Summary: Called upon by the future Fire Lady to protect the Fire Lord. Suki accepts as war arises, but between the world's turmoil and an internal revolution, which do you think will cause a greater damage?
WARNING: CONTAINS SPOLIERS IF YOU HAVE NOT READ THE PROMISE PART 1, 2, AND 3.
Disclaimer: I don't own ATLA.
Chapter: 1
Have you ever wondered if certain parts of your life were just dreams? Dreams so vivid, they feel so real. I thought every aspect of this was truth. My struggle throughout this chapter of my life probably doesn't mean anything at all anymore. It's just a lucid vision of what I thought, better yet, what I want to occur. A figment of my imagination that I wish can come true, that was true. I know that I am not spiritual, so why me? Why did my mind have to lose itself in limbo? A dark lie full of fantasies, those that feel so agonizing and daring that tickle beneath my temptations. It is scary now that I'm trying to process everything.
My body feels cold, warmth has left. It left after the rush of blood reached to my brain and back to my heart. Almost, as if it all happened in less than a second, sadly. I forgot who I was, and what I was living for. It's as if a piece of me died; a piece so valuable that I can't comprehend. I physically feel warm pools of water beginning to drown me, as I let imagery of each flash back from this taunting story of my life occur.
The warmth tickled her skin but did not distract her from the sparring match against her team mate; the attractive circus freak, Ty Lee. The acrobatic girl swayed away from her dark teal blue eyed opponent, dogging her attacks at a perfect momentum while showing off with a one eighty degree split, cartwheels, and back flips. Suki was now use to the crazy fighting styles her brunette friend would demonstrate, and along with the chi-blocking knowledge that was a use to her advantage. The Tessenjutsu master managed to learn some tricks Ty Lee had up her sleeve and was able to locate pressure points that would block the ability for one to bend and knock out a few bandits here and there as well... but not flexibility.
Ever since Ty Lee joined the Kyoshi Warriors a year ago after, change swept though. The happy go lucky female taught her knowledge of chi blocking exercises, and stretches that improved stamina, flexibility, and endurance to her fellow teammates. Thus, causing the warriors to display a even more graceful appearance when sparring and during real "show downs". Take for example right now, Suki vs Ty Lee.
The two warriors have fought many times before making them the perfect opponents against each other. Both non-benders, females, and body types were evenly matched, that is until Ty Lse would pull off some fancy flipping tricks and crazy leg lifts. This is when Suki struggles and fails to bring down the cheery female.
"UMMMFFF!" Suki grunted as her bottom came in contact with the hard dirt. She did not see or expect Ty Lee to dip and lunge her left leg out, swinging it wondrously causing Suki to lose balance.
"Whoa, okay you got me there Ty." The acrobatic made her way to the auburn haired girl, offering a hand to help her up. They both turned to face the beautiful scenery of the sea. The waves were ever so calm. Suki didn't like this. Everything seemed mellow right now. She was always at verge to expect danger. Alert when paranoid. She had to be ready for anything. The motto had haunted her, never letting her rest until she knew there was nothing to fear. Yet, after the war, everything seemed peaceful, as crazy as it might sound. There were no more Fire Nation attacks or invasions to worry about, even when bandits or pirates would come around, they were taken down without breaking into a sweat.
Calm before the storm.
"Suki! Ty Lee!" A long black haired girl ran towards the pair holding a scroll in her left hand. Her long black locks were loose as the wind fiercely pushed them everywhere. The girl looked like she was getting into her Kyoshi warrior attire, but had to rush out of her getup routine. Her hair looked wild and was not complimented by the traditional metal headdress, and she did not have one ounce of makeup on. Panting, she hunched her back while placing her right palm on her knee, appearing tired from her recent sprint to see Suki.
"Here." Still trying to catch her breath, she handed Suki the scroll that was embedded with a Fire Nation symbol and secured by a black string that kept it sealed. Suki turned to Ty Lee who raised a brow, dramatically motioning her to open it. The dark blue eyed girl began to loosen the tie of the black string. After completely removing it, she unrolled the white scroll, which seemed to be a letter.
A letter from no one other than Mai.
"It's from Mai." Ty Lee exclaimed and pointed her figure to the inked text. "I recognize her handwriting."
"She wants us to be Zuko's personal body guards due to recent assassination attempts." Suki replied. Ty Lee took the letter from her and scanned it closely. She jumped into mid air and began hollering in excitement, startling the two Kyoshi girls.
"YAY! It's an adventure! Time to kick some assassin but!"
"Nami, prepare a meeting for all of warriors and the Chief to attended as well this afternoon, or as soon as possible. We are to assist the Fire Lord." The auburn haired teenager walked off.
Hours passed into the depths of the afternoon. Summer was warm as the sun hit it's hot rays on the Earth. Inside of a particular room, steam was as accumulating as impatient girls kept bickering about how hot and tired they were to wait for Oyaji. Suki didn't think this was the worst she had to endure from her allies, sometimes, menstrual periods and cramps were far more irritating than room full of bipolar and harlequin teenage girls. Hey, she was one too at times. Unless... they were all on their cycle?
Hell is a place on Earth.
The door slowly cracked open causing everyone's attention to spark. Oyaji made his way to his seat as the some girls exhaled with relief. The meeting was now, finally to commence.
"Chief Oyaji, a letter has sent to us Kyoshi Warriors from Mai of the Fire Nation, Fire Lord Zuko's girlfriend, whom is requesting us to be the official body guards for Fire Lord Zuko." Suki stated, rising out of her seat. At this, dozens of teenage girls in the room had stars in their eyes and pink stained cheeks. Each of them but Suki, Ty Lee, and Nami, we're having hormonal fan girl moments filled with never ending fantasies and hopes of Zuko's affection.
Like if that would ever happen to any of them.
Suki rolled her eyes as Ty Lee began to snicker, and Nami gestured a shrug.
"Ahem." Oyaji coughed. The girls quiet down and gave their undivided attention to their Chief's reply.
"Well, if you girls must do what you have to do, then so be it." He inhaled. "I suggest you pick four warriors, leaving Ty Lee in charge of the ones here on the island-"
"NO!" Ty Lee interrupted. He stared with eyes opening wide in surprise at her outburst. "Eh, Chief, I apologize for the outburst but I have high spirits of going and being here would be devastating." The acrobatic placed her forearm on her forehead like a actress in need of for attention. Oyaji sweat dropped, but nodded his head afterwards. "I mean I love being here, but you know I like adventures." Half of the room began to roll their eyes at her.
"I shall pick" Suki stated. Grins grew wide and fingers were crossed. Suki looked up at the wooden ceiling, wondering who to pick and who to leave in charge. Images and names ran across her mind of the options she had. The anticipation grew till she spoke once again.
"Okay those four who will come with me are Ty Lee," The long braided haired girl yelped in pure ecstasy.
"Nami," Nami smiled and bowed her head.
"Hisa and Kei." Two other dark haired girls smiled, high fiving each other after being called by their leader. All the other ladies whom were not called grunted and moaned ever do frustratingly.
"As for a temporary leader for Kyoshi Island during my absence, I have chosen Suyin." Everyone turned to a medium length brown haired girl with dark green dirt eyes. She bowed her head thanking Suki for choosing her. Others found Suyin to be too dull to lead or take such responsibly, but Suki being Suki, saw a positive qualities in everyone. The brown haired girl was not quiet to be pushed around nor would be problematic in case some random drama would arise, thus was awarded her the title lead during her absence.
As far as the girls she had chosen, she choose Ty Lee due to her knowledge of her homeland plus, Suki also had grown very fond of her and has begun building a very close friendship with her during these past few months. For Nami, Nami was highly intellectual and calm. She brings balance to a group and as a guard; she was a very observant and known for having "an eye of a hawk". Therefore, she would most likely to be to keep a watchful eye for anything suspicious. And finally, there was Hisa and Kei. Two sisters that were only one year apart, Hisa and Kei are two opposites but work well when together, and also, when in groups. Kei is much slyer and cunning than her sister, and Hisa was just humble, but tactful too, but both shared the quality of being protective... over anything.
Suki had to admit that she had her own group of powerful women at the palm of her hands. Each warrior possessed unique skills that shall bring something different to the table and balance.
Zuko would have the best of the best Kyoshi Warriors as guardians.
"Excuse me and my interruption. I respect you Suki, but I don't believe this is fair or diplomatic." A long brown haired girl with wide vivid forest leaf green eyes stood with her arms crossed. Mahri.
"Mahri, I apologize if my acts have offended you in anyway but, since this is a very serious favor we were asked to act upon, and as the leader of this group, I have to make choices. These choices sometimes won't always make us happy." Suki stopped for a moment and looked away from the brunette, cracking a small heartwarming smile from her plumed lips. "But sometimes... they're what's best for us."
Sokka.
"Actually we met a long time ago."
"We did?"
"Yeah, you burned down my village."
"Oh sorry about that. Nice to see you again."
Everything began to shake, somewhat, a tremendous earth quake was taking place. Suki did not know what to do it where to go. Everyone was gone too. No Sokka, Gaang, or Zuko.
She dipped into her tent for safety as the phenomenon continued. About to drift into her thoughts, she heard a voice outside her tent and immediately rushed out to see who they were.
The girl saw no one. Everything was pitch black. Darkness began to swallow her. The scenery, her tent and friends were all gone. Madness began to occur, causing fear to cut deep into her. A wound she would not be able to predict, nor even notice that it's there.
"Suki wake up!" A feminine girl no other than Ty Lee roughly shook her. Suki felts drained as she welcomed the headache. She pushed herself off the mattress and asked Ty if she could bring her some warm jasmine tea. Agreeing, Ty Lee rushed out of their dormitory and into the kitchen.
At the meeting a few days ago, everything went swell and according to plan. Oyaji even threw a goodbye and good luck party for the departing warriors. It was nothing too fancy, just simple with music, food, and entertainment.
At their departure, Nami, Kei, and Hisa were saying farewell to their parents, embracing them into their arms, spreading love throughout the atmosphere. The teal eyed girl looked away yet glance back to admire the affectionate display. Ty Lee stood next to her stretching her long legs. Both girls were the only girls who were parentless during the scene. The acrobatic smiled upon being able to reunite with her home, but not siblings, nor parents. She didn't really find the interest to communicate with them again, but held them dear. Suki noticed her friend's content look, and averted her dark blue green eyes into the waves of the water's current.
The pain tugged deep inside, hidden, not wanting to show the hurt that consumed her during her preteen years grew. Fortunately, Oyaji took custody of the young girl. He wasn't just a mentor, or chief, but a father and parent figure. Although, she always wondered what happen to her parents. Apart of her wanted to know but the other parent knew something's were better left unsaid... Yet, she would find herself asking, how were they like? How did they d-
"Suki, here. Drink up 'cause we're here!" Ty Lee barged into the room, pulling Suki out of her thoughts. Her friend handed her small white porcelain cup filled with jasmine tea. Suki took a sip and scowled at the bitter taste when Ty turned around to leave.
Whoopi, leave it to Ty Lee to make some quality tea.
"Ty, do you mind doing my makeup?" She kept seated, setting the tea on the sodden counter.
"You must not know who you're talking to!" Ty Lee literally bounced to her friend pulling her water proof makeup. In case of emergencies when the ladies had to swim, their facial paint was ordered to be shipped as water proof. Removal would have to be done only by heated water, which would easily dissolve the pigmentations.
Suki cringed when Ty Lee accidentally pulled out small dagger thinking it was a paint brush as she had thought about other things, not minding the sharp object being beaten against black, white, and orange tints.
It was going to be a long day.
Tired he was, tired, stressed, and unprepared for what was to come. Yet, he should not feel that way. He was the ruler of a Nation, a leader in the eyes of everyone, but he knew he was also a traitor for some too. Fire Lord Zuko. The title was his purpose since birth, even if his malicious sister were to desire it more than anything in the world, he was the rightful heir.
The throne.
The crown.
The honor.
But he was doubtful about the pressure that came along with it. How will he be a great Fire Lord if their was no one to guide him, no he trusted to advice him. He felt alone. Of course he had friends, his girlfriend, and nobles along with loyal supporters, but they don't know what it's like to look into hundreds and thousands of piercing brown, hazel, to golden eyes that either worshiped or despised you.
Yes it was very difficult.
Thus, with these recent assassination attempts on his life weren't helping either...
Especially his errr... the Fire Nation colonies in Earth Kingdom territory.
"So the Fire Lord has returned." Zuko was startled to the voice that came from no other than his girlfriend, Mai. She stood before him, tall and elegant though, something was different about her. He just couldn't quite put his finger on it.
She took a few steps closer to towards him as he began to speak again.
"The mob outside of Yuo Dao is gone, for now. At least the Fire Nation citizens there are safe." He calmly stated to her. The dark haired girl's emotionless expression turned into a frown. She didn't care about Yuo Dao.
"You left without saying anything to me. I had to figure out where you were from official edicts your soldiers posted all around the capital!" She raised her voice slightly louder at the last sentence with a tone of great concern.
"..."
Speechless.
"You're doing it again Zuko." She took a few more steps closer, now being inches away from his face. "If you're having problems, you're suppose to talk to me, I'm your girlfriend." After her sentence, he closed his eyes, trying to not start another argument out of a simple conversation.
"You're right. I'm sorry, it won't happen again." He said softly. Mai looked up with a frown still on her delicate face. Her brows furrowed and placed her right hand on his pain; his scar. She began to caress it, her fingertips softly coming in contact with the damaged area. A way for her to sooth and relax him to let him know that she was not angry anymore, but worried.
Defiantly worried.
"You've been having trouble sleeping?" She whispered.
"H-how?" The young Lord stuttered.
"Have you looked in the mirror lately?" She paused, waiting for a reply, but decided to continue. "Your body guards are a bunch of incompetence idiots. You're the Fire Lord now, you need real security... So I asked some friends to come help."
Mai walked backwards, never taking her eyes off of Zuko's. She let her hand rest on the door, turning it, and opening it to reveal a group of familiar female warriors. Three he did not know, Ty Lee and Suki, dressed in their traditional green attire, facial painting, and fans. Each girl began to bow deeply for the Lord of Fire. Suki was the first to start the movement. Reason why was because she was trying to hide an uncontrollable sheer color that quickly rose up to her cheeks.
Hoping that no one didn't notice that it wasthere.
It didn't make sense... at all though.
Both Zuko and Mai found the display somewhat unnecessary, but quickly dismissed the thought.
Ty Lee was rapidly began fanning herself complaining how hot it had gotten while both pair of sisters were mentally raping the fire bender before them. Whoremones, errrr... hormones. As for Nami, the quiet girl noticed the tinted color on her leader's bosoms. A dash of pink that not even her makeup couldn't hide. She raised an eyebrow wondering what on earth she was thinking about as her dark orbs guided her to what Suki was in trance by.
Zuko?
Nami thought to herself. Was she embarrassed because she had forgotten to bow before the Fire Lord, or...Dismissing the thought, she stored it deep beneath her mind as everyone else began to formally introduce themselves. She joined, and later walked into the hallways of the palace with the group to a much more comfortable area to discuss important matters.
She'll have to get to the bottom of this... later.
Ty Lee was ever so happy to be home. She wanted to run to see her sisters and parents but knew that it would be too awkward. She was expecting to see them after the war and Zuko's coronation, but they never showed up. At this, she decided to leave to Kyoshi. The acrobat sat on a cushioned red and luxurious pillow that was near a round table. She liked round tables more than long rectangular ones since it seemed easier to communicate with others. A social creature she was, indeed, but she was so bored out her mind right now.
Where is everybody?
"Excuse me my Lady Ty Lee but you're in the wrong room." A short female servant arrived at the door. Ty Lee palmed her forehead making her way to the right room. Once arriving to her destination, she peeks through the elegant door way. Five pair of narrowed eyes that can kill would have already sentence her to her grave, ten and there. She bowed her head giving a sheepish smile, making her way as quickly as possible to the nearest seat. She sat next to Suki, as the seats nearest the door were already taken. Mai sat in front of Suki, and next to the tall honey eyed girl was Nami, who Ty Lee was now facing. Zuko was farthest to the entrance of the room, sitting between his girlfriend whom was at his right, and Suki, at his left. His seat was at the head of the table while Hisa and Kei were those nearest to the door, and far at the end of the room, facing each other. Noticing the long, dark, and rectangular table, Ty Lee frowned as Zuko gestured his hands, ready to start the mini meeting.
"Now that we are all here, let's begin." He stated picking up pieces of documents. "It's is known that I have different set of guards and there are at least one or two with me at all times, or when I request. The sets of guards are, gate guards, garden guards, hallway guards, and personal guards. All are palace guards." He paused handing out the copied information of sheets to the girls. Their eyes scanned the parchment, knowing that this was a contact.
"I randomly placed you all in positions that will state your location." He said motioning where on the paper they could check. His right index finger pointed to the bottom left corner, as his left held the paper up. The warriors quickly zoomed to where he pointed to see where they would guard.
"I got personal!" Ty Lee pumped her fist.
"I did too." Suki smiled. Mai sighed in relief knowing that her boyfriend was going to be personally guarded by two trustworthy friends. She had no real reason of being there anyway.
And yet, who came blame her when her hot man is in a room filled with five attractive female warriors?
"I got hallway." Nami said softly. Kei and Hisa looked disappointed, but said there's anyway.
"Gate." Kei said unenthusiastically. Her brown eyes twisted her long black pony tail, while her sister spoke.
"Which leaves me with the garden... Gardens." Hisa replied blinking rapidly. She didn't look upset nor content, just neutral.
"Now the last part of this meeting is for all of you to sign this contract. Read it carefully, and if you agree, sign." Mai spoke this time for Zuko in a low tone. He narrowed his eyes at her. "And if you do not agree-" The Fire Lord cut her off by placing his hand on her shoulder.
"I shall explain, Mai." Her brows furrowed at him, but she turned away quickly. "As guards, you are to guard where your selective destination is and wherever I will be. This contact is assuring your loyalty and honor to me as Fire Lord, legally. If you disobey against my orders, you have no honor, but have a chance to redeem yourself in an Angi Kai." He paused but was not finished yet. "Now disobedience is different than betrayal. Those who are my guards swear loyalty to me and The Fire Nation. If you break your loyalty and word on this parchment, it will lead you to an automatic death penalty." He stated smoothly. Mai took out ink and a black feathered quill, passing it to Suki first. Once all papers were signed, Mai stood to collect them, handing them into Zuko.
"Excuse me Fire Lord, even if we are non-benders that would mean we would have to do the Angi Kai against a firebender or non-bender?" Nami questioned him politely.
"Interesting question. You see, as much as I want to remove the Angi Kai law, I can't. It is an ancient Fire Nation tradition for the dishonored or those whom are against one another to duel. Thus, non-bender or firebender, you are to go against your opponent. The only connivance is that I approve of the chosen opponents, or... choose them myself." Zuko nearly whispered the last part. Nami nodded, as she caught Mai's gaze who look like she wanted to add onto the conversation by saying 'why would you dare ask that?', but kept silent not wanting to provoke an argument out of her boyfriend right now. Suki felt the tension in the atmosphere and cast her gaze to the ceiling, admiring the antique golden lite torches.
Zuko arose from his seat, straightening out his robes. "Your guardsmen duty starts now."
Sweat dripped from his forehead. He felt it. It disturbed him every night. The paranoia sunk through along with the curious thought that didn't want to leave him alone. His body felt tense, heavy, and weak. The young man could not move nor get up to react. His nerves were at it and not letting him go tonight. Zuko could not take it anymore. It wasn't a breaking point, but turmoil with his character. The stress was now lying with him, the weight of the world on his shoulders… literally.
He didn't know if he should, but he will. He will right now, head to Boiling Rock, where his father lies, in chains and alone. It had been almost a year since he had seen him.
Zuko stood with a massive migraine. His head pulsed so hard and slow, while his heartbeat was rapid.
A noise out of nowhere struck him. As if someone was creeping through his window, or breaking.
"Do you hear anything?!" He rushed out of his master bedroom to where Ty Lee and Suki were at bay. The girls had a startled look like him, but less troubled.
"No, it's been quiet all night." Suki replied.
"Honest to the goodness, there hasn't been a peep!" The energy from that girl Ty Lee never seemed to drain, even at midnight. Zuko glared at her menacingly. Silence then partook the atmosphere until Zuko spoke again.
"I'm sorry. It's not that I don't trust you. I know that the Kyoshi warriors are the best guardsmen in the world." He stated to her. Suki felt a blush quickly creep up her neck but quickly patted her face with her left forearm's cold armor.
"Guardsmen you mean!" Ty Lee added in. The young Lord rolled his eyes, as Suki smiled faintly at her. She deiced it was time to convince him that everything was okay too.
"Go back to sleep. You have to at least try." The auburn hair colored girl encouraged. Zuko turned away.
"No, I'm going to get a drink of water." He placed his left hand on his forehead shaking it slowly, trying to release himself from his unwanted massive headache.
"Do you need someone to escort you?" She asked, with a more worry and concern in her voice than before."
"I'll be fine . The walk will do me some good" Alone. He wanted to add, but didn't want to come off too harsh. Ty Lee was use to him being that way but Suki, being Suki, wasn't.
As the Fire Lord made his way in the dark, little did he know was that there was a concern warrior behind his trail. She blended her soul in the night in order to reach out to him. He job was to protect him at all cost, and she will go a long way for that, but what she did not know was that long way will be the end of her. It will bend her sanity to extreme levels. Levels she did not imagine would have ever existed.
She didn't know where he was going, but she will find out
A/N:
Nami - Meaning and Origin - Wave in Japanese
Mahri - Meaning and Origin - Capable in Arabic
Suyin - Meaning and Origin - Plain in Chinese
Hisa - Meaning and Origin - Enduring in Japanese
Kei - Meaning and Origin - Joyful in Japanese
ANY COMMENTS, THOUGHTS?
There will be more Toph, Sokka, Katara, and Aang in the next chapter.
-SweetNightmares