Author's Disclaimer: I don't own a thing belonging to "Avatar: the Last Airbender"! Nada ling nada bing.
Author's Notes: And on we go on the merry go round of crazy! I swear, the harder Zuko tries, the more trouble he causes himself. I love that cuddle pumpkin. Sorry this one's so short, end of work is hectic for my schedule ^_^ Enjoy my lovelies.
Dedicated to Maraghoul as always, for kicking ideas around with me. May the gaming gods smile down on thee ^_^
Queen Tyzula: Heheeh Zuko can be an idiot, but a lot of people can make the wrong decisions in the heat of a moment :P He is very human in that regard. Action is severely not my forte, but I tried to paint a mental image with my fight scene ^_^
"Stoking the Fire"
Chapter eight "Coping Mechanisms"
"I didn't know you and Mai were having problems in that area," Ursa said calmly. Zuko flushed, fingers tapping on the table between them. He looked very much like a child being chastised, even though his mother's tone had been nothing but encouraging. He flushed in embarrassment.
"The Head Fire Sage is certain we can't have children. I made the decision to take on a concubine, at least for an heir." Zuko set his head on his arms, finishing the look of childish worry. "I love Mai, Mother. I hope she'll understand that."
Ursa stroked his hair, loose out of its usual topknot. "She will, son. I know the pressures of the throne and what one has to do sometimes." The small smile Zuko cast up at her touched her heart. She kept the fact his own father hadn't needed a concubine out of the conversation. Surely, Zuko didn't need any unintentional ribbing.
"So, who is she?" Ursa tried to sound casual, but it was a very strange conversation to have with your son. Zuko fidgeted, fingers twiddling together.
"She's been in service with the Kyoshi Warriors. Ty Lee."
"She has the same name as Azula's old friend," Ursa wondered. Zuko gave a soft smile.
"It IS her. You remember," Zuko said. Ursa recalled four children running through the royal gardens, laughter echoing in her memory.
"I do. I didn't know she'd taken up with Suki's Warriors," Ursa said. Zuko nodded.
"I'm just glad all our travels are over and we're all home now," Zuko said. Ursa's mouth tightened and she looked away.
"Have the guards or anyone found any trace of Azula?" Ursa asked. Guilt slammed through Zuko. He fidgeted his legs.
"Nothing yet, Mother. She's gone," Zuko said, shame heavy in his voice. Ursa took his hand across the table.
"I just want her to be well. It breaks my heart you two are so at odds," Ursa mourned. Zuko sighed and clasped her hand.
"I'm sorry, Mother," Zuko said. Ursa tried to smile.
"It's not your fault, Zuko."
"I wonder if it is," Zuko wondered. Since he and Ty Lee kept quiet about her condition and who had sired it, of course his mother had no idea it really WAS his fault his sister had flipped her shit and gone on the attack again.
He'd already had a brief meeting with the Head Fire Sage with further instruction for Ty Lee. She had been forlorn and heartbroken ever since Azula's escape, which was completely understandable given the circumstances. He wondered if he'd ever see a smile on her face again. It hurt to think he'd taken it away for now. He'd have to make it up to her. He knew he had to try.
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Ty Lee was inside stretching with Ying when she noticed Zuko approaching her. She stiffened on reflex even as Ying cheerily greeted him.
"How are you feeling, Lord Zuko?" Ying asked, giving a small bow. Zuko smiled softly.
"Much better. I wish things were more secure," he said. Ty Lee gave a small frown, looking away. If he meant Azula, that subject was hovering over her head too. She expected her to peel out of the shadows and punish her. She had agreed to Zuko's proposal. He had kept his distance the past two days, no doubt moping over his wife's distance, but here he was now. She dreaded what he had to tell her this time.
"I take it no one's found Azula," she said lowly. Zuko's eyes were very sad.
"Can you excuse us, Ying?" Zuko asked politely. Ying bowed and strode off. Ty Lee adjusted the sleeves of her Kyoshi Warrior robe. She waited.
Zuko didn't disappoint, though he was trying to be kind to her feelings. "We can't find her. I fear what she's doing, Who she's with. I've ordered more guards around the Kyoshi Warrior's apartments. And for you…."
Ty Lee tried not to feel like eyes were crawling over her, even now in an empty gym. The royal announcement of her change of position had been made and the servants didn't treat her like one of the Kyoshi Warriors anymore. She still wore the garb and the make-up of one, but Ty Lee wondered how long Zuko would allow it before he pressed finer clothing befitting her status on her.
"I can take care of myself," she protested. Zuko smiled politely but nodded.
"I know you can. Maybe it's for my own peace of mind. I don't want anything to happen to you."
"Nor you," Ty Lee couldn't help conceding. She and Zuko shared a look, and the fine situation they had gotten themselves in. She worried for him as much as he did for her safety. "Have you been sleeping at all?" She probably looked as exhausted as Zuko did. It showed on the fine lines between his eyes.
"I guess Azula being on the run would make anyone worry sick. And she hates us now," Zuko said bitterly. Ty Lee dared to touch his sleeve to soothe him.
"I wish things weren't this way," Ty Lee wished out loud. Zuko watched her sadly and clasped her hand.
"I am truly sorry," he said. Ty Lee tried to smile but it was a costly endeavor.
"Oh, I'll find a way to make you pay," she teased in her old way. Zuko quirked a brow, but as quickly he turned deadly serious.
"The Head Fire Sage is beside himself making his preparations for….us. I'm trying to find a way around this, but I don't think there is one. I promised I wouldn't touch you, but I think that's going to have to happen, Ty Lee," Zuko said earnestly. Ty Lee watched him sadly. The thought of being touched by another after her once lover had run off tortured her heart. She longed for Azula, wanted to hold onto her, but she had slipped through her fingers like so many grains of fine sand. Slipped? More like Ty Lee had helped push the wet sand through her hands and out of reach.
"Are you sure there isn't another way?" Ty Lee asked, voice small. Zuko clasped her hand gently and she tried not to notice how tender his hand was. She remembered Azula's coiled fingers, along her flesh, and curled in her loose hair. Her heart lurched.
"I am sorry. I've upset everything for you," Zuko's eyes were very sad. It wasn't just for her. Ty Lee's fingers tightened in his.
"Is Mai really leaving?" Ty Lee asked. She had heard two servants gossiping that morning and the rumor was very troubling. Zuko's sad eyes confirmed it as truth however.
"She wants to convalesce at a family home in the mountains. It's not like I can stop her," he confessed. Before Ty Lee could protest he could issue a royal mandate she stay, at least for his own heart, Zuko shook his head. "No, I can't force her to stay. I tried to once and she almost left me for good. It would kill me if she left permanently."
"Do we really have to sleep together?" Ty Lee asked lowly, trying to keep her words to their ears. Zuko's lips pressed into a fine line.
"I don't think we'll be doing much sleeping." At Ty Lee's unamused look, he continued. "As I said before, I'm trying to think of ways around it. The Fire Sages are being strict about their rules for a concubine. They want to make sure any child you have is mine," Zuko said. His eyes swept to Ty Lee's flat middle despite himself. Ty Lee's took her hand back from his and crossed her arms.
"I doubt they'll just let us go at it and leave it at that. They're going to want an examination," Ty Lee said. Zuko nodded, looking extremely worried.
"Besides assessing your chi, they're going to want to cleanse your body. They'll give you a tincture to drink to flush any…. Impurities out," Zuko began to look fidgety. Ty Lee gaped at him.
"But…" her hand pressed over her middle protectively. "Zuko, they can't!"
Zuko chanced it and took her hand again. He clasped it gently between his. "I won't let them cleanse you. We can find a way around THAT at least. We can switch fluids and your child won't be harmed."
Ty Lee gave a small gasp and lowered her head. Zuko slung a careful arm around her shoulders. Despite her misgivings, she leaned into his strength, closing her eyes. Zuko smelled of sandalwood and other spices, far different than Azula's sharp spikes of chi and the subtle touches of her favorite lavender perfume. "What are we going to do?" she lamented aloud. Zuko thought she asked it of everything; her new position, what was expected of them, her angry ex-lover who wanted him dead.
"We'll have to endure. We'll get past this one day. Please trust me on that," Zuko pleaded. Ty Lee looked up at him, a pretty frown on her face.
"You promised we wouldn't be physical. The Fire Sages surprised you on that one," she said. Zuko had the grace to look ashamed.
"I'm sorry," he said again. Ty Lee stepped back from him and gave a polite bob of a bow.
"Apology not accepted," she said. Zuko rubbed the front of his robe, staring as she went off in search of the Kyoshi Warriors. Zuko sighed heavily. He went to find Mai, hoping to find a moment where she wouldn't glare at him or yell for him to leave.
He found Mai in her sitting room, but she chased him out with a few knives. Zuko moved along, trying not to feel like the servants he encountered were laughing at him. Peering into a private room, he found his uncle mixing a new tea mixture together, sampling its taste. Iroh had come back from Ba Sing Se to visit the family, and Kiyi had taken a huge liking to him. Zuko was glad his uncle's stolid presence put his mother and her new family at ease, and at the moment, he could use his familiar comfort.
Kiyi tugged at the edge of Iroh's robe sleeve, peering up the edge of the table at what he was doing. She brightened, noticing her half-brother. "Hi, Zuzu!"
Zuko made himself smile, and put an arm around her. "Having fun with Uncle Iroh?"
"Yes! He says I can try the new tea when he's done," Kiyi said happily. Zuko regarded the tools and herb mixtures on the table.
"New brew, Uncle?" he asked. Iroh smiled widely at Zuko.
"Of course. This one will make you perk right up, and fill you with energy," Iroh said. He ground his herbs in a mortar stone, humming. "There, I think it's ready to steep."
"Me first!" Kiyi insisted. Iroh smiled and cupped a fireball, moving to heat up a kettle of water on the table. He set the mixture to steep and put out three cups. Soon all three were carefully sampling the tea. Kiyi blew hesitantly on hers to cool it off but Iroh and Zuko merely sipped carefully.
"Hmm…. It's good!" Zuko admitted. Iroh gave a wide smile, pleased.
"Of course. I know what I'm doing!" he insisted with a wink. With Kiyi present, he kept his words on neutral footing, but he still had to ask. "How are you holding up, nephew?"
Zuko's face fell and he thought he was going to tear up right then and there. But he held it together with Kiyi watching curiously. "Not so well. Ty Lee's upset, and Azula left everything in ruins. And Mai…."
Zuko heaved a frustrated sigh. Iroh sipped his tea slowly. "You know, after the birth of my son, the Fire Sages asked if I would take a concubine myself."
Zuko knew Iroh's wife had died delivering Lu Ten. He blinked. "So why didn't you?"
"I figured one child was enough," Iroh waved the thought aside. He looked very thoughtful for a moment. "And I loved my wife so much. I suppose I didn't think it was a valid need, as my brother had his own family."
He waggled an eyebrow at Zuko at this, to lift the mood. Zuko smiled softly, but worry was all over his features.
"Yes, but you've heard of… our problem," Zuko finished lamely as Kiyi perked up, following his words. "It's the only reason I've considered it."
"Hopefully your friend will forgive you one day," Iroh said gravely, meaning Ty Lee. Zuko sighed.
"I'm not being much of a friend where her heart is concerned. I feel so bad," Zuko admitted. Kiyi touched his wrist.
"Don't feel bad, Zuzu! I love you still," she said innocently. Zuko picked her up in one arm.
"Thanks, Kiyi."
"You have a good heart, nephew. Everyone who knows you knows this," Iroh said calmly. Despite himself, Zuko was touched. He gave Iroh a soft smile.
"I'm trying to have a good heart," Zuko admitted. Iroh shook his head.
"Believe that you do. I can see it clear as day," Iroh smiled.
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"So glad you all made it," Azula said. Seven other girls clad all in black robes with heavy cowls smiled at her. Kirin plucked at her sleeve.
"You're lucky we made it out in one piece. That was too close, Azula," she complained. One of the Kemurikage smiled devilishly.
"While you were locked up, we've been securing contacts. Lord Shun will house us. He's waiting to meet you again," One of the girls said. Azula adjusted the sleeve of her tunic and tried to look nonchalant. She knew she looked as disheveled as the battle leaving the palace indicated. Stray hairs fell out of her topknot and into her eyes, and her sleeve was well and truly torn down her arm. She was a couple of days from the capital now, and the lack of sleep for those two days was catching up with her. But Azula was nothing if not efficient. She had to ensure this hiding place was a safe one for her team.
"Very well. Let me see what Lord Shun has to say," Azula said casually. She strode past her Kemurikage and entered a small sitting room. A bent old man with long white hair was waiting. His red robes were resplendent indicating his status and wealth. Zirin strode in after Azula, not content to leave her alone after the harrowing journey. Azula didn't protest. She really WAS exhausted, she figured.
"Fire Princess Azula!" Lord Shun clambered to his feet as quickly as he could, giving a deep bow. Azula waited for him to rise. "I heard what happened and that you need support. Consider my home a safe house for you and your girls."
"My thanks, Lord Shun. We WILL be demanding your house and services," Azula said with a touch of arrogance. The old man beamed.
"Wonderful! You'll have my own bedchambers, Princess. And don't hesitate to ask for anything. I'm so pleased I can help your cause."
Azula wanted to just order him to send a meal to his bedchamber so she could eat and finally sleep, but she felt curious suddenly. "And just why have you professed such loyalty to me? Why not the Fire Lord?"
Lord Shun glowered and clasped his bony fingers into tight fists. "Zuko stopped the war. I was resolved to see the battles through to the end. I gave my heir to the military and lost him to earthbenders. Your brother stopping the war is like spitting on my Satoru's memory."
Azula nodded, pleased with the explanation, even if she could care less for the aforementioned son. "I won't let him be forgotten. Our nation will rise again."
"That's all I ask, Princess Azula," Lord Shun gushed. Azula smirked. The edge of her mouth quirked in a sudden yawn.
"Send food to your bedchamber for me. Oh, and a suitable girl. A pretty one if you have her," Azula ordered. Shun nodded rapidly.
"I have just the girl in mind," Shun suggested. He turned to Zirin who was blinking exhausted, red-rimmed eyes. "Do you require a bed warmer as well?"
Zirin raised an eyebrow at him. "Not at present, thanks."
Azula chuckled, moving down the length of the sitting room, following a servant to her chambers. "Relax for a change."
"Good night, Azula," Zirin said sharply. Azula chuckled and followed the servant to a specific door and waited for her to open up for her. The bed chamber was opulently furnished and a change of casual robes was flung over the foot of the large canopied bed. Azula fingered her torn tunic and regrettably pulled it off. She had stripped down, pulling on the bed robe and was just tugging her hair loose out of its topknot when a hesitant knock came at the door.
Azula turned toward the door, waiting with stiff posture. "Enter."
The girl servant that came in was certainly pretty enough, demure enough for Azula's tastes and ready for command. She must have been told of what was expected, for she was clad in a sheer robe that went only to midthigh. Azula drank her in up and down. Blood surged between her legs, her cock stiffening and pushing up against her robe.
"You asked for me, princess?" the girl asked. Azula gestured her forward with two fingers. The girl moved forward. Azula caught the back of her neck with one hand, drawing her in closer. She leaned in and inhaled her scent. She smelled good enough, but Ty Lee had smelled far better… Azula growled to herself and gave the girl a small shake.
"Get on the bed," she growled. The girl gave a small squeak, blushing, but she shrugged out of her robe, clambering up onto the sheets. Azula tugged at her crotch, willing her erection harder. She tore her robe off and climbed on top of her. The girl kept trying to touch her with gentle hands, but Azula grabbed her wrists and slammed them on the mattress above her head. The high gasps she pulled out of the girl as she pushed in were deeply satisfying.
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Ty Lee watched herself in the large vanity of the royal bathhouses, assessing her tired eyes. Her braid was coiled over one shoulder and her skin was flushed pink. She still looked good, despite her exhaustion. She had managed half her breakfast this morning and was able to keep it down. It took a lot of resting, however. Ty Lee hoped it meant her strength was returning. Her stomach roiled and she laid an arm across her middle, forcing her throat to remain calm.
Okay, she wasn't going to be sick. But she still felt weak and loagy. Ying sat beside Ty Lee at the vanity, both naked and dried from the baths. Ying's eyes met her in the mirror and Ty Lee shrugged. Her heart was as weary as her body and it was very hard to think about Azula. But the missing princess was always on her mind. She was carrying a piece of her affection after all. Was she okay? Was she safe and warm? Or was she caught in the thunderstorms that had rent the capital and surrounding country side the past few days? It was hard to imagine Azula caught up in anything unexpected. She always seemed to have a plan.
That nagging thought was more troubling than assuring. If Azula had a plan, she would be housed safe and warm somewhere. It hurt to think if Azula would put her hands on anyone else, but she had stopped the princess from claiming her. She was free to claim anyone else with her passion. The warm thoughts of the sole day she had shared with Azula faded as obnoxious thoughts intruded on their shared passion. Someone else touching Azula, someone else screaming under her, clawing the pale back that should be hers to clutch.
Ty Lee huffed a frustrated sigh. Her hands ran over her flat tummy and sides. She must have been shrugging some of her fatigue off for her skin felt deprived of Azula'a touch. She wanted her. She wanted to make amends and for everything to be alright. But pushing into Zuko's bedchamber, surrounded by guards and Kyoshi Warriors to see Azula fighting her brother put cold fear in her. She wanted to stop Azula, stop the fighting, tell her she was sorry, but Azula had escaped before she could even try. Ty Lee shivered, wrapping her arms around her middle. Ying moved behind her to comb her hair.
Azula had darted one look out of the corner of her eye that caught Ty Lee's gaze before she was gone. Outraged disgust. That was how she felt about her now.
Ty Lee sighed, shoulders slumping. "Thanks," she said to her friend. Ying carefully moved the comb through her brown hair. Ying put the comb down and rubbed her friend's shoulders.
"How are you feeling?" she asked, covertly asking about her belly. Ty Lee cast exhausted eyes to the floor.
"Still tired. But alittle better. Things are going to get worse, aren't they?" she asked. Ying gave a soft frown.
"I fear they might. But I won't let anything happen to you," Ying promised. Ty Lee clutched her hand. They slid into robes.
"No matter what happens," Ty Lee said. Ying nodded, eyes smiling. They went to their shared room in the Kyoshi Warrior's apartments and stretched opposite each other. Their legs were wide, feet touching and they took turns bending each other to the floor as they worked the kinks out of their bodies. If they chose to do their stretching in the gym, they'd encounter more protests from the servants. Apparently the Fire Sage's instructions for her not to exercise before a consummation she didn't want to happen had spread to other ears.
Ty Lee tried not to think of Zuko's sad eyes or Azula's enraged ones as she clasped Ying's hands and bent backward to the floor.
End for now
End notes: Sorry so short, wanted to get this out, so we can get to more plotty things in the next one :P Like it, smash that review button, let me know how it's going.
Most sincerely,
Pen 9/29/2016