My Last Breath
GoddessOfCsilla
A/N-I figured that if I'm going screw up the chapter order, I might as well do it thoroughly. This is the fourth chapter(the chapter that comes after the third, which is in this case-is the first). I guess you'll be getting most of the Maiko at once, and then I'll throw in the main Kataang parts later(real chapters one and two). Enjoy.
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Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.
In a nutshell:
Avatar-not mine.
Situation-mine.
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Bring Me To Life
Black velvet wrapped the arms of a young woman, exchanging weapons and protection for a grieving fashion statement. Protection. Weapons. Knives. Her life. Her love.
The sun blazed brightly through the iron-crossed windows in the Fire Nation palace. It flowed through the many hued bottles resting on the table at the foot of his large bed. Their rainbow shadows and the coal black of the walls, blood red of the sheets, pale faces, and dark wood were the only colors in the room besides the soft and hopeful grey eyes resting upon an ill man.
She had watched him like this-- in his fitful slumber, for hours. Coming to him between diplomatic skirmishes, her new job, and visiting her family and adored Tom-Tom.
He twitched violently again, his cold sweaty hand forming the graceful arc of a blow delivered several days too late. The flesh of his scar tightened, then relaxed. He fought on.
Diplomats and heroes came and left with the sun slowly exploring the bedroom. They were made up the celebrated Avatar, his friends, healers, acquaintances, and the occasional noble complaining about the condition of their current Fire Lord. If he did not wake soon, a new heir would be chosen—but until then, General Iroh served in Zuko's place.
Another battle started—Mai looked up from cleaning a dart. It was a particularly nasty one she rescued from the neck of a very prestigious Fire Nation Admiral. Mai knew he wouldn't have liked it, but she took his hand. He shook violently again.
"I'm here, Zuko. I—love you."
No, she couldn't. She could not love a dead man. Their routine; her job, lunch together, fitful sleep—and reassuring words, it was all bitter sweet, but she feared it was as deep as their relationship could ever be.
"I love you, Zuko. Please come back to me."
She squeezed his hand again, caressed it lightly with her thumb, and then went back to her knives.
"Lady Mai?" He prodded her lightly again.
"Mm….Five more---Yes!"
She bolted upright in her chair, hand shooting to the knife that still rested in her lap.
"Woah!" Zuko's guard said, backing up across the room.
"You should leave now, it's almost midnight." He said cautiously. Indeed, blurred lights from sweet wax candles filled the room.
"Thank you."
He nodded and returned to his post at the door.
"Wait!"
"Yes?"
"You'll be here all night, right?"
He shook his head, "No, ma'am. We rotate shifts in an hour."
Rotated sitting in a plump chair snoozing for six hours. Nevertheless there was a guard 24/7, she'd seen hog-monkeys fight better. Mai could not trust them to protect Zuko in his weak state, so she would herself. It was her duty.
"Thank you." The noble woman pulled together a smile and watched him take 'position' at the door.
When she was sure he was fast asleep, she placed her supplies in a bag and balanced it over her shoulders. The knife wielder approached Zuko's peaceful body and took his hand then kissed him lightly of the cheek. Mai opened her eyes and watched curiously. His body and mind were both surprisingly peaceful now. Whether this was good, or bad, she did not know.
His hand moved within hers, his fingers clenched.
"Zuko?" His eyes fluttered slightly.
"Song!" Footsteps through the hall.
"Look!"
"Oh my gosh! Let me go get the others." She shot the young healer a puzzled look before turning back to Zuko.
"Lieutenant?"
"M---ai?" He croaked.
"Yes!"
"Where is the Avatar?"
"In bed…" She said, not sure it was the answer he was looking for.
"Fath-er…the….Oz-hai.."
His longer muscles started to flex and stretch; his eyes were half opened and worried.
"Ozhai……is no longer, Your Highness." Still holding his warming hand, she gave a mock bow, her smile radiating joy.
"Mai, I heard what you said."
"What?" She looked at him, genuinely confused.
His next fluid movements after days sleep startled her, but were appreciated at the least. He grabbed and pulled her half-way, kissing her full on the lips. They held each other, his strength slowly returning, until an army of healers could be heard parading towards them through the halls. The guard woke up.
"In my dreams."
His smile told her he loved her too.
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A/N-Ok, this is way fluffier than I intended it to be. Overall, I'm not really happy with this chapter. The new chapters will probably be up soon, considering I'm depressed and have nothing else to do. Normally people don't write obnoxiously fluffy stories when their depressed-do they? Lol
I hope you enjoyed this OOC random fluffy-ness that was this chapter. No flames, please. With more reviews I might throw in a couple bonus chapters. :)