Chapter 7

The Command

Katara (Yami)

...oh wow...

Panting out of breath I stood up and looked around, tugging at my long fabric clothing so my feet wouldn't trip. Unknowingly allowing a cheerful small smile to inch on my face as I moved further into the place I'd just arrived.

"This place is so beautiful and ..peaceful" I mumble to myself.

My eyes feast on the luscious green grass surrounding a gentle pond. A few Bonsai trees boarding the water bank, ducks waddling into the water. Surrounded the stone walls of the Fire Nation palace nestled a place more peaceful than the spirit world I'll imagine. The scene was drowning in serenity, I'd almost forgotten how much I had missed the smell of grass.

Walking closer I felt like a child awaiting a mooncake, anticipating the taste once the vendor hands it off. Kneeling my fingers flickered in the light blue color water as I smiled to myself, something so natural and enjoyable was just steps from me this whole time.

This must be what Heaven is like in the spirit world... closing my eyes I took in the feeling of warm sun rays beaming onto my hands and exposed chest from the sweetheart neckline top I had on.

"What are you doing?" Turning my head I heard an unfamiliar voice break my calming moment.
"A Lady should never kneel on dirt"

Looking up a handsome fair skin man with kind honey eyes held out his hand, allowing me to hold it as he helped me to my feet. Reaching out to stand my dress was caught under my feet making me stumble as my cheek couldn't help but blush a dark red.

His eyes smile at me as did his lips, his height towering over me.
"Do you have a name?" The fair skin man asked softly, his teeth reflecting the light from the sun.

"My name?... is Yami".

Still holding my hand the fair skin man continues to smile at me. Bringing the back of my hand slowly up to his lips, he bent over slightly, leaving a small peck on my goosebumps skin.
"I am LuTen."

"LuTen... it's nice to meet you" I said blinking rapidly blushing to his gentleness. I can't remember the last time a man had been such an authentic gentleman towards me without an alternative reason.

"Would I be to forward in asking if you'll like to join me on a walk Lady Yami?"

"Oh me?" I question taking my hand away, touching my chest in an effort to point at myself. "I shouldn't... I have to get back."

"Back to where?" LuTen asked smiling wanting to know more about the strange beautiful woman in his aunt's garden.

"Oh, I ..uh-"

"Cousin." Katara's eyes shot up with hate written in them recognizing that distinctive voice. Single-handedly that voice almost destroyed the world.

"Oh, cousin you finally found a servant-... Mmmm well isn't this interesting.." coming into view out of the marble overhead pass was none other than the devil's right hand herself. Still hosting the same conniving demeanor she always displayed.

"Your-rr here-e" Katara felt the weight of her body collapse in her chest as she took a step back. The spark she had felt moments ago now dissipated.

"Do you to know each other?" LuTen asked looking at me as the brand of fear radiating over my eyes.

Flashback AGE 14...

Coolly and conniving Aulza walked backward, backing into an old broken corner of a building as her enemies surround her.

"Well, look at this. Enemies and traitors, all working together. I'm done." Raising her hands, surrendering with a smirk and hidden agenda.

"I know when I'm beat. You got me. A princess surrenders with honor".

Bitch I don't believe that... I thought as my eyes fixed on Azula's subtle movement.

Looking for an opportunity like her father taught her Azula's eyes danced around, becoming fixed on Iroh after she carefully selected what she consider the weak link. Iroh's demeanor changed as he was distracted momentarily, looking at the blind child of the group.

With an awful smirk Azula, steped forward, firing a deadly blast to Iroh, his screams echoed with pain as he stumbled backward. Iroh's shoulder hit as he fell onto the dirt ground unmoving and unconscious.

"Aaaahhhhh!" I heard Zuko scream out, his already fair skin grew paler, and the natural yellow undertone drained away from him with pain.

Simultaneously I, Aang, Zuko, and Toph turn to face Azula, blasting our elements as Sokka threw his boomerang all heading straight at her.

*CABOOOOOM*
Not able to see the outcome of our combined attack. A great minor explosion was created, sending a thick dark cloud of smoke everywhere. The untouched parts of the already crumbling deserted town now set on fire, burning embers falling from the sky.

Soon the smoke cleared in the air revealing to us Azula had vanished from the scene without a trace.

Looking over my shoulder my heart dropped seeing Zuko and his uncle in the middle of nowhere knowing this man was knocking on death's door.

Hearing our footsteps behind him Zuko's eye twitched in anger. "Ugggh!"
How could I be so stupid! Zuko thought to himself. Looking back at us he bellows out angrily.
"Get away from us!"

Common sense told me to run, but how could I?.. I couldn't leave Iroh here to suffer, from what I felt deep in my heart he wasn't a bad guy.. was he?..

We had all seen the wanted posters while traveling, descriptions of Iroh and Zuko.. if they were so bad why did the Fire nation want them.. dead or alive?

"Zuko I can help!" I tried to explain walking up behind him. Without care he arc a fire blast of orange and red coming straight, as Zuko lit the air on fire momentarily shooting at us. "LEAVE!" he screamed.

After a quick glance at each other, Sokka Aang and I decided to run with Toph following us quickly. We made it down the long dirt road before a voice I couldn't get free from any longer took over my limbs making me stop.

"Katara come on!" Sokka yelled out a few feet ahead of me.

"Sokka I can't... I have to help him"

"Are you crazy?! you heard Zuko" Sokka reminded me.

"and he tried to blast us again." Aang said agreeing with Sokka.

"If we leave, that man could die... I can't go knowing that"

"Katara sometimes your are too good for your own good. If he was to die, so what? there would be one less Fire bender to worry about in this war. Now let's go"

"NO!" I yelled out holding my ground my eyes fixed with determination.

"I think you should help him.." Toph's small voice said speaking up, when remembering the simple conversation she shared with him unknowing who he was at the time.

One person was on my side and that's all I needed.

Nodding I turned around running back to where we just Battle Azula. Zuko sensing our presents looked at us his eyebrow-raising in anger.

"Didn't you hear me! I said leave-" Zuko's voice was cut off by Toph's quick thinking, engulfing his hands that were touching the dirt deep into the earth effectively stopping him from bending or moving.

"You make a lot of noise" Toph spoke out in annoyance.

"Zuko listens I could help.. and I'm not leaving until I do," I said more firm looking down at him in his eyes. His demeanor was so unstable, he always seemed hotheaded like an untamed bull. Unsure what direction to attack but behind that, at least today was pure pain, sorrow, and sadness.

Kneeling down I bent water from my pouch rinsing Iroh's fresh wound, freeing it from dirt.

"he must be out cold" I whispered to myself but ultimately Zuko could hear too. Iroh didn't move or even flinch to the quick sting of the water on a fresh cut.

Breathing deeply I felt Zuko's deep eyes intensely stare at me making it hard to breathe, watching every movement I made carefully.

Engulfing fresh water over my hand I took a deep breath gently laying my hand on Iroh's shoulder and exhaled. Glowing bright white Zuko gasped in shock as I lift my hand revealing a closed wound that was still pink and tender. I knew this injury would require more treatments but staying near Zuko was too risky, his emotions were too unstable for us to take that chance today.

"With time, love, and care he'll be ok... I healed his most crucial tissues." I explained picking myself up dusting my water tribe clothing, stepping back I gave Zuko his much-needed space.

"Let's go," I said to everyone especially Sokka who was holding out his boomerang directed at Zuko's neck. Toph released Zuko's hands from the dirt allowing us to make a clean getaway.

"...thank you..." I could faintly hear as the four of us ran away for the second time, leaving the deserted town to burn.

Flashback End...

"Azula" her name rolling off my tongue tasting like a gagging tablespoon of vinegar shove down my throat, my nose flared a bit in disgust.

Her upper cherry color lip smirked as Azula looked the garden to me. Her eyes moved up and down scanning my body, instantly noticing the few light-colored scars on my exposed collar bone area. "Greetings peasant".

Spirits this isn't how I picture meeting this bitch again! I wanted my foot to be on her fucking throat!

How I wished for weeks after Aang's death for the chance to get even... Faith finally brought us together, only for me to be defenseless...
That bastard! I thought cursing Zuko in my head for placing the infernal contraption around my neck.

"that's your cousin.." I muttered with large eyes, grinding my teeth.

"Are you so uncivil? Or have you learned nothing from your stay in my nation? We greet one another here. But what should I expect from a peasant who lived in an ice cube."

My upper lip twitched as I wanted to curse the day she walked into this world ...but I didn't. Instead, I just watched her grin grow wider to my silence.

"Azula how do you know Yami?" LuTen asked.

"Yumi? Who is Yumi-" chuckling under her breath with her hand covering her mouth, Azula put it all together.
"oh, I see! You've been surviving under a false name." Azula spat out cleverly giggling looking at me.
"LuTen this peasant name is Katara. She is from the southern water tribe. A pile of ice".

My eyes looked to the ground quickly as I swallowed the saliva lump in my throat. I mean what was I expecting? To have a happily ever after with this man?... He is from the Fire Nation after all.. and if he's Azula's cousin then that means he's Zuko's, cousin, as well.

"Katara... I've heard that name from somewhere before" LuTen expressed rubbing his short beard,looking at me.

"You must tell us, peasant, how did you get here? did you come here begging for work? or begging on your knees? " Azula continued smirking looking at me. Even LuTen eyes were heavily fixed on me eager to know.

"Fuck you!" I burst out screaming. Quickly I lowered my eyes remembering I was speaking to members of the royal family in the Fire Nation "...uh... it is a long story... I'm sure you have better things to do."

"Judging from your scars, I would say I don't. I'm so interested in the tale you have to tell! Must be an incredible story you have?."

Feeling uncomfortable I tried stretching the fabric over my collar bone area in an attempt to cover all the fated marks, but I had no success. With her key senses Azula was able to read my past years. She was determined to expose me.

"I suppose I was wrong, it seems you learn many great lessons in my nation-"

"My nation" Zuko declared walking up to the three of us, effectively cutting Azula off. "My nation. And she's here as my guest, not to be questioned by you."

With bugged-out eyes, a sarcastic low chuckle came out when I heard Zuko comment.
This man is insane! The first night he forces me to strip in front of him then force me to have an orgasm in front of him. After we have a seemingly great evening talking and laughing until he turns into some demon telling me I can't leave... now I'm a damn guest here!?

Glancing up to Zuko I could see his demeanor was harsh and serious as he stare at the two he had to call family, but especially at LuTen. Seeing the two men close to one another, I could now see the resemblance. Although LuTen has a beard the two male cousins had similar face structures however Zuko's jaw was more angular compared to his cousin whose jaw was closer to a box shape.

"LuTen.. you're earlier than expected" Zuko questioned folding his arms behind his back.

"Well he was my father, I should be here. Wouldn't you agree?" Raising his eyebrow Zuko couldn't argue with that reasoning.

"you didn't mention you'd be bringing Azula along." The Fire Lord stated moving right behind me, his body inches from my back as Azula and LuTen stood a few feet in front of us.

"I wasn't going to at first but she was persistent and well... you know how Azula can be. Besides my father had more family members than just you."

"yes brother, I insisted on coming. Even though you practically banish me to LuTen home in the countryside, I still find it tragic how Uncle died years ago. As his niece, I should be allowed to pay my respects every year. "

Feeling a twig of hate arising inside, Zuko breathed out heavily, careful not to show any emotion. "I'm assuming you are here to only visit Uncle's memorial."

"Of course why else would I be here? I understood my father's decision after my near-death experience at Ba Sing Se. Besides I've been so happy with the peace I've gotten" Lu Ten coldly added his hands folded behind his back, I could feel the tension growing between the two men, his eyes cold and full of ice.

"wonderful. you two should find your rooms, the memorial will be open in a few hours. I'm sure you'll want to rest". Zuko nodded his head to the two guards who stood at the door awaiting their cue.

"Agreed, the Journey was long." LuTen said harshly before his eyes returned to a soft glow as he looked down at me. Without asking my consent LuTen took my hand in his larger one. With a sweet smile growing on his lips, his sensuality began to take effect on me.

"I hope we'll see each other again" LuTen spoke gently leaving another small kiss on the back of my hand intentionally making my heart skip beat a step.

"Good day peasant. Brother." Azula's well-defined eyebrow raised as the two guards now stood behind her and LuTen. Zuko and I watched as the two guards began to escort the pair to their rooms.

Parting my lips no words found their way out as my breath grew heavy and flustered with an awkward smile. My knees felt weak remembering the feeling his soft lips left on my hand.

As the essence of LuTen dissipate from the outside air it was ultimately clear Zuko and I was alone.. my senses strongly picked up on his breathing as I felt his eyes burning a hole into my back.

"I'm... going to leave..." I tried to mumble in a low tone hoping to creep away. Yet as my body went to move forward I felt strong sturdy hands grab me.

Mai

"Zuko! Let go of my arm! Let go! Can't you hear? You're hurting me!"

"Shut up" Zuko's loud voice echoed in the halls.

"What in the world?" Mumbling I turned the corner trying to locate who was foolish enough to call my fiancé by his name. Something I is not even allowed to do... unless he pisses me off of course.

My feet hurt from running around this enormous palace, searching for the little slut trying to take my place. Finding only her dirty dishes on the balcony, I turned my attention to the Fire Lords harem.

The only information they could tell me was that the Fire Lord was there yesterday but didn't even stay long. The whore I've been searching for wasn't there either nor did they have any idea where she was. As a matter of fact, they had no idea whom I was speaking about. Which tells me he is smart enough to hide her better.

But now I think I finally found her. Peeking around the wall into the hallway, I continued to hear the dispute. Soon my right eye was barely in view.

"Wait.. that girl. Is that?-the avatar waterbender! What the fuck is going on?!" My heart was engulfed in flames that linger in my bloodline, my eyes stuck on Zuko's hand whose grip was tight on the woman, dragging her through the hall. All the servants in the hall stepped off to the side bowing their heads, not daring to get involved.
well if he doesn't he have loyal silent servants... Mai thought sarcastically.

Zuko

*slam!*
My chamber door shut banging hard and loud against the frame as my other arm threw Katara inside. Not realizing she would stumble on her own two feet, and fall to the ground, trying to use her arms to catch her body.

Reaching down my blind rage grabbed Katara by her shoulder forcing her back up to her feet.
"Why the hell do you allow him to kiss you!?"

"What the hell is your problem!" she scream back in my face, her lips curled with anger. "I was just in the garden-"

"Why the hell were you in the garden in the first place? I thought you stayed in Sui Seikuh room all day!" yelling out I pointed in a random direction, not sure if Sui Seikuh room was even in that part of the palace.

"Unlike you, she cares about my mental health!" Rolling her eyes she huffed out a breath turning her head to the side fixing her lips to speak lowly with judgment. "How LuTen is your cousin is the greatest mystery"

"Oh! LuTen is it? You two on first name bases!?" Reaching out I shoved Katara back against the wall, her body jolting on contact. "What were you even doing there?"

"Ouch! Zuko you're hurting me! Get off-"

"What were you doing there!?" I asked this time in a low dangerous tone.

Feeling the pressure of Zuko's grip on her flesh was painful, looking into his eyes Katara could see he did not care how much pain she was in, he would not let up until he got what he wanted.

"Getting away from your fiancé! Now get off!"

Letting go Zuko stepped back his eyes now issuing concern. "..What?"

"After Sui Seikuh allowed me to have breakfast outside, I began to head back upstairs to her room. That's when I heard Mai at the top of the staircase saying she was going to visit me." Katara spat out rubbing her wrist which was now slightly red.

Adverting his eyes from the red bruise Zuko understood perhaps he did hold on too tight, a small wave of shame presenting itself.
"..what did you hear Mai say.."

Breathing out annoyed Katara rolled her eyes at me. "she was speaking to someone.. and said you left her bed chamber early, that she hadn't seen you in two days and now your whore is eating freely in the open.. Then she wants to go visit me. "

"Damn! damn! damn!"
Why didn't I just send her back... instead of being.. well greedy... I screamed at myself on the inside.
"You are not allowed to go anyone alone."

"Wait?! What? Why?!" Katara snapped her head towards me.

Ignoring Katara's protest questions I storm to the door, opening it to poke my head out.
" you! Have the tailor send me women's clothing immediately".
Slamming the door shut I didn't wait for an answer as I turned my attention to Katara, beginning to drag her behind me across my room's hardwood floors.

"Zuko! Stop!"
Not caring about what she said I continued to pull her into my bathroom, this scene reminding me of her first night here.

"Strip" I ordered as I began to fill the tub with warm water.

"With you here? Are you crazy? No! Besides I already bathed earlier I'm not dirty!"

"You allowed a random man to touch and kiss your hand. Your skin is filthy. I'm not going to let you follow me around with his scent. Now strip"

Her eyes rolled back as her mouth pouted with arms folded across her body. Part of her didn't want to care about what Zuko said, but the other part hurted as the lump inside Katara's chest grew.

"Enough" I don't have time for this. Dropping my outer heavy regal cloak I felt it hit the bathroom marble floor.
Katara's eyes glistened with surprise as she observed Zuko's biceps, his pale skin starting to perspire from the fog produced by the heat of the water overtaking the room. Zuko's white tank top clings more and more to his body contour lines.

Resisting his touch Katara tugged her clothes back as Zuko began to try and peeled off the lays. "What are you doing!? Stop!"

Zuko tugged backwards freeing her body of the fabric. Soon Katara felt her nipple kiss the air as her right arm shot up to her breasts, attempting to cover the two heavy rounded flesh that was set free. Her left hand went down to cover her womanly slit as she slightly bent over. With extremely red cheeks, Katara's eyes produced a betrayal look.

Her once neat combed hair was now messy fluttering around.
Her naked body haunch over trying to cover herself, the only foreign object that remained was the necklace Zuko himself forced on her.

Wrapping his arms around Katara's curved frame he lifted her bridal style placing her body into the tub. Her whole body not anticipating how deep the water was, slid inside causing her entire length of hair to instantly become soaking wet.

*gasp* "Ah!"

Splashing around Katara's head came out above the water as she coughed, droplets of water flying in the bathroom. Her fingers flinging back the adhered hairs stuck to her face, blinking to free her eyelashes of water. Seeing clearly once again Katara spotted Zuko turning off the running pipes.

Finally, now the damn brat could leave...
To her surprise, Zuko did turn around, but only to hang his Royal attire on the door. Katara watched confused her eyes widen with shock. Zuko's muscular hands moved to his pants without hesitation, undoing the string holding the fabric around his hip.

"W-What- Are you doing?!" choking on her tongue Katara's eyes fixed on Zuko's hands. Without an answer Zuko allowed his pants to drop to the ground freeing his member. Instantly she turned her head, her innocence to men taking over with cheeks flushed red with embarrassment.

"What?"

"What do you mean what?!" Bringing her hand up Katara shielded her eyes from Zuko's direction turning her head slightly.

"I don't have anything to be ashamed of" Zuko smirked taking off the white shirt he wore under his attire, now naked.

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING!" Feeling the water shift around her, Katara knew Zuko had entered. In the pit of her stomach, she was appalled by his actions.

"This is my bathroom" grinning Zuko replied, his golden eyes peeking through his shoulder-length jet-black hair.

"That you forced me in!" she spat out pissed off, slamming her hand against the body of water between them.

Pulling Katara closer to him, he could see her face was frightened by his sudden movement.
"Listen carefully, Mai is the daughter of a powerful Governor. A Governor who had more time with the upperclass than I. There's a lot she could get away with and I'll be a force not to do anything about it. If she really thinks I'm interested in you, your in more danger than you know. Avoiding you isn't an option anymore if you want to remain alive"

"...if?... What if I heard wrong" Katara questioned looking down to the clear water trying to pull away. A million scenarios racing in her mind trying to find a way out.

Putting a stop to Katara's squirming, Zuko forced her chin up to look at him. Her eyes were large and tempting with a sparkle of fear. "You want me to take that chance".

Aware of her breathing, Katara swallowed the saliva that formed in her mouth, as she forced her head to turn, looking away. "Why am I in this bath.."

Katara's eyes bulged out feeling Zuko's large arms underwater wrap around her waist, his fingers brushed against the roundness of her breast as he made her body face him. Lifting her body he sat her on his thigh, Katara's legs opened feeling the water forcing his member to sway in every direction.

With a death terrified look, katara began to panic more, tugging her body away from Zuko's grip trying to stand. Harshly Zuko fingers grasp her hip tighter slamming her back down on top of him, his member tapping on the outside of her clit caused by the force of the bath water.

*knock knock*
Zuko head arrogantly looked over his shoulders to the door as his large arms let go of the women resting on the lip of the tub. Katara eyes however looked like prey caught in a trap under the moonlight. The door swung opened as a servant walked in.

"Fire Lord excuse me, you ordered women clothes for Lady Mai- OH MY SPIRITS! Forgive me my lord". To the surprised of the servant, she shut the door quickly behind her. Forgetting all about the clothes in her arms.

"Oh my! Zuko! What the hell!?-"
Connivinly he brought his finger to Katara plum lips in a effort to keep her quiet.

"Shhh" he mumbled.
"That was reason one. News would spread like wildfire. The palace will know you are mine and know not to touch you."

Shaking her head, Katara couldn't understand what this mad man was saying. "They?..What?"

"I don't allow women into my chamber, you being here says enough. Reason number two" grabbing Katara wrist he pulled it out of the water to their eye level. "I don't want anyone lips on you again."

Yanking her hand back from him Katara lips parted with furry. "Im not your doll Zuko! I am not your property you fucking psycho! Surely you know the difference between a reason and a demand".

"Call it what you want. But I am your Fire Lord and you will heed my warning".
Wrapping his thump and index finger around katara chin, Zuko brought her lips inches to his. The stem flooding the space between them

"got it?"

.