In the Gardens, open to anyone

[Ty Lee]

“I don’t think so Ty Lee. The things you have told me tonight-they’ve greatly changed my mind about ‘you’ or more importantly, the thing people view as you, where they under stand it or not. You’re not insane-just trapped in a web of repercussions from decisions you made years ago.” Chin Mae said, turning his head to face her.

Ty Lee gasped and jerked her head upward to peer over at the tall man by her side. Her stormy gray eyes were riveted to his darkening blue in a long contemplative stare. His reference to her being trapped in a web from her foolish youthful behavior described the acrobat with uncanny insight. It seemed his artistic eye had somehow seen behind her carefully practiced façade. ’Did I let him see?’ Ty Lee pondered while looking down at her feet and giving a few short nods in affirmation. “And the spider is moving ever closer..” She said softly her hands clenching at her sides.

“I wonder what this barriers true intentions were when they created it. It seems—sometimes that it was less to keep things out, and more to keep things in, doesn’t it Ty Lee?” He said, but this time he didn’t look toward her his eyes were focused out on the bay, his expression was thoughtful.

The acrobat’s mouth dropped open for a moment in shock as he spoke aloud her very thoughts. Brushing at wispy strand of hair that was tickling her cheek, “I guess it depends on which side of the wall you are on and how hard it is to scale.” She paused for a moment to look at the sturdy stones beneath her feet. “ So this barrier is more the prison for you as well..” The brunette sighed and continued. “Even without the wall standing about us Chin Mae…we’re still trapped. Me by my own making and you…“ she turned to meet his gaze, “..by your birth.”

The young woman listened intently as he supported her supposition of her new task. The rich timbre of his voice spoke of the rumors that like a spark grew to flame and were spreading outward from the inner court … eventually reaching their ears. Had the gossip been planned to seek out traitors who supported the exiled Prince or just the way of tales… overheard in darkened rooms?

A shiver ran up her back when she thought of the burn Zuko now bore which he’d received from his father. Ty Lee noticed Chin Mae’s tense face as his words revealed his beliefs, anger ….and most of all, caring heart. ‘How have I missed seeing this when I’ve been around him? Could this be why his chi fluctuates so?’ she wondered her large gray eyes closing for a moment as another notion swept to the surface. ’Had he also suffered at the hands of is parents? His father?’ The young girl’s stomach clenched at the thought her eyes popped open to stare sadly at the fire bender whose ebony pony tail jumped about as if to accentuate his inner turmoil.

Ty Lee’s eyes darted downward for a moment before rising once more, “Oh Chin Mae…” She started her voice shaking as she read the anger in eyes that had somehow moved from sky blue to an angry tiger’s. “I know what you say is true…every word..but..” she swallowed hard and her shoulders dropped. “You know I must go. “ the words fell heavy in the air after his heartfelt revelation. “I swear…I will never reveal your words..ever.” The acrobat swore firmly before continuing.
“ But you don't understand. Azula has controlled me for so long. No longer by my childish desire to be ..special..accepted. No..she has far better ways of making sure I choose the path she desires. I'm here now because she was going to close the circus where I was performoming if I did not follow her summons. All those performers without jobs to support their families.. ”

Shaking her head in frustration, Ty Lee gave the handsome man by her side a sad smile. “But maybe my going is for the best. “ She whispered as an idea grew to life. “If I am on Zuko and Iroh’s trail then maybe….maybe I can swing the balance of the hunt. Throw them off the trail…aid Zuko somehow...” Her eyes glazed over as she contemplated a way that she might help the two unsuspecting prey.

[Chin Mae]

“And the spider is moving ever closer..” She said softly her hands clenching at her sides.

“That she is – though the real question is, does the spider know you’re caught?” Chin Mae murmured thoughtfully, his eyes lightening a little finally. Then closing as her next words washed over him.

“Trapped and caught as they were born.
Never asked, never questioned,
Never wanted-but always looked to.
Shaped and turned,
Struck and burned – and never knowing why.”

Chin Mae mused softly. “Such describes the life of a nobly born Fire Nationer – and even more so the life of a nobly born Fire Bender.” He said quietly, opening his silver-blue eyes. They were clear and again calm, but within their depths they held a deep seated bitterness.

“Many fire benders will never even be given a chance to break free-and those few who are will be too afraid to act on their chances-or else won’t even see the chance until it is too late to follow it. Such is the world we live in. Such is this world today. The only question now is: Will it ever change?” Chin Mae’s words were steady. There was a sorrowful tone to them.

“Many children lose their innocence without ever knowing what they have lost. Many children lose their parents, and so they do not remain children long because they must fight to survive. The sixteen year old who faces the enemy in battles knows not the true reasons behind his sacrifice. And the warrior who dies in battle always dies alone. These things I know, these things I have seen. War scars even those who do not fight. And many can barely sleep at night for what they have had to do for the sake of ‘honor’.” Chin Mae’s words this time sounded off balance, and full of emotion that was strong, and deeply felt by the young warrior who spoke them.

“Yes, you must go-there is no choice in that.” Chin Mae agreed quickly, firmly. “Disobeying wouldn’t help anyone in the end, it would only hurt.” His words were gentle, but his eyes were not. The ups and downs of his temper hadn’t calmed anywhere near enough for them to have settled out yet-the thought scared him, because he was always afraid of losing control of himself and hurting someone.

“Ty Lee-Thank you. Thank you very much for your promise. And I believe you. I don’t think that you would tell of my words you to. I trust you not to. But it is very comforting to hear you say it Ty Lee, because you have never really been one to break a promise you have made.” He said quietly, inclining his head slightly toward her.

At the mention of Azula’s threat, Chin Mae’s eyes flashed an even brighter shade of gold, blazing now to nearly the color of a fire as it scorches the earth. “She would to, without a moment’s hesitation-she would.” Chin Mae said softly, a bitter anger filling his voice yet again. He closed his eyes for a moment, taking slow deep breaths, willing himself to calm down despite it all.

“That-Ty Lee, is an interesting idea. It merits some thought. If it was possible to do without Azula even suspecting it, then it would be a very good idea. But, my question to you is-is that possible?”

[Ty Lee]

((occ: the red quote isn't part of your post is it? I like it!! Just not sure if it is I will add to mine))

“That she is – though the real question is, does the spider know you’re caught?” Chin Mae murmured thoughtfully, his eyes lightening a little finally. Then closing as her next words washed over him.

“I think she does know I am stuck on that web …funny thing is..Azula doesn’t know she’s trapped there as well.” she answered with a small shake of her head.

“Trapped and caught as they were born.
Never asked, never questioned,
Never wanted-but always looked to.
Shaped and turned,
Struck and burned – and never knowing why.”

Ty Lee lifted her eyes and listened intently to Chin Mae’s soft baritone voice as he described the lot of the Fire Nation Nobility. Each word he spoke resonated an all too familiar truth which rang throughout her own short life.

At his description of the heavy burdens born by Fire benders, the young girl tried to swallow but found her throat blocked by a mix of sorrow and guilt. She heard him speak of the loss of choice…the consuming fire the war had brought about and which continued to feed off the young. Ty Lee easily recognized that she never had to bear the burden of a bender. No, her lot was ironically in the reverse. Her gift, as her mother’s father called it, had been in seeing life’s energy within and about the world.

The only question now is: Will it ever change?” Chin Mae’s words were steady. There was a sorrowful tone to them.

Her heart lurched at the pain filled sincerity she heard in the seasoned bender’s words. ”I don’t know..” she breathed. But her soft statement went unheard as the fire within Chin Mae surged forth like the hot liquid from the volcano’s core..bottled for so long and unstoppable once it begins its release.

At his comment of lost innocence, Ty Lee turned to look down at the tree and pond below them. A piece of her heart tore at his description of children fighting to survive and of those her age sent into a battle begun for reasons many of them really no longer believed and which spouted honor but was fought with anything more than greed filled pride.

The acrobat pressed her lips together and fought back the gathering tears. How often had she seen long lines of the young fully armored sent out the elaborate golden gates below to their deaths? How many mother’s had she heard weeping and wailing as the parchments notifying those that had been lost to the great war were placed on those very same gates? And where had she been? Safely playing the popular companion to the Princess and eating the best of foods in the lap of luxury.

Her stomach retched at the thought. In her flight from the palace to the outlying towns, Ty Lee had learned a great deal of the poverty and pain but none had spoken the words of those ragged life’s landscapes until now. It took a brief accidental meeting to make her face what her parents and through chosen ignorance, she herself had helped to continue.

It didn’t matter that her true reason for traveling the land as a performer was to help heal the less fortunate with her chi power. No…it did not stop the circle of war’s madness that would continue rampaging future generations. Her care only saw to the few but the disease was still rapidly spreading and consuming the young.

“Yes, you must go-there is no choice in that.” Chin Mae agreed quickly, firmly. “Disobeying wouldn’t help anyone in the end, it would only hurt.” His words were gentle, but his eyes were not.

She could tell that he was reigning in his fiery emotions as he spoke in a much calmer voice.

“Ty Lee-Thank you. Thank you very much for your promise. And I believe you. I don’t think that you would tell of my words you to. I trust you not to. But it is very comforting to hear you say it Ty Lee, because you have never really been one to break a promise you have made.” He said quietly, inclining his head slightly toward her.

"She would to, without a moment’s hesitation-she would.” Chin Mae said softly, a bitter anger filling his voice yet again. “That-Ty Lee, is an interesting idea. It merits some thought. If it was possible to do without Azula even suspecting it, then it would be a very good idea. But, my question to you is-is that possible?”

Shaking her head vigorously, Ty Lee stepped away in order to put some distance between them so he would not see her tear stained cheeks. “NO! Do not thank me Chin Mae. I of all people am not worthy of the honor you bestow. “ she sniffled trying to keep the tears at bay. “I never knew. I was so selfish in my childish endeavors that I never saw the truth of which you’ve spoken…or perhaps I just didn’t want to.”

The acrobat sat on the wall facing away from the Fire bender with her chin resting on her knees. “I’ve never realized how you must have felt having to become something for which you had no choice. I guess I’ve always thought everyone wanted the power of being a bender….I was so wrong..” her voice lowered to little more than a whisper. “You know that I have the gift of seeing Chi or energy in things. I’ve had it all my life …and to me it was just..always there. Making each person look a bit different from the other. I can sometimes even see the difference between a lie…and the truth by watching the changes in the energy about them.”

The child of noble blood continued. “My grandfather was the first to help me understand why I was different. He told me that it is a gift given to the few so that they might heal the sick. Pa paw taught me the chi points and over time how to free the blocked flow in someone’s body…but instead I used it to gain Azula’s attention. All too soon, I was using it to block the flow of chi so those with bending could no longer direct their energies to control their elements. “ The acrobat paused and the night souds rose once more about them.

Taking a long deep breath she continued,“Azula believes that I’ve joined the circus so that I can be the center of attention once more but…while I do like making others happy..brightening their chi with my acrobatics…in truth I 've been roaming and healing many of the sick outside the Capitol. But it will never make up for my selfishness…” she paused to rub her cheek and snuffle.

“I want to stop this war, Chin Mae. I want to free our people from their all encompassing pain.” she stated with a shaky voice. “Even if I must face Azula’s wrath...alone.”

[Chin Mae]

“I think she does know I am stuck on that web …funny thing is..Azula doesn’t know she’s trapped there as well.” she answered with a small shake of her head.

“Hm I think that Azula is more caught than any one of us- or even many of us put together. It’s odd really- and very sad. In my more charitable moments-I feel a little sorry for her, though I wouldn’t ever tell her so.” Chin Mae said quietly, tilting his head to one side slightly.

At her soft reply of ‘I don’t know’ he shook his head side to side a little. “No one does, Ty Lee. No one does.” He said quietly. He tried to keep the bitter tone out of his voice this time, and seceded-mostly.

“NO! Do not thank me Chin Mae. I of all people am not worthy of the honor you bestow. “ she sniffled trying to keep the tears at bay. “I never knew. I was so selfish in my childish endeavors that I never saw the truth of which you’ve spoken…or perhaps I just didn’t want to.”

Chin Mae was surprised by the force with which the young acrobat spoke. “Aren’t you? No one in this entire palace – with the possible exception of Mai – would have listened to my words and really listened to them. None of them would have gotten the point of them. And the few other than you and her who MAY have, would have turned me in to Azula or Ozai without a seconds hesitation. Ty Lee, you are far, far more worthy than you know. You were confused and caught up when you were young; we all make mistakes in those times. We ALL make mistakes. We all MADE mistakes. That is what makes us human.

“However, you see that you were mistaken. And you really want to make it right. Very few born of the Fire Nation ever feel any remorse for what they have done—and those that do feel remorse ignore it for fear of what others will say.” Chin Mae paused for a moment “Now you see what has happened—you want to set it right. This is the beginning of Change Ty Lee. The first steps are always the hardest.”

“Few see these things, and many who do, do not care. You didn’t see because you were caught up in your own web-caught up in the trap Azula set for you—but not that you see you won’t ever ignore the truth again. I believe that with all of my being Ty Lee.” Chin Mae said, and oddly enough, if Ty Lee was reading him, she would feel the truth behind those words, the firm belief that Ty Lee would never, ever forget what she now saw.

He listened to her words intently. “You can heal-and you enjoy doing so. That is a wonderful Gift Ty Lee – far, far better than any fire benders powers. Don’t forget that, don’t let Azula or anyone else make you feel like you are less than they are just because you’re not a fire bender. “ Chin Mae responded quietly, gently even.

“I want to stop this war, Chin Mae. I want to free our people from their all encompassing pain.” she stated with a shaky voice. “Even if I must face Azula’s wrath...alone.”

Chin Mae listened to these words and he nodded firmly. “I want to end it as well, Ty Lee. I want to end this more than anything that I have ever wanted. So know this: You will never have to stand alone- not as long as there is breath in my body, for I will stand with you until the end of this.”

[Ty Lee]

“Hm I think that Azula is more caught than any one of us- or even many of us put together. It’s odd really- and very sad. In my more charitable moments-I feel a little sorry for her, though I wouldn’t ever tell her so.” Chin Mae said quietly, tilting his head to one side slightly.

Ty Lee raised and lowered her head in agreement . “No…Pity is definitely not what Azula would want from anyone.” The young girl drifted off in silence for a moment as she thought of her long time companion. “I don’t know, Chin Mae. There’s a part of me that will always remember when we were just children simply playing and growing in a garden.“ she made a sweeping motion with her hand at the enchanted spot that now lay in shadow below.

“You see…she and I have more in common than you think. Just being born a girl set us on the same path. Boys....boys have always been accepted as great gifts to the family…especially Fire benders but girls..” Ty Lee released a deep sigh of disappointment. “…well it was one of the reasons my parents ignored my sisters and I. Our only value comes from an arranged marriage or a position of importance within the palace. Once I was accepted by Azula, they began thinking that I might be of some worth to their upward mobility in Ozai’s court. I think that’s part of the reason the princess has always tried to be better than Zuko. She wanted her parents, specifically Ozai to be proud of her and think she was worthy. In that, Azula and I are not so …different.”


The acrobat sat in silence as Chin Mae refuted her claim of being unworthy. Somehow, in the rich timber of his voice, she heard what she’d waited nearly a lifetime to hear. That even though she’d made poor choices along the way, she could set things right. Change…the very word brought forth hope and anticipation. They both knew that for the people of their country to live freely without the daunting cloud of war forever above them, there would have to be change. To some they would be called revolutionaries and to others traitors. No matter what the term the action would have to take place if their people were to finally have peace.

Her heart wrenched as the fighter, who had seen the blood of war and it’s terrible cost, spoke with such conviction about his faith in her. Faith that she would not walk the scripted path blindly accepting what was easiest but choose one which would serve their world. Pulling herself once more to her feet, Ty Lee spun around and lifted her ruddy tear streaked face to gaze in to his blue eyes.

“Thank you, Chin Mae,” she began huskily. “I will continue to heal because I believe, here,” she paused to touch the area around her heart. “..that is why I was given the gift of chi. You’re right. Being a bender does not make anyone a better person. It’s just a different gift that some are given. It's value was given such high esteem because it was just one measure of usefulness toward Ozai’s plans to use his people. Use them so that he might gain more power for himself…and I, like many, believed my worth based on those values.”

“I want to end it as well, Ty Lee. I want to end this more than anything that I have ever wanted. So know this: You will never have to stand alone- not as long as there is breath in my body, for I will stand with you until the end of this.” He said with a strong nod of his head.

His stance and conviction could not be doubted for Ty Lee saw their truth as apparent as the brightest of mornings. The energy he now eminated was blindingly clear. She had no doubts he meant each and every word. Taking slow blanced steps, she made it to his side. The brunette reached out to gently touch his arm, her eyes glazed with unshed tears, a small smile slipping up at the corners of her mouth,. “I believe in you Chin Mae as much as you believe in me. Til now we remained silent bound to duty but now…now that you have lit the fire for hope, bender, I suppose it would be best for us to begin making plans before I leave on that ship at morning's light.”

[Chin Mae]

Chin Mae was quiet for a long while after her words, and then he nodded a little. “That was a time where nothing seemed wrong. You barely knew of the—it was distant, not something that could hurt the four of you. No, I can see very well why you remember that time so very clearly." He said softly.

“You see…she and I have more in common than you think. Just being born a girl set us on the same path. Boys....boys have always been accepted as great gifts to the family…especially Fire benders but girls..” Ty Lee released a deep sigh of disappointment. “…well it was one of the reasons my parents ignored my sisters and I. Our only value comes from an arranged marriage or a position of importance within the palace. Once I was accepted by Azula, they began thinking that I might be of some worth to their upward mobility in Ozai’s court. I think that’s part of the reason the princess has always tried to be better than Zuko. She wanted her parents, specifically Ozai to be proud of her and think she was worthy. In that, Azula and I are not so …different.”

“Its sad-but true…” Chin Mae began softly, tilting his head to one side. “Hm I never thought about the fact that the pair of you might-possibly- have some similarities in your lives…I’ve never understood why girls are so “looked down” upon. Over half of them try harder than any three boys…” He added, shaking his head back in forth.


“Thank you, Chin Mae,” she began huskily. “I will continue to heal because I believe, here,” she paused to touch the area around her heart. “..that is why I was given the gift of chi. You’re right. Being a bender does not make anyone a better person. It’s just a different gift that some are given. It's value was given such high esteem because it was just one measure of usefulness toward Ozai’s plans to use his people. Use them so that he might gain more power for himself…and I, like many, believed my worth based on those values.”

He was quiet for a long time as he listened to her words. He pressed his lips together slightly as he thought about what she had said. “Good, Ty Lee, you understand that.” He murmured after just a moment. “What makes a person better is not the gifts that they have-but the way in which they use those gifts, Ty Lee. “ He said quietly, studying her face again for a long time. There was so much more to Ty Lee than anyone saw—so much more than even he-the observer- had even guessed behind that light façade. That revelation lifted his spirits.

The brunette reached out to gently touch his arm, her eyes glazed with unshed tears, a small smile slipping up at the corners of her mouth,. “I believe in you Chin Mae as much as you believe in me. Til now we remained silent bound to duty but now…now that you have lit the fire for hope, bender, I suppose it would be best for us to begin making plans before I leave on that ship at morning's light.”

Chin Mae smiled a little as her hand touched his arm. “Thank you, Ty Lee, for believing in me.” Chin Mae said quietly. No one had ever believed in him the way that she now did—and as Ty Lee was discovering-it was a great feeling.

“Hm I suppose we should make some plans to try and deal with this as best as we can.” Chin Mae said quietly. “So, you had an idea earlier—but you never really went into it, was that because you got distracted, or because you don’t have anything more to it yet?” He asked slowly. “It sounded like a really good place to get started.”

[Ty Lee]

“Its sad-but true…” Chin Mae began softly, tilting his head to one side. “Hm I never thought about the fact that the pair of you might-possibly- have some similarities in your lives…I’ve never understood why girls are so “looked down” upon. Over half of them try harder than any three boys…” He added, shaking his head back in forth.

Ty Lee gave her new friend a nod while her lips rose slightly upward at his comment on the value of young girls. She was honored by his reference to those within her gender who worked tremendously hard so that they might receive the same recognition as the boys. Hearing Chin Mae, a male and a bender of some renown, say it aloud brought a sense of pride for her sisterhood.

The acrobat stood atop that impressive wall, her eyes shifting from the world below where a terrible war ensued to the peace of the small familiar garden while she listened to the young man reaffirm her revelation in regards to those who’d been given specific talents. . “What makes a person better is not the gifts that they have-but the way in which they use those gifts, Ty Lee. “ The brunette lowered her head slightly, deep in thought before rising to meet his topaz eyes. “Thank you, Ty Lee, for believing in me.” Chin Mae said quietly.
“I do believe in you …never forget that..” she reaffirmed with sparkling gray eyes.

“Hm I suppose we should make some plans to try and deal with this as best as we can.” Chin Mae said quietly. “So, you had an idea earlier—but you never really went into it, was that because you got distracted, or because you don’t have anything more to it yet?” He asked slowly. “It sounded like a really good place to get started.”

“ It will be a difficult task... for Azula, as you know, is extremely perceptive and a born tactician. “ the young girl began with a concentrated look on her face. “ I wish you were being sent with us…then..well between the two of us we might be able to help Zuko and Iroh..”

An image of the rather robust general came to mind at her naming him aloud. He'd rarely been seen at the palace for his life was one spent fighting at the forefront of the fire Nations expansion. But shortly after his son’s death, the tired looking man returned home for a short stay and had sought the solace of this very garden. Ty Lee recalled that day for she'd returned to her favorite spot to gather her red juggling balls and saw him leaning against the cherry tree; fallen blossoms scattered about the ground. She’d stalked up to the trunk, gave the slumbering man a long inquisitive look before bending to pick up her toys and felt a hand grasp her arm. Squealing, she'd turned to find his caramel eyes scrunched in a smile. “I found this beneath me…” He’d started before revealing a licking stick for which the young girl had a great fondness. With a impish grin, she’d taken the sweet and given a gigging thank you before racing back to the palace in fear of Azula's anger if she were to be caught dawdling.

Though the elder Prince was often seen as weak for stepping down from the throne, Ty Lee had always found him and intriguing and compassionate man..

Returning to the present, the brunette bit her bottom lip for a moment, “I can try to keep ahead of Mai and Azula …warn them before they get too close. I just...I'll have to be particularly careful that Azula doesn’t sense where my sympathy lies. Mai...well she may be of some help but...I'm afraid to reveal myself to her as yet."
She whispered while her braid tossed to and fro in the wind. "Do you have any ideas, Chin Mae? As a soldier, you have far greater training in planning and strategy."