A Kiss in Ba Sing Se

[A/N: If the aftermath of battle, Aang is confronted by a different challenge.

Not all wars are waged with steel and fists.

Disclaimer: I do not own the Avatar: The Last Airbender

Enjoy.

Comment if you wish. All feedback is welcomed.]

Chapter 67

Offer

Their battle with the succubus had left Fong's silk gown torn in several places as well as her exhausted body buffeted and bruised. She and the Avatar knelt, facing each other, panting hard and mentally trying to process the happenings of the morning. There was a massive swelling above her right eye that she had incised during the conflict in order to keep seeing from it. Another slash from the creatures claws had shredded the bust of her gown and ripping her undergarments as well. This revealed her more than ample bosom that she did not bother to conceal during the fight. Now as she was decompressing, massive welts across her ivory chest and breast appeared as she winced in pain.

It wasn't only the pain but Fong's maiden modesty kicked into full gear as well as she tried to cover herself gingerly with her arms and hands, as best she could. Her face went flush as she looked into Aang's and noticed that he was more than a little enamored by her state. "Pardons for my indiscretion your Grace ," she sighed breathlessly, adding to the heat of the moment, being still winded from her fight. "I-I am sorry for my dress..."

The Avatar raised a hand as he averted his eyes. "No Lady Fong, it's me who should be apologizing. I was staring and I shouldn't have been. You couldn't help the way you're dressed. This is all my fault and I'm just taking advantage of an extremely beautiful lady... and friend. Please, let me get you one of my tunics to wrap around you," he offered even as he stood walking towards his wardrobe. Aang pulled what he considered his most feminine shirt. In fact, he had never worn it for that reason, still bitter over the Ember Island player's portrayal of him. It was made of three layers of light, sheer silk, each dyed a different color to imitate the sky. It had a beautiful gold trim and a wide ornate hem on each of the long fluted sleeves. The sash was also blue with the same gold trim. The Air Nomad emblem was embroidered on each end. This had been a gift from a Fire Nation governor for the Avatar's help in stopping pirate raids on his ships. "I think this will do," he exclaimed as he held it out to show her.

Fong's big brown eyes went wide at the extravagant garment. "I-I can't accept this your Grace! It's far too beautiful and I'm sure, far too expensive. What if I bled on it and ruined it? I would never be able to replace it!" she pleaded, not able to take her eyes off of the way the exquisite garment seemed to flow and float in his hands.

Seeing her expression made Aang even more pleased and certain with his choice. "You saved my life and this is only a piece of cloth. It's the least I can offer you Lady Fong," he replied with a shallow bow. "Let me get a basin and some water and of course a few linen strips so we can wash and dress those wounds before you put this on," he said with a wily wink. "You're gonna look great in this... I hope."

Aang hung the tunic and sash over the wardrobe door as he darted into the one last unruined room of the apartment, the bath. He hadn't noticed the lady-in-waiting biting at her lower lip in glee because of his attention. The young monk easily found a large porcelain basin and poured a small amount of scented bath salts and then bent water into it as he mixed them together, heating it with his hand. The lilac scent was strangely arousing as the water began to steam. "Bandages, I need some bandages," he thought as he looked about the room . Then an idea struck him and he went into the shattered bedroom and to his delight found the linen chest was still intact. He opened it and pulled out a couple of the still freshly laundered sheets and began to shred them. "Sorry Toph, I guess you'll have to put these on my bill," he joked to himself. He left one extremely long for her to use as a breast wrap. Satisfied with his pile of bandages, he went back through the bath and gathered up the basin and a few towels and a couple of washcloths. He then headed back into what had been the main room, now literally in shambles from ceiling to floor. There in the only clear spot left in the room knelt Fong, bare from the waist up, with her back to him. Aang swallowed hard as he slowly entered carrying his bounty and trying not to trip over anything.

"FF-Fong, your dress, what happened?" he asked as he set everything down behind her, clearing away the dust and small debris with his airbending. "I thought it was a one piece."

She glanced back over her shoulder at him. "It was, but I used my knife to cut away the top and leave the skirt. I hope it looks okay," she added as she demurely turned forward once more.

Aang sighed deeply. "You, dear lady, are very resourceful," he remarked with a small grin as he began to survey the damage to her back. She was extremely fair and pale, just like Toph, and it made every bruise, contusion and swelling look that much worse. Aang could feel the tears welling up in his eyes as he recalled how fearlessly she fought for him. She had a few cuts that were still bleeding enough to be of trouble and of those, a few he could see would require stitches. "I wish Katara was here," he muttered under his breath.

"I don't," Fong replied not bothering to look his way. "This is just fine."

Aang felt his jaw tighten. "Listen Fong, you're hurt, and I think it's pretty bad," he started to explain. "I know enough for some battlefield first aid, but I'm no healer," he exclaimed wetting one of the cloths. "Katara is the best healer I know and I'm sure she can fix you up in no time."

Lady Bei Fong rolled her expressive eyes in annoyance. "I'm sure she is as wonderful as your Grace has said, but at this moment, the spirits have ordained just the two of us to be in audience," she retorted still looking forward. "I'm positive you're all I need, right here, right now."

Aang slowly let his head rock in acknowledgement. "I hope so Fong, I truly hope so," he replied as he began to gently swab her back, attending to the worse cuts first.

Fong had expected the water to be cold but instead it was warm and very soothing. His touch was also light but firm as he began to work his way around her wounds. It wasn't long before she felt a strange sensation, like a gentle fluttering moving across her back. "Wh-what are you doing, your Grace," she asked enjoying the soothing waves that were washing away the pain.

"I'm using a healing technique Katara taught me to seal some of these cuts. Just relax," he ordered in a mock firm voice. "What I'm doing is only temporary, but it'll hold until we can get you to someone better."

Aang used his sparse knowledge and ability on healing to stop the majority of the bleeding and reduce some of the inflammation on her back. "That's all I can do here," he announced letting the bloodied cloth drop into the water.

"Fong looked over her shoulder, "Pardons your Grace, but what of the front of me?" she inquired quite innocently.

Aang's whole head turned cherry red. "I had assumed, huh, you would attend..." he began to stutter.

She smiled tersely seeing his naivety and shyness. "I normally would, but my shoulder... it compromises me," she told him trying to shrug to the right side and grimacing. "You see, the more it remains unused, the stiffer it has become. My modesty has now surrendered to practicality your Grace," she admitted as she slowly turned about to face him fully.

He could clearly see an injury that was common to airbenders, especially novice ones. The deformation at the joint and the way it was lower than the other, caused his him to seethed in deeply before he spoke. "Fong, your shoulder is out of joint. We'll have to put it back into place," he informed her softly. "I'm not gonna lie, it's gonna hurt like hell."

Fong glanced over at it. "I figured as much, but can we get these lacerations fixed first. They really burn," she exclaimed tenderly pointing out the Rakashi's handy work. "I'm afraid they may leave a mark if uncared for too long, your Grace."

He was a bit surprised by how girly the assassin was being in this situation. Normally she acted as tough as any man he knew. "Aren't you embarrassed having me do this Fong?" he asked of her as he began to clean across her breast, enjoying how perfect they appeared and felt. "I mean, what if... I mean... what if I decided to take advantage of you? What then?"

From the time he started, Fong had kept her gaze to the floor. "Your Grace... Aang. You could never take advantage of me," she informed him. "I have already given myself over to you, or did you think me insincere last night?"

"Eh, no... you made your sincereness quite clear," he responded feeling his heart begin to pound even as he observed her ebony nipples elongate. He began to chant old stoic prayers in his head as he worked around them.

"You see, my body speaks to you Aang," Fong pointed out still unable to look at him. "Do with me as you will, and I will be satisfied as wife or concubine."

Aang thoroughly wet his hands and they began to glow as he lightly started to heal her. The sensation on her breast made Fong shudder in delight as her cheeks blushed and her thighs rub together. He tried not to fondle, but at times it was unavoidable and her cooing and sighing had him more rigid than a kimono's rhino's horn. He feared if she looked into his eyes, he would definitely be undone. As soon as the last would was sealed, he removed his hand and Fong slumped over unto him, trembling uncontrollably.

"Please, Aang... finish me," she begged. "So... so close... but, I'm... so close... I need to finish," she groaned as her hands dove between her thighs under her skirt.

Aang squatted beside her and looped his arm around hers as he gave a hard jerk. The motion was so fast she didn't realize it was happening as a wave of nauseating pain washed over her killing near orgasm and causing her to almost pass out. "Sorry Fong," he apologized as he hugged the semi-conscious woman. "I think this is for the best. Rest and then we can get you dressed," he said as he gave her a fatherly peck on the forehead.

She felt herself drift into the abyss of sleep and even dreamed a rather erotic one about her and Aang, much different than the reality she had experienced. He was taking her maidenhead and as he pushed in, she awoke in disappointment, only to see him meditating nearby and finding herself fully clothed.

Fong slowly sat up, still feeling the pain of her injuries. "You'll feel better once Katara has had a look at you," Aang told her once more.

"I would have felt better if you would have taken me," she replied in a flat tone. "I dreamt of you... I even..."

"Fong, you know I love Toph," he interrupted her as he opened his eyes to meet her. "Please, tempt me no more. I beg of you. You are beautiful, but you are not Toph."

She breathed in deeply. "Understood... I will relent, for today," she conceded. "Your touch has brought me much joy."

"As well as pain," he threw in as he pointed to her shoulder.

"I would have endured much more to know this ecstasy," she bantered back with a devilish grin.

Aang simple stood in the midst of the debris, feeling this would be a debate he would not win. "Let's go through the tunnel," he suggested pointing with a look back towards the equally ruined bedroom. "I think people may get the wrong idea if they see you like this walking the halls."

"Like what?"

Aang pointed downward so that she could look at herself. The tunic, even though having three layers was still pretty sheer and her skin and breast wrap were visible. The details of the bruising was not as evident, but still, she appeared quite, sexy.

Fong smiled painfully. "Don't you mean they might get the wrong idea about you, your Grace," she jested with a wink as he turned beet red. She immediately shook her head. "But seriously, I don't think that would be wise," she retorted in a weakened voice. "That djinn came out of the tunnel... and even though it saved us, we are still uncertain of its allegiance. Even in your Avatar state, I doubt you would be able to take her down," Fong concluded as she started for the door. "Also, the palace guard await us, do they not?"

Aang nodded remembering they were indeed on the other side of the door and he had barred them from entering, less they would have fallen prey to the crazed Rakshasi. He lightly palmed his forehead, "Oh yeah, how could I forget! I better unfreeze the latch if we're gonna leave," he chuckled with a wave of his hand followed by the sound of breaking ice.

The door suddenly burst open and the room flooded with heavily armed soldiers. "Avatar, are you safe!" the captain asked as he pushed past the front ranks of his men. "The king has demanded a report!"

"I'm alright, but only thanks to Lady Bei Fong here," the Avatar replied gesturing her way. "She saved my life."

"Our gratitude milady," the office responded with a deep bow. "We will report this to his Highness. Will you both please come with us to the throne room? I'm sure the King wants to ask you many questions."

"Our apologies captain, but I was ordered by General Bei Fong to safely escort the Avatar to her. I'm sure after she is satisfied with the safety of her guest, he can then go have audience with his highness," Fong stated in a commanding voice. "So if you would please appoint an escort for us Captain, I think the princess has waited long enough."

It was clear the older man was put out being ordered around by a woman who he probably considered still a child. "Is this what you also wish Avatar?" he asked turning his back to Fong. "The King will be displeased if you do not come right away. He has made his wishes very clear."

Aang strolled closer to Fong. "Captain, as much as I would love to accommodate his Highness, I think my host has summoned me and it would be rude to ignore her, now wouldn't it?" he replied with a shrug.

The man's face flushed, "Bbbut Avatar Aang, the king has commanded me to..."

"Captain, what is your name?" Fong asked she stepped forward to confront the stoic appearing officer.

"Luong, Capt. Luong milady," he replied with a shallow bow.

"Capt. Luong, you do understand that the King himself appointed the princess as the Inspector General of the Army and that 'does' includes the Imperial Guard?" she asked rhetorically. "Now, captain, do you really think her father, the king, and my uncle would override his on appointee's order, especially if that someone is his daughter?"

Luong suddenly waved over his second in command. "Lt. Chung, take half the platoon and escort, Princess Bei Fong and the Avatar here to the Royal Inspector General's quarters. You don't leave them until you bring them before the king himself, do you understand lieutenant?" he said with a loud huff to the brown-eyed man that knelt on one knee directly behind him.

"Aye captain, with my life," he replied.

"Good, in the meantime I will explain to his Highness why they are delayed and I pray he he more forgiving than our last king," he sighed pinching the bridge of his nose. "Please do not be too long, your majesty, I sure you know your uncle better than any of us." Luong asked as bowed to the floor.

"We will be as brief as possible captain... right your Grace?" she replied in a genuine sounding voice as she deferred to Aang.

The airbender cleared his throat as he started to walk towards the door. "Sure, uh, not a moment longer than needed," he agreed a bit less sincerely.

Fong shook her head at his poor acting. "You needn't worry Capt. Luong. He'll be there even if I have to drag him," she stated candidly walking up to Aang and cutting off his retreat.

The old soldier smiled. "My gratitude, your majesty," he replied as he stood to his feet.

As the heavily guarded pair made their way down the enormous hallway, they drew the curious stares and comments of many passerbies.

The airbender was beginning to become melancholy as he thought about the events of the day.

"The fact is something or someone threw you and my cousin into that accursed game. All the times Mei Mei has played it with others, nothing like that has ever happened. Sure, if you cheat or lie, some unforeseen minor consequence occurs, but no one has ever gone into a trance and surely no one has ever died!" Fong informed him. "Even Mei Mei isn't stupid enough to keep a dangerous cursed object like that around. So, someone must have wanted to force that creature to hunt you, your Grace!" she disputed just loud enough for him to hear. "Whoever, or whatever inflicted those wounds upon her, had nothing to do with you. The succubus was following her nature, and obviously, any excuse to devour you would do. I do understand her, I have the same compulsion... even now," Fong confessed playfully trying to lighten his sour mood.

Aang dropped his head as he considered her line of reason. "So you're saying this isn't over yet," he added, seeing the truth in statement.

The tall Toph look-a-like nodded. "Exactly. They probably already know their puppet failed, but I'd wager they have a backup plan. If it wasn't for that djinn, we'd both have been ended, then and there. That means you also have a powerful ally," she reasoned rubbing her sore arm where she had landed hard on the floor. "Please Avatar, make no mistake, your opponent is powerful and crafty. They are not going to give up simply because of one failure. Be ever on your guard," she warned him placing a hand on his forearm. "And know this, my offer last night was sincere," she restated as she slyly glanced his way.

Aang's face burst cherry red as he recalled her every word from the previous night. He blew out slowly as he matched her pace and watched her seductive hips sway from side to side and recalled the feel of her full breast in his hands, "Careful Aang boy," he cautioned himself. "You're slipping and she is one tall, slippery slope you need to be careful of."

"Yes, and a fertile one for our people to be reborn!" another voice echoed inside his mind.

Aang shook his head slightly trying to focus in on the strange words and the familiar feeling but it was gone.

"Are you alright milord," one of the escorting soldiers asked, seeing Aang slow his pace for a moment.

He nodded, "I'm fine, just daydreaming about a special offer is all," he replied as Fong's cheeks blustered a deep crimson.