Author's Disclaimer: I don't own a thing belonging to "Avatar: The Last Airbender." Naffing.
Author's notes: Tada! Guess who's coming. You got it. Katara AND Mai. I had alittle too much fun putting Aang in there too. Also, I know nothing about energy reduction. I just threw it in as a…title to explain Zuko's next project. Please forgive my ignorance. CharlieBarrow wrote a lot of the Mai interaction, creds to her…
…ALSO I reuploaded because I worked on some of this chapter for a repost. Hope you still read.
"By your command"
Chapter seven "Introductions"
Aang peered through his email inbox and scratched the side of his jaw. His beard lined the corners of his face and across his chin, but he felt a mustache was too much. He thought his look was dashing complete with his freshly shaven head. He may not have been fully integrated into the Air Nation Buddhist teachings to be fully accepted as a monk, but he still showed deference for his upbringing with his shaved head.
At least there was good work in the Fire Nation. The Air Nation had suffered greatly in the last fifty years, due to large natural disasters striking their borders and temples. Famine had killed tens of thousands despite last-minute relief efforts from the other nations. The Air Nation's stance on monastic religion already meant their birth rates were low. Now there were a mere few thousand of the Air Nation left in the world and many had departed to the Fire Nation or Earth Kingdom to find jobs and a new way of life.
Aang was one of them. His studio apartment was small, and the rent was high, but Ozai's company paid very well, and he was glad to be working here. Especially for his son Zuko's economic division. If Ozai and Azula tackled more money-producing areas, Zuko was far more concerned with helping the world and their company image with his charity and green efforts. Aang was pleased to have found him and the two got on very well. Maybe a promotion was coming Aang's way, but each night when he said his chants, Aang included Zuko in them. He considered them friends. Zuko always had a kind word and he had Aang's respect.
Aang knew Zuko was irritated lately. His father had ordered him and Azula to choose a wealthy high-society girl to marry and he'd had a few seriously bad dates since. No one to be interested in. Aang was wondering how he could cheer his friend when Zuko ducked into his office, knocking on the door as he came in.
"Morning, Zuko," Aang straightened up, giving his friend a grin. Zuko gave a rueful smile and settled into the chair opposite Aang's desk.
"Remind me why I have to get married again," he asked, but it was a rhetorical question. Aang knew Ozai would get what he wanted. He held his company and family with an iron fist. Aang hoped that Zuko would find someone he could enjoy being around at least.
"I know it's a lot. But you are of that age," Aang teased. Zuko gave him a half grin and leaned back.
"I didn't come just to complain. The charity division wants to go overseas and hopefully partner with the Southern Water Tribe's green council. I think it's going to be worth a look, and I was hoping you'd come with me."
Aang straightened up. "Sure! Sounds like it'll be fun."
"Making new alliances for green efforts always is," Zuko sighed. Aang raised an eyebrow.
"More to this trip than you're saying?"
"One of the girls on Father's list is in the Southern Water Tribe. Apparently, she comes from a line of famous shamans, as well as green conversationalists. It's kind of interesting when I think about it."
Aang nodded. "We're flying first-class?" Ozai always footed the bills on his company trips.
"You know it," Zuko said. "I feel like everything's going out of control. Maybe cooling off at the South Pole will help."
"Oh boy, pack all the warm coats," Aang laughed. He and Zuko shared a smile then he left for his own office. Aang wrote down a few notes on a pad of paper of what to pack. His casual shirts for business dinners for one. Zuko liked to keep their green division as unauthoritative as possible. Well, at least the trip could be fun.
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Zuko took a deep breath as he and Aang made their way out of the small airport into the frigid air. He hunched into his red fur-lined parka. He and Aang were wearing fuzzy beanies pulled taut down over their ears and their parka hoods were pulled up. A glance at his friend told him he was equally suffering. Both men carried their luggage and all but jogged to the limo driver waiting at the edge of the tarmac.
Aang gave Zuko a rueful grin as they knocked on the glass for their driver to turn up the heat. They still remained bundled in their parkas hands tucked into their pockets.
"Is she going to be at the meeting?" Aang asked. Zuko nodded, fishing out his phone.
"Looks like she's coming with some family members. Her grandmother wants to bless our efforts."
"Energy reduction efforts sounds very good," Aang said positively. The limo stopped at a large warehouse surrounded by icy white snow fields. There were large machines at work surrounding it and he and Zuko stepped out, huddling in their coats.
A small party of Water Tribesmen waited. The young man and woman were dressed more modernly in blue parkas and warm slacks, but the bent old woman next to them was dressed more conservatively in traditional Water Tribe shaman regalia. Zuko was reminded of this family's shamanistic past as the bent woman bowed at the waist politely and shook his hand. He bent low at the waist to show his respect for the apparent family matriarch.
"Prince Zuko?" The young woman asked. Zuko pushed his hood back and gave a nervous smile. Katara was on his father's list of suggestions and it was clear this trip was going to be worth it. She was a beautiful young woman and her eyes lit up taking him in. They shook hands and her brother joked over their hands lingering.
"Katara. It's a pleasure to meet you," Zuko said. Aang coughed beside him and his friend laughed. "This is my colleague, Aang. He helps in our green division."
"Hi, Aang," Katara smiled and Aang felt his heart skip a beat.
"Pleased to…..meet you."
"Shall we go inside? Our northern folk may freeze solid out here," Katara's grandmother smiled and led the way into the warehouse. Zuko and Aang were relieved that it was well-heated, even with a few open braziers scattered around the large building. Aang pushed his beanie up further on his scalp as they acclimated to the temperature.
"I'd love to hear about your family's ideas," Zuko was saying to Katara. She smiled at him but her brother, an overly loud young man named Sokka, took over the presentation in the warehouse. Katara still smiled at Zuko as they listened to Sokka's overly enthusiastic lecture.
"….And we won't have to keep relying on digging for lizard-snake oil anymore!" Sokka finished. "Want to see my machine prototype?"
"Uhm, sure!" Zuko said.
Aang stayed at Zuko's side as the two interacted. His heart felt strange, and he was sure it was because he was so tired. Zuko had managed to grab a nap in their comfortable first-class seats, but he'd been wired, drinking tea and going over their reports. Katara's smile seemed to be adding to the discomfort and he didn't know why. Aang scratched at the side of his beard. Maybe Zuko would stick with trying to date the shaman girl. She seemed nice enough.
Aang listened in on the tail-end of their conversation. Katara was indeed agreeing to dinner with Zuko that night. Zuko offered a place for her grandmother and brother, but her grandmother took Sokka by the arm and said Katara was a grown woman and to have fun. Aang sighed. Well, at least Zuko looked a lot happier. The handshake they exchanged upon leaving the warehouse lingered too long.
"Need me for anything tonight?" Aang asked Zuko wryly as they got back into their limo. Zuko gave a sudden rare grin.
"I don't think so. If you want to share a drink after the dinner, I wouldn't say no."
"Sure thing." Aang normally didn't indulge in such vices, but he'd gotten to like the sake most Fire Nation seemed to enjoy. He would share his friend's drink and companionship. The two were driven off, both men peering out the window at the three figures in blue. Katara waved to them as they sped off.
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Zuko gave Aang a thumbs up as they strapped into their seats. He'd gotten a text that morning from his father and he'd barely had time to call Katara and explain their hasty retreat before boarding the private jet set aside for them.
"Just for a party? Really?" Aang asked. The stewardess's moved between them, one taking their bags into the back, one offering hot towels. Aang plucked his beanie off and laid it over his naked scalp. Zuko laughed as he ran the towel between his fingers.
"You know Father. Spirits, we've been flying too much."
"Did you get to say goodbye to Katara?" Aang asked.
Zuko sighed. "Just over the phone. Wonder if she'll take it the wrong way."
"Call her again," Aang urged. "That's all you can do."
"Yeah," Zuko sighed. "I'm going to have to talk to Father. This party is just another way to throw more omegas at us."
Aang handed the hot towel back to the stewardess. "Need me to attend?"
"Please. I'll need someone to talk to," Zuko said. Aang pressed his palms together and bowed his head at him. Both of them smiled and leaned back in their seats. Zuko dozed off about twenty minutes later, so Aang murmured his chants to himself quietly across the way. Finally, a yawn cracked his jaw and his eyelids fluttered closed. At least he would get some rest this time.
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Azula and Ty Lee stepped out of the limo and Ty Lee frowned when she let go of Azula's arm. Both were dressed to the nines, Azula's suit freshly pressed and Ty Lee in a slinky black dress. Azula frowned as she took a few steps to the side. Ty Lee looked like she was going to pout.
"I'll be in there. Watching you get mobbed," Ty Lee tried to tease. Azula's frown didn't disappear. To anyone else she looked displeased, but Ty Lee knew the reason why.
"Of course, you will. Try not to let me die later on," Azula said. Ty Lee blew her a kiss.
"You know I won't. I'll be mingling."
"Great. Me too," Azula murmured. They entered at opposite doors to the ballroom of her father's building, at the rear of the first floor. She adjusted her tie and nodded toward her father across the room. Several older men and women, business associates, surrounded him, all jockeying to talk about their children. Ozai had Zuko at his side and Azula was just glad it wasn't her. He'd made her brother high tail it back on a private jet merely to attend tonight's soiree.
She accepted a glass of champagne from a passing waiter's tray. She downed it in a few quick sips. On second thought, she grabbed another two glasses from a new waiter. Sipping idly, she made out Ty Lee across the cavernous room, mingling and talking with others with ease. Her omega really WAS good at a lot of things, Azula reflected. Her chest felt warm. A figure paused at her elbow, then pulled up a stool by her. Who the heck?
Azula glanced to her side, staring at the slim Fire Nation girl dressed in a tight black dress. She did have nice curves, slim hips, and flat belly. Azula was about to dismiss her and tell her to back off, when the girl leaned forward, plucking one of her glasses. What in the?...
"Princess Azula. Thanks for the drink," The girl said. Azula merely raised an eyebrow at her. Interesting…..she didn't seem to defer to her or seem afraid. And she'd reached for what she wanted. The girl took a long swallow, delicate throat bobbing softly.
"And you are….?" Azula asked. May as well know.
"Mai. Your father received my name from my parents recently, but I didn't want to wait for a date. Tonight seemed the best chance to meet you properly," Mai smiled slyly. Azula noted her make-up was on point, more subtle than that whacko Eska's. She seemed intriguing. Azula was surprised. A glance toward her father and he merely gave her a look and went back to talking to his colleagues. The young men and women around their parents stared in outright shock or consternation at them. Azula smirked.
"It seems you've annoyed all those others over there," Azula noted. Mai shrugged.
"They can take it up with me if they want." She shifted on the stool and Azula's gaze was drawn to her cleavage. The very slim handle of a blade was noted, and she raised an eyebrow despite herself.
"I see."
"Princess," Ty Lee took up residence on her other side, taking a flute offered by Azula and sipping. Azula hoped her father wouldn't object to her presence, but she felt more at ease with her nearby. They'd have to separate again soon as it was. "I see you found company."
Azula smirked. "More like company found me."
"Azula was kind enough to offer me one of her drinks," Mai said, and Ty Lee stared as Azula laughed. Mai looked between them and smiled.
"Girlfriend?"
Azula and Ty Lee shared a look this time. "Uhm….."
"What makes you say that?" Ty Lee all but squeaked. Azula wanted to lay her hand on her hip to assure her but knew she couldn't. They were in the lion-wolf's den.
"You smell like each other. Good thing you were apart across the room or more people would have noticed."
Azula and Ty Lee shared another wary look. But there was an underlying area of neutrality in Azula's eyes. Ty Lee clinked her flute against Azula's, the only touch she could get away with in this setting. A memory of falling to her knees in front of her flashed to mind and Ty Lee pinked in a blush.
"Is that a problem?" Azula challenged. Mai met her eyes evenly and took a careful sip.
"No. Why would it be?" She asked back. Azula found herself smiling. "Your business is your own."
As Azula's mind was grappling with the declaration, she noticed many were following her father's movements. He had his hand raised toward THEM and was crooking two fingers. When Azula made to rise to her feet, he frowned. He gestured to her left and Ty Lee couldn't keep a small squeak as she rose to her feet.
"What does he want to talk to ME about?" she hissed toward her lover. Azula felt a trickle of fear along her spine. She wanted to touch her, assure her, but she couldn't.
The entire ballroom was looking at them.
"Remember, business first."
"I'll be expecting pleasure later," Ty Lee muttered under her breath. She adjusted her cleavage and sauntered over toward Lord Ozai. She couldn't help noting an appreciative look from Zuko, who was at his side. Ty Lee felt a spark of comfort from that. Azula's brother would be on her side, she was sure of it. When she was an appropriate distance in front of Ozai, Ty Lee bowed formally at the waist.
"My lord. What can I do for you?" she asked. The corner of Ozai's mouth quirked up.
"Ty Lee. Care to go over your newest fashion ideas for this quarter?" Ozai said. His associates surrounding him looked at her curiously. It seemed a rather abstract thing to focus on in the middle of this setting. Ty Lee pushed her braid over one shoulder and straightened her spine.
"Certainly, my lord. With interest gathering on the Earth Kingdom fashions, I propose we…."
Zuko felt a twinge looking at Ty Lee's confidence. He aimed a glance toward his sister who was chatting with a Fire Nation woman. She was a dark-eyed beauty that struck him, but even he noticed the spare glances Azula was giving them because Ty Lee was there. He wondered if his father knew their connection and was using it to rile her. It wouldn't be beyond him.
"Excellent strategy. Keep on your tasks, Lady Ty Lee," Ozai said at his side and Zuko watched Ty Lee bob another bow. She made it look elegant in heels.
"My lord," she demurred. Zuko adjusted his tie and bowed toward his father, pushing past a nosy businessman trying to angle closer.
"I'll go mingle. If that's okay?" he asked. Ozai gave a curt nod of his head. Zuko hurried off. He was able to corner Ty Lee by a corner of the ballroom, pushing aside a gaggle of omegas.
"Hey, Ty Lee. Good impromptu speech there," he commented. Ty Lee lifted her chin and gave him a slow grin.
"Your father demands a good game. I won't give anything less," she retorted. She did like the smile Zuko gave her. "What's your angle on all this misery?"
"Trying to keep my head above water. I hate that I got pulled here," Zuko admitted. "We had to fly quickly. And I think I have a name worth keeping at the top of the list, so this is a waste of my time, personally."
Ty Lee smiled, accepting a drink from a passing waiter. Zuko downed his glass as quickly as Azula would have. "Good, then you're definitely keeping above water. Is she nice?"
"Very nice," Zuko admitted. "We could actually get along."
Ty Lee let her gaze sway over the crowds. "Isn't that what's important?"
"Father may push for one of these omegas here. I don't want that," Zuko admitted. He grabbed another glass from the waiter before he left them. "Truth be told, I want what you have with my sister. Unless you're looking to switch siblings…"
Ty Lee pressed a hard punch to his shoulder, and he winced. "You wish, Zuko."
"Oh, I do," Zuko admitted. "But teasing aside, Azula does treat you well, doesn't she?"
"…..Yes," Ty Lee said. "In her own way."
Zuko chuckled, patting her shoulder. His sister looked like she was going to self-combust, noticing them. "Wish I had a friend as good as you. You know where I am."
Ty Lee brushed him off, laughing, but her cheeks pinked when she noticed Azula's stare on her. She met her eyes across the room, holding her gaze. "Oh, Zuko. Good luck in your own search."
"Don't see why Azula has to make a search. You're right here," Zuko mumbled, but Ty Lee heard him. She stared at him as he stalked off, a gaggle of omegas and betas following. Ty Lee dodged them and made it away. One of the older businesswomen caught her attention and Ty Lee talked with her about the fashion line. But then she noticed Ozai moving with his entourage toward Azula.
Mai backed off, after slipping Azula a piece of paper into her palm. Ty Lee burned seeing that, but she had no control over this evening. Ozai made some introductions and a few omegas surrounded Azula. She cast Ty Lee a look of abject terror before schooling her features to an evened look. Ty Lee made her rounds, keeping an eye on her girlfriend.
She hated it, unable to be at Azula's side while she was flanked by omega girls and beta boys. All vying for her attention, all trying to hold her close. And Azula couldn't walk away.
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Azula, for her part, couldn't stop snatching glances at her watch. Why was time moving so slowly? It wasn't even close to midnight so the party could just end, and she could leave. Meet Ty Lee elsewhere for the night. Why was she even here? Her father's eyes on her made her stay put. Father could very well end her very existence. He'd threatened her and Zuzu on more than one occasion, especially when her mother had run away.
But oh, these boys and women were so annoying. They didn't seem to share a single lucid thought between them, nothing to note of intelligence. And she had to pick one of them. One hour. Two hours. She was going to put something through her head, she was going to…..
Azula put a hand in her pocket and felt the crinkle of the paper. Mai at least seemed to have a thought or two. She pushed through the band of omegas toward the Fire Nation girl mingling with some of the older businessmen. Enough time wasted on a bunch of nothings.
"May I have a moment?" Azula asked her, putting a hand on her elbow. Mai's dark eyes met hers and the businessmen squeaked a yes.
"What's this, Princess?" Mai asked evenly, matching her stride. Azula felt Ozai's eyes on them but she cast her look to the girl beside her.
"Talk to me. You don't annoy me like all these peasants do. At least not yet," Azula muttered. Mai smirked and gave a soft laugh.
"But so many scents to choose from. Don't tell me you don't want a turn with one of them."
Azula barked a laugh, leaning against a pillar in the corner. Zuko had vanished somewhere, but at least Ty Lee wasn't with him. She was across the way, giving them a sidelong casual look. Damn her legs looked good. "Scent isn't everything. After I'm done wrapped in a warm wet scent, and the screaming's done, what is there to talk about with these rats?"
Mai gave her a look, daring to stroke her arm. Azula shivered as one of her bruises was accidentally brushed upon. Ty…. "You value more than the act itself. My image of Princess Azula is growing."
Azula raised an eyebrow at her, despite herself. There was something about Mai that was….interesting. Interesting to hold her attention right now at any rate. She could fit right in with their dynamic. Maybe even enhance it….
Mai cleared her throat and gave a glance over her shoulder. "Are they burning me down with their stares yet?"
Azula glanced over the girl's shoulder to the gaggle of omegas and betas pouting and trying to catch her eye. Some had drifted off, to look for Zuko no doubt. Ozai was watching them evenly. And Ty Lee was watching and trying not to watch.
"If they could burn you down, they would have. Ignore them."
Mai tilted her head up and caught her gaze. "I will."
Azula chuckled and placed a hand on her arm.
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Ty Lee was in her own personal hell. The hour was past eleven, and the band Ozai had hired was still swinging into raucous numbers. Everyone was either inebriated, on their way, or talking or dancing. She'd been spun around by a few betas looking to kill boredom since neither of the royal children wanted to spend time near them. When Azula wasn't surrounded by those omegas, she was off in a corner with that Mai. Ty Lee had heard mentions of her father's company in the Earth Kingdom that was being courted for business by Ozai. Maybe she would have a level foot in this playing field.
Games, all of this, games. Ty Lee was lucky enough to have helped her friend's needs, and her own as well. But could she keep her? Ty Lee's heart was very sad as she watched Azula quirk a smile or laugh toward Mai's murmurs. They were getting on. Mai didn't annoy her. That put her in the same category as herself. Could she allow this? Was it her place or not? As Ty Lee danced with another beta boy, she stilled her heart to resolution. She had to. Jealousy had no place to holding onto the tenuous grasp she had with Azula. And if Mai could keep her calm, well…..that was something that would benefit her as well as Azula.
She had to see this through.
Ty Lee wanted to call out, to get her lover's attention. But Ozai never tired, and he was still there. He must have been drinking water, for he was ever alert. Ty Lee suddenly wondered if Ozai ever indulged in women. He was an enigma that could not be cracked, at least by someone in her position.
Ty Lee bowed her head toward Azula. She wanted to blow her a kiss, but she took a moment to shoot off a text. She was done for the evening. If Azula came to her flat, she'd gladly let her in. But she couldn't tell her what to do. Not while she had to follow the appearance Ozai demanded of his children.
Ty Lee collected her things and sadly left. It was nearing midnight and she was done.
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Azula swept a gaze around the ballroom, growing agitated. Ozai had pushed the associate's daughters and sons on her and a newly found Zuko again in the last hour. She'd had to talk to these saps again, and she couldn't find Ty Lee and her patience was growing thin. Breaking away from the gaggle of girls and boys, she intercepted the next waiter, taking the whole tray of drinks from him. He sputtered and made to argue, but a glance at her face and he recognized her as the company head's daughter. The beta bowed his head and backed off, leaving Azula to balance the tray and carry it off for herself. Azula chuckled as she made it to the bar and set her tray down, taking a stool and picking up the next glass. When some of the omegas made to follow her, she growled, casting a dark look.
"I'll take one of those off your hands," Mai said beside her and Azula gave a laugh. She offered one of the flutes and they both drank, pushing the stools on either side of them far away with a low kick to keep the others from trying to sit close.
"Good to see you again," Azula said amicably. Mai swept a sly smile to her.
"Will I see you again after tonight?"
"I think so," Azula purred. She liked the dry wit Mai was giving her, and she felt relaxed. Even if she couldn't openly dance with Ty Lee, she felt at ease.
"Is this dance ever going to end?" Mai wondered, sipping her champagne.
"I think most of us are done," Azula said, thinking of Ty Lee. She was probably heading to her flat. Azula thought of her comfortable bed and her soft thighs around her and sighed in her head. "I wonder if I could slip away."
"I could cover for you," Mai offered. Azula gave her a surprised look.
"How would you do that?" she wondered. Mai patted her elbow.
"Your father seems preoccupied with you and Prince Zuko. I could entertain him for a time, let you slink off."
Azula gave a rare smile to her. "It would put me in your debt."
"And I'll collect when ready," Mai said dryly. Azula laughed despite herself.
"My thanks, Lady Mai."
"Goodnight, Princess Azula," Mai said. Azula lifted her hand and kissed the back of it. There was a collective chorus of gasps behind them, but they ignored it.
As Mai straightened her dress and moved toward Lord Ozai, Azula adjusted her suit jacket and kept to the corners of the ballroom. Finally, when she was near the double front doors leading to the building lobby, she broke into a sprint. As the doors clacked shut behind her, Azula broke into a sprint. As she exited the building, her father's legacy looming large over her, Azula flagged a cab puttering in the area waiting for the late-night partiers to need a ride home. She gave Ty Lee's address and settled into the backseat, going through her texts. One from Ty, of course. Another from a new number. Azula recognized it as Mai from the way the text was written and saved the number into her phone.
End for now
End notes: Like it, drop a review my lovelies. Stay strong :P I wanted to rework some of this chapter, I hope you re-read or took a look. The peasant line came from CharlieBarrow.
Sincerely, pen 4/04/2021