Chapter 32
Zuko stood on the deck of the Fire Nation merchant ship. With his coronation only a month away, and with the replacement arriving a week before then, now was the only time he'd have – maybe ever – to visit the South Pole.
Kya had fallen very ill the night before they departed. Menolda had pulled him aside and suggested her own suspicions: Kya had been poisoned.
After his initial panic, Menolda had assured him that the poison was not rare, and they could treat her. She also added an immunizing herb to their daily herbal doses, and he was quite grateful. Still, it was a shame that Kya couldn't come with them.
To his utter horror, his mother had also insisted that he take Mai with him. Apparently his little excursion in the tavern was not something he could ignore, especially now that he was crown prince. So after a brief lecture to Mai about not drinking so that she could actually help, she had come along.
None of them were pleased. Luckily, the beds were too small to fit more than one person, so sleeping arrangements weren't a concern. This also came with the unfortunate circumstance of having absolutely no privacy (aside from the cramped restroom) for a full week. Needless to say, the air was rife with tension, sexual and emotional.
That's why he was out here in the first place. He needed a distraction from his young body, and the fresh air was welcome. They were supposed to arrive at the pole today, and he was watching the approaching horizon. No sign of it yet.
He sighed. The voyage had been long enough as it was. Katara and Mai had ignored each other for the most part, but he knew that it was mostly pretense. He would occasionally find them both red-faced and scowling. They would never discuss what happened.
Why couldn't they just get along? This was meant to be Katara's relief from stress, not to add to it. If he hadn't promised his mother to keep Mai with him, he would probably have her stay on the ship. She wasn't very enthusiastic to go to the pole anyway. He could make it up to her later.
Zuko stumbled as the ship lurched into the ice. The captain saluted. "We have arrived, Your Majesty."
Zuko stepped to the edge, wondering how he possibly could have missed the entire city. His jaw dropped as he caught sight of the small village. He knew it wasn't up to its former glory, but this was beyond what he had imagined. There couldn't be more than fifty people living there!
He nodded to the captain weakly.
"We're going onshore."
Sokka eyed the ironclad ship warily as the front opened. The merchant ships never came this close, choosing to make their own temporary settlement a mile to the east. Whatever was coming out, he was expecting trouble.
His face lit up as his sister exited the ship. She had grown in the last few months. "Katara!" He ran to her and wrapped her in a hug.
"Sokka!" Katara was equally excited. The cold was not the least bit detestable to her, and she almost welcomed the feeling of the inside of her nose freezing. "It's so good to see you!"
Sokka pulled back suddenly. "Where's Mom? Is she ok?"
Katara hesitated slightly. "She's just a little sick. No big deal." From Zuko's worried conversations with Menolda, she wasn't certain that was completely true. "How have you all been?"
Sokka shrugged. "Supplies have been nice. And I got myself a new weapon!" He brandished his new boomerang as Katara smiled in appreciation. His smile faded a bit. "But we lost some people to the merchants."
Katara gasped. "They've been attacking you?!" She was certain Zuko knew nothing of this.
Sokka laughed. "Not exactly. The temptation of money and male company was too much for some of us." He glanced around at the women remaining. "I wish they could bring some guys into the tribe for once."
Katara sighed in relief. She should have expected something like this would happen. If the women did marry outside of the tribe, they had to move to their husband's tribe. It wasn't really fair, but that's how it was.
She briefly wondered at the future of the pole. Regrowth would be hard, especially since Janaki had been neutralized in the battle. Frankly, she hoped they could just repeal a few laws and let some other nations help out.
Sokka broke her out of her thoughts. "So what is this tribute thing anyway? You were kind of vague."
Katara hesitated. She had told him that they were just expected to live there and adapt to their new life. She worked in the rice fields, and that was it. But he clearly knew something was up. She hated lying, and it was different to avoid it to his face. He was going to find out eventually.
Katara bit her lip. "Well, we sort of had to get… married."
Sokka's jaw dropped. "You're married?! I didn't even get to be the best man at the wedding! Wait," his eyes widened, "Mom got married? We have a stepdad?"
Katara winced. "Actually-" She was cut off as Granny came over as Zuko escorted Mai off the ship. Mai was freezing, to Katara's delight. Sadly, this came with Zuko's attention, and she frowned.
"Who is this?" Granny questioned. "Why have you come?"
Zuko gave a brief bow. "I am Crown Prince Zuko of the Fire Nation. I just came to bring Katara for a visit." Gran didn't seem impressed.
Sokka immediately left to inspect the guest. "You're a prince? How'd you get that scar?"
Katara gasped. "Sokka!"
Zuko waved her off. "It's fine. I'd rather not talk about it," he explained. "May we stay?"
Gran grunted but waved her permission. Katara was immediately ambushed by Agi and Sokka. "We kept your tent up and ready, just in case you ever came back." Katara nodded in gratitude.
Sokka was just full of question, asking about how long this tribute thing would take, how much gold would they get, etc. Agi was more excited about Katara's new husband and how long until they had some kids.
Katara did her best to evade their questions. Gold depended on how well they did their job, and her husband was nice (very caring in fact) and she didn't know how long until they had kids. "As for how long this will be, I'm guessing the rest of my life. I can't really come back until my husband is dead anyway."
Sokka sighed. "So what about Mom's husband? Our new stepfather?"
Katara cringed at the description. "I think she's happy…"
Sokka scowled. "You are purposely avoiding telling me something, Katara. Spill it. I'm not really a kid anymore!"
They were interrupted by Zuko brushing the door open. He locked eyes with Katara for a moment. "Just letting you know Mai and I are getting settled in." She nodded acknowledgement and gave him a smile. He left quickly.
Sokka waved his hand in front of her eyes. "Hello?"
Katara snapped back to reality. "Huh?"
Agi giggled. "You've got it bad for the prince, huh? That's what you're not saying." She lowered her tone down to a whisper. "Does your husband know?"
Katara shook her head, frustrated. "No, you've got it all wrong. It's just-"
Sokka interrupted her. "Oh no, you totally have it bad. By the looks of it though, he's already taken." He thought for a moment. "Unless that's his sister or something." He looked at Katara. "Is she?"
Agi replied for her. "Did you see how disgusted she looked with her? That's totally his wife." She giggled as Katara's face burned red. "She's totally jealous."
"Enough!" Katara was furious now. "Yes, you're mostly right, but you're missing something important!"
Sokka was unfazed. "Like what, Katara? He likes you back?"
Katara snapped. "He's my husband!"
Sokka looked genuinely confused. "So who's this May whats-her-name?"
Katara sighed and sank down. "His other wife."
It took a moment for the words to sink in. "Really?!" Agi asked, excited at the drama. Katara nodded, and she squealed. "That's so crazy!"
Sokka was less enthusiastic. "He married both of you? What kind of sick man has two wives?"
Katara grimaced. "Six wives. And that's no way to talk about your new stepfather."
The implications hit Sokka like a rogue wave. "WHAT?!"
He leapt to his feet and stormed out the door, fully intending to beat this dude to a pulp. Prince or no prince, there weren't exactly guards around.
"Wait!" Katara called after him. "Sokka!"
He ignored her. What tent was he in? He spotted unfamiliar footprints leading to a tent. Got it.
Katara grabbed his arm. "We love him, you idiot!"
That stopped him dead in his tracks. "What? Who's we?"
Katara huffed. "Mom and me," she said quietly. "And it's not his fault. He didn't want this anymore than we did."
Sokka shook his head. "That's impossible." But he didn't say anything else, just stood there shaking his head. "I've got to go think about this." Katara released him as he stomped back over to his tent, still shaking his head. Her poor brother.
Agi showed up behind her. "So… Have you done the deed yet?"
Katara rolled her eyes. This was going to be a long conversation.
Mai was curled up in the sleeping bag next to Zuko when Katara finally entered, the sun setting behind her. Mai sneered. "Finished with your friends?"
Katara stuck her tongue out. "At least I have friends." She immediately regretted it.
Mai turned around, pain flashing in her eyes. Zuko gave Katara an exasperated look. Sorry, she mouthed. He gestured with his head toward Mai.
No way was she apologizing. Mai wouldn't have thought twice about snarking a remark like that at her. She ignored him and rolled out her bag on the other side of Zuko, avoiding his gaze. The noises of the village were distant, as they had been given the guest tent, far away from any others. It was lonely.
Zuko sighed in frustration. "This was supposed to be a vacation. Can't you two just get along?"
They ignored him. Katara pushed up under his arm and he sighed. He cared for them both so much, but what could he do about it? He laid back, wishing for the sweet embrace of unconsciousness.
He dreamed of the tavern that night, only with a full-on brawl going on. Bottles breaking, knuckles bleeding, bruises spotting arms and legs. He just stood there, watching as heck broke loose all around him.
He awoke to the familiar taste of pomegranates. Mai was laying half on top of him, cradling his face as her tongue probed his lips. He drowsily returned the kiss, sitting up. He was only half-awake, and the kiss sent tingles down his back.
As Mai trailed lower, moving down toward his waist, he stopped her. "We can't do this now!" he hissed. "What if Katara wakes up?"
In the dim light, Mai smirked. "Let her. I need you, Zuko." She moved her head down again.
He grabbed Mai's chin and pulled her eyes to meet his. "I won't be a part of your little competition. I'm not going to risk Katara's feelings!"
Katara stirred next to him. "No need. I was just leaving." Her voice was completely absent of any hint of tiredness. She stood, exiting the tent.
"Katara!" Zuko scrambled out of his bag, catching her just outside the tent. Spirits, it was cold. Freezing. Katara was probably used to it, but he had never felt anything so chilling.
"Please come back. We'll just sleep, I promise." He was desperate, afraid of losing what relationship they had.
Katara hesitated. "She wasn't lying, Zuko. It's been so long since she had a turn. Two weeks or something. It's fine." She pulled away.
Zuko wrapped his arms around her. "No, it's not." He gave her a squeeze from behind. "I can't do that to you."
She secretly welcomed the warmth, especially as a cold breeze picked up. As he held her, she felt her bitterness slowly dissolve as she focused on what he was feeling.
Pain. She sucked in a breath, feeling it like a punch in her gut. She hadn't realized he had noticed their quarreling. But he had, and it clearly affected him. If he really did love Mai, he must feel like he was being torn in half.
Shame struck her, hard and swift. She had been so busy thinking about Mai and how to get at her, she hadn't even bothered to ask Zuko about it. He was so confused, and tired. Sick of all of the fighting.
"I'm so sorry." Zuko's body softened at the words, and he kissed her head.
"No, I'm sorry, Katara. I never meant to hurt you."
Katara sighed as Zuko continued. "But I can't give up Mai."
Katara winced. "I would never ask you to." She had to fix things, fast. She doubted an apology would help much, and Mai's response might aggravate her again. Honestly, Mai was a bitter enemy. There wasn't much she could think of that would help.
What would her mother do? Kya was such a natural peacemaker. How would she respond in a situation like this? She thought back to what she had said about Zuko. If he was associated with his body, and if Mai was as good as she claimed, maybe she was like Zuko?
Katara resisted gritting her teeth at the idea. She hated it, but that is exactly what her mom would do. She turned to look at Zuko before taking his hand and pulling him back into the tent.
He was relieved. Something inside told him that if Katara left, it would be hard to bring her back. Maybe now they could get some sleep and smooth things over in the morning. But Katara had other plans.
She pulled him down into a passionate kiss, locking her tongue with his. He jumped in surprise, hesitantly responding as she probed his mouth, clearly trying to excite him.
He pulled back as Mai glared at them. He opened his mouth, but Katara beat him to it.
"Mai, care to join us?"
Mai grunted in disgust. Katara shrugged. "Your loss." She returned to the kiss.
At this point, Zuko was too tired to resist. He sank into Katara's sweet embrace, allowing his instincts to drive him on. He entered her mouth with force, earning a whimper of pleasure from Katara.
Katara responded by experimentally gently biting his lip. He stiffened in pleasure and did the same. Katara smiled into his mouth as Mai shifted uncomfortably. Mai was getting jealous.
Katara pulled back for breath. "Are you sure you don't want a turn?"
Mai and Zuko glanced at each other. In Mai's eyes was an unsubtle look of desire. Got you.
Mai shrugged. "Fine." She leaned up as Zuko kissed her. She trembled in relief as his lips tenderly caressed hers, the kiss she had been waiting for. This wasn't' some drowsy, half-baked kiss of reaction. This was the Zuko she knew.
A sense of vertigo came over Zuko as he switched partners. They were nothing alike! What was going on, he really didn't know, but this was nothing new. They both seemed to be getting along… okay. But trying to adjust to the strange and wonderful sensations was real whiplash.
His mind gave into oblivion as their kiss continued. He tried to resist, but suddenly there was nothing in the world but Mai. His arms wrapped around her tightly as he pushed her further into the furry floor. Her hands grasped at his shoulders as a sigh shook her body. He had missed this Mai. Not jealous or angry, just vulnerable.
After a few minutes, he felt lips press to his cheek. He hardly noticed until they traced down, nearing the corner of his mouth. Instinctively, he turned slightly to meet them until his lips were caught between the two best kissers he had ever known.
His shaft stiffened immediately as Katara and Mai kissed him. Sensory overload threatened to paralyze him, and he made a vague attempt to kiss them back. One arm came up from Mai to rest near Katara's side. She scooted closer in until she was laying shoulder to shoulder with Katara, no more craning of the necks to kiss.
Suddenly, Mai opened her mouth. Zuko hesitantly followed suit, and Katara was soon after. Oh Spirits! Zuko was lost to the world as his bestial instincts guided his actions, his tongue slipping between homes.
Mai hadn't been expecting Katara to join in, but she found it much less awkward than she had thought. If anything, Zuko's kiss became more intense, flooding her with pleasure. His tongue struck hers in a way she never had thought possible, and she moaned in gratitude.
For her part, Katara hadn't even thought of opening her mouth. Zuko was so gently, patiently rubbing against her with a tenderness she had never experienced. Even with only half of his mouth, he seemed twice the man. The moments when his tongue touched hers, her body quivered with delight.
Zuko pulled back, panting to catch his breath. "That. Was. Incredible," he managed between breaths.
But that wasn't enough for Katara anymore. She sat up, acting before she could think. She stripped off her clothing, the cool air causing her bare breasts to stiffen.
"Katara, what are you…" He trailed off as she turned onto her hands and knees, a clear invitation.
Zuko hesitated, glancing at Mai. Her gaze was cool as she met his. So many emotions were boiling inside her, but most prevalent was the knowledge that she needed him. Her bag was damp with arousal.
She sighed as she started stripping down, surprising both Zuko and Katara. Within seconds, she was bent over next to Katara. She glanced over her shoulder at Zuko. "Have you made your choice?"
Zuko huffed. "I'm not doing this, I told you. Resolve this for yourselves." He turned away, frustrated in more than one way. His manhood begged for the sweet release offered behind him.
Mai shared a look with Katara. "Look, I don't like you much," Katara started. Mai cut her off. "I outright hate you."
Katara smirked. "Yeah, I figured." She glanced over her shoulder at the back of her husband. "But I think there's one thing we can agree on."
Mai followed her gaze. "So?"
Katara bit her lip. "If we want him to be happy, we have to make this work, okay?"
Mai pursed her lips, hesitating. "A truce then?"
Katara smiled and bumped Mai's shoulder with hers. "Truce."
Mai nodded. "Zuko, we've decided."
He didn't turn around. "And?"
Katara spoke up. "Do both. You can take turns, you know."
Zuko whipped around to find them both smiling. He blinked in surprise. "Are you sure?"
Mai huffed impatiently. "Don't tempt me to change my mind. Just get this over-" She yelped as Zuko penetrated her suddenly. She hadn't even seen him drop his pants.
Katara watched in awe as Mai's soft flesh gave way to Zuko. Her bubbly buttocks rippled as he pushed in, bracing himself within her. His rhythm was slow, but very forceful. With each thrust Zuko pushed deeper, until his hips met her rear end.
He picked up the pace immediately as Mai groaned, her hands digging into the pelt floor. A smack sounded each time Zuko's thighs slapped against her, her buttocks jiggling. How were they so soft? Mai's breasts swung in time to the thrusts, mesmerizing Katara.
It was her turn to yelp as two of Zuko's fingers slipped inside her awaiting folds. With every push into Mai, he mimicked with a thrust into Katara. It didn't compare to the real thing, but she still squirmed with pleasure.
Zuko had no idea what had changed, but he really didn't care. Two women were asking for him, and his body begged for release. He showed his love in the only way he knew how. He bent over Mai's back, not letting up on his thrusts. Her face was contorted in pleasure, and he turned to Katara instead, who bore a similar expression.
Katara moaned as Zuko licked her lips, his finger continuing to rub around her edges. He was clearly just as horny as them, perhaps more so. His pace quickened, and she knew that he was getting close. Just then, Mai released a long groan, her body quaking as her orgasm overtook her.
That was enough for Zuko. He splashed Mai's walls with his seed, but he pulled out quickly. Before either women could react, his softening manhood had replaced his fingers inside of Katara. He leaned forward to whisper in her ear. "Do you want this fast or slow?" he breathed huskily.
Juices flooded her core at the sound. "Fast," she panted. "Make me scream."
Zuko obeyed. Unlike Mai, he held nothing back as he pounded into Katara. Her vent had adjusted to his girth somewhat, but her womanhood still gripped him lovingly. With every push, Katara felt his tip brush her womb. She screamed, muffling her noise against her pillow.
A loud moan from Mai announced Zuko's fingers working their magic. He has skipped over her slit, aiming instead for her bead of pleasure. His other hand held onto Katara's breast firmly, only increasing her pleasure.
The pain was outmatched by the pleasure one hundred to one. She buried her head into her pillow as he plowed into her. Her first orgasm caught her by surprise, her biting into the pillow. It was short and fast, with a burst of pleasure tingling up her insides.
Mai gasped as her own body quivered in another climax. That woman really was sensitive.
As Zuko pounded Katara, Mai decided that she wanted to try something. Reaching back, she took Zuko's hand from her sensitive clit, redirecting it higher. Soon, his finger was resting against the tip of her butthole.
Zuko glance down at her, and she nodded drastically. He pressed his finger into her, the walls smothering it in heat. Mai cried out as yet another orgasm hit her.
Zuko could feel his release coming all too soon. He leaned down into Katara's ear. "Are you close?"
She nodded desperately, unable to speak as a moan opened her mouth. He pushed in in several long, hard strokes as they both came, his legs becoming splattered as she squirted. "ZUKO!"
He buried himself to the hilt in her, the seed spilling directly to her womb. To his surprise, he was still full of juice, and he found himself gazing down at two exhausted lovers.
Mai turned her head to look into his eyes. She glanced back down to where his finger had slipped out, then to his still semi-erect shaft. The invitation was obvious.
Zuko sighed. The lubrication from both of his enthusiastic lovers would probably help. Mai certainly seemed sure. He took Katara gently in his arms and turned her over, her body quaking with aftershocks. He kissed her forehead before he went back to Mai.
She dipped, sticking her lovely butt into the air. Zuko took a deep breath. "Are you sure this won't hurt?"
Mai shook her head. "No." She looked back up to him. "But I'm sure that if it does, it will be worth it."
Amazing how a few weeks could change things. At first, she was afraid to be vulnerable. Now, she was eager to be as vulnerable as she could get. Zuko leaned forward and hesitated at the small entrance point. Here goes nothing.
He pushed in, the penetration more difficult than he had thought. Mai cried out in pain and arched her back as his tip fully buried itself inside of her tight hole. The sensation was incredible, the walls tight and slick with Katara's juices.
He inched forward, driven by Mai's stubborn insistence. He wedged himself only partway in before he stopped, Mai's discomfort becoming too much for him to handle. "Are you okay?"
Mai nodded wordlessly. Zuko sighed. He began rocking back and forth, surprised as Mai's eyes rolled back into her head. She was silent, which was not encouraging, but her eyes were closed in concentration. He kept going.
Katara watched, bliss making it hard to think clearly. They were back at it again, but something was weird. They were both being so careful. It took her a moment to realize that Mai's sheath was empty.
Her jaw dropped as she watched them, fascinated. She had not even thought it was possible! Even a finger seemed like far too much, and Zuko was much thicker than her thumb.
Mai finally stopped him, reaching down with one hand to rub her clit. Zuko grabbed her wrist and shooed it away, taking its place with his own fingers. One gentle rub was all it took.
Mai squirmed as an orgasm overtook her, then another, then another. Zuko didn't stop rubbing her clitoris as the anal penetration proved too much for her frame. She collapsed and he pulled himself out.
Zuko was close, Katara knew. She met his gaze and smiled. "I'll tag in." She rolled over again, extending her rear into the air.
Zuko hesitated. The lubrication had worn off for the most part, even if Katara was genuine. He sighed and spat into his hand, smothering his manhood with it. Hopefully that would work.
Katara was much smaller than Mai. Her butthole stretched painfully as he entered her, only his tip fitting inside. He was too much! Katara nearly fainted from the pain. Slowly, his movements brought stirrings of pleasure. This was nothing like having it in her folds. The experience was completely unique.
Zuko lasted only a few seconds before releasing his third and final load, not having time to pull out without seriously hurting Katara. Exhaustion overtook him, and he gently pulled back out and slumped down between them.
Mai embraced his arm, her soft breasts squishing his bicep. Katara laid her head on his chest, her arm draped over him as his arm went around her.
Finally, the world was at peace.
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