A Kiss in Ba Sing Se

[Help can come from the unexpected.

So might the unwanted as well.

What we do not know, may not be what we think.

Disclaimer: I do not own: Avatar: Last Airbender

Please comment if you wish, it is appreciated.

Hope you enjoy.]

Chapter 59

Resolve

It was decided, by a certain waterbender, that the Core Four would be sleeping in the princess chambers. Aang in Toph's bed for obvious reasons. Toph and Katara in a side bed so that the waterbender could keep tabs on the provocative princess and Sokka in the other side bed to avoid any embarrassment from his heightened condition.

Zuko had offer Mai to spend the rest of the night with him but she politely decline. "I need to think about a few things Z," she said before kissing him on the cheek and requesting from Lili a room of her own.

"We will see to your accommodations as soon as we can Lady Mai, but the hour is late and this may take a while," the countess explained politely. "Are you sure you would not prefer to just take the Regent's suite for the night and share it with Lady Suki? It is beside the Fire Lord's."

Mai didn't even have to think about it. "No, just get me a bottle of your finest whiskey and I'll amuse myself in the garden until it's ready," she replied.

Lili bowed. "As you wish milady."

Katara now stepped up to the chief lady. "Countess, I need your word that none of your ladies will try to fix or take advantage of my brother's malady," she said looking her in the eye.

"Isn't that for his Majesty to decide Ambassador?" she replied with a lifted brow. "If his suffering becomes more than he can humanly bear..."

"That is not your concern," the waterbender cut in. "I am his sister and I will take care of my brother, are we clear and do I have your word?"

Lili's face dropped all expression of emotion. "Here at the palace, every guest is our concern. It is not our custom to allow..."

"Dammit Lili, I said leave him alone! I don't want any of you putting a hand, lip, ass, crotch or any other body part near him! Either you promise me now or I'll get Toph to make you do it, " Katara threatened with a scary scowl. "And you know she'll do it."

The two ladies now exchanged stares. Finally Lili sighed.

"As you wish Ambassador, I will make your instructions known to all the courtesans. No one will come to his aid. This is a terribly cruel way to treat one's own brother, if I may say," the countess exclaimed as she walked away.

"Whatever, he'll be fine," Katara threw back as she headed towards the bedroom.

Toph was inside the bedroom exchanging kisses with a rather sleepy Avatar when she heard the latch engage.

She hopped a couple of steps back. "You should really try to pace yourself Twinkle Toes," she said quickly as she sensed Katara approaching.

"Where's Sokka, I told you to keep an eye on both of them, Toph," the waterbender growled as she looked around the vast room.

"Little hard for me to follow that instruction Sugar Queen... duh, I'm blind," she quipped waving a hand in front of her face.

Katara rolled her eyes. "When are you going to give that a rest? You know what I meant. I know, you don't have to see, see him, to keep an eye on him Toph," Katara tried to explain confusing herself.

Toph looked truly confused. "What?"

"Forget it, just tell me where he's at, okay?" she simplified.

"He's in the shitter trying to rub one out," Toph said plainly. "He was on the bed over there sounding pretty bad. And no, I didn't offer my services. I think I've given enough for the cause in one night. Seriously Katara, let him and Fan Girl do what comes naturally. Why are you being such a pain about this?"

The waterbender looked away and scratched her head. "I thought about that Toph, but everyone would know she would be there just to get him off. It's embarrassing."

"So? If they don't have a problem with it, why should you?" the princess asked picking at her nose. "Hell, you all saw what I did... can't get more embarrassing than that!

"That's the problem right there Toph!" Katara stated with a finger upraised.

Toph's sightless eyes shifted up. "What's the problem Sweetness? You want them more embarrassed?"

Katara gasped that she didn't see the issue. "No, not embarrassed! The other thing you just said it Toph!"

The princess shook her head as if reality was slipping away. "Whoa, Sugar, what did I say then? I must have missed it totally."

Katara rolled her eyes. "Okay, you said it didn't matter to them... don't you see, that's the problem! See it now?" Katara tried to emphasize.

Toph put a finger in her ear retrieving a small ball of earwax. "Uh, nope, not really sweetness. You lost me at, okay," she said a she flicked it away.

Katara palmed her forehead. "I give up. Anyways, Lili promised me none of these court floozies will be bothering him so he'll be safe to at least sleep without one of us guarding him," she pointed out.

"Damn, you're really hardcore Sweetness," Toph remarked as Sokka stepped into the room.

The waterbender immediately shifted her attention to her brother. "Are you feeling any better now Sokka?" she asked shyly.

He let out a long exhale. "I don't know what that creature did to me sis. I can't get release no matter what I try. I even tried the balm Lili gave me to help calm everything down. I still feel like I'm getting harder by the minute. Sis, don't you know some healing techniques?" he asked obviously in growing discomfort.

"Not really, sorry Sokka," she apologized walking up to hug him.

"Stay back sis," he insisted. "Even from here I can smell the both of you, and I'm not talking about your perfumes," he stated candidly. "I'm already pretty ashamed of what I was thinking, and hugging me will only make it worse. Maybe a walk in the garden will help clear my head... and settle me down. You girls just smell too good, especially you sis," he exclaimed as both of their faces lit up. "Maybe Yue can help me out a little," he jested as he walked out the door.

"Uh, Toph?"

"Yeah, Sweetness?"

"Maybe that idea about Suki wasn't so bad after all," Katara stated as she played with her plait.

"I'll... I'll have someone go find her. I think she's staying in Snoozles' room for the night," Toph stated twirling a loose strand of hair. "It may not be safe for us, alone, in the dark... with that," she hummed.

Katara took in a sizable breath. "No, not safe at all I suppose," she agreed with an absent look on her face. "He said I smelled the best... "

In the background, the Avatar snored peacefully away.

Lili was stepping back into the suite from the garden after having delivered the 80-year-old Fire Nation whiskey to Mai. As she looked across, she saw the anxious looking Vice Regent stepping briskly towards her.

Sokka stopped right in front of her. "Hey Lili, do you know that guy... Puke?"

"Puck, I believe you are referring to Master Puck, and yes I am quite familiar with him your Majesty. How might he be of assistance to you?"

Sokka started to rub his chin as he took in a deep breath. "Geez, you smell great Lili, have you always smelled so good," he rattled out taking another deep whiff.

"Thank you and yes, as far as I know your Majesty," she replied seeing the effects of the succubus working on him. "What can Master Puck do for you now?"

Sokka tried to focus, "Ki... Kikei, yes, uh, Kikei. I met her and she was nice. Can he send her out to the garden to talk... just talk with me," Sokka asked, as his thoughts drifted.

The countess was about to tell him of her promise to his sister but another plan came to mind. "Milord, I will see what I can do. In the meantime, there is a lovely moon and a bench to the east of the door. The garden is absolutely private so there is no need to fear onlookers," she stated directing him. "I'm sure you will find it quite pleasant and soothing."

He started for the garden and then halted. "Uh, would you care to join me Lili?" he asked in an uncertain tone. "Ya know... to talk, just talk."

She glanced down seeing the massive protrusion. "I am flattered by the offer your Majesty, but I have other obligations that prohibit me from joining you," she apologized with a bow. "Again the bench is east of the door, in a little alcove, quite secluded," she stated as she walked away swaying her hips as only a courtesan could.

He watched until she was completely out of sight. A cold sweat had beaded up on his brow as he stepped out into the cool night air. He saw the north star directly in front of him and turned right following a narrow path lined with beautiful and various flower beds. It did help distract him some.

Sokka took in several deep calming breaths as he thought about inventions, plans and schedules, anything rather than women. As he arrived at the small clearing, he heard someone else shuffling the small gravel under the bench around with their foot. The near full moon's light easily displayed who it was as his heart almost stopped.

"Ah, Mai... what are you doing here?" he asked in a near panic.

"Sitting and drinking," she answered nonchalantly. "Wanna join me?"

"I don't know if that would be wise in my condition," he stated as he took in her beauty in the pale light.

"C'mon, I'm not afraid of a guy that stuffs his pants," she chuckled waving him over. "Really, if you want to make it believable, don't use such a large sock or whatever you have tied to it."

His jaw jutted forward. "I will have you know, Lady Mai, I do not stuff my pants!" he denied as he gave her a side profile. "That's all me... 100%."

She took a small swig of the whiskey directly from the bottle. "Sure, that's what they all say until the pants come off and the lights come on. Sokka... be for real. That looks like it should be on a emu-donkey, not a man. How do you expect any woman to take you seriously? Poor Suki, I guess the girl really has the patience of a saint."

He was now more angry than horny. "If you don't believe me, find out for yourself, Mai," he retorted with a curl of his lip. "It's okay if I call you Mai, right?"

"Sure, that would be fine, you can call me Mai," she slurred as she stood. "I'm about to check out your tiny weeny so I guess that would put us on first name basis," she quipped placing the bottle on the bench.

He smirked as they both moved closer. "And it's only right since I felt you up, you get to return the favor," Sokka said as he loosened the draw string.

They stood facing each other as Mai looked at the sizeable lump that ran down his thigh. "How shall we do this? Are you going to drop your pants, or do I feel my way through," she asked wiggling her finger, talons and all.

"Lady's choice," he replied with a slight bow. "It really doesn't matter to me."

She spun around behind him as her hand darted into his pants. "Ah ha... sneak attack! No time to hide or disguise the fake dick, dick... dick, " Mai began to stutter as her hand traveled the length and girth of the massive organ feeling it's warmth and pulse.

Sokka's breaths were coming in short bursts at her touch. "That's right, it's all me. Every millimeter of man meat, all me!" he proclaimed victoriously as he turned into her looking her in the eye.

Mai never let go or stopped her stroking as they stood face to face. "I guess, I was wrong. Sorry for doubting your... uhm, integrity of form," she said gently tracing the head. "No cowl?"

He shook his head. "We cir..cum...cise in the... Water Tribe," he gasped as he licked his lips and held her shoulders for balance. "Mai, my condition... I'm in trouble... on the edge," he said looking into her golden eyes with all seriousness. "Run, get away, I can't control this much longer!"

She smiled in a way he had never seen before. "Trouble, I guess I am holding big trouble," she laughed lightly, beginning to stroke him solidly. "Running away is not my style. I think I can handle this trouble just fine."

"I wonder how things are progressing?" Lili asked her self as she almost skipped to the study.

She heard the familiar three rising tones that told her the princess was requesting her presences in the bedroom.

"I bet that bitch of a sister wants his dick for herself," she snarled. "She probably wants me to drag him back to her! I'll do him myself before I'll let that happen" she swore as she turned on her heels for the bedroom.

Toph tapped her foot on the stone floor. "Okay Sweetness, Lili is coming. Just let me do the talking," she told her. "We'll let this be my idea so you can save honor after interfering with them in the first place like some jealous wife. In fact, were you planning on taking care of him if it came to that?" the princess asked with a curious gaze.

Katara looked down. "Uh, of course not Toph! Why would I even consider something so... yuck!" she protested crossing her arms. "I-I just thought this would pass, or he would be able to take care of it himself. I really didn't know..."

Surprisingly, the princess hugged her. "I understand Katara. You would never do anything to hurt him and you would do anything for him," she whispered into the waterbender's ear.

Katara hugged her back. "Thanks for understanding Toph. I know you would too, just like you did for Aang. Thank you for saving him," she cried lightly as she kissed the eartbender's warm cheek.

"S-sure Sweetness... no problem," she replied as her conscience bit her.

As the door opened they separated and greeted the countess.

"Lili, go find the Lady Suki and escort her to the Vice Regent," Toph said formally. "I believe he is in my private garden. I would have you take him back to his room, but the temptation he is under might put you at risk. No fault of his or yours. Our guest here," she pointed to Katara, "... told me about that ridiculous promise she put you under," she exclaimed shaking her head. "What a bonehead move. He should have the whole court at his disposal if needed!"

Lili smirked at the flabbergasted waterbender. "Your wisdom is beyond your years your majesty. I will attend to the matter myself," she replied as she bowed and hurried from the door.

"T-Toph, what was all that talk, about honor!" she screamed into the princess face.

The little general grinned. "Let's face it Sugar Queen, there was no way I could redeem you after that screw up."

Katara suddenly snatched her hand and started to pull her.

"Wh-where are we going?" Toph asked apprehensively.

"To take a bath, you reek!" the waterbender declared. "And I'm not sleeping with anybody that smells like a cat house!"

Toph tried to pull back but she was still far to weak to resist. "I can sleep in the third bed... there is a third bed!" she pleaded.

Katara shook her head. "Oh no. If Sokka's desire is too strong or Aang relaspes, you'll be easy prey. What kind of a friend would I be if I didn't protect you," she exclaimed through gritted teeth. "That simply is not an option my dear. Plus a nice warm bath will sooth away those aches and pains... trust me," Katara smiled tightly at her.

For Toph, being attacked in the night by Aang or Sokka or even both of them at the same time, was not as terrifying as the waterbder who had held of her now. She began to lightly whimper knowing with Lili gone, no help was in earshot.

"Mai, we... you can't!" Sokka yelled as he pushed her back. "Lili... she has someone coming. Someone who can help me, willing to help me," he said in a short breath. "Zuko, my friend, can't betray, a fr-friend... again. Please run, leave me, too tempting. Smell better than Katara. Maybe that whiskey will help," he suggested pointing over to the bottle.

Suddenly he felt himself flying off his feet and landing flat on his back on the soft grassy earth. The air was knocked half way out of him as she sat down gruffly upon his solar plexus.

"Now you listen to me you self-righteous idiot! This is not some run-of-the-mill hard on! You have come into contact with a succubus! Their excretion for a man is toxic in a very bad way. This is how they make sure men cannot oppose them. You probably found out you can't even release this yourself," she said as she gazed sternly into his face, pinning his arms beside his head.

"I-I tried. Wouldn't work," he conceded.

"Of course not, that's how potent it is. It's been almost two hours since you've been infected Sokka. The pain, the want, for most men would have already started into madness. I thought my teasing would be enough for you to... engage me," she said glancing away.

"How do you know so much about this Mai?" he asked getting a moment of clarity.

She exhaled slowly. "At the Fire Sage Temple, they have eunuchs. They don't cut them. They perform a ceremony called the End of Desires. A low-level succubus is summoned and the acolyte is placed in contact with her. Before it can consummate and take the man's life, she is dispatched. That is a priestess' job, was my job. He is then carried to the catacombs and chained there for a day. Their screams would be horrible. In the end, their penises were deformed and useless. Sometimes gangrene had started and they would have to be emasculated. But in the end, all sexual desire would be gone. This I have witnessed," she explained in a choked voice. "I don't want to see the same happen to you. It was my fault she got a hold of you!"

The fear in his eyes was clear. "Is their any hope for me Mai?"

She sucked in her bottom lip. "You saw what Toph did for Aang, minus the oral part? That is the remedy. Over and over until you become flaccid. A woman must drive her body until yours changes. Nothing short of this will do," she said shifting her weight to get her feet under her. "A madness may overtake you and you care nothing for your partner, and still she cannot quit. No, she must not quit or all is lost. I am prepared for this as well," she exclaimed her eyes tearing. "I just have to warn you, your first emission will come with great pain after so long."

He suddenly realized by her flushed cheeks and the position she had placed herself, she had every intention of carrying her plan through. "Wait! I haven't decided to do this with you! You're wrong Mai, it wasn't your fault!" he expressed through the tears that fell down his face as he tried to break her hold, but she had the leverage. "Please Mai, I don't want to hurt you... please!"

"Too late," she heaved as she slid down upon his hips and her mouth dropped open.

Sokka couldn't really tell how deep they were connected but his ejaculation erupted with a mixture of pleasure and pain from the sheer force. His body stiffened and contorted under her as his mind seemed to go blank.

"That's right, let it all out. Let it all flow to me," Mai panted as she rode each successive wave and felt him drive in deeper. Her own body was trembling as her climax built. She could only try to control the upsurges and keep him from striking bottom. "Mercy, Agni... mercy," she prayed as her saffron eyes rolled up.

"Are you comfortable?" Katara asked as she slipped into the large tub beside the princess.

Toph stretched with a loud yawn. "Yeah, this water feels really nice... especially down under. Thanks, I needed this Katara," she said with a warm smile.

The waterbender created some gentle swirls around her. "No problem. After all you've done for Aang today, it's the least I can do for you, Toph."

Immediately the princess started to feel apprehensive again about her emotionally turbulent friend. "Uh, listen... Katara, about that date thing," she began as she started biting at her thumbnail, "... let's call it all off, especially after what happened today, right? I've found out more than I bargained for girl," she exclaimed with a nervous grin. "So, whatcha say... call it off?"

There was a moment of awkward silence before the waterbender started to speak. "But, baby-girl, what would we tell your mother?"

Toph sprang up out of the water. "What! My Mother! What does my mother have to do with this?"

Katara started to create little water sculptures in the air of birds and animals as she spoke. "Well, this evening I just happened to run into your mother... the Queen. She was very nice and asked me how everything was going. Well, one thing led to another and I let it slip that you would be going on a play date with Aang. Not a real date, just a play one. She thought it was a wonderful idea and wanted to help. So, if we call this off... whatcha gonna tell your mom, Toph?"

The princess knew that the waterbender was enjoying watching her squirm. She plopped back down into the warm tub. "Oh man! What now? She'll make a royal spectacle out of this! I might as well just go hide in a hole somewhere!" she groaned as she let her chin and mouth sink below the surface.

Katara smiled broadly. "Oh, it can't be all that bad. I'm sure she'll plan a wonderful evening for you two, plus I heard she has great taste in clothes. She'll probably pick you out some little slinky, sexy number... oh wait, she is your mom, so it'll probably be a lot more... concealing?" she remarked snidely.

"Whatever," Toph retorted. "I'm tired and I want to get some sleep. It's been a helluva day."

Katara nodded. "Couldn't agree with you more, but first..."

The waterbender could feel the strength of the moon even though it wasn't shining through the skylight. She clawed her hand and instantly the princess slumped down unconscious in the tub. The momentary constriction of the blood to her brain was more than effective.

"I promised I would fix everthing," Katara said as the water they sat in began to shimmer and glow. "And I will fix it all, including any trace of my boyfriend in you!"

Even in Toph's unconscious state, her face frowned deeply while she groaned in the discomfort as the glowing water coursed forcefully between her thighs and into her sore body doing the healer's will.

"Just a bit more, and you'll be a good as new," Katara cackled almost manically.

The Fire Lord recalled how stupid he felt as he retreated back to his room. "Fighting with Mai over something so trivial as a game was really dumb," he thought scratching his head. "I'm sure for her to kiss Sokka was the worst! I am such an idiot and she looked so hot too!" he confessed to himself, rubbing his tired eyes.

Zuko was lost in thought until he heard a knock at his door. It was then followed by two more in rapid succession and finally a fourth.

He smiled as she went to answer it. As he cracked it, she pushed her way in, causing him to fall back.

"Hey, what's the big deal?" he barked picking himself up off the wall.

"Sorry, I had to hurry and slip in. I heard someone coming," she replied putting an ear to the door and hearing the footsteps pass by. "Just a guard on patrol, he's a bit late."

He smiled at her. "So you know the guard's schedules already do you?" he asked with a smirk.

"Why wouldn't I? I was your personal bodyguard at one time. Some habits die-hard," she answered giving him a light flick to his nose. "I need a bath! Is the tub still full?"

He nodded, "And warm, just got out of it myself. I'll get you one of my undershirts and some towels. Anything you want to drink, I have lots here," he offered. "They made sure I was well stocked."

She started to unbutton her top. "I'll let you know when I get out of the tub. Did you pick out a good scroll? Please nothing about romance! I'm sick up to my neck with that shit!"

He winked at her. "I got a great pirate adventure! One of my captains loaned it to me. Pillaging and plundering all through it. I haven't been able to put it down," he added mimicking a sword fight.

"Sounds good, can't wait to hear it," she said as her top fell open but still covering her nipples.

"Suki, can't you be a bit more modest?" he complained as he diverted his eyes.

"Gawd, such a prude! I'm not showing anything. Today you even felt them up, sorry it wasn't more," she exclaimed giving them a little lift with her hands.

"Stop that! You know that wasn't my fault! I was under a spell!" he defended himself as he continued to look away.

She gathered her blouse in the center with her hand. "I guess that was excusable. But you didn't give me my welcome kiss when I came through the door. Am I a stranger now?" Suki asked rolling her blue-green eyes.

"If you didn't try to knock me through the wall, I would have!" Zuko retorted crossing his arms.

She lifted her face toward his. "Well, I'm waiting Fire Lord."

Zuko leaned in and kissed her tenderly on the mouth. No tongue, just lips that lingered and pressed into one another until they mutually retreated.

She let out a small hum. "Nice, I've missed that. Such a wonderful pair of warm lips... and cognac."

Zuko looked at her with a puzzled expression. "Cognac?"

"Isn't that what you're drinking," Suki asked with a lick of her lips. "I'll have the same when I get out."

He grinned. "Right, cognac it is then. Oh, did you help Sokka out with his little problem before you came over?"

Her face exploded beet red as she slapped him on the chest. "No way... shut up!" she yelled as she turned to enter the bath. "You're so crude sometimes Zuko. No peeking, I'm leaving the door open so we can talk," she informed him.

"What's there to peek at?" he commented under his breath as he went to get the shirt and towels.

"I heard that!"

Sokka walked slowly quietly back into the bedroom. The pain and anxiety of the previous hours now gone thanks to a certain priestess.

Though his body was relaxed, his mind and heart were in a tumult. He could still see her in the moonlight in her orgasmic splendor and agony. It was a sight he had never witnessed before. She was both beautiful and magnificent.

"Zuko, you lucky sonofabitch," he muttered as he supposed this was the norm for the Fire Lord.

"Did you say something Sokka?" Katara asked in a hushed voiced as she sat up in bed.

"Nothing important sis, go back to sleep," he whispered only seeing her outline in the darkness.

She turned and sat on the edge of the bed. "I wasn't sleeping. I've been waiting for you... waiting to see if you're alright. You've been gone for a long while, and I was very worried about you," Katara stated a strained voice.

He was appreciative of her feelings and it brought a small smile to his face. "Don't worry about me now sis, I'm all better. Everything is back to normal, I promise."

He couldn't see the mix of emotions move across his sister's face in the darkness nor the thin gown she wore. "That's good... great in fact," she said tensely. "Did...uh, Lili help you? I don't me directly of course, that's not what I'm asking," she yammered as she reached for a blanket to cover herself.

"Lili, she was a help, not directly like you said, but... a help, more than she knows," he confirmed thinking about how she set him on the path.

"Are you going to bed now, brother?" she asked laying back down herself.

"No, I want to take a long bath first. I'm quite grungy and smelly. I can barely stand myself," he exclaimed as he laughed softly. "I'll be out in a bit. You follow Toph's example and go to sleep now."

"Do you want me to come and wash your back," she offered.

He thought about the claw marks that now lined his back. "No, uh, no, I'll be just fine. You... go to sleep young lady," he commanded in his most fatherly tone.

She sighed. "Okay, have a good bath Sokka."

"I will Katara."

"Sokka?"

"Hmm?"

"I love you," she said in a tone that froze him in place.

It wasn't so much what she said, because she had said those word many times before. But the how she said it this time reminded him of the tone Mai used when she said, "I am prepared for this as well." That absolute way of expressing commitment and devotion seemingly without limits.

He had witnessed the dark lady's resolve as she played out every bit of her pledge until she couldn't walk afterwards. They laid in the cool of the evening, no talking, just holding hands. He carried her inside and from there, to her room that Lili had prepared for her. "I'll take care of her," the chief lady told him as he left. It moved him like nothing else had ever done in his life. Now, he heard the same inflection from... his sister.

"I'm fine now Katara. Go to sleep. I love you too," he replied quickly as he bee-lined for the bathroom.