DISCLAIMER: I do not own Avatar the Last Airbender
CHAPTER 14
Six months had passed, and Jasmine's pregnancy was very clear. She had started to just walk around with her round belly opened to the world, since there were very few clothes left that would hide it. She could feel her children's little feet kicking against her stomach, and she actually found herself talking back to them. Sometimes, when she was alone with Zuko, he would watch her sing to them as if she was holding them in her arms.
"Why do you sing to them? They're not even born yet." he would say.
"I want them to know that I'm here, and that I love them. I want them to always remember me." she would answer, rather sulenly. Zuko would simply laugh and rub her stomach.
"Jazz, they'll have plenty of time to remember you, I assure you." Jasmine would just shrug her shoulders and continue singing. Something was certainly different about her, besides her pregnancy, and Zuko could not figure out what it was. She had grown so thin, and weak, she could barely stand for more than a few minutes. No one ever saw her eat, even though she claimed that she did. Zuko had been prepared to wake in the middle of the night to her pleas for Fire Gummies dipped in chocolate, but the nights were quiet, with not a craving in sight. Also, a few months before, she had started to beg Zuko to stay nights with her, because she felt like it would be the last night. Zuko didn't think much of it, and thought that it was simply a way to get him to stay, and honestly, he didn't mind. He actually liked it better in the small home, and found that when he did sleep there, he slept longer and peacfuler. It was like a home; a good home. A home that children should be raised in.
He had been trying to avoid the ever pending discussion with Jasmine about the future of their unborn children. where they would live; how they would be educated; how they would be raised. Everytime they started up, it would end in a marriage being questioned. Jasmine didn't like the idea of bearing a bastard child at all, even though she already decided that she loved her children more than anything, and she loved Zuko. She wanted to be with him, and he wasn't helping the situation at all.
The evening of May 4 of that year just happened to be the night that Zuko found Jasmine sitting out in the courtyard, staring into the small pond filled with koi fish, mesmeriazed by them. She just sat there, running her hand over her stomach, humming as she did so, as if the weight of the world rested inside of her, and it was becoming too hard to bear.
"It's getting cold out, Jazz. You should come inside." he said.
"I'll come in in a moment, Zuko." she said without even turning her face to look at him. On anyother night, Zuko would have taken that as a cew to leave her be for some time, but that night, he was not in the mood to be sent away.
"Seriously, Jasmine, you're a few months pregnant, and you shouldn't be outside right now..." he reached for her arm, but she coldly snatched it away. Zuko frowned, and reached for it again, only to recieve the same reply. A few years ago, he would have immediatly lost his temper, but he was taking anger managment sessions, and they were starting to help. He sighed, and sat down next to her.
"You know, if you don't come in, I might just have to carry you." he said, attempting to be flirtatious. Jasmine just smiled.
"Please, don't try to be flirtatious. I'm already pregnant, and we already have twins, so trying to impregnante me again might just compicate things." Zuko laughed some at the statement, but noticed that Jasmine wasn't laughing.
"Are you alright?"
"Me? Oh, yeah, I'm fine. Zuko, I've been thinking about after the children are born." Zuko groaned, not wanting to get into that discussion at all that day.
"No, Zuko, hear me out. I've been thinking, and, I want the children to live in the palace. I want them to be known as the Prince and Princess of the Fire Nation. I'll only see them a few times, so maybe they'll have the faintest idea who their mother is." Zuko shook his head in disbelief.
"Jazz, that doesn't have to be the case at all! We can both be there for them, and you can live in the palace."
"You know that's not possible. Unless you marry me..." Zuko stood up, and turned his back to her.
"I am so tired of hearing about this! Everyone has been asking so much, maybe I'll forgoe the trouble, and not marry you at all!"
"Don't get upset."
"What, like I can't?! I can do everything but get upset?"
"I'm not saying that." Now Jasmine stood. "I'm just pointing out, that either the children don't exist in your life, or I don't exist. We don't have to get married, I never said we did. I'm just giving you the most practicle options I can think of, and you know most of all how hard it is for me to think practicly." Zuko smiled, and turned around to face the distraught pregnant woman. He put his hands on her arms, and pulled her towards him.
"I know, I know, I'm sorry. I just, don't want to deal with this right now."
"Zuko, you are the Fire Lord, the most powerful ruler in the world. You have to deal with this. Now or never."
"I know, I know, just stop nagging me about it! By Agni, you're like a scolding mother." Jasmine shrunk back some at his words.
"I am a mother, Zuko, but I don't mean to scold. I only mean to let you know that if you don't make a decision, I will have to." Then, a puzzled, curious look spread on Jasmine's face. "Now excuse me; I think I need to use the bathroom." Zuko kept his back turned until he was sure she had entered into the house. He stared down into the coy pond, and watched the fish swim smoothly through the water. Their life was probably so simple as easy. They never had to worry about children and marriage. They just lived, as nature intended.
"Troubled thoughts, Fire Lord?" said Aang behind Zuko. Zuko jumped up, and immediatly went into a defensive position, but quickly calmed when he realized who it was.
"Oh, Aang. You startled me. I didn't even hear you."
"Yeah, that happens alot. But, usually, you can hear me. What's troubling you?" said Aang as he came to stand beside Zuko. Zuko sighed, and hung his head low, causing his long hair to fall around his face.
"Everything, Aang. Everyone is so mad at me for not marrying Jazz, but the thing is I just can't."
"Why not?"
"Well...because...I don't think you would understand. You're peaceful and simple, and the dog eat dog world of politics would probably confuse you." Aang laughed some, and put his hand on Zuko's shoulder.
"Hey, you know that I've seen my share of dog eat dog. I fought your father. I'm sure I can understand." Zuko sighed and turned to look at Aang's toothy grin, and decided that he was right.
"No one would except it, Aang. Jasmine may be a hero, but she is not what the officials of the Fire Nation want."
"What about the people? Do they want her?"
"I suppose so, she is, pretty much one of them."
"Then give the people what they want. They're the ones who decide the fate of this country, not the officials." Zuko nodded, knowing that what he said was the truth.
"Then, I guess, the biggest question is, do you want her?" Zuko turned to Aang with wide eyes, suprise in them.
"Of course I do! I love her! I will always want her by my side. It's not just that, I love everything about her. I love her smooth, tan skin; I love her deep brown eyes that see into my soul; I love her bright smile that can illuminate the night; I love her long thick hair that flows down her back like a water fall; I love the way I can talk to her, and never be worried about what she thinks; I love her personality; I love her family; I love every curve, every dimple, every vein in her body." Aang began to laugh, even though Zuko didn't quite understand what was so funny.
"What is it?"
"Nothing, it's just, has the defenition of marriage changed in the last one hundred years? Because, back then, when someone was in love as much as you and Jasmine are, they got married. But, hey, times have changed." Zuko looked out into the coy pond once again.
"Yeah, times have changed. But, you're right Aang. I love her, and the people of this country love her, and that's all that matters. She's mine, and I am hers, forever, an dour children shall be the fruits of such love. And I want her to live in the palace, with the children and I, and I want us to be a family. I want her to be Fire Lady." Zuko looked at Aang with excitement in his eyes, and all Aang did was smile.
"Then go tell her that." Zuko nodded, and, before entering the house, her gave Aang a tight hug in thanks. Aang wasn't used to recieving hugs from Zuko at all, but he excepted it, as a friend. Zuko entered the home, love guiding his steps. Aang stretched, and smiled at himself.
"Another relationship saved by your friendly neighborhood Avatar."
Zuko rushed into the house, knocking Zaila over as he did so.
"Oh, sorry, Z. Have you seen Jazz?" Zaila stood quickly, and smoothed out the wrinkles she had just ironed out in her new outfiet.
"Yeah, she went upstairs. She said she needed to speak to Katara. Hey, have you seen the Avatar? I have a new firebending move I want to show him." Zuko smiled and ruffled the girl's hair, even though she was quickly approaching his hight.
"He's outside, but, honestly, Z, I think he's already taken. He's too sensitive for you anyway." Zaila's face betrayed a bit of dissapointment for a moment, but she simply shrugged, and wrinkled up her outfit, hating to have it so neat and perfect. Zuko just smiled. She would be a perfect addition to the future extensive royal family.
"ZUKO!!" screeched Katara from upstairs. She suddenly appeared on the stair well, her hair flung wildely about her head, and an excited, yet worried look in her eyes.
"Zuko, Jasmine is going into labor!" Now Aang entered into the house.
"What? How the bloody earth is she supposed to go into labbor at six months?!"
"I don't know, she just came to me saying her water broke, and, she was right! Just, hurry, quickly. Wait, you know what, it may be better for you to stay down here. Aang, you stay with him. Zaila, with me." Zaila did as she was told, and quickly followed the waterbender up stairs.
Zuko collapsed on a seat, his head swimming with thoughts. Jasmine was going into labor. Then, and now? It just didn't make any sense. He wouldn't be able to live with himself if the children died in birth. He wouldn't be able to live with the look in Jasmine's eyes. Aang sat next to Zuko, and put a hand on his shoulder.
"Don't worry, Zuko, I'm sure everything is going to be fine. I have seen Katara deliever plenty of babies, and I'm sure she can handle twins. Knowing Katara, she'll probably deliever her own children." Aang smiled, trying to bring an air of happiness back into the room. But Zuko didn't smile. He was far too overwhelmed.
About a half hour later, the groans of pain that come with labor could be heard. Zuko tapped his foot impatiently. He couldn't stand to hear Jasmine in pain. Another groan, and he stood, prepared to go upstairs. Aang pulled on his arms, forcing him to sit down, and put a soothing cup of tea in his hand. Zuko drank it quickly, and continued to tap his foot impatienetly.
An hour of pain and suffering. An hour of crying. Jasmine couldn't take it. Her small frame wasn't as strong as it used to be. But, she knew that these children had to born. She just knew it.
Zuko buried his head in his hands, and struggled to block Jasmine's crys. It was driving him insane. Zaila quickly rushed downstairs, grabbing a cloth from the kitchen, then dissapeared back upstairs, not stopping to tell the two young boys what was going on.
"This is ridiculous!" said Zuko between gritted teeth. "She has been in labor for an hour and a half. She sounds like she is in have so much pain, and you won't let me do anything!" Aang was suprisingly calm, even though his was face to face with a tempor enraged Fire Lord.
"Zuko, there is nothing you can do. We have to just wait." Zuko banged his head against the back of his seat, growing very annoyed with waiting.
Thirty minutes later, Zaila came down stairs.
"The babies are comeing. You can come up now." Before Aang could set down his tea, Zuko disapeared upstairs.
He walked into Jasmine's small room, and could barely see her with the women surrounding her. Roso smiled at him, and moved over so her could be by Jasmine. Jasmine was layed out on the bed, her legs spread wide, and her eyes shut. Sweat was pouring down her face, causing her hair to be plastered to her head. Zuko put his hand gently to her forehead, and looked down on her. Jasmine opened her eyes, and looked him, and smiled.
"I am never sleeping with you again." said Jasmine, even though her voice was weak. Zuko smiled.
"I think I would agree with that if I was in your position." Jasmine smiled, but her face quickly retorted in pain.
"Okay, I see a head. Get ready to push, Jasmine." said Katara. Jasmine gripped Zuko's hand, and he squeezed hers back, saying that he would never let go.
"Now, Jasmine! Push!" Jasmine grunted and gave evrything she had. She screamed out in pain, and arched her back in pain. Zuko's hand was turning blue under her grip, but he wouldn't let go. Tears were actually running down Jasmine's cheeks, and Zuko kissed her forhead, knowing that he would never understand what she was going through. A few minutes later, a round, baby boy fell into Katara's hands. Jasmine let out a breath, and collapsed back onto the bed.
"It's a boy!" said Katara. Kera ran to her daughter's side, and kissed her head.
"You did a great job, my dear." Jasmine only could grin weakly. Katara handed the baby boy to Zaila, and she entered the wash room to clean him off.
"Hey Jazz, the boy was born first." said Zuko with a grin on his face. Jasmine looked at him, and hit him softly on the chest. "What shall we name him, Jasmine?" Jasmine sat in silence for a moment, then smiled.
"Zuko. Zuko II." said Jasmine in a faint voice. Zuko kissed her lightly, even though she was too weak to respond. But it was not over yet.
"Hey, guys, we still have another baby in here. I see a little head." said Katara, bracing herself again. Jasmine groaned, and forced herself to push one more time. She was so weak. She could barelt move.
"Come on, Jasmine, this is it and it's over." Jasmine took a deep breath, and, with every force she had left in her, she pushed, and little girl fell into Katara's arms.
"It's a girl." she said. Jasmine once again collapsed onto the bed, tired and in pain. Her mother once again kissed her on the forhead, and whispered, "It's alright now. You did a wonderful job, just wonderful." Jasmine smiled.
"Thank you, mom. I hope I did the pregnant women of the world justice."
"You did. I assure you." Kera then took the little girl into the washroom to be cleaned.
"We have a darling little girl now, Jazz. What shall we name her?" Jasmine shrugged, then turned to look at the new father.
"You decide." she said in a soft voice. Zuko thought for a moment, but then a smile spread on his face.
"Cinrae. It's a new day, and, besides, it's a pretty name." Jasmine smiled, and layed her head back on the bed. She had never been so tired in her life. Kera and Zaila entered back into the room, each one carrying a baby.
"Would you like to see your children?" asked Kera of Jasmine. She nodded, and struggled to sit up, but found that she needed Zuko's help to do so. The two women bent down, and put each baby into one of her arms. Jasmine was immediatly brought to tears looking into their faces. The little girl had a round, pretty face, with a curly spot of hair on top of her smooth head. She refused to open her eyes, but Jasmine could tell that they were big, and probably brown. She looked like her father, and like her mother. The baby boy was plump, and large. He had no hair, but he was still adorable. He had the face of a prince. These were her children, and they were amazing.
"I love you." she whispered to them, finally able to say it to their faces.
She handed the children back up to her family, and lowered herself back down onto the bed.
"We'll let you rest." said Katara, as the family exited the small room. Zuko stayed behind, next to Jasmine, still clasping her hand.
"I am so proud of you, Jasmine. After everything, we finally arrived here, together. You are stronger than I could ever be. I love you more than life itself. That's why I...want you to marry me." Jasmine turned her head and stared into Zuko's eyes.
"What?" she whispered.
"I said, I want you to marry me."
"Are you asking me, or just making a statement?" she asked with a smile. Zuko rolled his eyes.
"I'm asking! I'm asking." He reached into the pocket of his robe, and pulled out the same ring he had given her when she was in Boiling Rock, but now, it was remade to where to fire birds of gold were circling around the ruby. Jasmine's eye's widened.
"Where did you get that?" she asked.
"It was sent to me a while ago. It was found on the floor of a cell in Boiling Rock. Wonder why. I've been meaning to give it to you, and, after some thought, I know that I want to give it to you as a wedding ring. So, Jasmine, daughter of Roso, flame of the Fire Nation, and the love of my life, will you marry me?"
Jasmine just stared at the ring, not moving, not even breathing. She was so weak. She didn't know if...but what the heck? She had been waiting for so long for something she thought was never going to happen. She wanted to be his.
"Yes." she whispered. "Yes, I will marry you." A smiled broke out on Zuko's face that could make a stone smile. He slipped the ring onto Jasmine's finger, and then leaned down and kissed Jasmine passionetly. She sighed, and layed back onto the bed. Zuko stood, and headed for the door.
"I'll let you rest. I love you."
"I love you, too." Then. Zuko dissapeared down stairs to share the news with everyone else.
Jasmine turned her head towards the open window that looked out into the city. She had never felt so exhausted. The moon shone down on her, and, for a moment, she thought she heard it speak to her. It said, sleep, you have done your duty, and you deserve sleep. Jasmine listened to the soothing voice, and closed her eyes, entering into a world where there was no was. No pain. No suffering, just a never ending silver sea. It was beautiful. Jasmine felt no destress as she entered into sleep. She knew that her children were born, and the world would be effected greatly because of it. She was just sorry she didn't tell Zuko goodbye.
After about an hour, the family and friends of Jasmine entered back into her room.
"You must be hungry." said Zaila as she entered, but she was quickly silenced when she saw Jasmine lying there. The poor thing was still asleep, but,, to Zaila, she looked oddly pale. Zuko neeled down beside her.
"Jasmine, wake up." he whispered. She didn't move. He touched his hand to her cheek, and drew it back quickly, for it felt unhumanly cold to the touch. A fear suddenly overtook him that he had never felt before. He checked for a pulse on her arm, and found none. He put his cheek to her mouth and struggled to feel any remnant of a breath, but there was none.
"Oh, Agni." he whispered. "Katara, something's wrong." Katara came over beside Jasmine, and bent the water around her hands, and put them to her chest.
"Her heart's not beating." she said, almost not beleiving her own words. Suddenly, Katara started to pump down on Jasmine's chest, struggling to gte a heart beat again.
"What's going on?" asked Kera, a shiver in her voice. "What's wrong?" Katara didn't answer. Kera tore away from her husband, and came to Jasmine's side. Her hand was freezing cold.
"Jasmine." she said. "Jasmine!"
"Katara, heal her!" shouted Zuko.
"I can't, Zuko." she said, tears already starting to run down her cheek. "She's gone."
"Then what good are you!?" Zuko yelled, feirce tears coming down his cheeks. He literally threw Katara to the side, and grabbed Jasmine's shoulders.
"Jasmine, come back, please!" he screamed, shaking her. Her head fell limply back. "Jasmine!" He put his head to hers, and his tears fell onto her cold skin, as if he thought they would give her life. Kera cried into Jasmine's limp hand, praying to the Spirit's. Aang had a tight arm around Katara's shaking shoulder's as she cried into his chest. Zaila was being held close by her father, who was struggling not to cry, but the tears still came.
Outside, a cloaked figure watched from the streets. Her long, black hair waved carelessly in the heavy wind. It was what had to be. Jasmine had fulfilled her complete destiny, and she knew that she would lose her life doing so. She just couldn't stand to see her son, knowing that the pain would haunt him forever. A pelting rain came down from the sky, and the exiled Queen pulled her hood up over her head, and dissapeared into the night.
Jasmine, daughter of Roso, the Firebird, was dead. Even the Spirit's mourned their own doing.
A/N: I was on such a roll when I was writing this chapter, I didn't bother spell checking, so please forgive me for the typoes.