Vita Post Mortem
Chapter 10: Resolution
Capitol City
With satchels full of plants they had divided, leaving some to grow naturally, an excited Nobu and Kozo headed back up the crater and then down the steep path that led to the city. Once inside the palace grounds again, Nobu instructed the gardener to plant the kusai and hoped it would flourish in the healthy soil of the royal gardens.
Distribution was the next problem; how to get a bit of the herb into every citizen. He still thought that tea was best. Sadao and Norio could make an announcement, have the people line up in an orderly fashion, if that were possible, and serve small cupfuls of the brew. There weren't enough plants to give everyone an actual piece, so that was out of the question. Nobu shuddered to think of how the citizens would react if he ran out; and he probably would. Children first, he decided and left to speak with Zuko's advisors. He would get it done, no matter what it took.
Ember Island
Azula hadn't used bending for five years. It was beyond exhilarating to feel the fire course through her again. It was power and domination and destruction and it was glorious. She was smiling as the flames left her hands and her feet and sought out her brother, Fire Lord Zuko, the man who had everything that she deserved along with several things she had no interest in whatsoever.
Zuko had trained in the courtyard where they fought many times, both with Aang, on his own, and with Mai. He knew that space well, every inch of every stone, in fact, and didn't need to take his eyes off his sister. Her bending was a bit erratic, but still powerful enough. Zuko knew that the longer the battle went on the more confident and more powerful her bending would become. It had been a long time since the young woman had flexed those particular muscles, so to speak.
As for Zuko, bending now came from a place of serenity and happiness rather than rage and sorrow. He approached the whole art from a different perspective and it made a huge difference in his skill. Where before his encounter with the majestic dragons Ran and Shao, he couldn't seem to move into the realm of master, after his encounter, he improved dramatically and could match Azula move for move.
But he was wounded and the pain was an insistent presence difficult to ignore. It made every move, whether defensive or offensive, difficult. He took deep breaths and tried to ignore the hurt, focusing on his wife and son instead. If Azula defeated him, they would be in danger again; he would not allow that to happen, no matter what it took.
"What's the matter, ZuZu? You look like you're in pain." Azula's voice was taunting and her lips twitched with the beginnings of a smirk.
The young Fire Lord made a concerted effort to disguise the discomfort he felt. "I'm just fine. Why don't you concentrate on your own bending?"
"Oh, well, I'm glad to hear that," she answered sarcastically. "But Mai is in pain. I know that for a fact. She tried to keep it from me, like a brave little soldier, but I could tell. She's probably having the baby as we speak."
Zuko knew that Azula wanted only to break his concentration, find an advantage, but he couldn't help his reaction. Mai was having their baby without him there. Mai was in pain. She could handle it just fine but that didn't change his need and desire to be there for her, to witness the birth of their second child. He turned his head and looked at the back of the beach house. Azula struck, her fire sending him flying across the stones where he lay sprawled out, bruised and scratched.
His abdomen throbbed, a sharp, excruciating pain, impossible to ignore. He struggled to get up as Azula strode toward him, the thought of impending triumph shining in her whiskey coloured eyes. Zuko scrabbled, his hands like the claws of the crabs that Takehiko liked so much, and made his way up the three steps that led to the back doors. They were locked but he kicked them in, almost desperate now and disappeared into the depths of the house.
Mai was on someone else's bed, wearing nothing but a light nightgown and a layer of perspiration. Her knees were drawn up and she grasped them both with her hands, holding on tight and riding through the latest contraction.
"You're doing just fine," Eri encouraged her. "Have some cold water; looks like you need it." The midwife handed Mai a cup and she drained it quickly, letting it fall to the floor when she was finished. "Now, lie back and rest for a few minutes. The next one will be on you soon."
"Yeah, I know that," Mai almost growled. "I've got it figured out."
"Oh, so it's all right for me to leave then?" Eri asked with a twinkle in her eyes.
The midwife had heard and seen everything during the many births she had attended. She'd been called every terrible name going, she'd been hit and shoved and spat on. And she still loved her job. There was nothing like observing new life come into the world. A woman stripped of all inhibitions was just an amusing bonus.
"No, damn it. If you leave, I'll have to hunt you down and kill you." Mai let her body drop back down on the pillows and sighed with momentary relief.
Chuckling, Eri checked Mai's progress, clucking her tongue thoughtfully as she examined the woman. "It will be time to push soon. You're doing well."
"I wish Zuko was here." Mai almost sounded whiny. "He's going to be so disappointed."
"He'll get over it once he lays eyes on that beautiful newborn. Don't worry about him. You need to concentrate."
"He's fighting for his life; Azula, you don't understand. She'll do anything…" Mai's voice quivered with emotion.
"I think I do understand that now. You need to have faith in your husband. I do."
"Oh, oh, Agni, here it comes," Mai puffed. She gripped the bed sheets in her hands and breathed in an out heavily until the pain subsided. "I do have faith," she gasped.
"Here, dear." Eri placed a cool, damp facecloth on Mai's forehead. "Lie back again. Everything is fine."
A knock sounded on the door. For just a moment the Fire Lady hoped it was Zuko. But it was the servant, Sonomi, with Takehiko in tow.
"I'm so sorry, my lady, but the little boy wanted very badly to see you. I think he's worried." The young woman looked contrite and tried to hold the prince back gently.
"Mommy," the boy said with wide eyes. His lips were pushed out in an adorable looking pout.
"Come give me a hug, sweetie." Mai beckoned with open arms and the boy rushed the bed, leaping up beside Mai and tucking his head into her chest. "It's okay, sweetie. I'm fine. The baby has decided that he or she wants to come out now. So, I'm going to need you to stay with Sonomi. Have you eaten something?"
Takehiko nodded.
"Good. Take out some your toys and play for a while. When you're done your new brother or sister will be here."
He was excited now. "Okay. I come back soon." After one last snuggle, he slipped off the bed and left with the servant.
"You had another one, didn't you?" Eri asked as soon as the boy was gone.
"Mmmhmmm, I wanted to scream. More water, please."
She gulped again and groaned as another contraction hit. There was very little time between them now and the child was almost ready to make its appearance.
Once inside the house, Zuko ran, looking for a place to rest for just a moment and get his bearings. In the kitchen, he pulled the water skin over his head and drank long and deep. The blood loss of just a day earlier was still taking its toll. After a few seconds he drank again and then discarded the skin. His swords would stay with him, of course. They could prove invaluable. Zuko thought hard for a minute and wondered why Azula wasn't right behind him.
The house was silent and Zuko was certain that Mai had taken Takehiko to safety, somewhere away from their summer home altogether. Just as he took a step out of the kitchen and headed stealthily down one of the main hallways, he heard his sister's voice.
"What's the matter, ZuZu? Are you afraid to face me? Are you hiding under your bed like you did when we were little?" There was a pause then as if she were waiting for an answer. After getting none, she continued. "Do you remember when Father and I would practice our bending on the beach and you would just watch because your fire was so pitiful. You'd get all upset and run away to your room. Mom would run after you, of course, like she always did. I guess she figured that a loser like you needed someone on his side."
Zuko's face flushed at the painful memory. Ozai had looked at him with such disgust and disdain. It hurt more than a young boy could adequately express and he carried that hurt around with him for years. He shook his head. It didn't matter anymore. He was the Fire Lord. He was married to the love of his life and he had a family and friends. He was happy and productive and loved.
"I'm not hiding. Azula. I'm right here. Let's finish this, NOW!"
He stepped out of the shadows and moved back toward the kitchen. He saw Azula then, smiling coldly, blue flame dancing in both her palms.
Capitol City
It had to be Nobu's lucky day. The people were cooperating fully, standing in line patiently and waiting for their tea. What children remained had received their tiny cups of tea first and now stood with relatives again, waiting for them to receive their doses. The royal physician was surrounded by guards and Sadao and Norio stood at his sides, explaining to the people again the story of the herb.
Maybe the terrible episodes of violence, and the resulting death, injury and destruction had finally awakened the citizens to the craziness of their behavior. Or maybe they were simply too tired to fight anymore and could be placidly herded like koala sheep anywhere the guards wanted to take them.
Whatever the reason, Nobu was grateful. And more of the kusai was on its way from Akina Island. Then, there would be enough for everyone. He silently thanked the island healer, Shou, who had doggedly pursued an answer. He would get his reward. Nobu would see to that too.
Ember Island
Mai pushed. Her black hair was damp with sweat and her pale skin was pink with exertion. It had been going on for almost an hour already and the head still hadn't appeared. She was growing impatient and tired. An entire night without sleep wasn't helping the situation much either.
"One more, Mai; come on." Eri patted her knee and gave her an encouraging smile.
"Fine, but only because you asked nicely." Mai inhaled deeply and then pushed with all her might. She could finally feel her baby's head between her legs and knew that the end was in sight.
"Let me check the baby over for a moment," the midwife said calmly. She cleared the baby's mouth and nose and made sure the umbilical cord wasn't tangled around its neck. "Everything looks good. Let's finish this."
"And what exactly have you done?" The Fire Lady snapped at Eri before pushing once more.
The relief she felt when the infant slid out of her all the way was almost immeasurable. The joy at seeing her child for the first time was.
"Her name is Megumi*," Mai whispered. "Oh, she's beautiful."
Tears came then and she let them fall unabashedly.
The princess was cocky. She juggled the two balls of flame, showing off her skill, trying to throw Zuko off again. But he wasn't having it this time. He didn't hold back but instead sent a powerful wave of fire down the hallway. It glowed with a warm mix of red and orange and yellow. Zuko didn't make blue fire. It wasn't in him. Truth be told, he had no desire to. That was the domain of Azula for whatever reason.
She destroyed his wave and sent back one of her own. Zuko jumped nimbly aside and let the fire lick up the walls of the house.
"Are you trying to burn the house down, dumdum?"
"Would you care?" Zuko asked.
"No; burn it, burn everything. What does it matter to me? I'm not a sentimental fool like you are."
"I remember," Zuko began as fire cradled each of his hands. "I remember when you learned how to swim at the beach. We were all so proud of you. You took to it so quickly too, like you did everything. Do you remember the special dinner we had to celebrate? We ate in the kitchen behind you there." He let the fire go, two separate streams that grew more powerful and wider as they made their way down the hallway.
Azula looked tiny and vulnerable standing there between the two walls of fire. But looks were often deceiving. With an elegant wave of her hands the yellow flames dies and blue ones, coiling and deadly, swirled their way toward Zuko. "I remember the look on your face. You tried so hard not to let the envy show. But it was there. I saw it. I knew."
Zuko took his dual swords out of their sheath and let Azula's fire crawl up the length of the metal before flinging it back at her. They always felt so good in his hands, and this time was no different.
"What, can't win without extra help?" Azula sneered. She sent another blast of fire his way.
Zuko just smiled at his sister, determined not to let her jibes bother him. The temperature of the hallway was almost unbearable now and sweat dripped from both their faces. He diffused her fire then dropped to the ground, swords still in hand, and let flames emerge from his feet. He moved his body around and around, the fire gaining momentum as he did. With one final whirl, he sent the fire hurtling toward the princess. It knocked her off her feet and onto her back. Zuko pressed his advantage, prowling towards her much as she had towards him when they were still outside. His swords became fire and he twirled them about his head, flames filling the narrow corridor, creeping toward Azula. She felt cornered now and worried that she might actually lose.
"You can give up now, Azula. I have the upper hand. Admit your defeat and you will go back to the asylum, but you'll be alive and unhurt."
The fire reflected in her eyes, yellow and orange dancing in the amber and fear showed there too. "I won't go back there. Kill me. Don't you want revenge for what I did to Mai and your kid? I hit him you know and I would have enjoyed cutting his throat."
"I won't end your life for you, Azula, much as part of me wants to. I'm not a killer."
"That's because you're weak," the princess declared. "You're weak and cowardly. You always have been."
She was roaring now, much as the flames were and fire emerged from her mouth. The walls beside them burned and pieces of wood began to fall. The corridor was a death trap and Zuko needed to get out.
"The walls are coming down, Azula. We need to get out of the house."
She roared again. "No. I'm not going. You won all right. Are you happy?"
"Azula," Zuko said softly as he backed away from her prone body. "I'm leaving."
With one last practiced movement of his hands, Zuko brought the raging fire under his control, working at it until it stopped burning altogether. But he couldn't stop the beam that fell on his sister, crushing her insides. She had made no attempt to get out of the way and he knew without examining her that she was dead. Her eyes were expressionless and empty and her chest was still.
He took one final look and then left. Mai needed him. He wondered if Azula ever had.
Zuko almost ran into Shinta outside the front of the house. "Where's Mai? Is she all right?"
"Follow me, my lord. She's having the baby. And she's unhurt and so is the boy. What about you? What happened?"
"I'm fine," Zuko replied brusquely. "Azula's dead."
"Oh, oh…" the guard wasn't sure how to respond.
He led Zuko to the neighboring house. With a quick nod of thanks, Zuko barged in and sought out his wife and son. "Mai, Mai, where are you?"
Eri came barreling out of a main floor bedroom and looked sternly at the Fire Lord. "Calm down. Your wife just had the baby and she's resting. Little Takehiko's in the room too. Now, are you going to be quiet?"
"Yes," Zuko answered meekly. "She had the baby….wow… she's okay, right? And the child?"
"Everyone is doing very well." Eri's tone was soft and affectionate now. "But Mai didn't get any sleep all night and her labor wasn't easy. She's exhausted."
Zuko's face softened as the midwife's voice had. "I want to see them."
"And so you shall. Come along." She walked back toward the bedroom and opened the door softly.
All three were sound asleep. The infant was pressed against one side of Mai, while Takehiko was pressed against the other. At the sight Zuko felt the most profound and overwhelming love.
"Your daughter's name is Megumi, by the way." Eri smiled warmly at Zuko and then nudged him gently toward the bed. "You can sit in that chair there until they wake up." She left, shutting the door behind her.
He tiptoed to the chair and eased himself down. His body was sore and fatigue threatened to drag him down to sleep too. But he fought against it. This moment was too precious to miss. With a trembling hand, he reached out to the small bundle wrapped snugly in a red blanket. Her hair was black like Mai's and her little face was perfect. Already, he longed to hold her and rock her and sing to her.
Easing himself up, he took a look at his son. Takehiko was smiling in his sleep. He giggled then, finding something in his dream amusing. Zuko shook his head and grinned. His eyes turned to Mai, the love of his life, the one who completed him. Agni, she was so lovely and so strong. He brushed his lips against her forehead and sat back down. He would wait as long as it took. He would be here for all of them when they awoke.
*means blessing…I thought it was a fitting name
a/n: I try with fights, I really do and I hope it made some kind of sense. I think that 5 years after the war, Zuko could take his sister, especially when she hadn't bended for all of that time. I also believe that he still wouldn't want to kill her unless he absolutely had to. Killing isn't in him. As for Azula giving up there at the end...well, between the asylum again and a death that was sort of being handed to her, death wins. She's not a person who would take well to any kind of captivity or restraint or restrictions (besides, it's my story and I wanted to kill her xD). Thus, her desperate attempt to gain her freedom.
I still have an epilogue left. That should be up soon...tomorrow maybe.
thanks for reading,
Alabaster