A/N:
This chapter revolves around the parents of our Fire Nation Foursome, their relationships, a bit of their history and some of their thoughts and perspectives. I've broken it up into two parts for my sanity and because I can't believe you'll want to read through something so large in one shot.
Recap: Kei is the older sister of Mai's mother Yoshi and her uncle Takeo. Kei took to prostitution to provide for her younger siblings after their parents' death following a successful Earth Kingdom attack on their colony.
In the series Zuko recalls a time when his family was happy. I have a way to go before everything goes to hell in a hand basket.
Here we have an introduction of sorts to Ty Lee's parents Makoto and Emiko, as well as some extended family.
For safety, reader discretion is advised.
Fire Nation Perspectives
Chapter 7 – To Have and To Hold – Part 1
In Good Times: Ozai and Ursa (The Palace)
Within one of the many courtyards on the palace grounds, sat Prince Lu Ten, age six, listening intently to Master Hayato lecture about warfare. It was the Prince's formal introduction on the subject. Hayato was a decorated general, now retired from the Fire Lord's service. He was chosen from among the finest instructors at the Fire Nation Royal Military Academy having had the best turn out in cadets, most of which had proven themselves excellent officers. It was his honor to instruct the young prince on the subject.
"A general must not only lead his men. He must have their complete trust so that they will follow him unwaveringly. They must have complete confidence in him to follow his orders no matter the threat or the danger to themselves."
Every so often, when Hayato's back was turned, the future heir apparent would sneaks peeks at this aunt and uncle who sat far behind them on one of the benches which lined the courtyard. At first he did so to determine if they were still watching. Then it was to send pleading looks their way in hopes that they would cut the lesson short. Now it was just to see if he could do so without his teacher's knowledge.
"Trickery, illusion and deception are your allies. If the enemy thinks our forces are divided, weakened, unprepared, or inferior, he will not hesitate to strike. They will rush in and we will crush them, for they unwittingly would have taken the bait we laid out for them."
Ursa had grown bored with Master Hayato's lecture and took to reciting poetry in her head to keep from nodding off. To her right, her husband kept a keen eye and ear trained on the teacher and student. Further to his right and a bit behind them, were Lo and Li. The twins exchanged glances, smiles and frowns throughout the lesson. Ursa had given up on trying to make heads or tails of the pair a while ago. They were a mystery to her and would remain so. It seemed to her that it was like there was a single individual residing within two separate bodies. If she spoke to one, the other would answer. If she tried to hold one accountable for something, it would be the other's fault. Ursa would swear that they were toying with her and were extremely amused by it.
Master Hayato continued the lesson blissfully unaware of the scrutiny he was under. "Unnerve them and force them to act rashly. Feign inferiority that they may grow overconfident. Run them night and day, and day and night. Give them no rest. Divide their forces. Attack them when they least expect it. Fight from the high ground or take evasive action and retreat. Do not attack unless victory is guaranteed."
Puzzled, his young student asked, "But Master Hayato, how can we know when victory is guaranteed?"
"There are many things to know and to keep track of in war, Your Highness. Soldiers, provisions, terrain, weather, and rations are but a few of these things. The enemy is not the only thing working against you. You must analyze and keep count of everything so as to attack only when you have the upper hand. You must calculate all factors correctly and it will lead you to victory. You have much to learn, Your Highness and this is but your first lesson. That will be all for today. We will continue tomorrow. You may run along now."
Ozai's eyes narrowed. A look of displeasure marred his features. All was well up to that point. I'll speak with Master Hayato first and later with Lu Ten. The boy must learn that outside the family, he is the one who does the dismissing, not the other way around.
"Thank you Master Hayato." Student and teacher bowed to each other as was customary. Immediately thereafter, Lu Ten turned and dashed to where his aunt and uncle now stood. Half way there, he crossed paths with his uncle. Ozai simply motioned for the child to proceed on his way while he continued towards the teacher.
Ursa smiled warmly as she received her nephew in a big hug. "So what do you think?" Lu Ten crossed his eyes before he broke out into a wide grin.
She looked up to see her husband halt the teacher's egress and wondered what was going on. Ozai's back was to her. She could not gather any information simply from watching him so she turned her attention to Master Hayato. She saw Hayato's face go ashen and his eyes grow wide. He started to gesture apologetically. Oh no. What did the poor man do? She chuckled to herself knowing full well how intimidating her husband could be. Whatever it is, Ozai has him cornered and squirming.
Lo and Li looked on from behind Ursa noting that the old man was about to drop in genuflection, but was stopped by Ozai. Ursa usually missed such subtle and quick gestures. This time, however, she caught the slight shake of Ozai's head and the almost imperceptible wave of his hand. Hmm. Ozai doesn't want to draw attention to the fact that Master Hayato did anything wrong, probably for Lu Ten's sake. Anyone watching would think they are just talking.
Hayato dismissed, Ozai made his way back to where everyone was waiting. As he approached, he could hear Lu Ten saying, "This stuff is boring. I thought I would be learning how to fight."
Ozai smiled. He found the little boy incorrigible yet amiable. He had much to learn. Ozai put a hand on his nephew's shoulder to get his attention. "First thing is first. There is more to fighting than throwing a few blasts of fire. There is also more to leading our forces than to give out orders."
Lu Ten remained skeptical, "Did you and dad have to learn all of this stuff?"
"We did. Though this is not the approach I would recommend."
"No?"
Ozai bent down to meet the youngster at eye level. "Why don't you go with Lo and Li? They taught me. They will teach you as well."
Lu Ten stole a look at the twins who smiled brilliantly at him. Slowly he turned to his uncle, leaned in and in a conspiratorial whisper said, "They're girls. What do they know of war?"
Ozai smirked. "They are big girls and they know a lot about a lot."
Lu Ten was getting antsy and didn't want to sit through another lecture. What he wanted most was to practice firebending. He had managed to produce his first flame not long after his father's departure for the war front. He was working on control and was eager to move onto basic forms. Thinking quickly in an effort to get out of more time with the twins, he changed the subject, "Are you leaving soon?"
"Yes. We'll be back in a week's time."
"Can I come too?" Lu Ten put on his best sorrowful face and pouted, "I need a break too."
Lu Ten didn't have high hopes of pulling one over on his uncle, but he reasoned that it didn't hurt to try. It was no use, however, his uncle was on to him. His reply confirmed the young Prince's initial assumption correct. "Maybe next time. Now go with Lo and Li. We'll see you as soon as we get back."
"But . . . ."
Seeing that Lu Ten was stalling and that Ozai was running out of patience, Ursa bent down to her nephew's level as well. "We'll be back before you know it. Now don't give Lo or Li any trouble."
I'm out numbered. What did Master Hayato say? Oh yeah, do not attack unless victory is guaranteed. Fat chance here. He let out an exaggerated sigh. "I won't. I promise I'll behave. But I still don't see why I have to learn all of this with Master Hayato and with Lo and Li."
"Lu Ten," began Ozai, "There is a lot to learn. In order to practice these principles, you must first learn to recite and commit them to memory in small doses. You will be able to recall it all later and apply it when you need it. You won't have to think about it as it will be ingrained in you. The knowledge must become a part of you."
Ursa could not help but hear her mother's voice called up from within her memories. Her recollection took her to a few days after the incident with Chiyoko at school following the introduction of the then-new Fire Nation pledge. "They will teach it to our young. Have them commit it to memory from an early age so that they do not know anything else. It will be dogma and go unchallenged. They won't be allowed to think for themselves." Ursa shook her head to break up the memory. This is different. Lu Ten will one day succeed his father. He needs to learn how to be a Prince, how to rule and lead. This, evidently, is a part of that education.
She missed some of what Ozai had said, and struggled to catch up with the conversation.
"Like training? How?"
"You repeat the basics over and over again, till they become natural, automatic and then build upon it. Your firebending moves will be automatic. No thought will be necessary. When the time comes, and believe me it will come, you will not have any time to think. You will move automatically. It will be as natural as breathing. You do not think about breathing, you just do it. It is the same with bending. Every move will be as natural as that. No thought. You actions will flow from one form to the next. Be it defensive or offensive, you will not have time to think. There will barely be enough time to act. The same applies on the battlefield when you lead men. There will be no time to go over the principles or theories. You must know them by heart. You will have very little time to take in all the information available to you and give your orders."
It was late in the afternoon and Lu Ten, being tired, gave up on keeping up appearances and began to act very much like a six year old. He whined, "But there is so much to learn."
"And that is precisely why you are starting now. There will barely be enough time for you to learn it all."
"Aww."
Ozai stood and addressed his former guardians. "Make sure he goes over this again and is able to recite some of it to your satisfaction, before he is allowed to advance to any firebending forms."
At this Lu Ten let his head hang in dismay, a full frown on his face. Ursa took his face in her hands, made a funny face and kissed his forehead. She whispered in his ear, "It'll be alright, you'll see. You'll make your father proud." Her words worked their magic and he brightened up. It was exactly what he needed to hear. The thought of making his father proud gave him the extra boost he needed to stand tall. He returned his aunt's smile.
"Thank you Aunt Ursa. I hope you enjoy your time at Ember Island Uncle. I wish you both a good journey." He bowed to them before returning his attention to Lo and Li and motioning for them to follow him out of the courtyard.
Ursa stood on her toes and gave her husband a kiss. "You'll make a good farther one day."
"Hmm. I scare children," he scoffed.
"You don't scare him."
"He doesn't know any better." Ursa gently swatted Ozai before allowing him to claim her with a kiss.
In Sickness: Yoshi and Yumi (Earth Kingdom Colony)
Lady Yumi was daydreaming as she strolled through the marketplace. She would stop here and there to linger at the vendor kiosks which caught her attention, but her mind would quickly return to her musings. As her mind pictured a little boy running about the house looking for her in a game of hide and seek, her hand would go to the swell of her abdomen, gently caressing it in soft circular patterns. She imagined her son to be a miniature version of her husband with his face and hair, but with her eyes. A peal of laughter rang out in her daydream followed by her little boy's smiling face.
She came out of her reverie and looked around to determine how much farther she had to go. Every so often she would meet Kei at a pre-arranged location. The marketplace was perfect for these meetings. People came and went as they pleased. They were easily forgotten and could effortlessly get lost in the crowd. This made it ideal for Kei who would show up looking rather plain and modestly dressed – a far cry from her usual flamboyant persona, the Lady Jade. It would not be good for anyone to recognize the madame, or associate her with Yumi for fear of damaging Councilman Yoshi's reputation. It would pain Kei to taint all that Yoshi had accomplished since settling down and taking Yumi as his wife.
It had been a while since Yumi had last seen her sister and it would be the first time she saw her since she had become pregnant. She knew she would hear it from Kei about how silly she had been and about how all her worrying amounted to nothing, but she did not care. She was happy and relieved to put aside thoughts about being barren. It had taken her a while to conceive, but she finally had. No amount of teasing from her sister could put a damper on it for her.
There it is. What beautiful silks they have today.
Yumi approached the assigned meeting place. She greeted the vendor and made small talk about everything and nothing. She fingered the silks and occasionally inquired about pricing to pass the time.
A voice sang out from the other end of the kiosk. "This one is lovely, but there doesn't seem to be enough here for my needs. Do you perhaps have any more, or something very similar? Ten yards, maybe?" the newcomer inquired of the vendor.
"I might back at the shop. If you don't mind waiting I can go check. My shop is just down the street. I'll check and be right back."
"I don't mind at all. Thank you."
The vendor smiled and gave his prospective customer a quick nod and bow. He paused only to give his assistant a set of instructions before making his way through the crowd and down the street.
Yumi looked up and met her older sister's smiling face. "It is a lovely pattern. It would be a shame if he does not have any more of it."
"I do so hope he has more." Kei moved a bit farther from where the assistant stood watch over the goods. Both women lazily walked around the stand, picking up fabrics and commenting on colors, patterns and whatnot, while surreptitiously eyeing the assistant. Once confident that they had lost any unwanted attention, they greeted each other in lowered voices.
"It is so good to see you again, Yumi."
"I miss you too. It has been so long."
"You are much farther along than I had expected."
"I'm eighteen or nineteen weeks. I'm not really sure."
"This is wonderful Yumi. You see? All your worry was for nothing."
Yumi laughed at the comment.
Kei's smile faded as she became somber. "Have you heard from Takeo?" She had not seen him since that terrible confrontation when he declared her dead to him.
"I received a letter a little while ago in response to the news of the baby. He is doing well and has been promoted. Life on the prison barge sounds harsh, but he seems to be enjoying himself."
Kei was earnestly puzzled. "How does one enjoy oneself on a prison barge?"
Yumi smiled even as she blinked away the tears which threatened to form at the memory of what led to their family's circumstances. "I'm sorry. I forget sometimes that you did not get to know Takeo. If you did, you'd know Takeo would find such a place paradise. Barking out orders; keeping the earthbenders in line, maintaining the peace and order. He is such a stickler for rules and such a fusspot about upholding the law."
Kei broke out in laughter. "Oh, my! I don't think we would have gotten along at all. I seem to be breaking every law imaginable."
The vendor returned to find the women laughing. He presented them with several bolts of fabric for their examination. He was pleased when he was able to close two sales. He expertly packaged the fabrics and thanked them for their purchases. As Yumi drew the vendor's attention, Kei skillfully removed two envelopes from her sleeve and slipped them into Yumi's parcel. Though Yoshi provided a comfortable existence for Yumi, Kei would supplement it whenever they met. It would be a long time before she saw her sister again, and most likely it would not be till after the baby's arrival. Kei's "business" was thriving which allowed her to give generously to her younger siblings. She knew that Yumi would find a way to get Takeo to accept the money. If he knew where it came from, he would reject it outright.
Suddenly and without reason, Kei grew anxious. She pulled Yumi into a tight embrace. "You take good care of yourself. Be good to Yoshi and take care of your baby. Be happy for the both of us. Okay?" She felt Yumi nod. "Don't ever forget your promise. Live for the two of us. Prosper. Be happy. My shame is my own. Hold your head high. Don't look back. Always look forward." With that she kissed her and turned to leave. She disappeared into the crowd, leaving Yumi crying softly and the vendor extremely perplexed.
.
Yumi arrived home well before Yoshi. Servants took her parcel and helped her to the garden where tea and fire cakes were ready and waiting for her. The joy and excitement she had felt earlier in the day had faded long before she got home. She felt fatigued and uncomfortable. Once in the garden she sat down in the chair brought outside especially for her. She dozed off leaving the tea and cakes untouched on the tray. When she woke, she felt something was not right. She could not place it and before she could give it another thought the first cramp hit her. She was alarmed, but willed herself to keep still and allowed the pain to wash over her. The next one hit harder than the first. Yumi was now in tears and distressed by the sensations she was experiencing. She called out for help as she pushed herself up out of the chair. She pointed herself in the direction of the house. Servants came running at the sound of their Lady's distressed call. She was half way to one of them when her water broke. Her dress was soaked. The next contraction sent her falling to the ground. There was commotion all around her. She could not make out what the servants were saying. She vaguely noticed them at all. It was as if she had entered a dream state. Tunnel vision hit her and everything started to fade around her: sights, sounds, the whole world disappeared. She had but a single thought, a single concern.
My baby. I'm losing my baby.
.
Yoshi paced back and forth in the foyer. He was not allowed to go in to see his wife, nor talk to the doctor. Every attempt he made to get information was met with sorrowful looks and the refrain that the doctor and the midwife were busy attending his wife. There was a lot of activity on the part of the servants. They ran to and fro fetching things, then removing them from the sitting room. There had been no time to get their Lady to a more private location.
Fear struck Yoshi in new waves as he looked out into the garden. An overturned chair, water on the cobblestone pathway, and signs of blood marked the path his wife had taken inside the house. He knew what had happened. He had known as soon as he saw one of the servants carrying the drenched dress. The sight and smell triggered memories he had long ago let go of.
He fought against them now and tried to calm his mind. A number of things could have happened. Yes, it could be anything. It could be . . . . He tried in vain to think of something, but all the signs led him back to the same conclusion: his wife had a miscarriage. His eyes closed of their own volition and he gave in to the thoughts clamoring for his attention. Setsoku was farther along when it happened. She was so small, delicate and heavy with child. The baby was stillborn. I lost her as well. Images of Yumi pushed Setsoku aside. Dear Agni, please . . . please. Please don't let it be so. Please.
"Yoshi?" Startled, Yoshi turned to find the doctor but a foot away from him. Sympathy etched on his face. "I am sorry for your loss."
"No," he cried softly as he backed away from the doctor. No, it can't be. Not again. "No." Yoshi looked up towards the heavens then let his head drop into his hands and continued to utter his plea.
Doctor Xiaojian was Earth Kingdom, but being a healer afforded him a certain status among the Fire Nation colonists among whom he had many patients. He had known Yoshi since he first arrived at the colony and was a friend, as well as the family physician. "Yoshi," he began again gently, "These things happen. They shouldn't, but they do. Yumi is young and strong. There will be other children."
Other children. Other children? The doctor's words took root in his brain. "Yumi lives? She is all right?"
"She is not out of danger yet," Xiaojian warned. "There still is a risk of infection and heavy bleeding, but I believe she will pull through. She is strong. Ling is an experienced midwife. She will stay with her throughout the night. I will return in the morning to see how Yumi is doing."
"May I see her now?"
"Not yet. Ling will come for you when she is ready to receive visitors." Xiaojian paused and quickly examined his friend before deciding to proceed. "Yoshi, I know you've been through this once before."
The reminder stung like salt on an open wound, but Yoshi simply nodded in acknowledgement.
"No one can prepare for this. You can imagine what this is like for her. She's had a huge loss. Be easy with her. Comfort her and support her. Time will tell, but if she gets through this, I see no reason why you can't try again."
My wife lives. Other children. Perhaps, yes. In due time. "Of course. Thank you for coming Xiaojian. Thank you so much." Yoshi, still dazed, walked the doctor to the door. He just stood there still well after bidding the doctor goodbye.
"Councilman Yoshi?" came a voice from behind him. "Councilman?"
"Hmm?"
"Lady Yumi has been moved upstairs." The housekeeper's eyes would not meet his. Her head was kept bowed. "Is there anything we can get for you, sir?"
"Er. No thank you." He absentmindedly dismissed her with a wave of his hand. Yoshi re-entered the foyer and stared up towards the bedroom where his wife lay resting. He gave silent thanks that she was still alive. His relief, however, was short-lived. His emotion turned to grief. "We've lost our child."
Shoulders hunched, he dragged himself to his office. He locked the doors behind him and sought out a bottle of fire whiskey. Then, with a glass in one hand and the unopened bottle in the other, he sat at his desk and began to cry.
.
It was morning before Ling allowed Lady Yumi to be disturbed. Yoshi entered the room and sat on the bed's edge. Yumi sat upright against the pillows with her head down. She did not acknowledge his presence.
The silence worn on. He was the first to break it. "Woman? Are you well?"
"I've lost your son," she replied flatly. The midwife had indeed confirmed it was a boy.
"I am glad for not loosing you too."
His words, softly spoken, lit a spark of hope in her. She looked up to meet his eyes. She found tenderness there, one which spoke of sorrow and love. She was wrong to think he would be angry with her. Without warning, all the pent up emotion she had been holding in flooded her senses. She began crying uncontrollably. He closed the gap between them and scooped her up in his arms. They held onto each other and cried together. They cried for what would have been, but was lost. They cried for dashed hopes and dreams. They cried for their lost son.
.
A private funeral was held the next day. The little body was cremated and buried in a local cemetery. They followed the Earth Kingdom custom of placing a Jizo statute at the gravesite. The Jizo stood watch over their lost son in its red cap and bib, pebbles piled up around it.
Once the grieving family departed, Kei and Chen, now her constant companion, approached the grave. They had watched the ceremony from afar, ever vigilant to keep their distance and not give cause for gossip. They placed their pebbles by the Jizo and offered prayers that the baby's soul be guided safely across the Sanzu River to rest safely in the Spirit World.
Kei had seen much in her line of work. The death of a child was always hard, but this time it happened to her family and that she could not openly go to her sister to comfort her made it unbearable.
Time, she thought. Everything will be better in due time. If anything, Yumi is strong. It's been drilled into her. She will overcome this. She and Yoshi will heal and then, when the time is right, they will try again.
For Richer: Makoto and Emiko (Country Estate – Fire Nation Capitol)
Makoto was a bladesmith who learned the art of sword making under the tutelage of his father, Akihiro and his uncle Itsuki. The pair were renowned master sword makers, credited with forging some of the finest katanas in all of the Fire Nation. It was rumored that Itsuki had even forged swords for the legendary swordmaster Piandao.
Lady Emiko was a nobleman's daughter and only child. Her father, Lord Atsushi was a land baron who held coveted contracts with the Crown for the iron mined on his lands. His mines were the largest supplier of steel to the Fire Nation's naval yards, army arsenals, ironworks and shipyards.
The bladesmith and the lady were from different worlds. The only connection between the two was the precious ore, which was mined by her family and crafted into beautiful but deadly weapons by his. The odds were next to impossible that the two would ever meet, but met they did. That they fall in love and marry was out of the question.
Who would have thought? Of all things a blacksmith, or is it bladesmith? It doesn't matter anyhow. He works with his hands.
Lady Hiromi, Emiko's mother sat in the parlor lost in thought as she calmly drank her tea and watched her son-in-law pace back and forth like a caged animal.
It didn't turn out so bad, she thought. He is a good man. He is a good husband. It would be better if he wasn't a commoner. At least he isn't dirt common. His relation to General Katsuo saved us. That cannot be dismissed even in the circles we run in. Katsuo is highly decorated and is in favor with the Royal Family. Even so, it would have been better if Makoto was Katsuo's son instead of Akihiro's. Come to think of it, it would have been better Makoto were a firebender.
Ah, it would have been nice to have a firebender in the family.
But to think how close we came to dishonor! Had it not been for the General, there would have been no saving face. We would have lost Emiko. The shame would have been too great. We would have had to disown her. Oh well. Thankfully the General claimed the boy as the son of his sworn brother and that did the trick. The General is above reproach . . . and he is a firebender. We owe quite a bit to General Katsuo.
Maybe the baby should be named after him.
"How is she? Has she asked for me? Has the baby come? Is it a boy or a girl?" Lady Hiromi looked up to see her son-in-law Makoto pestering the midwife, piling question upon question on her.
He certainly is a bundle of nerves. I should have put some fire whiskey in his tea too. It would have calmed him down. Did wonders for me.
"She is doing well. The contractions are still too far apart. Please sir, I will let you know when the baby arrives. Now have a seat. I promise to get you when the time is right." The midwife stole a glance at Lady Hiromi before she pushed past the nervous father. No sooner than she disappeared through the doors than Makoto returned to his pacing.
The way he is acting, one would think this is his first child.
Lady Hiromi returned to her musing; back to the time when serendipity had put into motion a series of unlikely events which cumulated to where they were now. She went over it in her mind.
There was the commissioning of the sword by General Katsuo for presentation to Fire Lord Azulon on the anniversary of His Majesty's victory against the Earth Kingdom forces at the Battle of Garsai. It certainly was a thing of beauty. There is no denying its exquisite craftsmanship; only the best from Makoto's family. Then there was the gala at which Emiko was presented to the upper crust of Fire Nation nobility. Everyone who was anyone among the upper-most echelon was invited. Oh, what a night that was! It would have been perfect, but . . . . Which brings us to my husband. Spirits Atsushi is a good man, but he can be so trying at times. His awful timing is exceeded only by his persistent boasting, which more often than not leads to more trouble than he's worth.
The morning of the gala, word had come to them that General Katsuo was at the mine, accompanied by a sword maker, to personally choose the pieces of ore from which a commemorative sword would be made. It was already known to her husband that the sword would be presented to the Fire Lord. Therefore, upon learning of the General's arrival, he rode to the mining village to meet him himself. It was early evening, and the gala was well underway, when her husband returned home with the General and Makoto in tow.
Hiromi recalls eagerly greeting the General and making him and his companion welcome, as well as being annoyed at her husband for springing last minute guests on her. What's more, general or not, he was not in the proper attire, much less so his companion. Still, Atsushi had paraded the two around and introduced them to everyone of worth. When she had pulled him aside to protest, he chided her. "The General has come to my mine – my mine – for the materials needed to make the Fire Lord's sword. I have every right to boast. Now you attend to your friends and I will attend to mine."
As the night wore on and the wine flowed freely, some of the guests had started to make nuisances of themselves. Hiromi recalls the embarrassment on the part of many mothers for their daughters' blatant flirting. At one point, an argument had erupted between two noblemen vying for the attentions of Lady Miu. Hiromi, who was originally disappointed when Prince Ozai had sent his regrets, found she was highly relieved that His Highness was not there to witness the shenanigans of her guests.
Contrary to what everyone had said then and would still say when the topic came up, Hiromi thought that night was a disaster. She blamed her husband with his constant surprises and his lack of decorum.
He still maintains that I indulged too much that night and blew everything out of proportion.
She stole a glance at her anxious, still pacing, son-in-law before casting her eyes at her tea. The fire whiskey had soothed her nerves. She relied on it a bit too much.
Perhaps Atsushi was right. I did have a bit much to drink that night. But no self-respecting mother could blame me for what happened next.
Hiromi was turning colors at the memory of how that night ended for her. She had been searching for her husband who had disappeared after dinner and was making her way through the ballroom crowd when something caught her eye. Through the glass doors which led to the garden she saw her daughter in the arms of the common, poorly dressed, Makoto. Instantly everything around her had come to a halt and her guests' eyes were trained on her. It was a matter of seconds before Hiromi realized that the astonished scream that froze everyone in place was her own. Mortified and fairly inebriated, she had fainted.
"Congratulations! You have a daughter."
Another daughter? That makes three. What are we going to do with three girls? Good thing we've got plenty for dowries.
"Okaasan,* are you coming?"
"You go right ahead dear. I'll be along soon. I'm going to get myself some more tea first."
Ozai & Ursa (Ember Island)
At the age of seven, Prince Ozai had gone missing. Lo and Li had frantically searched the palace. They had every servant and guard within the caldera on the lookout for him. The thing the twins feared most was not the Fire Lord's reaction to the news that his youngest was missing, but that the little Prince might have followed his older brother and stowed away on his ship bound for the Earth Kingdom. They dispatched men to the docks in the hopes of catching and searching the ship for Ozai. Till word came back, there was nothing for them to do but to search the grounds again. It would not be till he pulled the same stunt three more times that they would discover his place of solace.
Prince Ozai, second-born to Fire Lord Azulon and Fire Lady Ilah, had escaped once again to the mews. It was the one place he found where he not only could break away from the world, but in which he felt strangely at home. There, among the fire hawks and war falcons, he felt a connection. The birds of prey all stood as if at attention. A few were tethered to their perch by their jesses and still others wore hoods, but all were captives in his young eyes. Instead of soaring freely through the air as they were born to, the raptors were held back, trained to wait for orders and obey. He too felt himself a prisoner waiting on someone's cue, denied the freedom to be who he was meant to be. He was pushed aside by his father just because he was born second. Furthermore, he was born too late for his brother to take notice of him.
"I am alone," said Prince Ozai softly to himself.
"You are never alone," came the response. The little boy jumped. He had not been expecting an answer. Surprise quickly gave way to anger. He knew the truth in the statement. Of course, he was never alone. That is why he had come here to escape. He was always being shadowed by Lo, Li or a guard, each like unwavering sentinels. Now he had no place left of his own.
Ozai whirled on the intruder, ready to verbally blast him for robbing him of his last refuge, only to find that he had not been followed. He was facing Master Falconer Yoshito who had every right to be there. The man stood a few feet into the mews directly in front of the entrance, thereby cutting off any means of escape. His arms were crossed against his broad chest. He pointedly glared at the young Prince. Ozai composed himself and met the older man's stare.
So escape is not your plan? Whatever are you doing here young Prince?
"Good morning, Your Highness. What brings you here?" Before Ozai could decide between the truth or a lie, Yoshito continued. "No matter. You are here and that is all there is to it. Will you be on your way now?"
"No. I would like to stay a while . . . in private, if I may." The master of the mews had unnerved him and Ozai hated that he sounded so unsure of himself because of it.
"Good," said the older man as he eyed his raptors. The Prince has not disturbed them. "Even though you are royalty, you show me the proper respect by asking and not demanding. That, in turn, earns you mine." Upon saying this, the master falconer bowed deeply before the seven year old. He righted himself two beats later. "They do not seem to mind you, young Master. You are welcome any time you like." The older man looked the boy over and added, "I'd be honored to teach you the ways of my art, if you'd like. What say you?"
Ozai squirmed a bit. Here was an adult who he was not able to easily read. He was testing him that much he understood. Seconds ticked by and a reply was in order. "Thank you Master Yoshito. I would very much like to be your pupil."
Yoshito chuckled at the boy's distress. "You have much to learn young Prince. Do you truly wish to learn how to handle my birds?"
Ozai marveled at the way the old man maneuvered him. Outwardly Yoshito was friendly and polite, yet inwardly, Ozai would bet, that the man felt contempt for him. It was almost like being in his father's presence, but safer - a lot safer. Ozai took a gamble. "No sir. I have no desire to handle them. I only wished to spend time among them with my thoughts."
"Hence the request for privacy. However, you expressed interest in being my pupil. Why? Was it flattery? Foolery? A blatant lie?"
"No sir. It is the truth. I'd like very much to learn how to do what you are doing."
"What am I doing?"
"That right there. You're evading. You verbally thrust and parry. We're dueling and I am at a loss. I would like very much to learn how to do that."
The older man smiled. It was genuine. This Prince is no fool. He is cut from the same mold as Sozin and Azulon. True, Iroh will be Fire Lord one day, but imagine the Fire Lord this child could make.
Yoshito chose to return to the original topic. "You are approaching it the wrong way. It is not that you are alone, but that you are set apart. You are above them."
Ozai blinked. What is he talking . . . . Oh. "I was talking to myself. That was private."
"Next time, talk to yourself up here," Yoshito was pointing at his head, "and not aloud. Never aloud. You don't know who might be listening, do you?" He winked and smiled at the boy again. "Do you have any friends?"
"No. I don't think I am allowed to."
"I guess you wouldn't be. It's overrated. Didn't go over too well for Fire Lord Sozin, did it? Friends can betray you."
"By definition a friend is someone you have special bond with."
"You are royal. That makes you different. You will stand alone, but you will not be alone. You will surround yourself with trusted allies of your own choosing. But they can never be your friends. Pawns. Tools for your use, yes. But never friends."
No friends? No mother. No father. No brother. No one? Am I to remain alone?
.
Ozai, like all firebenders, heeded the sun's call and awoke at the first stirrings of daybreak. Upon waking he would usually go through a routine of morning exercises before breakfast. Today, however, he remained bed taking in his surroundings and gathering his thoughts.
Strange. I haven't thought of Yoshito in a long time. Why did I dream of that? The memory of that conversation, held so long ago, brought to the present the thought that he would be alone by the very nature of being a prince.
I am not alone.
He glanced over to where his wife lay still snuggled under the covers. He turned on his side to more easily study her.
Agni, she is beautiful. So peaceful and angelic.
He gently brushed her hair aside and tucked it behind her ear before leaning in to kiss her softly. He didn't want to wake her. It had been a long time since he could just watch her sleep. He smiled as he thought of the mess of contradictions she was.
She is seemingly delicate and fragile; and yet anything but. She is gentle, kind, wild and untamed; a lady and a temptress; both woman and child. A mess of contradictions and yet it suits her perfectly.
Though not a bender, she has a fire within which rivals that of anyone of us. She speaks her mind, stands her ground and fights for what she believes in. And for some strange reason, she believes in me. She loves me.
Carefully he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close. Without waking, she nestled into him.
It's amazing how she has changed me so much in such a short while. Things seem brighter and new all because I am seeing things through her eyes. What's more, I can be me with her. I don't have to hide or lie. I'm not alone. I'll never be alone again.
He whispered softly into her hair, "I love you."
.
It was their third day on Ember Island. They were in the courtyard of their new vacation home. Ozai had presented it to Ursa as a late wedding gift. He had secretly designed and commissioned the house they had imagined together that night they first met. She knew now that this was the reason why he kept putting off the getaway from the palace she so badly wanted. This too was the reason why he spent late nights in his office and kept odd appointments throughout the day. In the end, it had been worth it.
Three days ago, Ozai had insisted that they take a walk along the beach upon disembarking the ship which had brought them. Ursa had readily agreed. As they walked along the shore, she felt her stress melt away. Her husband was smiling again. That simple act made her smile. Ember Island was working its magic again.
The couple had strolled side by side, occasionally bumping into each other in a comfortable sort of way, as they made their way back to that fateful stretch of beach. She was surprised to see a house at the spot where they had dreamed one should be. Suddenly the reason he brought her there dawned on her. Her reaction was priceless. She whooped in delight and launched herself at Ozai. He broke their kiss so as to take in her expression. She was smiling and crying.
"I love you! Oh, I love you, you wonderful man." She landed another kiss on him. "Thank you. It's perfect!"
"Wait till you see it up close." She lit up at the notion and kissed him once more before she took off at a run up the path to the house.
Ursa smiled in remembrance as she sat at a table located in a shaded area of the courtyard, picking at her plate of fruit and watching Ozai train.
Shirtless, a sheen of sweat covering him, he mesmerizes her as he moves through his forms. She is breathless at the sight of him. She is in awe of him: his agility, his precision, his fire deadly and completely under his control.
The sun shines bright and hot above them. He's been at it for half an hour. His intensity had not slowed. She is grateful to be sitting in the shade as she feels overheated. She laughs at herself because she knows that he is the cause of her affliction. Watching him, anticipating his touch serves only to heighten her desire for him. He exudes a raw power that she finds irresistible. She finds his confidence as dizzying as his arrogance. She blushes at the thought of how easily she is aroused by him. Her blush deepens as she knows that he can take her whenever or wherever he wants without protest from her. She thinks herself silly and laughs again. Picking up her fan she tries to cool herself.
Her laughter carries on the air and reaches his ears. He strains to hear her as he continues his training, but dares not look at her. He finds it annoying how easily she can distract him; the sound of her laughter has already caused his body to react. He smiles as he pushes her to the back of his mind and forces his concentration back to his form. He burns for her. He aches for the sound of her voice, the feel of her skin, her hands on him, the taste of her mouth, the sight of her undone. He redoubles his efforts and finally manages to regain focus on his firebending. He executes the moves perfectly. It is automatic now, due to years of repetition. Her laughter rings out once again. His form is still flawless in spite of his growing desire for her. He tames his fire and concentrates on his chi. He feels the power. He feels its duality, the ying and the yang as they flow within him. He tugs at it carefully. There, he has caught it, the negative and the positive.
He bends deep in horse stance then moves up to his left, his hands following the bending form. He leads the opposing energies as if they are tied to either of his pointed fingertips. Tendrils of pale blue, almost white light, trail behind as if tracing the path taken. He repeats the action to his right and then back to his left; tendrils of lightning following. The electricity builds and threatens to discharge. He swings his arms high above his head and then out in opposite directions back and down behind him in a circular pattern. He continues the momentum whipping the tendrils forward and up. The power is great. It threatens to escape him and explode. But it is he who is in control. He commands it. He guides it. He allows the release. He picks the target. He closes the gap between his fingers, his hands strike like a snake and lightning shoots from his finger tips at his intended target.
The form itself was a blur to Ursa. His movements were rapid and fluid. His lightning, like beautiful white blue streamers, remind her of the ribbon dances she had seen as a child at the island festivals. Quick and sure, they gracefully cut through the air and shoot out with refined precision, crackling the air in its wake.
He turns to look at her. She is already moving towards him, a towel in her hands. She reaches him and begins to wipe him down. He takes hold of her wrist stopping her in mid-action; then pulls her close. He kisses her long and hard. She swoons.
Oh, but he can be so delicious!
A/N:
So this is "half" of what I had intended to be chapter seven. The "second half" is taking too long to focus and flesh out. So I ended this here.
Reviews are greatly appreciated. Constructive criticism on content and technical form is welcome.
*Okaasan means mother in Japanese. Used here by Makoto as a term of endearment and respect for his mother-in-law.
Chen is a character which was introduced in "Excerpts/Expanded Scenes." He becomes Kei's friend and lover.
". . . Jizō is popularly venerated as the guardian of unborn, aborted, miscarried, and stillborn babies (Mizuko Jizō)." - Mark Schumacher (www dot onmarkproductions dot com forward slash html forward slash jizo1 dot shtml). For some reason the website disappears unless I write it out like this. Anyhow, the concept is interesting and if you want to learn more, this site is a good place to start.
