Author's Disclaimer: I don't own a thing belonging to "Avatar: the Last Airbender!" Nothing.
Author's notes: What time is it? It's prison going time! As well as Mai flying the coop time. Poor Zuko!
Maraghoul: Oh yes, that is a fault of Zuko's. Focusing on the relations around him than the larger end game. Pay attention, Zuzu! Hope you enjoy.
QueenTyzula: Looks like Zuko won't get the chance to tell Mai, as you'll see from the opening scene.
Guest reviewer: well, wait and see.
"Stoking the fire"
Chapter nine "Royal concubine"
"You don't have to go," Zuko pleaded. Mai kept walking, keeping her gaze in front of her. She all but flat out ignored the Fire Lord keeping pace, who was all but pulling at her elbow. She tucked her hands into her sleeves, keeping her face flat and neutral.
"I think I do, Zuko," Mai said flatly. Zuko frowned, daring to tuck his fingers into the crook of her arm. He didn't stop her, but kept pace. He tried not to feel horrible as Mai shrugged his hand off.
"You don't. Please stay. Please," Zuko begged. Mai's lips pressed together and her eyes hardened.
"I'm not staying here. Not right now. And you know why," Mai flicked angry eyes to him. Zuko swallowed, eyes wide.
"Mai," he said softly. Mai shook his hands away as he reached for her again.
"Don't you have a date set with the Fire Sages?" Mai's lips pressed together tightly. Ty Lee moved through the courtyard, clad in new red robes. The cut was very modest, but her shoulders were bare. Mai couldn't help glowering at her. Ty Lee was talking to Ying beside her. Her new robes were far more opulent than the Kyoshi Warrior outfit, and she knew Zuko had them made for her. Ty Lee looked as exalted as her new position indicated.
Ty Lee noticed the Fire Lord and Lady softly arguing, and she faltered. Her sad eyes pleaded. "Mai…." She said. Zuko's eyes were filled with anguish.
"He's all yours right now," Mai groused. Ty Lee and Zuko cast their gaze to the cobblestones. Mai's entourage of servants swept up behind her, luggage in hand. Lady Michi was bringing up the rear, holding onto Tom-Tom's hand. They were all finely dressed and Lady Michi swept a low bow to Zuko.
Zuko inclined his head and kissed her hand. Tom-Tom was waving brightly to him but Mai's sharp words made the servants hurry. The three royal family members climbed into the waiting carriage. The chicken-steeds stood waiting, pawing at the dirt with their clawed feet.
Ty Lee and Ying stood beside Zuko and they watched the carriage depart out of the inner palace walls. Zuko heaved a bitter sigh.
"She'll be back, Lord Zuko. Don't despair," Ying said. Zuko pressed two fingers to his brow.
"We need to talk. Privately," Zuko said lowly to the two. Ty Lee's heart sped up as they moved to a private sitting room in the royal apartments. Ying went to work at Zuko's gesturing fingers, looking for spies and hidden passages. Satisfied the room was clear, the three sat in a circle on the floor in the center of the room. The farther from the windows the better.
"What now, Zuko?" Ty Lee had to ask. Zuko kept sweeping a look around his sitting room.
"We all know your condition, Ty Lee. The Fire Sages want to examine you soon. They can't find out about it," Zuko pleaded. Ying tensed beside Ty Lee.
"We can only fool them so long. Assessing the chi will tell them right away," Ying said. Ty Lee watched Zuko, plaintive worry in her eyes.
Zuko set his jaw in a stubborn jut. "I've not been lax. The two Fire Sages that have been selected for assessing chi have been set to find the conclusion we want. They can be silent."
"How do you know?" Ty Lee wondered. Zuko gave a wry grin.
"They're mute, for one thing. And both can barely write. They understand I want a certain conclusion. There's enough to be said for their loyalty to the crown."
Ty Lee gave a sigh of relief and rested a hand on her flat tummy. She sat back on her hands, a worried frown on her pretty face. "But… the cleansing draught…."
Zuko adjusted the front of his tunic. "I bought another Sage off. A medicinal draught will be given to you instead. It will make you very sick, but the baby will be safe."
Ty Lee gave a sigh of relief. Ying smiled reassuringly at her. "I'll be with you, Ty Lee. You won't need go in alone."
Ty Lee was grateful. Zuko wouldn't be allowed in, and she wanted someone nearby that she knew, even if she was going to have to be naked for the examination. Ying, yet again, assured her all would be well. But there was still the matter of….
"And what about…" Ty Lee swept her gaze to the carpet beneath them. The subject was on everyone's mind and Zuko blushed.
"To be set later in the week after your examination. I know the draught will wipe you out. I won't push you," Zuko said. Ty Lee watched him sadly.
"Mai will come back, Zuko. She's not gone forever," she tried to assure him. Zuko's wide shoulders heaved and slumped.
"To keep up the charade, we do have to do our duty," Zuko grumbled. Ty Lee's lips pressed in a fine line.
"Zuko…." If he wanted her to be okay with the physical needs of their position, he wasn't surely selling her on it. Zuko had kept Mai happy up until now. She knew he could be a romantic when he wanted to be. But she wasn't Mai and he wasn't Azula. The rift between them was palpable and Ty Lee felt even more alone.
Zuko stared at her, sadness in his gaze. He seemed about to speak on the topic, and seemed to remember Ying. He swallowed. "The examination is due today or tomorrow. Whenever you wish, Ty Lee."
"Is there anything else to go over?" Ty Lee wondered. Zuko nodded.
"We can go over more details, but just be ready. Do as they say and I'll take care of the rest." At Ty Lee's worried glance, he went on. "Don't worry about the draught. I'll ensure it won't have any kajihana."
Ty Lee's hands went to her middle. Ying touched her sleeve, concerned. "I'm trusting you, Zuko."
'Don't mess it up,' her eyes said. Zuko felt very guilty. He nodded.
"I promise, Ty Lee. I'll take care of everything," he swore. Ty Lee inclined her head, but she still looked worried. Zuko didn't blame her.
"Do you want to stretch until you're due at the Temple?" Ying asked. Zuko shifted his hips uncomfortably on the floor.
"The Sages don't want you exercising. I suppose I don't have to tell you no fatty foods or alcohol," he said. Ty Lee's stomach roiled and she clasped her middle. She swallowed hard at the mention of food, and kept her bile down. Barely.
"Well, stretching calms me, Zuko. Get used to that," Ty Lee said. Zuko gave a wry smile in return.
"Of course. I'll be at the temple when you go," he offered. Ty Lee rose to her feet, Ying at her side.
"You're not allowed in, right?" Ty Lee asked. Zuko shook his head.
"No. But the right sages will be at the appropriate steps," he promised. Ty Lee felt glad his eyes wouldn't be on her naked body. At least, not yet. She didn't know how to feel about that. She was sad Azula was gone and plotting against the throne, but also oddly curious. She hoped the old men wouldn't get too much of a kick out of examining her toned body.
"I'll be there later today," Ty Lee decided. Her words had a sense of finality, as if she were inclined to walk to her doom. Zuko watched her sweep out of his sitting room sadly. He had to try and make Ty Lee happy. It was his fault she was so sad. He was resolved to make any experiences the Fire Sages asked of them as painless as possible.
He sighed as he rose to his feet. While Ty Lee prepared herself for the Fire Sages, he had his own preparations to make mentally.
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
The Fire Lord excused his guards, and looked around for the Kyoshi Warriors. He found Tsung and Yoshiko on patrol and asked for their assistance. They gladly flanked him and Zuko sighed as they made their way to the prison high outside the hills of the palace.
Zuko halted outside the appropriate cell and excused the guards. Tsung and Yoshiko looked ready to follow him in but he excused them as well.
"Please, will you wait for me outside here?" he asked. They nodded and took up guard. Zuko sighed and pushed into the metal door. The cell was a large one, and a figure sat cross-legged in the barred in area at the far side of the room. Rumpled bedding and a chamberpot sat in the corner of the barred cell. Zuko made himself stand tall and regal as he approached his father.
Ozai's hair and beard had grown tangled, and his golden eyes were weary. They snapped to attention and a dangerous light filled them as he regarded his least favorite child. Zuko tried not to cringe or fall to childish habits of retreating as Ozai took him in from head to toe. He knew his trousers and tunic were impeccable and his cloak was finely tailored. Much better in comparison to Ozai's faded red top and pants. The torch light flickered off the Fire Lord's ornament in his top knot. Ozai focused on the ornament sullenly.
"Hmphf. To what do I owe the pleasure of you taking the time out of your busy schedule to visit? I would bow, but my legs are tired," Ozai smirked. Zuko's eyes hardened slightly.
"I didn't come for your pleasure. I just needed some advice," Zuko said. Ozai regarded him impassively. His lips spread in a smirk.
"You haven't come in a very long time. You must be in dire straits if your precious friends or the Avatar couldn't supply you with the advice you want." Ozai's voice oozed with insincerity. Zuko couldn't keep a slight frown off his face. He suddenly remembered why he rarely visited his father in prison. He wound up feeling dirty and out of sorts afterwards.
And Mai wasn't here to make him feel better. He heaved an internal sigh. "There have been… complications in my marriage. The Fire Sages have suggested I take on a concubine…."
A burst of laughter erupted from Ozai's lips. Chagrined, Zuko's words fell silent. He cringed inwardly at the display of hilarity. And all at his expense.
"I've heard you can't get your lady wife pregnant. I never had that problem," Ozai smirked at him. Zuko glared at him. The slam hurt but he couldn't let him know that.
"You never had to take a concubine. This is news my lady wife hasn't been able to accept well," Zuko said lowly. Ozai leaned on one hand, apparently casual despite his wrists and ankles heavily manacled.
"Because you children think if you care about each other, that will be enough. It is never enough," Ozai snapped. His words arched harshly. Zuko flinched. "You're just getting the bigger picture of what being a Fire Lord is."
"Yes, but…." Zuko protested. Ozai laid his arm across one raised knee and regarded him with still eyes. Amusement danced in his golden orbs.
"You know, despite your mother souring to me during our marriage, I never took on a royal concubine." It didn't have to be spoken if Ozai ever had dalliances with anyone else. Whether he did or not, Zuko didn't want to know for his mother's sake. "Despite how she turned cold towards me, I didn't lower her status as my royal wife. So," Ozai scratched the knee of his pants, smirking. "In my own way, I was more faithful to your mother than you are to your young wife."
Rage flared through Zuko and his fists clenched. Steam rose from his shoulders and hands as he took a step forward. Ozai didn't flinch. Even without his firebending, he seemed ready. His golden eyes promised retribution. Zuko felt the old childish urge to flee rise up and he faltered. He stopped opposite the bars.
"I should have known better than to come here. You are poison," Zuko bit out. Ozai didn't look affected. He blinked, a slow smile spreading across his lips.
"And yet you seem inclined for fatherly advice. Until the next time, my son," Ozai lounged back, watching him retreat. He seemed content with the situation and their failed family dynamic. Zuko slammed out of the metal door, feeling far more angry and disgusted with himself than he thought he'd be.
Tsung and Yoshiko flinched as he stalked out of the metal door. They moved to secure the door and flank the Fire Lord.
"Are you okay, Lord Zuko?" Tsung asked. Zuko pressed his lips together. His fingers were trembling with rage so he clenched them tightly.
"Fine! I'm fine. I'm going to the royal apartments," he said. The two women nodded and guarded him the whole way.
Zuko dismissed them and was being undressed by two male servants when Suki knocked at the door to his washroom.
"Enter," Zuko called. He worked his arms into the sleeves the bathrobe the servants laid over his shoulders and belted the fabric. Suki swept in, painted face worried. Zuko blinked, noticing how her eyes swept low down to his chest and body. Did Suki have feelings for him? It was odd to notice suddenly. "Hi…" he said sheepishly.
"Hi," Suki gave back. She watched the male servants work the water tank, drawing forth buckets of water for his bath. She knew Zuko would more than likely firebend the temperature, so that was all they were inclined to do for its preparation. Another pulled out bath salts and other odds and ends for his use. "You never lounge in a bath unless you're at odds about something. It's been a rough few days."
Zuko nodded, fingers moving across the front of his robe. Small tears pricked the corners of his eyes. "Mai…. And Ty Lee. And I just got back from seeing my father."
"Oh, Zuko," Suki sighed. She knew how desolate Ozai could turn his son's mood into. "Are you okay?"
Zuko gave a low nod, and waited for the servants to finish up. They finished hauling up the water and arranged the salts and soaps for him. They bowed at his stare and they backed out of the washroom. "I guess. Not really. Ever since the Head Fire Sage's prognosis for Mai, everything's upside down. And I helped make it that way now," he said bitterly.
"No, you didn't. You're trying to do what's best. In your own way," Suki gave wryly. Zuko gave her an anguished look but was supported by Suki's stolid chi.
"Ty Lee hates me now. We used to be friends when we were little," Zuko sighed. He sat on the tiled floor and leaned back against the edge of the tub. One bare leg showed up to the knee and Suki tried to keep her gaze from it.
"She had a thing for Azula. And Azula left her. It's hard to get over things like that. The heart is complicated," Suki said sagely. Zuko regarded her, smiling.
"I swear you've been taking advice lessons from Uncle. You're the best, Suki," he said.
"Just be patient with Ty Lee. She needs alot of patience. She's hurting," Suki said. She could all but recall how she heard the omega crying in the middle of the night when she thought no one could hear her. Oft times, Ying would console her, but sometimes she would weep as silently as she could and not wake her roommate. Ying stayed with her even though Ty Lee was being moved to her own apartments as the royal concubine. Suki allowed it as she knew Ty Lee would need her friends to get through this. 'Even if sleeping with Zuko wasn't as horrible an outcome as one would think,' Suki thought with a hint of dissatisfaction. She tried not to openly stare at the brief flashes of pale flesh Zuko's robe allowed as he poured in the bath salts and heated up the water himself.
"I will. I'm going to check on her later. She's being called to the Fire Temple for her examination," Zuko explained. Understanding dawned in Suki's eyes.
"Will uhm….. they know?" she asked, keeping her words simple. She and her warriors had gotten used to watching what they said in the off chance unwanted ears were listening. Palace intrigues had been new to the Kyoshi Warriors, but they were taking it in stride to back up Zuko's reign.
"No. I have my eyes inside the Fire Temple and the exam will go exactly how we want it. She'll be ready to conceive in their eyes," Zuko murmured. Suki took his hidden meaning. That she'd already conceived would stay between the four people who knew the truth.
"I hope you know what you're doing," Suki confessed. Zuko cast sad eyes up to her.
"I hope I do too. It has to work," he said. Suki clasped his shoulder.
"We're at your service, Zuko," Suki assured him. Zuko gave her a smile as she left. Alone, he shucked the bathrobe and stepped into the bath. Sinking in up to his chin, he allowed his eyes to close.
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
"Lord Shun has arranged a meeting with a few other lords and ladies. Your presence will be required," the girl servant said. Azula lounged in bed, one leg bent wide. A sheet barely covered her impressive body. She sat up and stretched.
"Tunic, pants. Bring my boots," Azula commanded. The girl scurried to obey and Azula scratched her belly. She had already been serviced adequately that morning and her cock had shrunk down as she rested. She pulled the sheets off, smooth flesh bare to the morning sunlight. She stretched and took her trousers from the girl and pulled them up. She tied the waistband and accepted a breast band, twining it around her upper torso. The girl helped her tie the fabric, securing her breasts. Azula nodded, and started when the girl's hand went low along her bare back.
"Did you need something?" Azula snapped. The girl blushed.
"When you're done with your meeting…..will you want me here?" she asked plaintively. Azula snickered in her head. Apparently not only Ty Lee was open to her charms. Azula lifted her chin with two fingers. The girl blushed.
"You will come when I call. That is all you need to know," Azula murmured. She leaned in and the girl closed her eyes, certain she would kiss her. Azula nipped the side of her throat and pushed her away with a firm pat on the ass. The girl blushed. "Tunic."
The girl helped her slide her arms into the sleeves and adjust the hem over her trousers. A sash was added and Azula knotted the fabric around her slim waist. The girl helped comb her hair and draw up the long tresses into her customary topknot. Azula pulled two long strands of bangs on either side of her face and checked her appearance. She applied the smallest amount of lipstick and smiled. She was ready and she looked every inch the royal she was.
"I'm ready. Gather my Kemurikage and announce my arrival to Lord Shun," she commanded. The girl bobbed a bow and ran off. Azula sat at the small table in the lord's chambers and uncovered the tray of breakfast that had been brought in for her. She poured herself a cup of tea and downed two dumplings slowly. She was ready to call Zirin in to eat with her but thought better of it. Zirin was all loyalty, but her company could be grating at best. Memories of soft brown eyes flashed through Azula's mind. She glowered and tightened long white fingers around her tea cup.
"Get out of my head," she mumbled under her breath. The Ty Lee of her memory rolled onto her belly and arched to be taken. Azula tugged at the crotch of her trousers. She hoped the throbbing wouldn't become a full blown problem before her meeting. Lord Shun seemed simpering enough to wait, but she didn't want to cast such a bad impression on the lords and ladies he had rounded up for her support. "You wanted Zuzu. Get lost."
Azula banished the thought of her ex-lover. Zuzu was going to pay in big ways for making her feel an iota of hurt. She finished her meal and rose. Zirin and two of her girls were waiting outside the lord's bedchamber and they greeted Azula excitedly. Azula strode past them toward the dining hall. It was large enough to seat all the nobility Lord Shun had called upon.
As Azula strode in, her Kemurikage behind her, she noted a few familiar faces. This lord had once been a colonel in the war. That lady had a son who was a general. All were of an age where idealism wasn't wanted or needed as the war effort had filled their coffers. And they had been winning the war, in no small part thanks to her. Azula smiled widely, as everyone's attention focused on her.
"My lords and ladies," she announced regally, nodding to herself at the rapt gazes that focused on her tall form. "I don't have to tell you your nation needs you. For the Fire throne to continue, a strong Fire Lord needs to sit it. Zuko has stopped our country's right to rule. I won't tell you that's unacceptable." Azula reached the head of the table and Shun got out of his chair quickly to leave it open to her. The symbolism wasn't lost on Zirin and the others as Azula casually took his chair and crossed one leg at the knee.
"We thank you for coming to us, Princess Azula," An old bent woman clad in resplendent robes said. She coughed into one bony fist. "We know you will lead our nation to greatness."
Azula inclined her head, smiling. A burly man with a thick black beard folded massive arms.
"Will you start the War again truly? Or does Lord Shun exaggerate your intentions should you sit the Fire throne?" he rumbled. Azula smiled slyly at him, unperturbed.
"Taking Ba Sing Se was one thing. Once I sit the throne, the Fire navies will go forth en masse once more. We shall take back the Earth Kingdom capital, and from there, the other nations."
"Are you saying we could bury the North and South Poles finally?" an earnest young man asked.
Azula nodded. "Why should they be exempt from our rule? We shall conquer all. I would never call the armies back, until my throne is the highest in the world."
Several of the lords and ladies clapped and nodded, impressed.
"We're with you, Princess Azula," a younger woman said. She was heavily pregnant, but her husband was nowhere in sight. If Azula had to guess, he had died in the War.
"We're ready to seat Fire Lord Azula on the throne," another man called. Several voices chimed in.
Azula folded her hands and leaned back, satisfied. If Zuko could see the fervent desire in the noble's faces at the prospect of further war and supplanting his claim, he would be terrified. "Let the War continue for one hundred more years," she declared.
Zirin was impressed. Azula wove a tale of confidence and victory that rallied the gathered nobles. Even the most staunch military man present was moved. They called her name, caressing it with longing for the way things had been.
"Azula! Azula! Fire Lord Azula!"
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
Ty Lee paused at the entrance of the Fire Temple. Zuko was waiting, dressed in a new tunic and pair of pants. His cloak fell about his shoulders and it was so cold even at the entrance of the stone ancient building that she was tempted to go into his arms and gather the cloak around her for warmth. Ty Lee put Azula's flashing golden eyes in her mind. Focus on that…..
"Are you ready, Ty Lee?" Zuko asked softly. Ty Lee nodded. She was clad in her new concubine's robes, but she knew she would be asked to remove them soon. Ying stood at her elbow, perfectly warm in her Kyoshi Warrior garb. Ty Lee envied her.
"As ready as I can be," she said bravely. Zuko took her hands in his and squeezed them. He tried to give her a reassuring smile.
"It will be over soon. Everything's ready for you…" he whispered. Ty Lee nodded. She patted his hand.
"I'll do my best," she said. A dry cough sounded from the entrance. The Head Fire Sage shuffled closer, robes sweeping to the floor and over the tops of his shoes.
"Lady Ty Lee. We're ready for you," he ordered. Ty Lee nodded. Ying moved with her. Zuko watched her enter the Fire Temple, all but swallowed up by the shadows of the stone corridors. He clasped his elbows in his hands, trying not to feel nervous. He hoped Ty Lee would be okay.
Inside, Ty Lee and Ying were led to a side chamber. Inside was a stone armoire and a change of light robes. The Head Fire Sage gestured.
"Change into this. And when you leave the chamber, continue to your left. The junior sages will conduct the examination," he ordered. Ty Lee nodded. She slung her braid over one shoulder. Ying helped unfasten her more elaborate robes, drawing the heavy garment over her shoulder. The Head Fire Sage paused at the door and cast one look over his shoulder.
'Pervert,' Ty Lee thought. She shivered as her flesh was bared to the cold room. Goose flesh rose on her limbs and her nipples hardened. Ying helped her into the simple robe and she belted the fabric. The two moved out of the dressing area and went left down the corridor as instructed.
In the next chamber, Ty Lee was lead to a side antechamber. Two younger sages were waiting. Ty Lee considered them younger in her head though they were at least thirty years older than she was. Their beards were still fully black without a trace of grey. They gestured and Ty Lee understood she had to strip. She recognized them for the mute sages that would assess her chi, as Zuko described. Ty Lee unfastened the robe and handed it to Ying. Ying slung it over her shoulder and clasped Ty Lee's shoulders from behind as the young men arranged their tools. One swung a pendulum in wide loops and circled Ty Lee. He couldn't even hum, so the procedure was done in an eeire silence. The other ran his hands up and down in front of Ty Lee's middle, from breasts to pelvic bone. He didn't touch her, but his warm hands pulsated opposite her, drawing out her aura and measuring it.
Ty Lee hoped the tell-tale signs of fatigue on her face wouldn't show. She had thrown up quite a bit that morning, but it wasn't as bad as a couple of weeks ago. Not to mention the aura of the fetus inside her…. Ty Lee tried to still her beating heart as the young sage stopped with his palms almost cradling her belly. He blinked rapidly, but gestured with a finger to the other mute sage. They must have worked together for years and signed to each other as long, for the other man got his gesture and made two long scratch marks on a scroll. Zuko said they could barely write, but at least a few notes were needed. Ty Lee exhaled rapidly when the young man smiled brightly at her, and nodded. He must have given the signal that she was ready to conceive, at least for the Fire Sage's records. He gestured to Ying who helped Ty Lee back into the robe.
At their insistent gestures, Ty Le and Ying left the antechamber and followed another corridor to another room. Inside, an older sage waited. He had tools for medicine making laid out across a stone table and a bowl of a mixed concoction was waiting. Ty Lee approached the bowl, staring at the contents, feeling dread rise up and down her limbs. What if Zuko made a mistake? What if it contained kajihana? She would lose Azula's baby….
"Lady Ty Lee," the sage greeted her, giving a bow. "To receive the Fire Lord, one must be cleansed of all unclean elements. Please drink this and allow it to take its course."
Ying noted a chamberpot was arranged nearby and also a red mat. Would she be that sick and for that long? She felt dread slide up her spine. Looking at the concoction didn't tell her anything of what had gone into it. For all they knew, it had kajihana….
Ty Lee and Ying stared at each other, nervousness shared in their gaze. Ying pursed her lips. Ty Lee raised her chin and addressed the sage.
"Thank you," she said, accepting the round squat cup. The older man's eyes were somewhat reassuring but really, his smile could mean anything.
Ty Lee took the cup and lifted it to her lips. She sipped slowly, then quicker, trying to get it all down. The sage nodded.
"You must drink it all. Not one sip should be spared," he ordered. Ty Lee flicked her eyes to him over the rim of the cup and took a long hard swallow. The draught tasted awful, of crushed red pepper flakes and other odds and ends that did not constitute a good flavor. She coughed, trying not to gag, and took another long sip. Bits of herb floated in her mouth and threatened to stick to her throat. Ty Lee forced the rest of the liquid down and swallowed hard.
"Hmm!" she gasped, wiping her mouth on one sleeve. Ying clasped her arm. Ty Lee looked at her hands, which were shaking, then at the old sage. His eyes were soft with understanding.
Ty Lee paused, staring at her fingers. They shook, but she felt fine. Maybe alittle dizzy but not so bad. So she would be alittle sick…. All of a sudden the draught hit her middle as effectively as if she were punched. She wheezed in surprise and fell to her knees. Ying caught her arm and helped sidle her to the chamberpot. The old man looked regrettably sad for her as Ty Lee fell to her hands and hovered, belly roiling as if a stone were in it. Her mouth opened and she threw up all the contents of her earlier meal and possibly the night before.
Ty Lee panted and dry heaved and spewed more bile, Ying holding her hair from her face, and rubbing her back in gentle hard circles. Ty Lee whined, pressure building in her head. One of her hands smacked the stone floor as her belly roiled again, getting almost everything she'd eaten for the past few days up, or so it felt. Ty Lee was beginning to be severely worried. Zuko said it would make her sick, but this felt too horrible! What if she were expelling her child?
Ty Lee panted and wheezed, her shaking fingers reaching for Ying. Mute appeal glowed from her brown eyes and Ying's expression sadly received it. She clasped her hand, and laid an arm over her back, trying to lend her support.
"It'll be okay, Ty Lee….it'll be okay!" Ying whispered. As the sage moved to the door to check on something, Ty Lee hissed a whisper.
"My…baby…"
Ying's face was very sad. "It'll be okay!" she whispered again. They had to trust Zuko had the right draught made. The sage swept back in and they kept quiet. Only the sounds of Ty Lee's heaving and retching filled the air.
The expelling seemed to go on forever. Ty Lee's eyes were matted with tears and her bangs were slick with sweat. Ying kept her braid coiled over her shoulder but she knew she looked a wretched sight. Even as the heaves steadied off, Ty Lee wasn't certain if her pregnancy was still there. She wheezed with sudden tears at the thought, one arm shaking around her middle. She cried plaintively, true sorrowful sobs that shook her slight frame. Ying slung her arm around her waist and let her lean on her shoulder, giving her back deep rubs.
"Ty Lee..." she said. Ty Lee gasped and sobbed against her. Her fingers clutched the stiff fabric of Ying's robe.
All Ty Lee could think about was Azula, Azula dozing beside her, Azula rutting into her, the soft look that had followed an orgasm, her passionate hands and small moments of peace. She had lost her child, she was certain of it. Ty Lee couldn't begin to blame Zuko in that moment of despair. She sobbed her heart out in Ying's lap as the sage cleaned up his medicinal tools.
"Once you're finished, please proceed to the main hall. The Head Fire Sage will give his word," the old man said. Ty Lee lifted her head, her eyes wet. Her cheeks were lined with tear stains. Ying nodded that they understood and stroked Ty Lee's hair.
Once the old man was gone, Ying held Ty Lee, and let her cry what felt like all her sorrow out in heavy sobs. Once the dry heaves of her emotions began to steady, Ying kissed her temple softly.
"I know it seems dark right now. But there has to be a horizon to walk to," Ying said. Ty Lee cast worried eyes up to her friend. Avatar Aang had visited a few months ago and had dispersed his brand of calming wisdom. Many people took to quoting him and oft times it seemed to help. Even now, the words had a calming effect on the distraught omega. She shuddered in Ying's arms.
"I love her. And…." Ty Lee shuddered and began to cry again. Ying was patient with her and let Ty Lee cry it all out. Finally, the omega was able to be pulled to her feet. Ying adjusted her simple robe and rearranged her mussed hair. Ty Lee buried her wet eyes into her wrist, shoulders still shuddering. Ying's arm went around her shoulders and they left the antechamber.
A few older sages were sweeping the stone corridor. They gestured to the two women further along. Ying and Ty Lee found themselves in a huge chamber. The Head Fire Sage sat behind a large ornate table. It wasn't stone but wood, with dragons carved along the legs. The bent old man's smile was half hidden by his thick white beard, but Ying noticed it all the same.
He had a few long scrolls of parchment unfurled before him. He pointed to one. "Lord Zuko's examination," he explained to the women. Ty Lee felt dizzy and Ying steadied her. If he noted her sick fatigue, he chose not to address it. Ty Lee was idly wondering when he would finish up so she could lay down and die in her head. "All the points are strong. And from what I can gather of your notes, you match his strength at certain spikes. Well done, Lady Ty Lee. We shall proceed with the consummation at a later date."
Ty Lees stomach roiled again and she let Ying support her. She bobbed her head in a polite bow. The Head Fire Sage smiled, clasping bony fingers together. He made a dismissing gesture and the two women went back the way they came. Ty Lee was fairly shaking with cold as she was led to the entrance. Ying asked if she wanted to change back into her fine robes, a gift from Zuko, but Ty Lee waved a hand.
"I just want to lay down," she whispered. Ying could only understand the hurt that swept her, physically and emotionally. Zuko was leaning against the stone wall when they came to the front. He jumped and started.
"Are you okay?" he asked softly. His eyes were earnest and very sad. Ty Lee reflected even if he turned her life upside down, he would always be infallibly polite to those he sought to protect. She gave a weak smile, but it was an exercise in futility.
"I just need to lay down," she said. Ying pressed her lips in a fine line, giving Zuko a slight frown. Zuko kept pace, a few of the Kyoshi Warriors peeling from the courtyard to keep guard. Suki dashed forward and caught Ty Lee's other arm. She helped Ying half carry her to her new apartments.
Once the door was open, Ty Lee gave an anguished look around. Her things had been moved in last night, but it still didn't feel like home. At Least Ying stayed with her in the large wide bed given to her. Zuko hesitantly followed, helping lay Ty Lee on the bed. He smoothed her bangs from her damp brow with soft fingers.
"I'm so sorry." He seemed to be saying it a lot lately, but it echoed the stress in his heart. He had done this to Ty Lee in his own way and it hurt him that his once friend was shaking and shivering. Ying pulled the heavy coverlets over Ty Lee and lay against her back, sharing her warmth.
"Please….. leave me be," Ty Lee whispered. Ying swept her sad gaze to a distraught Zuko.
"The draught she was given…. Ty Lee was very sick. Can you…"
"Of course," Zuko balked, face paling. "I can call in another midwife discreetly. We'll make sure everything's okay."
Ty Lee seemed to relax at that, even though her mind insisted she really had lost the baby. She closed her eyes, cheek pressed into the mattress. Ying rubbed her back.
Suki knelt beside the bed and patted Ty Lee's arm. "She'll be okay, Zuko. She's strong. She'll be up by tomorrow I bet."
"Even so, let her rest," Zuko pleaded. He cast a last sad look to Ying who tried to smile for him. Soon he was gone and Suki stayed with her warriors.
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
Azula was counting that day's work of talking to other ex-military a success, when she saw a pamphlet on Lord Shun's dining room table. It was laid on top of his daily post and she bypassed the parcels and letters, noticing the bold calligraphy. It was a royal announcement from the capital, explaining of the Fire Lord's choice of a new concubine. Azula felt like she'd been punched. So it wasn't just talk, it wasn't just Ty Lee trying to make some weird form of statement of rejection.
'And I accepted,' the soft voice in her memory whispered. Azula picked up the pamphlet with shaking fingers. She abruptly tore the announcement into long strips and torched the ends. She let the flaming pieces of paper fall to the floor and stamped them out with her boot. She felt sick and confused, but most of all, enraged.
Azula turned and raised her foot high into the air, dropping it in a sharp kick. Her boot collided with the dining table and cracked it in half. When she withdrew her foot, she kicked a stream of fire at the slabs of wood. Two servants rushed in, balking at the sudden damage and hastened to put the fire out. Azula stalked past, bypassing a startled Zirin and a few of her Kemurikage and headed straight for Lord's Shun's bedchamber.
Inside, she found the girl servant sent to warm her bed laying out necessities for her. Azula slammed the door behind her. The girl jumped but tried to smile.
"Princess Azula. I've been waiting for you," she smiled. Azula hissed, fists clenched. Steam rose off her hands and she paced back and forth. With a sharp cry, she set fire to the tapestries on the wall, tore the canopy off the bed and kicked the room's table in half. All the while, she hissed and screamed with rage. The girl was backed up against the wall, pale as a ghost when Azula could finally blink and see out of the red haze of anger clouding her vision. She blinked rapidly, panting. She retracted a portion of her chi, putting out the flames around them.
"Oh for crying out loud!" she snapped to the shaking girl. "Stop looking at me like that!"
The girl trembled. She seemed about to speak, but Azula snapped her fingers at her, silencing her. "Don't speak. Don't say anything. Just… get over here."
The girl hesitantly moved closer. Azula caught her neck with her strong hand and forced her to her knees.
End for now
End notes: Thought I'd have a bit more plot-pointy stuff since the last chapter was so short. Enjoy! If you liked, smash that review button! Stay strong, my lovelies.
Most sincerely,
Pen 10/05/2016