The unimportant NPC's don't suspect anything, Mai doesn't do anything that would cause suspicion, no one outside of the 3 (or four?) of them would even KNOW there was a death in the first place.
It doesn't matter what the intention is, a terrible execution of a plan is a terrible execution of a plan.
Pretty Pinky Pony Princess is THE BOSS!
I'm still holding a torch for both of them with Zuko, he needs both sides to stay in balance. Jin's down to earth common sense and Mai's political knowledge would give him a very good pair of advisers in the royal bed room.
6824105 Chrysalis is in for a very big surprise. Cadence will either take her out and never be replaced or Cadence will escape and as the line, "Does anyone have a reason these two should not be wed?" finishes she'll bust down the door with a legion of Fire Benders following behind her and decked out in full Fire Nation Princess Regalia.
6824135 EXACTLY!!!
6824278 I approve!!!
6824442 Asking a guy to choose between two girls = guy's mind going into Blue Screed of Death or them running for the horizon like Rainbow Dash chasing a Wonderbolt's acceptance letter.
Cadance seems overly aggressive in her conversation with Mai, even given the changes to her character that have developed in this story.
I must say, I'm disappointed at Cadence's remarks towards Mai in this chapter. Cadence's special talent is Love, not "Love for Zuko". She was totally dismissive of what Mai was going through.
Came off as uncharacteristic to me.
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Instead of Yes you could have put both. I voted Yes because I felt that it meant both and I want to see how that relationship will go.
6824869 true, but it's his love life, Not ours.
6824875 I WANT LYRA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
6824985
And you don't think maybe she was so dismissive and abrasive about it for a reason?
waiiitamin... what about Bolin?! isn't he Jin's grandso- oh you know what, you'll probably have some theory that'll make sense in the long-run
6825197
...who? Is that a character from Legend of Korra? Cause I was never able to enjoy that series, so I didn't watch it.