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Chapter 30: Tepetitian

Iroh's laughter echoed in the chamber.

"Maybe you shouldn't be laughing, Uncle." Zuko hissed the words. "It might make them angry."

"Nonsense! Why would genuine laughter make anyone angry? Zuko, you worry too much. Everything will be all right." He made to pat his nephew on the shoulder but could not move his arm. Another fit of laughter struck him.

"He's right young man." From out of the shadows a tall, burly form, a wall of muscle really, emerged. "Laughter is a balm for the soul. We should all do more of it."

He wore clothes much like those depicted in school books and those dressing the models in Capitol City's Museum of Ancient History. His chest was bare and his pants were knee length and a typically Fire Nation red. Around his waist he wore a gold sash and around his neck a wide collar of sorts, lighter red, that covered his upper chest and just grazed his shoulders. The sides of his head were shaved, the remainder of his thick, brown hair pulled into a queue. Red paint in intricate patterns marked his interesting face.

"So, you mentioned something about cleaning us up; will that be soon?" Mai twisted in her goo prison, a grimace marring her beautiful features. "This stuff is disgusting."

"Yes, but it's all natural," the man replied with a huge grin. "And we have just the creature to help you out. It might take awhile, so get comfortable."

"Get comfortable, he says." Mai glared and then sucked in her breath when a creature, very much like an anteater, began to nibble at the goo on her arm. It's long tongue flicked in and out, in and out, as it fed.

"Oh, how delightful," Iroh crowed. He tried to beckon the animal over, eager for it to get to work on his body.

Mai and Zuko both wondered if this 'natural' goo contained some sort of weirdness inducing drug that only affected people over a certain age. Iroh was too happy about everything.

They all endured the licking and gentle biting and the jokes of the mystery man. His partner remained silent, arms crossed, observing this trio from the outside world. What he thought, or what the chatty man thought, none of them could say for certain. But they had not produced any weapons and killing was apparently off the menu for the day.

"Only one person has ever made it as far as the egg; and the dragons did not judge him favorably." Zuko gulped while Iroh continued to grin almost maniacally. The talkative man stroked his chin and observed the captives with an intense stare. "The girl is not a bender, though she does have her own kind of fire. So she may go if she wants."

Mai opened her mouth to protest. No way was she leaving Zuko and Iroh, bender or not. She had come to see the dragons and she would see the dragons. "I'd prefer to stay."

The burly man shrugged. "It's fine with us; if your companions make it through the judgment, they'll tell you everything anyway."

Those words sat heavily on all, even Iroh. What exactly would the dragons do should Iroh and Zuko or one of them not meet whatever expectations the first firebenders might have? After a pause during which all three contemplated the near future, Mai spoke.

"I've dreamed about dragons from the time I could talk. I'm not going anywhere." She squirmed as the animal hit a ticklish spot. "I would be honoured to get even a glimpse."

"You'll get more than a glimpse, young lady. But what you see here must be kept a secret. Should this information get to the outside world, everything we have here would be destroyed. You can take our teachings back with you, the way of the dragons, but not knowledge of our existence."

"We won't tell; not a word." Zuko's voice was full of reverence. "We promise."

That out of the way, the man fell silent as the animal finished its work. When done, he mentioned something about a bath and fresh clothes before meeting the dragons. "As you are right now, Ran and Shaw would be offended by your, um, odor."

"I won't say no, though I thought that little dip in the river was quite refreshing." Iroh stood up straight and stretched, relishing the ease of movement.

Mai rolled her eyes. Refreshing; yeah that's one way to describe it. She couldn't wait for a bath either and clean clothes, no matter what they consisted of, was a bonus.

"Perhaps we should introduce ourselves." Verbose man pointed to his quiet friend or subordinate; they weren't quite sure yet where the second man fit. "He is called Necalli. And I am Mecatl. Now, follow us."

After revealing their own names, Iroh sprung forward and went first, Mai and Zuko close behind. They trailed the two men up the steep stairs while the anteater look- alike lumbered this way and that, not following any particular path. Iroh was puffing again when they reached the summit. He leaned over, hands on his knees and breathed deeply of the slightly thinner air.

"I need to work out more; Zuko, when we get back, we'll set up a routine, keep our bending sharp too." The old man straightened up and grasped his water bottle, drinking deeply of the now warmish liquid.

"Sure, Uncle, anything you want."

"Come along," Mecatl urged. "The dragons prefer sunset and that is approaching soon." He waved them forward.

Below, nestled in a valley and surrounded by mountains, a settlement rested; smaller stone buildings and open gathering spaces. People milled about, perhaps one hundred, men and women, all ages. Their dress was much like that of their guides.

On the opposite side of the valley was another set of stairs, this one leading to what looked like nothing. A stone bridge at its top joined two more rocky peaks.

Zuko pointed. "What's that?"

"That," Mecatl answered, "that is where the dragons reside. There are two caves up there. You and your uncle, is it, will be making that climb soon." The young firebender, rendered speechless for a moment, could only stare and then stare for longer. Dragons, right across the valley, waiting; it was almost too momentous to imagine. "Down we go, people. There are lots of folks who would like to get a good look at you three. Might have been sheer luck that allowed you to make it here, but make it here you did. And none of us can deny that."

~~~~0000~~~~

As they descended the stairs, drawing ever closer to the settlement, a crowd gathered near the pyramidal building's base. The warm breeze carried the sound of excited voices up to meet them. Mai gave Zuko a quick glance and moved nearer to him, making certain that their bodies touched. She felt a bit apprehensive now and wasn't sure exactly how to take Mecatl's rather offhanded comments about judgment and survival.

"What do you think?" she whispered.

"I feel kind of like a freak," he replied. It wouldn't be the first time. "Everyone's staring at us."

"Yeah." Mai twitched a bit and tried to get a better look at all the people. As the small group drew closer to the stairs, the faces in the crowd became clearer. They seemed an intelligent people, filled with an almost sadistic brand of humour. She tried to put herself in their position, something she would not have done a few years ago, or even a few months ago. Being with Zuko and having Iroh in her life as well had increased her empathy and understanding of others. "I guess we are sort of freaks to them. I wonder how much they know about our world."

"I don't think they have internet access," Iroh quipped.

"We're not completely out of touch." Mecatl raised his eyebrows. "We see things, hear things. A few of us wander a little closer to 'civilization'. I use that term with caution." He gave his head a vigorous shake. "Modern people have shifted away from what's important." He sighed then and grew more thoughtful. "Everything is about profit rather than community. It must be a lonely world to live in."

"Not for all of us," Iroh protested. "My tea shop is a business and yes, making a profit or at least breaking even is important. But I consider serving tea and making tea, making my customers feel welcome and happy even more important. The Jasmine Dragon is a little community."

"I believe you, Iroh. I believe you. Now, prepare yourselves for a bit of a mobbing. This," he stated proudly, "is Tepetitian, our community."

At the bottom of the steps, it was the children who moved in first, curious and exuberant and eager to get a close look. Mai and Zuko both recalled their recent visit to the zoo with Tom-Tom and felt like the animals there must; vulnerable and trapped with no place to run. Little hands reached out and touched, cautiously at first and then with all out abandon. They exclaimed at the backpacks and wondered at the hiking boots. Mai's hair, the glossy black mane secured in a pony tail received even more remarks and longing gazes from the girls. Everyone in the settlement had hair the same shade of brown. When they began to tug hard, hovering about like a swarm of bees, Mai became uncomfortable. Mecatl raised a hand and all his people stopped.

Mai breathed in deeply a few times, regaining her inner calm. She slipped a hand into Zuko's. Some of the girls smiled and nudged each other. Mai and Zuko, the couple, was more appealing than a separate Mai and Zuko. Some girls of a certain age and some boys as well, found the idea of love and romance endlessly appealing and well, romantic.

"It's just hair," Mai hissed to her lover.

"Yeah, but it's beautiful hair." Zuko couldn't help but bask a bit in the adoration Mai received. The kids all confirmed what he already knew; Mai's hair was gorgeous and the rest of her too.

With the children a safe distance away now, their gawking and touching period over, the little group moved from the stairs and across the settlement. The people followed along behind, their animated chatter reaching the ears of Mai and Zuko and Iroh. Often a strange word crept into the dialogue, some ancient word perhaps, a precursor of their modern language.* It was as though they had been tossed inside the pages of some history tome. But instead of dull, dry 'facts' smothering their interest like a steady rain will put out a fire, colourful people and clothing and ancient buildings and objects and their heady anticipation for dragons enhanced their experience. It was almost as though they had walk-on roles in some epic historically based film.

Everyone knew where they were headed. Gossip had spread swiftly as soon as Iroh touched the egg and the sticky mess poured down on the interlopers. The people herded the modern city dwellers through the ancient city and toward the dragons' home.

When they arrived at an open space, a plaza of sorts, or gathering spot, everyone stopped. The leader made his wishes known regarding the baths and the changes of clothing. Two men whisked Iroh and Zuko away while an older woman took Mai by the arm and guided her to a bathing pool. She felt awkward undressing and washing while the woman tapped an impatient bare foot on the stone. Her hair was a chore at the best of times. She submerged herself completely, soaking the raven tresses. When she arose from the water, the woman handed her a jug filled with a sweet smelling substance.

"For your hair."

Mai nodded and poured a dab into her palm. It was better than any shampoo she had ever purchased, cheap or expensive. She smiled her approval.

"What is this stuff? It's amazing."

"Sometimes the old ways are better," the woman grinned. She revealed nothing, however, and was a bit too smug about the whole thing for Mai's taste.

"I guess so." Mai finished, dried off and stepped into the simple skirt and crop top that awaited her. She felt refreshed and soothed and ready for whatever might come next.

Back in the plaza, Iroh and Zuko, dressed in typical native attire, waited. Zuko and Mai eyed each other, the unusual mode of dress capturing their interests.

"The girl will wait here." Mecatl gestured to Mai and then to the ground. "Sit."

The tribe's artists had used the stones as canvasses. Several were covered with vivid paintings; dragons predominated while other jungle animals were represented as well. Mai spotted a black panther, graceful and fierce and thought of Komoku. She missed her cat and smiled as she recalled some of the little feline's sweeter moments along with some of her amusing antics. Some paintings were repeated patterns and shapes. Pyramids were a favorite. That was unsurprising since all the structures were that shape.

Mai's gaze found Zuko's. He shrugged and looked as though he wanted to kiss her before journeying up that final set of stairs and facing the dragons. Unperturbed by the people surrounding them, Mai strode to her lover, full of purpose. She wrapped her arms about his neck and kissed him long and hard on the lips. A muted chorus of sighs greeted their ears and Mai smiled into Zuko's mouth.

"Good luck," she crooned. Mai hated watching from afar. She wanted to feel the heat from the dragon's fire, stare into fierce, brilliant eyes and witness the fading sunlight glimmering on layered, multi-hued scales. A part of her felt slighted and wanted to rebel. Why was she, a non bender, not good enough to 'meet' the dragons? Another part understood the childishness of her envy. Dragons were firebenders, the very first gifted with the spark inside. It only made sense that other firebenders have the privilege and honour of an up close encounter.

"Of course, I'm not getting judged either," she murmured.

"Good, good; I hope you enjoyed that kiss. It might be the last you two share." Mecatl's voice was serious but when Mai caught his eye, it twinkled with mischief. In that moment, he reminded her strongly of Iroh and her own uncle too.

"If I don't get to kiss Zuko again, someone will pay." Her lips twitched. "I'm still wearing my knives and I never miss."

"Oh, you're a feisty one; there really is fire inside you. You would make a good firebender. And as a reward, I'll let you accompany Iroh and Zuko across the plaza to the original flame." He stopped short of patting her on the head. But he was enjoying the banter.

Zuko's good eye widened with wonder. "Original flame? You mean the first flame ever?"

"Yes, that's what original means; we keep it safe and cherished here. The dragons gave it to humanity thousands of years ago. You and Iroh will each carry a bit of that flame up the steps and display it to the dragons. That will show your dedication to the ancient and sacred art of firebending."

"I get to hold some of the original flame, the eternal fire…" Zuko was overwhelmed now. He couldn't imagine how he would react when actually faced with the dragons. He pulled Mai close to him, wanting to share the experience as much as he could.

"Come along, nephew." Iroh clapped him on the back. "Everyone's ready and waiting. Mecatl, lead the way."

The well muscled man nodded but not before giving Mai a wink. "Follow me then."

~~~~0000~~~~

"He's not, um, flirting with you, is he?" Zuko's insecurities flared up brighter than a midday sun. "That's just creepy. I mean, he knows that….."

Mai sighed and cut him off with one narrow eyed glance. "No, Zuko; Mecatl is teasing me, that's all. Stop worrying about that. You've got dragons to see."

The original flame resided in a huge bronze brazier. It flickered and danced, its yellows and oranges more intense than any Zuko or Mai had ever set eyes upon. The flames drew the benders forward as if exerting some sort of magnetic force.

"It's so beautiful," Zuko breathed softly. He felt like a worshipper at a temple, reverent and in awe.

Iroh's amber eyes shimmered with emotion. "The loveliest thing I have ever seen."

Warriors surrounded the flame, guards of a sort, male and female. They wore feather headdresses and carried spears. There were drummers too and they began to beat on their instruments, softly at first, then with more vigor, creating a manic sort of rhythm.

Mai gazed upon the fire, wonder in her eyes. These flames persisted while generation after generation lived and died. And the flames would witness many more changes should Mecatl's people have their way. She edged closer, drawn by their power and for just a moment imagined she felt something inside her respond.

"I think you may have a touch of the bender in you after all, young woman; not enough to make fire, but some sort of special spark." Mecatl dipped his hands into the brazier. He captured a portion of the fire and then stretched it out between his two hands, a dazzling ribbon or scarf. Mecatl divided it then, one portion for Iroh and one for Zuko. "Take it," he commanded them.

They did, each cradling the small bits of fire as they might an infant.

"It's alive," Zuko whispered. Speaking any louder seemed disrespectful somehow.

"Put your hands beneath Zuko's, Mai." The settlement's leader gave her a genuine smile. "You'll be able to feel the fire, its life and its strength."

Gingerly, the young woman allowed her palms to graze the backs of Zuko's hands. The flames throbbed and pulsed with life and she got a sense of the fire's timelessness. Deeply affected and grateful, she backed away.

"Now," Mecatl stated, pointing toward the long flight of steps that led to the dragons, "It's time."

Iroh grinned. "Come, nephew; this is what we came for."

"I wouldn't miss it for anything, Uncle, not anything."

Dropping down to the stones, Mai sat and she watched and she imagined being in their place.

~~~~0000~~~~

*Despite different nations, all the people of the Avatar world speak the same language. Either that or everyone has those sci-fi translator thingies…what show is that from? Wait...'Farscape' had them, right, PF? We all know that if the Avatar world was real, there would be several different languages and many dialects.

For my purposes, the ancient peoples of the Fire Nation are also the most ancient people in the Avatar world and the first to speak any language.

A/N: The chapter took for freaking ever to write (at least it seems that way to me). And it's a bit shorter than most of the others. I'm just grateful to have gotten anything written at all.

Thanks all those who continue to read and many thanks to those who give me reviews.

Alabaster