Fanfic readers what's up? So I have two orders of business. One, in case you haven't read them; I published two one-shots called, 'The Prodigy' and 'The Sword Masters Canvas' check them out and leave a review. Second, I have been haunted by Chapter 13 of Book 4: Air: Exodus which is the confrontation between Ozai and Azula that I decided to do a complete overhaul of their interaction. I don't know; I felt even though Azula felt betrayed, she wouldn't act the way she did. So needless to say I'm going to be publishing a one-shot.

Whew! I'm going to be introducing some OC's no major characters just part of Zuko's royal team.

The next couple of chapters are my favorite and you will see why. So here it is!

I do not own ATLA but I really wish the plot bunnies would stop breeding. I also own my OC's

Book 4: Air: Out of the Ashes

Chapter 3: Of Bliss and Talk

Zuko checked every fiber of his crimson clothes. Were his lapels straight? Perhaps the ceremonial orange was too orange? Maybe the burgundy was better or the yellow?

Argh!

He was Firelord now. Firelord Zuko –he was becoming used to that title and now he had to grow accustomed to a new one, husband of Mai. His thoughts for a moment lingered. He wished he could share this moment with his mother and father in the audience: even Azula was to be a welcoming presence. Uncle Iroh would, of course, tell bad jokes, reenact war stories, ramble on about his tea shop and show off his new physique to the young ladies. That last thought made Zuko chuckle. Everything wasn't ideal, but he thanked Agni that he had friends and most of all, Uncle.

Zuko adjusted his topknot and grumbled. Almost as if reading his mind, the old Dragon of the West entered the room. Iroh patted Zuko on the back. "My nervous nephew," he consoled, "you must calm yourself; how about some warming green tea?"

At this time, Zuko was again wrestling with his topknot, as well as his crown. Defeated, he placed the crest on the vanity. Zuko smiled at his uncle's reflection. "Actually, that doesn't sound too bad."

Iroh carefully poured the tea in two cups. He signaled Zuko to sit on the couch. His nephew, obedient to his uncle's invitation, happily obliged and flopped on the loveseat. Iroh served Zuko his cup, which the Firelord took and delicately blew on the hot beverage inside and sipped slowly.

Iroh started, "Prince... Firelord Zuko, I have always thought of you as my son. Traditionally, your father would perform this duty, but I don't see my brother leaving his cell any time soon," he laughed at the statement inappropriately. Noticing Zuko's quizzical expression; he cleared his throat. "I'm afraid I will be the one doing it."

Zuko saw that sheepish grin instantly form on Uncle Iroh's lips. This couldn't be good…

"Zuko, it's time you and I had…," Iroh quoted, "'The Talk.'"

Zuko gulped the tea, almost choking on it. He put down the cup and looked away for a moment, thinking immediately: this is going to be embarrassing…

Iroh stroked his beard. An awkward silence hung over the room. Finally, Zuko looked at his uncle and grinned. Iroh returned the gesture with his own big cheesy smile. They then looked at each other seriously. Iroh laid a hand on Zuko's shoulder. "Women, Zuko," he informed, "are like yellow tea. It is very rare you come across a tea that goes through a long process, but the flavor is intoxicating."

Zuko scratched his head. What on earth was this man talking about? Iroh, sensing his confusion, sat back in a chair.

He stated, "Well...let me put another way. We men of Agni are blessed with certain endowments that make us ravenous dragons. So, it is best that we be cautious when entering the caves or the walls of Ba Sing Se."

Zuko furrowed his brow. What was his Uncle referring to? Why was he speaking of tea, endowments, dragons, walls, and caves? Then suddenly, it dawned on Zuko; his uncle was talking about sex. Zuko smirked at the old man's ingenious symbolism.

Sex, Zuko thought. For a moment his mind drifted. He thought of being in the garden with Mai. They had been very intimate since she came from the Boiling Rock. One day, they hid in a blind spot of the palace garden and they began kissing. With each passionate stroke, Zuko found himself wanting more. His body begged desperately to bathe in her milky skin and drink in her scent. He controlled himself that night, though, reminding himself that he would be married soon. Here he was, but one day away.

Iroh scrutinized his nephew's daydreaming state and sat up further. "Have you been to the caves with Mai, nephew?"

Zuko caught the statement, "No!" he shouted, surprising himself.

Iroh searched his features for betrayal, but found none. He continued with his prolific talk, "Ba Sing Se's walls are said to be impenetrable. However, nothing in this world is perfect. It requires great strategy and technique to breach the walls. There are two ways to gain entrance; either the guards let you in or you use a drill. You want to be peaceable and never use force. The first choice is always the better option."

"How do I get the guard to let me in?" a blushing Zuko asked, using the ridiculous euphemism presented to him.

Uncle replied, "Why, you wait patiently, inspect their habits, offer them gifts. And when they're
ready, your instincts will take over. It's a lot like hunting." That last statement made him smile and he found himself in a trance of his own. "Speaking of hunting," he continued, "I should find Jun. I would like to penetrate the walls of her Ba Sing Se."

"Uncle!" Zuko tried to steady his stomach, from this new found information that he certainly didn't want to hear. He directed his focus to the floor. Yes, he thought, that would suffice for the moment.

Zuko lifted his eyes to see his uncle stroking his beard, smiling, still in a daydream. Iroh finally looked at his nephews' sickened expression and cleared his throat. "Now, where was I? Ah, yes. Do you know why jasmine is one of my favorite teas?"

Zuko shook his head. He didn't know where this one was going.

"Jasmine blossoms are picked when they are at their peak color," Uncle reported. "The blossoms then boil for hours to achieve their optimal flavor. When they are sun dried, they still maintain their beauty."

"So, you're saying I should take pride in the fact that I have waited for Mai. On our wedding night, I should savor the moment; because it will be our first –it will be special."

Iroh looked shocked at Zuko's abrupt understanding, but then he laughed heartily and smacked the Firelord on the back, nearly knocking him over. Soon, the laughter became contagious and both men were in tears. They stood up facing the other, wiping their merry eyes and hugged tightly.

Iroh then joyfully said, "I am very proud of you, Zuko. You will make an excellent Firelord and a fine husband."

"Thanks Uncle; I needed that."

"There is one more thing."

Zuko froze; he couldn't take any more surprises. Iroh presented to him a gold ring enlaced with rubies. "I was going to give this to Luten, in the event he marries, but I suppose my younger son will have to take it," He winked.

Zuko looked at the ring; unsure and surprised; accepting the gift he smiled, "It would be my honor to wear it."

Iroh stretched his arms out and yawned, "Well it's time to get to bed. I will see you tomorrow?"

"Good night Uncle and thanks."

Uncle Iroh waved him a goodnight. When the door closed, Zuko felt a sense of relief; that was the longest talk of his life. Then again, Zuko shuddered to think about how his father would explain this to him. It would have been much worse. His father would refer to Mai as 'territory to be invaded' and 'staking your claim' or some sort of plumbing metaphors. On second thought, his Uncle was a much better choice. With that thought, he rested his head for the night, steadying his heart; for tomorrow was the day he was anticipating.

It was the day of his wedding and Zuko thought he couldn't get more nervous. His heart was beating out of his chest; he could feel the strong thumping in his ears. Beside him, stood Uncle as the best man, Aang and Sokka; they were all he could see. The rest of the room was like looking through a spyglass. He was breathing so heavy; he thought he would pass out. The ceremonial bride's music played. He gulped loudly. Two maidens sprinkled rose petals down the aisle. In the distance, Zuko saw an angel in flowing red and white fabric, her train covered the aisle and a translucent white veil ensconced her face. Zuko wondered who exactly this breathtaking creature was. The former governor of New Ozai now Omashu, was escorting this ethereal being toward him. At the end of the aisle he kissed the woman on the cheek and led her to the altar. Zuko beheld those deep amber eyes; then he saw a smirk. He had never seen Mai with makeup on or her dressing ladylike. Her hair was away from her face. She must really love him, he thought, this was completely uncharacteristic.

Though the ceremony was long and boring, Zuko was focused on Mai the entire time. When they were finally announced as Firelord and Firelady the crowd clapped. Mai and Zuko impishly smirked at each other; they were officially given a pass.

The reception was filled with painters, the Ember Island Players and musicians—at Aang's request. Mai and Zuko slipped away for a moment on a quiet balcony. They held each other, knowing moments like these were a rare commodity. He looked into her eyes. "Mai…Firelady Mai of the Fire Nation; you're so beautiful."

Mai curled up her hands; trying as she might, not to scratch her foundation off, "My face feels stiff and I can't breathe in this corset."

Zuko stroked her skin, looking deeply into her eyes, "That's what makes you beautiful."

"My suffering?"

"No," he chuckled, "I don't get to see you like this often your just…stunning."

"Don't get used to this. All of this is coming off, the moment we get to Ember Island."

"All of it?" Zuko asked seductively.

She leaned in closer, fingers grazing his ear. "Yeah, all of it"

Suddenly, Aang burst through the double doors of the balcony. "Zuko!"

The Firelord turned around and faced him. "What is it Aang: is everything alright?"

"Zuko; you have to come quickly!"

Mai and Zuko looked at each other and nodded. Zuko went inside with Aang in the reception hall. He looked around seeing no emanate danger. "Where's the threat?"

"Threat?" said Aang tilting his head, "Fire Nation nobles are dancing; isn't that great!"

Zuko slapped his forehead, "This is what you brought me here for?"

"No, of course not Zuko"

He breathed a sigh of relief. "Look who your Uncle brought to the party."

Zuko glanced over at his Uncle; who was with a less than reluctant Jun. Great, now he was going to be sick. "You may not be the only one getting married," nudged Aang.

"Aang I think you've ruined my honeymoon."

Mai grabbed Zuko's hand and held it tight, regarding his sallow expression, "What's wrong with you?"

"Zuko's Uncle is with Jun," said a giddy Aang.

Mai looked at the scene of Uncle Iroh, slow dancing with Jun. The Firelady shrugged her shoulders, "Well…if you can't beat them join them."

Mai grabbed Zuko by the arm and danced with him; though awkwardly. Zuko looked at his new wife he love her so much and he couldn't wait to share his life with her.

That night Zuko and Mai traveled to Ember Island. It would have been a private event, had there not been an army of guards. Zuko sat on the edge of the king sized bed. He looked around at the newly refurbished house. The flowing red sheer curtains with the yellow gold valance adorned with leaves, blew in the slight wind. He was waiting impatiently for his new wife; who seemed to be taking forever. He heard the door creak. Mai was dressed in a simple black chemise. Her long raven hair, framed her slightly curved body. "Sorry for taking so long; that gunk was hard to get off."

Mai walked toward Zuko seductively as he swallowed hard. She sat next to him and blushed furiously. The sight was comical; here they both waited so long for this night and both were too embarrassed to act. They joined their hands, glancing at each other. Mai stood up and slipped underneath the covers. Zuko followed suit. He brought Mai close to him and cradled her body in his strong arms. He laid soft kisses on her neck; she quivered beneath him. Mai looked past Zuko and pushed him back. "Zuko I can't do this."

Zuko, surprised by her statement, knitted his eyebrows in hurt. He was about to ask why; when he saw a knife whiz by him; just then, he heard a scream of pain behind the black curtain. To say Zuko was pissed; was an understatement. They needed protection as the new Firelord and Firelady. This was the single most intimate moment in his life and these guards were being unreasonable. His temper flared; he tore open the curtains and pointed the guards to the door. They all looked nervously and exited obediently. Zuko reached under the bed and ushered the smaller guard from underneath. Zuko and Mai took one last look; they were completely alone. Zuko lifted Mai up and carried her to the bed. He manipulated the fire to extinguish.

It was two weeks, Zuko and Mai had never been more relaxed. They barely left the suite except to be on the beach and sunbath. They held hands, watched the stars and had a romantic diner. The trip home, they were on the boat, irradiating with honeymoon afterglow.

The servant insisted that they ride the royal palanquin. Their entrance was an extravagant display of red rose petals and lilies, thrown beneath their feet. Mai gazed at the spectacle in disgust, "What a waste."

"There are some traditions I can't change."

Mai laid her head on his shoulder relaxing, "There are some traditions that I wouldn't change for the world."

Zuko squeezed her hand and gave her a kiss on the cheek. "I wish everyday could be like this."

That thought was interrupted by the almost abrupt stop of the palanquin. Zuko's crown nearly fell off. They looked at each other and sighed; it was a reality check. It was back to business the moment they set foot on the palace grounds. Mai had to immediately be prepped on her Firelady duties. Zuko made his way to his office to take care of his Firelord obligations.

He sparked the fire in front of him in the hearth and rested his back against the chair. With the massive amount of scrolls he had; he appointed a secretary named Hikaru; a man who loved paperwork. One of his many royal advisors was a man named Quingyi; he was one of his old crew mates from his time of banishment. He was middle aged; old enough to make wise decisions, but young enough to be flexible. The two men entered the room and bowed before him and sat in their respective seats. "Men let's get started; Hikaru what are the contents of the letters?"

"Mostly good tidings from your friends; they are doing well. A Sokka has proposed an annual Gaang get together."

"Any confirmed date?"

"No sir, he is leaving that decision solely to you."

"How are the soldiers fairing in the Earth Kingdom?"

"I'm afraid very badly sir; there is a dispute over land. Entire families have had to uproot their children. The conflict especially lays in between the land of Omashu formerly New Ozai. Several soldiers and civilians have been injured."

"Is there any particular instigator?"

"There is speculation about both sides not anyone in particular. However, unrest is beginning and the Earth Kingdom is crying for reparations."

"Figures, he mumbled under his breath, "Quingyi what do you suggest?"

"They have to find a way to share the land. It's too expensive to make a massive move. I propose they work together and offer goods for services, trade and businesses."

"What of the land is it going to be big enough to accommodate the growing population?"

"The land is enough to expand the borders. I would like to propose that we enlist the Ember Island Players to put on a performance; there is a romantic backstory why not take advantage of that."

"That's satisfactory enough for me. Hikaru what's next on the agenda?"

The young man took a deep sigh, "It concerns the factories the former Firelord built. There are several reports still of waste in the western water tribes streams. There is also the matter of using clean energy. Also, once we have begun an era of peace, people would like to know what to do with these factories."

"Send out a proposal to the Mechanist on using an alternative source of energy. The factories are being kept for capital for the cities' they occupy. To clean the rivers; I would like to recruit our Water Tribe allies; any suggestions on what to use the factories for?"

"May I suggest we do a survey of the people, ask their needs and go from there?"

Zuko shook his head in agreement, "Fair enough," He looked straight to his secretary; the man was hiding something, "alright Hikaru what is the bad news?"

"Milord," Hikaru said surprised.

"You always leave the bad news for last; so, what's it about this time Ba Sing Se, forest restoration, taxes, Aang wanting to have international peace talks?"

"No Sir"

"Is it about my father?"

"Your sister, actually; Dr. Jung Loa said it is very imperative that he sees you, your sister health is declining."

"Did he give any details?"

"She's still in a catatonic state not consuming any food or water. They've had to administer bamboo needles full of saline and force feed her grain; but she nearly choked. It's very bad sir. He wants your consent on performing an experiment, to potentially bring her out of the state."

Wonderful, his sister has a mental break, after he experienced the most amazing peace of his life. He couldn't visit his sister now. Nurturing his marriage was the most important thing to him now. "Tell Dr. Jung Loa—, "he paused for a moment; he couldn't leave his sister by herself; yet, he literally just got back from his honeymoon. His first year of Firelord taught him one thing; disappointment was something no one was exempt from. He had to run his country. "Tell Dr. Jung Loa that I must decline his offer. If he has any medical recommendations; please tell him to refer to our family physician."

"As you wish Lord Zuko"

"Quingyi what's your bad news"

"No sight or record of your mother. So far, investigator Tsang has found three women, who fit your mother's description. One is deceased, one is alive and the last has a son."

"Any ideas on who has been harboring these women all these years?"

"Tsang has found that a secret organization has been responsible for all the refuge's departures."

"Tell Tsang to keep inquiring until he is sure he finds her."

"Yes Lord Zuko"

"That will be all for now: you are dismissed."

They bowed and exited. Zuko's face sunk; he thought for a few moments that his mother could possibly be dead. He couldn't prepare himself or wrap his mind around it. Almost as if on cue Mai massaged Zuko's shoulders. "How do you do that?"

"It's an annoying gift."

He took ahold of her hand, kissing each of her fingers. She pulled his tense shoulders toward her, so that his head lay on her stomach. She rubbed the tension away in his clenched jaw. He closed his eyes relaxing. His love was by his side; she would always be a consistent force of strength. Yet, part of him still hadn't felt whole. He could certainly do without his father. He was being selfish with Azula; he had to not only see her, but ensure that she was being getting the proper care. He felt so drained; seeing her after the Agni Kai, weeping like a wounded animal; it was horrible to watch. Zuko had to be honest with himself; he could pay a visit to his sister without his emotions ebbing and flowing in a confusing tide. His mother Ursa was an integral part of his life; even though he hadn't seen her for eight years. He tried not to let it become an all-consuming obsession. Finding her would mean all of his struggles were worth it. He would exhaust all the resources from his uncle to see this through. Lastly, his Uncle who has been everything to him; Iroh would give him advice when he can. He prayed for a sense of unity in his life. Somehow, that seemed unlikely.

Zuko felt a soft kiss on his cheek. "Come to bed Zuko."

He opened his mouth to protest, but ultimately conceded to the will of his wife, unless he wanted a stiletto to his throat. He rose up from his chair and embraced Mai as all of his worries, anxieties, joys and dreams poured inside of her. She rubbed his back in solace. "No matter what happens, no matter how turbulent our future; I'm here for you and I always will be."

"I know…I just needed you to remember…that you love me. Please…don't forget that."