Author's Disclaimer: I don't own a thing belonging to "Avatar: the Last Airbender!" They belong to Bryke and Nickelodeon.
Author's Notes: On we go! Some people will be thrilled with the news; others, not so much. As you'll find out (evil grin). I had to pick a name for Ty Lee's dad, so I chose the name of an opportunistic character from Ranma ½. I felt like it fit. Sorry for being a little late; had an overly full work week.
Maraghoul: Eruption at the end! Hope you like, my friend ^_^
Queen Tyzula: Glad you're liking so far. As to what Zuko will reveal... hard to say at the moment. On we go!
"Stoking the fire"
Chapter seven "The Reactions"
The Head Fire Sage coughed and took a stool opposite Lord Zuko. Zuko tried not to think about how he was taking his sweet time arranging his scrolls on the stone table and waited. Well, he did want a decision. He was going to have to like it.
"Have you agreed to look over the list of names for a concubine?" The Head Fire Sage asked. He unfurled one scroll and gestured the list of characters toward Zuko. Zuko didn't even give it a glance. He folded his hands, a neutral smile on his face.
"I have someone in mind that's not on your list," Zuko began. The old man blinked rapidly and waited.
"I'd like to hear your decision, my lord."
"Ty Lee," Zuko said. The old man looked like he was trying to place her.
"Isn't she one of the Kyoshi Warriors? My lord, is that a wise decision?"
Zuko ignored the old man's verbal nudgings and nodded. "Yes. She may be a Kyoshi Warrior, but she wasn't born on Kyoshi Island. She's Fire Nation and she's nobility. One of Lord Genma's girls, and she grew up here at the palace."
The old man looked impressed despite himself. "One of Lord Genma's brood, eh? His family is very fertile, what having seven girls. Fertility must be hereditary….. Well, we'll still need to examine her, my lord."
"Of course," Zuko said. He hoped her pregnancy wouldn't be noted during the examination and secretly wondered what preparations they could take for masking it. Maybe one of the junior sages could be swayed to silence….
"Shall we make the royal announcement?" The old man was saying, intruding on Zuko's inner thoughts. He blinked. It wasn't unlike a Fire Lord to take a concubine or two in addition to the royal consort. Fire Lord Sozin had had two, but they were merely bed warmers. He'd already acquired Azulon by the time he announced he was going to take on the two women.
"Not yet. Please, keep it secret until I've told…."
"Lady Mai. Yes, she should know from you than an announcement," The Head Fire Sage said smartly. Zuko flushed with shame. He looked down at the stone table. How WAS he going to broach this to Mai? She was going to flip out. And that was a serious understatement. And then there was the matter of WHAT to tell her….how much should she know? Would she keep it secret as well? No matter how he looked at it, something heavy was waiting overhead to squash him.
"Yes…." Zuko mumbled. The Head Fire Sage made a few brush strokes to a scroll, adding a few notes. "Didn't this Ty Lee run away from Lord Genma's household? He and his lady wife should be told that their daughter is at the capital."
Zuko felt another headache coming on. Aside from hurting Mai, this was going to damage Ty Lee as well. She had had her reasons for running away from home and now with such a public position, her parents were going to want to see her. And knowing how nobility worked, Zuko could expect to see a sniff for a royal hand-out from her father. None of his six other girls had acquired such a high partner, after all.
Zuko sighed raggedly. "I suppose that can't be avoided forever. Make the necessary arrangements to Lord Genma."
"Yes, my lord," the old man smiled.
He'd have to find a way to apologize to Ty Lee about that. And to Mai….
"Before we begin the examinations on Lady Ty Lee, let me give you instruction for her," The old man said dryly. He thumbed through another scroll. "No fatty foods, no alcohol and no strenuous activity until the consummation. You may, however, exercise all you want."
Zuko's mind whirled. Well, he heard Ty Lee was getting morning sickness. No fatty foods and alcohol should be no problem. "Of course…." His mind snapped back to one word. "Wait a minute…what was the last part?"
"My lord can still practice firebending kata all he wants," The Head Fire Sage stroked his beard. Zuko shook his head.
"No, the other part."
"Consummation," The old man said. "It's different than what is allowed the royal consort; but for at least the first union with Lady Ty Lee, you shall have to present the consummation to the Fire Temple. Only a select few higher ranking sages as myself will be present, but we must needs witness the joining. So we know any fruit borne is of your seed."
Zuko was beginning to feel ill. He had promised Ty Lee they needn't ever be physical, and now it was being demanded of them? Let alone, in front of an audience? Zuko wondered how he had woken that day and every decision he made was being wrenched into his side. He made a silent prayer that Ty Lee would forgive him. He didn't even want to think about what Mai was going to say….
"I should be going," Zuko said. He clasped his fingers. The old man was all smiles as he made a few more light notes.
"Of course, my lord. And thank you for being so proactive on our search."
"No announcement until I say," Zuko ordered tersely. The old man nodded happily and gathered his scrolls into his thin arms.
"Of course, of course."
Zuko flared his chi slightly, warming himself with his firebending. The Fire Temple was often way too cold. How they expected him and Ty Lee to perform in that temperature was beyond him…. That thought made Zuko incredibly guilty and he frowned as he strode back to the inner palace.
He already had bad news to deliver to Mai, now he was going to have to make Ty Lee severely unhappy. More so than she already was in her heartbroken state.
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Ty Lee tensed on her left knee, arms extended in a waiting stance. Ying smiled reassuringly at her side and they moved to a new position as one unit. They half crouched, right leg extended in a straight line and held position. Suki walked along the rows of Kyoshi Warriors, nodding.
"Good," she said under her breath and adjusted another girl's arm. Ty Lee blinked rapidly, feeling a line of sweat form on her temple. Just great, her make-up was going to run now. They were just doing simple kata, they weren't even sparring, and she already felt as if she'd run a mile.
Lord Zuko was approaching the Kyoshi Warriors and Ty Lee felt a strange tingle go down her spine. Zuko had never made her jump before but after the dramatic evening where a life-altering decision had been made, this was the first time seeing him. Ty Lee remembered the shouted words, the protests, Zuko's brief flare of anger, and then his crushing sadness. How lost he looked on his knees before her, and the gentle way he'd kissed her hand.
Ty Lee couldn't help comparing him to Azula in her mind, which was only natural. It was a crying shame that Azula couldn't be near as chivalrous or gentle as Zuko. Even if he DID demand her first born child. The slight flare of anger on his part only linked him to Azula somewhat in her mind.
"Will you walk with me, Ty Lee?" Zuko asked at her elbow. Azula would have demanded her to and stalked off, certain she'd be followed. Zuko politely waited, golden eyes watchful. Ty Lee bowed to Suki and went off aways across the cobblestones with the Fire Lord.
"Have you spoken to Mai yet?" Ty Lee felt she had to ask. Zuko shook his head.
"I am. I guess I'm mustering up the courage. I don't know WHAT she's going to say, or do," Zuko admitted, shame darting across his features. Ty Lee gave a wry smile, but it was equally tinged with guilt. She wondered if Zuko would reveal her child's true sire to his wife, or to keep the subterfuge up even with Mai. And Ty Lee knew she had to go along with whatever Zuko decided. Not to mention what Azula would do…
"I know that feeling. I have to tell Azula about…..this. She's going to hate me, Zuko," Ty Lee admitted. Zuko frowned petulantly. He took her hand and clasped it gently.
"We should keep….that quiet for now," Zuko began, darting his eyes to her middle to indicate what he meant. "I am truly sorry, Ty Lee. I'm afraid I have more bad news for you."
Ty Lee looked up into his face. "What do you mean?"
Zuko let her hand go, certain eyes were on them. "I told the Head Fire Sage this morning. When the announcement is made public, your father is going to want some form of compensation or glory. He and your mom will be coming here eventually. I know you chose to leave them, so I know this will be a lot for you."
Ty Lee gave a low gasp and she pressed a knuckled fist into her brow. "I suppose it couldn't be avoided. But really? They'll be coming here?"
"Yes," Zuko nodded. He looked fairly apologetic and then downright guilty. "I'm so sorry, Ty Lee. The Head Fire Sage wants to….witness a consummation."
Ty Lee's jaw dropped. She fairly gaped at the Fire Lord. A pretty frown stole across her features. "You promised! I wouldn't have to…"
'I can't do this to Azula. This is too much!' Ty Lee thought fiercely.
"I'm sorry. We'll talk more about it, later," Zuko begged. Servants were coming closer, walking in twos and threes to their appointed tasks. He certainly didn't want an argument to brew up for them to carry word of to all corners of the palace. Ty Lee frowned at him.
"Zuko!" she protested lowly. Zuko inclined his head politely to her and dashed off. Ty Lee put a casual hand on her tummy. She hoped he was going to work a way around this. She was going to be announced officially as Zuko's royal concubine. She wanted to tell Azula before she found out by gossip or heresay. She owed her that much at least, or so Ty Lee's heart told her.
It was Azula's golden eyes she was thinking of, her smirk, her purred words of seduction. Ty Lee held her elbows in her hands and shivered. At least she was chained up. She may be able to walk out of her room alive.
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Zuko stood in the doorway and watched his wife's hand maidens prepare her daily routine. One combed her hair and the other laid out her robes. Mai lounged, content and clad in a bed robe, as a girl worked an ivory comb through her long black tresses. Zuko watched her longingly, going over strategies in his head. Honesty would have to be the best approach, but he wondered how much honesty he could allow considering the delicate situation. Should he mention Azula had sired Ty Lee's child? Mai was going to be pissed, and perhaps it was best she didn't have THAT information right now. The Head Fire Sage was sure the progeny problem was solely at Mai's door.
Mai noticed him and straightened in her chair, smiling. "Zuko."
Zuko swept in, ignoring the hand maidens who fell to their knees in bows. "Morning, Mai," he said. He wondered how much longer she would be smiling for him. He politely asked the servants to go and they closed the door on their way out.
Mai stood and wrapped her arms around Zuko's waist, fingers toying with the fabric of his cloak. "Isn't it abit early for that?" she asked coyly. She didn't look displeased. Zuko's heart was heavy. Yet, that is.
"I went to the Fire Sage's Temple, Mai. I just got back from talking with the Head Sage," Zuko began. Mai nodded and pressed a few sweet kisses along the bare glimpses of his throat that weren't covered by his tunic collar. Zuko shivered despite himself. He found himself speaking slower, uncertain how long Mai's loving gestures would continue. Maybe it was selfish, but the moment was sweet and Mai still loved him. And he was about to ruin it with his own hands.
"How did it go? I know they wanted to assess the situation after my heat," Mai smiled. She pressed her cheek against his chest. Zuko tangled his hand through her loose hair. His other hand cupped the small of her back. He wished it were good news; he'd have given anything if he had the news Mai was pregnant instead of incompatible. Zuko pressed a soft kiss against her temple.
"My love, I'm so sorry. They say you're not pregnant. The Sages are certain of the examination's outcome," Zuko said. Mai pouted against his chest. She heaved a soft sigh.
"Well, we'll have next time. We are young," she waved it away. Zuko's hands tightened against her.
"Mai, the Head Fire Sage had a grave outcome. He couldn't measure where your chi would synchronize with mine."
"What do you mean?" Mai lifted her head and looked up into Zuko's face. His golden eyes glimmered with sadness.
"He says we're incompatible. We can try and try but he's certain we'll never have children," Zuko said as gently as he could. The look on Mai's face was terrible, but it wasn't directed at him. Betrayal, anger, loss and confusion warred on her face. She bit her lip and pressed her cheek to his chest. Her shoulders trembled.
"How can they be so certain?" she asked in a small voice. Zuko kissed her hair and held her gently.
"They've been examining the royal heirs and their spouses for centuries. I don't think the Head Fire Sage can misdiagnose," Zuko said. Mai sniffed against him. Her eyes were wet when she craned her head up to look at Zuko.
"What are we going to do?" Mai thought Zuko would suggest an adoption for an heir. It wasn't like there wasn't an abundance of noble children who were second or third born that could be a candidate. She thought even her own brother might be put up for candidacy. But Zuko's next words shocked her to her core.
"The Head Fire Sage has suggested…. That I take a concubine. Just to bear a child," Zuko began as gently as could be had. Mai was frowning at him already and her hands pushed from his back to his front and she was already stepping away.
His heart tore at the sudden gesture and he tried to hold her closer. Mai stepped back and pushed against his chest in one gesture.
"Are you serious?" she asked lowly. "You would do that?! There are other options, Zuko!"
"Such as what?" Zuko asked gently. Mai crossed her arms and tapped one foot.
"Well, adoption for one. You don't have to screw some random girl!" she growled. Zuko flushed with shame.
"My family's bloodline has been unbroken for thousands of years, Mai. I have to go ahead with it," Zuko said. Mai could see the weight of his throne reflected in his bent shoulders and intense eyes. But she was too hurt to see his side of it.
"Damn you, Zuko! I thought you would never hurt me again! And you don't seem to care!" Mai yelled. Zuko's mouth moved in sorrow. He swallowed hard.
"I would never want to hurt you, Mai. I'm so sorry….."
"Sorry enough that you'll still do your duty, huh, Fire Lord?" Mai scoffed at his title. She crossed her arms and turned slightly. "Don't expect me to sit back and like this!"
She wasn't leaving, she was just angry. Maybe things would work out. Before Zuko's heart could lighten, he knew he had to finish dropping the bombshell into her lap. It had to come out before everyone else knew.
"I've already considered who to place in that position for our family," Zuko began. Mai scoffed and shook her head.
"Who?" she couldn't help asking. She thought Zuko would mention some faceless noble, someone she didn't know. She never thought Zuko would have the power to shock her so utterly but he proved her wrong with his next words.
"Ty Lee," he said. Mai's reaction was delayed, but her surge of rage made Zuko back up a few steps for his own protection.
"Ty Lee? My friend?! Damn you, Zuko! Why her? WHY?!" Mai railed at him. Zuko winced visibly. He held his hands up peaceably.
"Please don't be mad at her, Mai. She's done nothing wrong!" he insisted.
'Only you have,' his inner mind insisted. Zuko winced. His heart felt as heavy as a stone in his chest.
"Damn right she's done nothing wrong! What's WRONG with you, Zuko?! How could you even SUGGEST this?!" Mai's fingers clenched and unclenched. Zuko backed up rapidly as a knife made its way from the sleeve of her bed robe to her hand. His golden eyes widened.
"I'm not doing this to hurt us!" he insisted. He couldn't bring up Ty Lee's pregnancy now. Not when Mai was so enraged. It was an irrational path to a heated moment, but in Zuko's frantic thoughts, he didn't know what Mai would do with that information. And it was information that could undo his reign. It was a horrible dead end mentally, but Zuko didn't know where his future would go if he told her.
"Get out!" Mai raised the knife, a warning glare in her eyes. Zuko's eyes gleamed with sorrow. He tried to step closer to hold her but the knife flew from Mai's fingers and imbedded in his sleeve, slamming it to the piece of furniture near him. Zuko gasped and looked from the knife to Mai's murderous stare. She had never tried to hurt him physically…..never once in the years that he knew her.
"Mai!" he said softly, incredulous with wonder. The hurt in his tone almost made Mai back down. Almost. She could picture Ty Lee in her head, flirtatious and smiling. And Zuko had chosen her!
"I can't even look at you right now! Leave!" Mai shouted. Zuko worked his sleeve from the knife.
"I'm so sorry, Mai," Zuko said softly.
"GET OUT! Mai screamed. Zuko regretfully backed out of the room, trying not to trip over himself. He cast one last sad look in to his crying wife. She had collapsed to her knees and was holding her arms, hunched in on herself. He wanted to hold her. But she had made it perfectly clear he couldn't touch her.
Zuko closed his eyes and pushed out of the chamber, past the two terrified servant girls. They rushed in behind him and toward their crying mistress.
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Zirin walked silently down the hidden passages in the walls, hurrying to Azula's bedchamber. She had passed Lady Mai's bedchamber a few moments before and had heard the tail end of a very interesting argument. From what she could glean of the shouted words from the Fire Lady and the murmured apologies from the Fire Lord, Azula's old flame was going to be chosen as a royal concubine. Whether this was up to Ty Lee or not, Zirin didn't know, but she figured Azula should hear the news.
The sooner she stopped playing around the palace, the better. They had made good work on several of the serving staff and palace guards, but Azula seemed to be biding her time remaining incarcerated. Zirin figured it had to do with the recent ruttings Azula had been able to bestow on Ty Lee before she had been chained to the wall day and night. But maybe this would finally sever the strange hold Ty Lee had over Azula and they could finally put further plans into motion.
Zirin paused at a certain wall and pulled a stone out from near the ground. She peered in and noted Azula chained to the wall a foot away, long legs extended in front of her. "Azula!" she hissed.
The Fire Princess, impeccably groomed and hair in its customary topknot, merely folded one boot over the other and leaned back casually.
"Yes?" she murmured aloud. Zirin watched her from the ground.
"Something is conspiring, Azula. I think we should be well on our way," Zirin said. Azula smirked and closed her eyes, leaning back.
"Patience, Zirin. Isn't that what we're trying to practice here?" she said in a maddeningly calm tone. Zirin growled.
"Stop playing, Azula! We've overstayed our welcome as it is," Zirin protested. "Besides, you may be inclined to agree with me for once."
Azula's eyes flicked to the left, catching Zirin's peripheral vision. "What are you talking about?"
"I overheard your brother with his wife. The Fire Lord is having problems siring a child. And he's going to take a concubine."
"Ha!" Azula laughed out loud. She smiled with glee and crossed her arms. "Zuzu drives the knife further into Mai every time. I'm surprised she doesn't leave him again."
Zirin stretched closer on her stomach, frowning. "As to who's he picked, well, you're not going to like it."
"What do I care which noble twit Zuzu picks for his bed escapades?" Azula snickered to herself. Zirin fixed her with a deadly stare.
"You haven't marked Ty Lee. She's free for the taking," she said. The smug look vanished from Azula's features as if it were wiped abruptly with a cloth. Her eyes narrowed and her teeth grit together. Slow cold rage sifted from her feet up to her head which was eeirely quiet. As if a switch were thrown, a mad jumble of outrage screamed through her mind.
"Ty Lee? Are you serious?!" Azula hissed. Zirin nodded.
"We should just go. The other nobles are waiting for us outside the palace," Zirin suggested. Azula hissed with rage, and rattled her manacles up and down on her lap.
"Get. These. OFF." Azula growled angrily. Zirin gestured and Azula thrust her wrists closer to the opening in the stone wall. Zirin worked her pick into the left manacle quickly, and jerked the piece of metal around. Her left wrist free, Azula flexed the fingers of that hand as she waited for Zirin to unlock her right hand.
The door to her bedchamber was being opened as Zirin finished the restraints on her ankles. Zirin clapped the metal bands around Azula's ankles, not locking, but giving the illusion they were secured. Azula did the same with her hand restraints, leaving the manacles loosely clasped over her wrists. She set her hands on her thighs, and waited for whoever was coming to see her abruptly.
Zirin darted back into the opening and set the stone back in place. Azula's mind whorled with angry thoughts. Stinging shouts echoed in her mind and she focused solely on the object of her ire. Just as her thoughts were reaching a fever pitch, the door fully opened and Ty Lee herself stepped in, clad in her Kyoshi Warrior garb.
Azula took her in from head to foot despite herself then hissed a sharp laugh. She waited for the omega to enter, limbs tensing.
"So kind of you to show your face," Azula said lowly. Ty Lee watched her sadly. She padded closer, under the illusion Azula was restrained. The princess's legs tensed, ready to pounce. Let her have that false sense of security…..
"I figured I owe you, Azula," Ty Lee began. Azula rose to her feet, careful to keep the ankle restraints from sliding off her boots.
"You owe me a lot," Azula sneered. "Why are you here? Come back for another fucking?"
Ty Lee blushed through her make-up. Azula took the moment of indecision to tug noticeably at the lap of her trousers. Despite herself, Ty Lee stared down between her legs. A bulge was forming rapidly, pushing at the lap of her trousers. Azula stared impassively at the omega, daring her to make the first move.
"No….Azula, please, listen to me. I'm…. I'm sorry I paralyzed you. I care about you, but I didn't want to be claimed…."
Azula's mind whorled with red rage. ' I didn't want to be claimed by YOU' was the unspoken sentence that taunted her. The Fire Princess growled. The rage inside was starting to make her head ache. Wetness gathered in the corners of her slit eyes.
"Well, that is apparent," she snapped. "You won't be claimed by me, but you'll deign to visit whenever it strikes your fancy?" Azula stepped closer into Ty Lee's proximity, staring down at her. Ty Lee angled her chin up and stared bravely back into her eyes. Azula's hands reached up from Ty Lee's sides to just beneath her breasts, stroking the undersides through the fabric of her clothing.
A noticeable shiver rent Ty Lee's form. She swallowed and placed her hands over Azula's. She maybe had only a few more short moments when Azula would want to touch her or be near her….it was selfish, but she stretched out the moment, not wanting to break her heart until it was absolutely necessary.
"I have to tell you something," Ty Lee pleaded. "Azula, we can't be together. I'm so sorry, but I've been chosen as Zuko's concubine…."
Azula winced visibly, teeth parted in a sneer. She was hoping Zirin had been fibbing to get her to want to leave right away. But Ty Lee was making it the truth! "WHAT!"
Ty Lee's head lowered and her next words were whispered so lowly, Azula had to strain to hear her. "….And I accepted."
Azula's mind snapped. She shoved the wrist manacles off her wrists and kicked off the ankle restraints in one swift movement. As Ty Lee was blinking rapidly, her brain slowly catching up to the motion, Azula grabbed her into her arms roughly. Ty Lee fought in the next instant as she was drawn up against Azula's front.
Azula's arms were like lead around her and Ty Lee struck her fists feebly against Azula's sternum and front. She couldn't get to a pressure point and Azula nipped the side of her jaw harshly, her body hard against hers.
"You little bitch…." Azula hissed against her throat. Ty Lee feebly struggled against her. She half melted, wanting Azula, but not in the murderous rage that was sweeping her hands to be rough and cruel with her. "You're choosing Zuzu? HIM?!"
"Azula!" Ty Lee cried out. She closed her eyes, feeling Azula's hissed breath over her cheek and neck. Azula was panting against her. When she lifted her head, her golden eyes were wide with an insane light. "It's not like that!"
"Oh? You don't want me, then you go for my brother?! Damn you!" Azula cursed. Ty Lee punched against her side, feeling for a pressure point and Azula shoved her away. Ty Lee had to hop to catch her footing. Azula had thrown her so hard, she almost went down on her side. Her mind flashed instantly to her condition.
"Please, Azula!" Ty Lee cried, tears trekking down her face, her make-up running. Azula turned her head to the wall and barked a name. Suddenly, the stones in the wall moved. Ty Lee held her fists in a waiting stance as a girl clad all in black shoved in, following Azula at a run. "Don't!"
"You brought this on Zuzu!" Azula cursed. The guards outside were pouring in, hearing the commotion and two began firebending into the room, trying to subdue her. Zirin leaped to Azula's side and they both caught the flames, fanning the inferno around them and back at the men.
"Azula!" Ty Lee screamed. But her ex-lover and companion were already gone, charging past the fallen burnt guards and to the hallways. Ty Lee charged after, her heart in her throat. Zuko….. they were going after Zuko! Ty Lee followed the noise, screaming for her sisters in arms as she went.
Kyoshi Warriors peeled out of the shadows and out of the woodwork, following Ty Lee as they charged toward the royal apartments.
Zuko was sitting before a roaring fire in the hearth of the royal bedchamber, when the door flew apart in three pieces, shattered in a roaring inferno. He leaped to his feet, waiting in a bending stance, his casual robes flaring.
He expected a dissenter or dissatisfied vigilante. But the sight of his sister striding through the flames as if she emerged from the Seven Layers of Hell slammed cold dread in his blood.
"How did you get out?!" he yelled. A girl in black, her braid coiled around her neck, followed at Azula's heels, hands raised in a bending stance.
"REALLY, ZUZU? YOU HAVE TO HAVE EVERYTHING OF MINE?!" Azula screamed. Her golden eyes were wide with fury and steam roiled off her clothing and off her clenched fists.
Zuko visibly winced, waiting for her to strike first. So Ty Lee had gone to tell her. It was like the omega to be that polite, but the results were unprecedented.
"So you heard…" he began. The girl in black craned her head to Azula, a frown on her pinched features.
"Azula, we should go!" she hissed. Shouts erupted from the hallway. The guards were gathering and Zuko expected back up any moment. He didn't lower his hands, body tensed as he and Azula circled each other. Zuko didn't dare blink, certain she would get the jump on him.
Azula snarled. She didn't disappoint as she spun in a back kick, flames leaping from her foot toward him. Zuko deflected and caught the flame, circling it around his arm and streamed it back. Furniture and tapestries lit up in flames, orange against blue, as he and Azula spiraled in a deadly dance.
Zuko's vision tunneled to his sister, all but ignoring the girl in black at her side, until twenty palace guards and it seemed all of the Kyoshi Warriors streamed in through the broken door of his chambers.
"Azula!" the girl hissed. She gave Azula's rigidly raised forearm a hard tug as they were surrounded on all sides. The Kyoshi Warriors held their fans and swords in waiting stances, the guards behind them in a flanked position.
"You want this, Zuzu? You got it," Azula growled. Zuko shook his head.
"Surrender, Azula. I don't want you to be hurt," he commanded. He was out of breath from the fight and he hoped he still sounded regal. He should have expected Azula's next words but it still hurt all the same.
"But I want YOU to be hurt. You took everything that should be mine. I want you to SUFFER," Azula hissed, golden eyes wide. Pure fury enveloped her gaze and a cold stream of sweat slid down Zuko's spine beneath his robes. Azula's fingers were extended into points. He could feel her building her chi and he tensed.
The Kyoshi Warriors advanced a step. "Stop, Azula!" Suki commanded. Zuko felt cold dread well in him. He didn't want her or her warriors to be hurt. Zuko took a step and just as suddenly, Azula zapped a stream of blue lightning toward him. It struck his chest and Zuko yelled in pain. He absorbed the lightning, surged it through his chi, and was able to deflect it back toward his sister. He expected it to strike home, but the braided girl advanced in front of his sister, fingers moving from shoulder to shoulder. She managed to absorb the lightning meant for Azula and suddenly, flung it back at him.
Zuko was so surprised that he went down, feet flying over his head. Every hair on his body was standing on end and he screamed in pain. There was a sound of bludgeoning flesh, shouts, and then of wood being broken as the shutters of his window were torn from their frame.
Zuko blinked as arms slid around him and he was lifted. Suki and Ying supported him on either side, their faces tight with concern. His guards were climbing out the broken window frame, and his sister and her companion were nowhere in sight.
"Where?..." he managed. Suki brushed his bangs off his forehead, pure worry in her eyes.
"She escaped. The guards and my warriors are following her trail. We'll secure the palace if it kills us," Suki vowed. Zuko blinked and coughed, feeling his chest seize. His heart beat a hard staccato rhythm in his breast and he wheezed, placing a hand against his front.
"Spirits….I thought I had it," he said. Ying looked up, concern all over her painted face as Ty Lee pressed close. Tears streamed down her face. She knelt beside Ying, hands reaching for Zuko.
"Are you okay?" she sniffed. Zuko nodded, eyes wide. He sat up, leaning against Suki. He couldn't help wheezing at the pain.
"I take it she didn't take it well," Zuko tried to make his tone light, but more tears welled in Ty Lee's eyes. He reached for her, and let his hand drop to his side. "Don't cry, I'm going to be fine."
"But will she be fine?" Ty Lee wondered plaintively. Zuko's lips pressed into a fine line. There was a commotion at the shattered door and Mai swept in, her robes flying. Three servants flanked her. Mai's wide eyes surveyed the scorched room, the ruined furniture and tapestries, and her husband sprawled on the floor being supported by Suki and Ying. Her eyes were wide in concern and she was ready to fall beside Zuko's side and check on him, but her quick gaze noted Ty Lee beside Ying. She cringed inwardly and stopped.
Zuko leaned up, reaching for her. "Mai…." He said softly. Mai's lips pressed together. She gave a polite nod.
"I'm glad you're okay. But this is all I'm going to stand from you," she vowed. Zuko's face fell. He darted his hopeful gaze from her angry face down to the floor. Mai met Ty Lee's gaze, and murderous rage was in her eyes. It was similar to the look Azula had and it made Ty Lee cringe.
The Fire Lady swept out of their ruined bedchamber, the scorched surroundings echoing the broken situation. Her servants trailed after to serve, and Ty Lee watched her go sadly. Zuko wheezed again and kept his gaze on the floor. Suki squeezed his shoulder.
"It'll get better, Zuko. She loves you. Don't lose heart," she said encouragingly. Zuko raised his eyes to hers and tried to smile but there was too much sadness in his gaze.
"For now, let's concentrate on finding Azula. We have to secure her," he said. Ty Lee noted every person left in the room were the only ones that knew of her condition and who had created it. A note of understanding hovered between the three Kyoshi Warriors and the Fire Lord as they lifted the injured man between them and tried to secure a moment of normalcy in the ruined background of their endeavors.
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"Did you find her?" Suki asked. Three of the Kyoshi Warriors shook their heads.
"No, Suki. The guards are still patrolling the palace perimeter, but she's gone. Yoshiko is working on finding her tracks. But it's too dark to follow."
Suki groaned, and scratched her jaw. "Keep up patrols. Double-time tonight."
The Warriors nodded and went on their way. Suki went to the royal apartments. Two burly contractors were setting up a new door and Suki sidled between them inside.
Zuko was going through his scorched possessions, looking grave and pale. Suki was ready to greet him when she noted Lady Ursa further in. Suki swallowed.
"My lady, I know it looks bad, but my warriors are watching every area of the inner palace. Azula won't come near Zuko," Suki said.
Ursa's tired eyes pierced Suki's heart. "Please bring her into custody if you find her. No more fighting."
Zuko's face shifted with guilt. "Everything will be alright, Mother."
Ursa reached to touch his face, and Suki bowed out of the room. She felt guilty enough as it was that Zuko had taken a hit without having to endure Lady Ursa's sad eyes.
End for now
End notes: Action is really not my personal forte, but I try. Hope you enjoyed and smash that review button if you liked!
Most sincerely, pen
9/24/2016