Burn it up, Open

[Gambit]

The grand boat sat out in the waters just off the fire nations coast. It's large peak rose high wrapped in gold which shone grandly in the afternoon light that still hung high in the sky. The ship was large and while it spoke of war purposes it was obviously no ordinary war ship but one made for a higher calling to carry only the most important of people, the Princess Azula.

Standing on its deck, Gambit removed the large gilded helmet that he had on, beads of sweat dripping lightly down his forehead. The outfit he had on immediately pegged him as one of the special guards to the Princess herself, a member of the royal procession, the elite firebenders.

Completely removing the uniform he wore, he now stood upon the deck in a simple black and crimson garb, the light wind doing little work to whip up the loosest of pieces here and there around him.

For the moment at least everything was quite but with the fire nation nothing ever tended to stay quite for long. There was always someone to hunt, someone to kill, a nation to take over...

[Azula]

---

It was mid-afternoon, and the sun was at its zenith in the sky; positioned directly overhead and burning down on all the people below. The magnificent titian crescent was a marvel that Azula could not get enough of; it was the strength of the firebenders. Without the sun, they would have nothing. Nothing at all. The sun gave them their life, but it was passion and anger which gave them their ferocity and power – she had seen other bending styles and she could not get over how very different they were. And maybe she was biased, but she always thought fire was the most beautiful. Of course, technically she’d never seen anyone airbend, she could only imagine what that would be like. The throne which was stationed at the head of the deck was a customary place for her to sit, where she could easily watch over the crew and everyone else who came aboard. Make decisions as to who was doing what they were supposed to and who was not, and the like. The seat itself was grand and lavish, with gold and silver and gems wove into the metal. It was much too beautiful to be on a ship – even a ship as grand as hers – but she needed it. Some would call it spoiled, but she was simply…accustomed. And she couldn’t be at sea for months on end without having something pretty to remind her of home. The ship was at port now, and soon they would leave home to scour the globe for Zuko and Iroh. The task was necessary – they were becoming embarrassing – but also quite irritating. Why did her father feel the need to send her out on silly scavenger hunts? Shouldn’t he send some low-ranking firebenders or something? She was annoyed by the fact that he didn’t seem to trust her as much as he should, but what could she do but follow his orders?
Azula had made the trek from the palace to the dock, with men toting her belongings that she would take behind her. Whenever she saw the ship – her ship – she could not help but to smile. It was lavish, gleaming splendidly in the sun, and it was all hers. There were quite a few perks to having your father as the Fire Lord. Even if he was always away, and had no time for you.
But that didn’t matter. Her task now was to find her brother and uncle; she could not be distracted with such trivial grievances. She strode up and onto the ship, crossing her arms over her torso as she surveyed it. She could see the crew hard at work, getting the ship ready to leave the dock. She was both anxious to be at sea and yearning to stay at home, where she belonged. But there was a certain excitement to travel the world. Poor Zuzu, he just couldn’t do anything right, could he? Didn’t he realize that when father had banished him to search for the Avatar he knew that there was no such person? He never wanted him to return; except as a prisoner, where he could no longer embarrass the Fire Nation.
And standing at the front of the deck was a familiar face, a welcome one – none other than Gambit. He would most likely be the only worthwhile companion on this boat, and she smiled upon spotting him. Striding over, she placed her palms on the edge of the ship, ignoring the stinging heat that it dealt her, and peered up at him. “We should be ready to depart soon.” She said, authority lacing her tone, as it always did.

[Zarek and Raine]

Oh it was so funny how things tended to work out. Here was a nation who years ago had cast out the twins like mere scum, freaks of nature for being the spawn of one of their elite firebenders and a waterbender woman. How different would have things been if they had inherited their father's firebending skills instead of their mother's waterbending? What ifs were in the past but now in the present, the twins found themselves being hired for their "skills" and of course by none other than the fire nation iteslf. When it came to breeding everything mattered but when it came to hiring people of their talents, their bending mattered not as long as the price was right and they got the job done.

Zarek and Raine strode down the road towards the docks, their garb rather neutral in color towards black with accents of both blues and red adorning bits and pieces of their outfits. Zarek had his goggles pushed high up onto his head, his messy brown hair falling over the sides of them unkempt. Raine on the other hand was a stunning blond with hair that fell past her shoulders.

Walking up to the boat Raine made a funny face accompanied by an even funnier noise and Zarek glanced over at her, a questioning look in his eyes. Raine rolled her eyes before replying, "You know how I feel about her Zarek..." she said though she didn't mention a name but Zarek knew exactly who she was talking about. "Just give her a chance, I think she is different than you think she is Raine. We are just here to do a job anyway, don't worry about it, this is just like any other job." he said reassuringly before taking the first steps up the gang way onto the ship where they would be helping the Princess in the hunt for their quarry.

Glancing across the deck Zarek spotted the Princess and he smiled though it quickly faded as soon as he saw the tall figure next to her. Without even looking at his sister he knew she would be ecstatic that Gambit was her, one because that meant her brother couldn't swoon of the Princess as he would like and two...well look at him...

[Gambit]

Gambit turned his head away from the water as felt another presence next to him, one that was familiar. Glancing down at the figure next to him, Gambit was staring into the eyes of Azula and allowed a smile to slide across his features at her authoritative tone. "Ready whenever you are Princess." he said, his tone dark and full bodied. Out of the corner of his eyes he saw a pair make their way onto the ship and easily spotted they were not one of his own due to their garb which he saw was laced with blue as well as red. Turning his head fully his face contorted into a bit of a snarl as he watched the pair walk towards them. Why hadn't anyone told him that they had hired that pair to come along. Raine was fine or at least as good as a waterbender could be but Zarek....he was just, annoying.

"I wasn't aware that we would be needing the likes of you..." he said towards the pair though the tone of voice was directed towards Zarek. Turning his eyes back towards the Princess giving her a questioning glance wondering if she knew that these two were to be included on their little journey.

[Azula]

---

Gambit turned to respond to her comment, and she nodded in approval at his words. Ready when she was, that was appropriate, but she was still awaiting a duo, about whom the rumors were strong. From what she had heard, their talents were...interesting. And while she was quite certain she and her small team of the elite could handle her brother and uncle, there was nothing wrong with a little backup. And as Gambit suddenly looked beyond her - with what seemed to be an expression of resigned irritation on his face - she too swiveled, forcing a smile as her 'secret weapon' of sorts, arrived.
"I wasn't aware that we would be needing the likes of you..." Said Gambit, and Azula shot him a look of warning. Stepping forward, she offered a half-glove-clad palm to each of them in turn. She hadn't missed the skeptical look Gambit had given her, but she wasn't willing to trade two good fighters for a bit of petty bias.
"I'm so happy you've decided to accept my offer," Azula murmured. She had offered up quite a handsome sum of money, and of course they accepted. They would have been fools not to. The girl had an odd standoffish feeling, as though she didn't particularly like Azula. She didn't care, either way. Most girls didn't like her, her only girl friends were Mai and Ty Lee, and she hadn't seen them in quite a while. Oh, well. She did not need friends. She needed very few things, actually.
"Are we ready to depart, and capture these traitors?" She asked to the lot of them, raising her eyebrows. Technically Iroh and Zuko were not traitors, but that was what she saw them as. Zuko was mutinous, if he was truly loyal he would never have spoken out against her father in the first place. And Uncle? Well, he was just a senile old man. Neither of them mattered. But they both needed to be dealt with.

[Zarek and Raine]

Zarek's hand trailed to his side and Raine could already see the moisture building up around his palm. Reaching out a delicate hand she laid it against his arm and as he glanced over shook her head and the water was released from his grip, the beads of water dripping down his fingers to fall to the deck. Zarek allowed a smile to form and he took the offered hand, bowing his head over it and Raine did the same. "We were more than happy to accept your generous offer to come along on this mission."

Raine nodded her head at her brothers words. "You know the expression fight fire with fire Gambit? Well sometimes it's best to fight fire with water..." she said as she looked at him, catching the glance of warning that the Princess had flashed towards him.

Zarek allowed his smile to twist into a smirk at his sisters words and then glanced back towards the Princess, "We have all we need Princess. We can depart whenever."

At the bow of the ship a large crimson Messenger Hawk landed though it bore no message and would not approach any on the ship for any amount of coaxing. In a similar manner a large green parrot came wheeling in towards the group and instead of setting itself next to the large hawk, it came and landed itself on Raine's back putting a claw up on Raine's shoulder and peering over at Gambit and the Princess.

[Gambit]

Gambit caught the look easily and tried to banish any ill looks upon his face though it was an easier notion than actually done. Standing at attention he looked down at the group from his height though the twins were much closer to his size than the Princess. Gambit cocked an eyebrow at Raine at her little analogy and almost let out a laugh though he surely would be scolded for doing such. Water...what a silly bending ability. Nothing like the power of fire. Reaching his hand out he offered it towards the two, "May I take your things?" he asked eyeing the packs that were wrapped in water tight cloth. Their shapes distinctly weapon like though he was unable to discern what exactly the weaponry was. There were a couple other things he had his eye on, the mix of fire and water symbols on the necklaces they both sported as well as the distinctly water and fire coloring of their garb. He didn't know anything about their history though he was curious to find out about these two but he would have to save his snooping for later.

Glancing towards one of the ship hands that seemed to be making a lot of noise at the bow he watched it try and receive a messenger hawk that sat just out of its reach. It seemed to have no messages upon it and it surely was not one of the Princess's creatures but he soon learned or at least speculated that it must be Zarek's for a large Green Parrot wheeled down and landed upon Raine's shoulder, its odd eyes peering at him and the Princess in a very intelligent manner before snipping at the hand he had outstretched. Scouting creatures perhaps and not very friendly at that.

[Azula]

---

Princess Azula saw the cautious exchange between the two and found herself distinctly curious as to why the boy seemed to be so very nervous. Perhaps being in the presence of the monstrous Princess was taking a toll on him - after all, Azula herself had heard the rumors. Evidently she was heartless, spiteful, cruel, bitter, sadistic...The list went on and on. The names weren't as hurtful as they were annoying, and they made her quite angry, but she did her best to ignore talk. From what she saw the siblings seemed to be extremely close. She frowned, lowering her eyes to the floor, her brow scrunched together. Seeing a relationship like that between a brother and a sister jostled her; it was nothing like what she and Zuko had...And in a way she longed for it. But he just infuriated her so much, and made so many wrong choices, betraying his nation again and again...Azula doubted such a firm, trusting bond would ever be possible between she and Prince Zuko. She abruptly returned her gaze to the duo as Zarek spoke. "We were more than happy to accept your generous offer to come along on this mission." Again she forced the same political smile, eyeing Raine as she commented, "You know the expression fight fire with fire Gambit? Well sometimes it's best to fight fire with water..." Azula speculated her with an almost hesitancy, unsure of this girl. But if you got one you got both, so she would have to put up with the coy remarks. Unless you want a bigger fire... Thought Azula to herself, letting her palms fall to her sides once more. "We have all we need Princess. We can depart whenever." Finally. She'd beginning to itch to depart, ready, so ready to snag her brother and uncle, to have yet another accomplishment to report to her father. How she loved the feeling of knowing he was proud of her.
"Excellent." She smiled, "We must chat in a bit, I'm so curious to find out more about you two. But as for now I am sure you're ready to unpack and settle into your quarters. I'm sure Gambit would be kind enough to show you to your rooms while he takes your things." Azula realized he would be annoyed at having to cater to people he obviously didn't care for, but he would have to get over it. Everyone had to play niceties, and for now, for the most part, Azula was not faking her cheerfulness. The weather was nice, even though it was hot, and she was about to set out on a grand journey, being able to travel all over the world. Who wouldn't like that? She was eager to talk to the duo, but she would have to wait. Patience was a virtue, was it not?
Calling the nearest crew hand to her, she sent him to alert the Captain. Finally, it was time to depart.

[Mai]

She was late for the departure. Great. Azula would have her head, or something like that. She even forgot where in the hell they were going. Well more she didn't really care much about where they were going. All she knew is that it had to do with traitors. Who cared about traitors? They were traitors so that means they wouldn't come back. Though it would be a problem if they tried to do something to the Fire Nation. But then again who cared what they did? The Fire Nation seemed to be the strongest of all nations anyway. So were some traitors really that big a deal? Whatever. At this point in time it was too late to say anything about it anyway. Traitors. What a stupid thing to go after. In Mai's opinion.

She continued to lazily walk her way to the docks. Even though she was in a hurry she still walked. She didn't see a need to run and waste energy if you weren't fighting. Besides it was hot, and sunny. Mai hated hot, and sunny days. The day just aggravated her even more, that, and having to get up early. Mai liked sleeping. It was an excuse not to communicate with anyone. She weaved through the large crowds of people. Another thing she hated about docks. The people. And she was sure most of them were here to see Azula's departure. She heard one of the people on the board walk say something about it. She decided to follow him since she had no idea where in the heck the ship was. She stopped caring about the whole mission as soon as the word traitor came up.

Finally the man stopped in front of the grand ship. Mai sighed. That was the ship alright. She pushed her way through the crowds, yelling at people to move so she could through. People were so dense, sometimes. She didn't mean to sound like Azula. But did they not know who the hell she was? Her father was pretty famous around these parts. Finally she had made her way up to the front of the crowd. She jogged her way over to Azula, and the other two people. Who she didn't really know. She had never seen them before. Were they twins, or what? And why were they here? They didn't seem to look like Fire Nation Citizens.

"I'm late, sorry."she said in her usual unemotional voice which didn't really make her sound sorry, and she really wasn't sorry. Even though she said she was late. It didn't really seem like she was. Everyone just started packing up their things to go. After looking around she once again turned to the other two people Azula was talking too.

"Who are the circus twins?"she asked. If Azual had mentioned them at one point Mai probably wasn't paying attention, or lost interest in what she was saying about them. They didn't seem too interesting anyway.

[Zarek and Raine]

Oh great. It wasn't enough that Gambit was on their case but now this prissy little brat had to get all up in their grill too. What happened to the good old days when people were just nice to each other and everyone got along? Those days were so simple but then again if there was no conflict, if there weren't any people like her then they would be out a job wouldn't they. "I am Raine and this is my brother Zarek. We are to be working with you on this mission..." she said to the girl and was sure she had seen her about with the princess. She would have to ask Zarek later and just as she was thinking that, Zarek was thinking the same except he knew for a fact that she was as frequently found with the princess as Gambit was. Surely she would have known that they would be working with them but regardless she was surely to get scolded in similar manner as Gambit had.

Looking at the outstretched hand Zarek shook his head, "I think we would rather carry our own things but if you would be so kind as to show us our quarters, we will put our things away ourself." he said and Raine nodded her head in agreement. Shooing the Green parrot away from her shoulder, it moved to sit beside the large messenger Hawk and Raine bent to heft her own bag up onto her shoulder.

[Gambit]

Gambit's eyes shifted as Mai finally arrived. He had been wondering where the girl had been and to be so late...a bit unacceptable if you asked him but that was for the princess to decide. A bit disappointed at Zarek's answer Gambit obligingly dipped a bow to the princess before turning on his heels towards the under belly of the ship where the quarters lay.

[[Gonna do a little mix Gambit and Zarek/Raine Post here]]
Zarek and Raine followed him into the bowels of the deck and was actually pleasantly surprised with the room they were given. It had two separate areas for each of them and it was obviously meant for important guests. Everything of course was decked out in the colors of the fire nation.

Gambit stood at the door, allowing the two to enter and place their things away. Zarek put everything down though he did sling the water skin back upon his back and Raine did so as well though she proceeded to unravel the pack that she had carried in as well, removing two fans that looked innocent enough though they were probably much more than they seemed. One was a variation of blues with the crest of the water kingdom while the other was a mix of crimson and oranges and bore the symbol of the fire nation. What a curious mix and it made him want to dig into their past even more so now. With the two returning their gaze towards him he regained a nonchalant attitude and motioned them out the door locking it and placing a key in each of their hands though a third remained safely tucked upon his person.

Retracing their steps he was sure they would explore the ship themselves later but for now they must return to the princess and they did just that resurfacing onto the deck of the ship.

[Azula]

---

Just as they were about to depart, Mai suddenly arrived. Oh, Azula had forgotten about her. Lucky she'd come, or she would have been left behind. "Ah, Mai, so glad you could join us," murmured Azula, raising one brow. At her remark about 'circus twins' she gave a thin smile. After their own introductions, Azula added, "They are here to help us capture Zuko and Iroh." Not that they would really need the help. Please. But a bigger team just meant a bigger threat, and sometimes Uncle could be tricky...so a little extra help would only help them, and hinder their prey.
It was then that Gambit took the siblings to their quarters. While they were gone, Azula turned to Mai, her expression fierce and calculating. "You won't have a problem with hunting my brother and uncle, will you?" She asked, clenching her fists. She could not afford to have one small chance of disloyalty upon her crew, and if she sensed weakness from Mai, well, she would not be joining them.
As Gambit, Zarek and Raine returned, the ship seperated from the dock, grunting as it began to descend through the water.
As they all came to join her once more she smiled. "Tea?" She suggested, and began to move to her quarters, which were, appropriately, the largest on the ship. With a scurry the servants stationed inside began to pour them all a cup at her glance, as she sat upon the ornate dining table near her fireplace. "I noticed you seem to have incorporated a likeness from the Water Tribe as well as the Fire Nation," Azula said, not bothering to mask her curiosity, "I hope I don't come across as rude, but of what Nation are you citizens?" Well, they could be Nomads, then again. Were they? She couldn't recall from the stories she'd heard.

[Sorry, crappy post. On a tight time frame,]

[Mai]

Raine and Zarek? So that was their names. She guessed they were siblings of some sort. And they were helping them. Well great. Why did they need all this help in the first place? These traitors that Azula was talking about should probably be no problem for her and, Azula. They were probably just low class fire benders, or something that thought they could do the impossible. She didn't really bother saying anything when the two introduced them selves. She just shrugged. She would probably forget their names after a while anyway. She then turned to Azula when she started talking. Well good she wasn't mad at her for being late. But she seemed to Mai a little too peppy about her being there. She continued to listen to Azula's explanation. Zuko, and Iroh? Mai's eyes widened a bit. It was hardly noticeable to normal people. But to people like Azula, who just had a liking of being sadistic, it was probably very noticeable that Mai was a bit shocked.

“I thought Zuko, and Iroh were looking for the Avatar?” she asked. “Why would they betray the fire nation?”
It made no sense to Mai. She never heard one thing about this. Of course she had a problem with hunting them down. She had a huge problem. Zuko was supposed to come back. Come back to her! She guessed it just didn't work out that way. Whatever he could go, and do what he wanted. Mai didn't care anymore. Zuko he was just a hot tempered idiot. He didn't care about anything, unless it had it to do with the Avatar.

“Of course I don't have a problem with it.” she sneered

Mai turned around and followed Raine and Zarek on to the ship. Zuko was really going to get a beating from her for this. After settling her stuff down she walked back out of her cabin. How unlike Azula to be drinking tea, and asking questions of the two new comers. Mai had to chime in. She didn't know why they were helping them, and to her it seem a little suspicious.

“And why are you helping the Fire Nation? If you don't mind me asking.” too late Mai had already asked. Weather they wanted to answer, or not was up to them. Mai didn't care either way. Mai had no idea what the word tact meant. She left all the tact crap, and convincing people up to Azula. Azula was better at it anyway.

[Ty Lee]

‘Gotta hurry.. gotta hurry..’ The mental chant kept pace with Ty Lee’s leaps and jumps as she flew across the quay toward the huge ship at the end of the royal pier. Yep …there it stood. Majestically taking up most of the western port. Of course, being Azula’s warship, it would be decked out in eye riveting gold that was polished to perfection causing the acrobat to wince as the sun ‘s brilliant white rays danced off the gleaming surface.

The young woman hadn’t wanted to come on this trip. No…she’d been happy being the Tantalizingly Talented Tumbler Ty Lee at the Shendi Circus but then she’d gotten one of Azula’s friendly letters. The ones that ask how she is and was wondering if she wasn’t bored with the her present escapade. The small scripted notes never ended on a request nor an order for her to become part of the Princesses schemes. No.. her school chum had far better ways of manipulating those about her. Not long after the winged delivery, the circus found themselves in difficulty with meeting the fire Nation safety codes and by laws. The hidden message within the offer sent by the temperamental fire bender had been as clear to Ty Lee now as it had been throughout their relationship… and would be, as always, accepted.

Putting her right hand over her brows, she noted a few forms moving about the upper deck as the vessel prepared to disembark. Ty Lee’s light chocolate eyes gleamed at the challenge being presented and gave a small chuckle before leaping up onto one of the last ropes still attached to the dock. One slipper-covered foot placed confidently after the other, she made her way up the long precarious line and over the front railing. After checking the layout of the deck, the acrobat used a nearby stack of crates to give herself enough leverage to flip up onto the roof of the wheelhouse. The brunette paused for a second distracted by the ocean’s beauty as the sunlight danced across off the windswept white caps. With a sad sigh, she silently crept to the back of the boat before laying belly down to listen to the ongoing conversation.


“Ah, Mai, so glad you could join us," murmured Azula. ‘Ah…so Mai is here as well…guess I wasn’t the only one to get a missive.' "

"They are here to help us capture Zuko and Iroh." Not quite able to hear clearly, Ty Lee frowned while trying to make sense of what they were tallking about. She gave a shrug but leaned a bit closer to the edge upon hearing the fire bender’s sharp toned question.

"You won't have a problem with hunting my brother and uncle, will you?"

‘Brother? Zuko? THAT is who we’re going after? And her Uncle?' The acrobat rolled over and looked up at the large expanse of azure sky where a fluffy white cloud was inching ever slowly by. Ty Lee closed her eyes and held her breath waiting for Mai’s reply. It was no secret. They all knew since early childhood that Mai had a soft spot for the banished Prince. ‘Poor Mai…better her than me though.’ she thought to herself while waiting to hear the other girl’s reply.


“I thought Zuko, and Iroh were looking for the Avatar?” Mai asked. “Why would they betray the fire nation?”

‘Hmmm…That’s what I want to know as well!!'

"Of course I don't have a problem with it.” The blade thrower sneered

Mai’s ability to keep nearly all emotion from her voice always amazed Ty Lee. They each had learned through various experiences during their childhood how best to interact with the highly strung Princess without drawling her ire.

Mai had barely finished answering Azula when the sound of footsteps alerted them all to the presence of others.

"Tea?" Azula suggested, and began to move to her quarters.

As the small elite group followed Azula to her quarters, Ty Lee dropped silently down behind and joined in the procession.

"I noticed you seem to have incorporated a likeness from the Water Tribe as well as the Fire Nation," Azula said, not bothering to mask her curiosity, "I hope I don't come across as rude, but of what Nation are you citizens?"

Now in a position to see to whom her schoolmate was speaking, her eyes skimmed over the strangers’ garments which seemed to be a mix of the reds worn by those of the Fire Nation and a blue that often represented the Water tribes.

“And why are you helping the Fire Nation? If you don't mind me asking.” Mai added to the question at hand. Things seemed to be getting a little tense for Ty Lee’s liking so, as she often did, the brunette moved boldly into the room and made her way to the servant holding the tea pot. Lifting it upward with a cheery grin, she gushed, “ A tea party? I LOVE tea parties!! Why don’t I play mother and pour? “

Then with quick hands, she picked up three cups at once and began pouring the deep amber liquid into the first cup. “ Would you like sugar Azula?” [/SIZE]