A/N: Since 24 reviews last chapter asked me to write a multichapter superhero AU based on the last drabble, I've started outlining one. It should come out in summer; I'm glad to write it.


(Theme Forty) Marriage Counseling Part One

(As Prompted By) Zippy Saboteur

"Are they fighting again?" Mai whispers, trying to peek around the corner without getting caught. Zuko shrugs with a small grimace. "Maybe if we run by really fast..."

The state of Azula and Ty Lee has become completely terrifying to everyone in the palace. The fights start over incredibly petty things, but eventually devolve into them screaming each other's flaws, and gradually, it is the same fight again and again. Zuko and Mai learned the hard way to avoid their melodramatic lover's quarrels at all costs, but at the moment, Azula and Ty Lee are standing directly between Zuko, Mai and their bedroom, and it is three in the morning.

"They'll see us," Zuko murmurs as Ty Lee accuses Azula of being the most selfish and inconsiderate person she has ever met.

"Okay, if we go outside around the courtyard, and then climb through the window, I think we can avoid them," Mai suggests with a crack of her knuckles as Azula calls Ty Lee a vapid whore.

Mai chews on her lip and cocks an eyebrow at Zuko. He seems to be thinking before slowly shaking his head. Ty Lee tells Azula she is exactly like her father, and Mai inhales sharply, her neck bones jutting out and her amber eyes wide.

"I'm intervening," Zuko says as Azula takes a deep breath, preparing for a tirade that will possibly end the fight, or extend it by another hour, depending on how angry Ty Lee is right now.

"Zuko, please, don't intervene. Don't die. Who will be Fire Lord?" Mai mumbles, seeming genuinely concerned. That solidifies the fact that Zuko needs to do something about this before it gets even more out of hand.

"My Uncle until Izumi is old enough. Don't let them give it to Azula. Don't." He walks into the room as Mai slowly shakes her head. "Hey, you two, please, calm down, maybe?"

Ty Lee and Azula spin around to face Zuko at the same time, Azula's lips curled into a snarl and Ty Lee's face bright red, mascara streaking down her face. Zuko swallows, and reminds himself why this is important to do. While his wife, sister and soon-to-be sister-in-law are skeevy, underhanded and evade doing the right thing as if they are allergic to it, Zuko has learned over time that helping other people is an invaluable skill.

"This isn't your fight. I suggest you turn around and walk back into the hallway before I'm forced to harm you," Azula says, pointing one clawed finger at him. Zuko's eyes shift to focus on her finger before he blinks several times.

"I didn't want it to come to this, Azula," Zuko says as calmly as he can, slowly shaking his head. "I'm sending you two to marriage counseling."

Ty Lee laughs mirthlessly and Azula's eyebrow twitches. "I do not do psychologists, psychotherapists, counselors, or any other kind of shrink. You should've learned this by now."

"It has to happen. You know, Mai and I will do it too, if it makes you feel better."

"What?" exclaims a gravelly voice from the shadows of the hallway. "Zuko!"

Azula crosses her arms. "My fiancee can decide."

"Oh, oh now you're not a complete control freak. When you need me to look like the bad guy," Ty Lee says shrilly in a tone that could shatter eardrums.

Azula shrugs. "Your choice."

"If you say that one more time─"

"Marriage counseling for both of you! As Fire Lord, I declare this as some kind of legal thing!"

"You can't just do that. That is sheer abuse of power," Azula says in a tone that would make most grown men run, taking one step towards Zuko. He fights his urge to step backwards and straightens his back. "You have no right."

"It is well within my rights as Fire Lord of everything. I am done!" Zuko exclaims and Ty Lee wraps her arms around herself with a baby animal face. She bats her eyelashes and Zuko glares at her. "Don't look at me like that, Ty Lee! Neither of you are getting out of this. I declare it as Fire Lord! I declare it!"

And he quickly walks away as they stare at him in shock and confusion.

"That went so well, Zuko," Mai murmurs sardonically as he grabs her hand and they bolt for their bedroom as Azula and Ty Lee are distracted by the fact that Zuko has legally prescribed them counseling.

To Be Continued . . .


A/N: Shameless Promo: I've posted a Tyzula fourshot; it's called Hurricane Season and is rated M. It's not an Azula Redemption like I usually write, and I'd love it if people checked it out :3