Author's disclaimer: I don't own a thing belonging to "Avatar: the last Airbender!" Nothing.
Author's notes: Being in someone's company will make them more endearing, so I hope Ty Lee isn't coming off as too friendly too fast toward Zuko. Azula is always on her mind, however. Never fear that.
Maraghoul: Oh yes, dangerous women tend to do dangerous things! You know what's coming next (whistles innocently). My friend, enjoy.
QueenTyzula: Hopefully you won't give too much hate to Ty Lee and Zuzu. All they want is a little comfort! Mehehe am I too evil for these guys?
TheRealCacto: I appreciate your kind words! I find my vision going darker but hopefully there's a ray of hope in this chapter. Enjoy!
"Stoking the fire"
Chapter eleven "Visits"
"Easy….raise up," Ty Lee said calmly. Ying and Zuko were on their stomachs, going through yoga positions with her. Ying easily raised her upper torso off the ground, stretching her lower back. Zuko raised up and grunted softly. Ty Lee rolled to her side and knelt up, smoothing a hand down the back of his tunic. The muscles she felt beneath the fabric bunched in knots.
"I think you and Katara are batty. Yoga is NOT relaxing," Zuko panted. A bead of sweat rolled down his cheek. Ty Lee pursed her lips at him in a wry smile and rubbed his lower back hard. Zuko grunted, this time in pleasure as she unlocked a knot there. He sighed, resting on his palms. "Okay, that's much better…"
"You'll get limber in no time, Lord Zuko," Ying urged. She grinned over at the sweating Fire Lord. Ty Lee moved to her stomach beside Zuko and raised up on her palms.
"Okay, raise your legs….. downward facing frog-dog," Ty Lee said. She and Ying moved into position easily and Zuko followed. The muscles in his forearms bunched as he followed the position. He grunted. Ty Lee tsked him and knelt beside him again. Her arm went around his waist, and helped adjust his stance. "Relax…..let your feet root to the ground and hold you up…"
Zuko smiled despite the stretch in his thighs. "Sounds like the tenants of earthbending."
"All are one as Aang says," Ty Lee said idly. She kept her arm around his waist. "Are you rooted?"
"Yes…." Zuko's eyes closed, focusing on the chipper words. Even the sweat rolling down his face felt soothing now. "This is alright…."
"More than alright," Ying said. Ty Lee helped Zuko move to the next position, making sure his legs were bent the right way. Zuko flashed a smile of thanks as her hand stayed at the small of his back, helping him lock into place.
"This feels good…" he admitted. Ty Lee took her hands off him and moved into position, back arching.
"Told you," she said smugly. The three moved to another set of positions until Zuko's legs quaked and he fell on his rear.
"Damn!" he yelled in surprise. Ying fell onto her knees in laughter and Ty Lee stretched on her side, a teasing smile on her lips.
"The Fire Lord needs to concentrate more," she teased. Zuko gave a happy smile and rolled closer. Ty Lee's eyes widened in surprise, but she let him draw her up against him. They twined on the carpet, feet touching as their lips met in a kiss. Ying watched them wryly and rolled to sit up.
"I'll be outside," she said, moving to another room in the apartments. They'd taken to doing their stretches in Ty Lee's new apartment to keep prying eyes from them, and Ying had done a thorough search of all crevices with the Kyoshi Warriors. She was certain no one could see what they did here. In the small sitting room opposite the large one they usually did stretches and exercising in, Ying sat on a sofa and opened a scroll. Her thoughts went, as they did in these times, to Tsung. She was still in the Kyoshi Warrior apartments and far from any semblance of affection.
From what Ying could gather of Lord Zuko's visits all week, he and Ty Lee seemed to have started a new venture toward affection. It was slow and begrudging in some areas, but seemed genuine. Ying wished Ty Lee's heart would heal during these times.
Inside the main sitting room, Ty Lee and Zuko twined on the floor. Their kisses had grown far more heated in the past three days and Ty Lee welcomed them. At least when Zuko touched her, she didn't think of Azula. At least, not too much. Zuko was far more different in many ways. His hands, his eyes, his gentle demeanor. His passion was a steady ebb and seemed to enflame as the days went by. Now, Ty Lee angled to climb onto Zuko's lap and kiss him deeply. Their tongues danced and Zuko's hands moved down Ty Lee's back. Ty Lee clasped her hands onto his broad shoulders and angled high above him.
The stunned look on Zuko's face as she pressed her hips down against his matched the look of surprise on hers as she felt something hard and firm press up against her. Ty Lee clasped his shoulders, and ground down slowly.
"I guess we'll be ready….." Ty Lee whispered. Zuko nodded on the ground. He planted his bare feet on the carpet and arched his hips high. This time it was Ty Lee's turn to gasp as he pressed his clothed erection up against her. Ty Lee looked aside shyly, a fierce blush across her cheeks. "Zuko….."
Emboldened by her response, Zuko sat up and gently pulled her tunic open. Ty Lee wore a sheer shift beneath it and he gently palmed it up. Zuko's lips parted as he stared at her soft breasts, her nipples hardening to pink nubs. Ty Lee's eyes closed at the gentle pressure his mouth made over one nipple and her eyes closed in pleasure. She ran her hands through his loose hair and held him close. Zuko had to admit, it felt nice and was also arousing to be held these close to physical glory. Ty Lee's fingers moving through his hair felt wonderful and she tugged his face up to hers.
They kissed deeply, tongues stroking until Ty Lee was pressed to her back and Zuko clambered on top. Ty Lee looked up at him shyly. "Not yet…. Zuko, not yet…." She whispered. Zuko nodded. He leaned down and kissed her gently. Ty Lee welcomed him between her arms and legs, their pants keeping their loins separate. Their hips rolled together slowly.
"In a few days," Zuko said. He rolled off and sat up, willing his lust down. His chi was spiking in erratic pulses. Ty Lee pulled her tunic closed and sat up. She slung an arm around his waist and leaned against him.
"Hopefully it won't be too cold in there. The temple is freezing," Ty Lee teased. Zuko gave her a wry smile.
"I'll make sure you're warm," he promised. Ty Lee smiled shyly. They stood and Zuko kissed her hand. "Until later, my lady…."
"I've got to get your legs into shape. It's one thing to have brute force in firebending, but the rest of you should be as strong," Ty Lee commented. Zuko grinned. They opened the main door of the apartments to encounter a messenger, hand raised to knock. He kowtowed immediately before the Fire Lord.
"My Lord, Lady Ty Lee, I apologize for the intrusion, but Lord Genma and his lady wife have arrived and are demanding your presence," the bent man said. The mood immediately darkened between the two. Zuko and Ty Lee flashed a look of pure exasperation.
"Well, we knew this day would come," Zuko said dryly. Ty Lee sighed raggedly.
"We'd better put on more clothes. Lord Genma expects all appearances to be in order," Ty Lee bit out. Ying sidled out of the side room and gave her a curious look. "My father is here."
"Yes, thank you. Tell Lord Genma and his wife we'll accept them presently," Zuko said to the messenger. The man bowed and jogged off.
Ying cast a curious stare. "I know you haven't seen your parents in years, Ty Lee. It couldn't be all that bad, could it?"
"Possibly as bad. Maybe worse," Zuko admitted. He shut the door to the apartments and leaned against it. "Since Ty Lee agreed to….our arrangement, he's going to all but demand a handout. Whatever he wants, he should receive. I hate to barter, but whether it's riches or glory, he'll get it."
"It's not that he's doing it. It's that he expects it. He pushed my sisters and I to aim high. Which is probably why I was taken to the palace to play with Azula and you," Ty Lee shrugged to Zuko.
Zuko gave a wry smile. "You're just lucky Azula liked you so much."
"You did too," Ty Lee gave. Ying smiled.
"Well, let's just greet him and you do your royal thing, and then we'll be back into safety for lunch. What could be so bad about it?" Ying wanted to know.
The look Zuko and Ty Lee gave each other was of quiet resignation. "Just wait and see."
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Zuko and Ty Lee changed into far more opulent robes and entered the waiting area, steps slow and measured. Ty Lee made a face at the door and took a deep breath. Zuko took her arm. "It'll be okay…." He said. Ty Lee gave a wary smile.
"I knew it had to happen sooner or later. Alright, let's go," she said. They pushed into the room. The lanterns glinted off the ornament in Zuko's topknot.
"My Lord Zuko!" Lord Genma chirped. He and Ty Lee's mother were clad in fine red robes, and looked far older, Ty Lee thought unkindly. Her father had always been a thin man, and his beard had gone completely grey. Her mother was plumper than he, and for good cause, having had seven daughters in one birthing. Her looks were still striking although her eyes looked very tired.
Zuko inclined his head politely. He accepted Lord Genma's thin hand in between his, letting the older man bow his head to him. Ty Lee's mother bobbed beside him. "Thank you for coming, my lord. You received my message, I take it."
"We did….. Ty Lee! Is that you?" Genma gasped. Before Ty Lee could back up or Ying could respond to protect her, she was gathered up into her father's arms. Ty Lee flashed a look of irritation to Zuko over his shoulder. Zuko could only smile softly in understanding. Genma may not have been a tyrant like his own father, but neglect was still a crime for child-rearing.
"Hi, Father," Ty Lee said. She let herself be hugged and then she was released. Her mother was next and Ty Lee sighed mentally. They sure were making a big show for her position. "Mother."
"We heard so many things about you! Is it true you joined the circus?" her mother frowned prettily. Ty Lee focused on her cosmetics. She nodded.
"I did….and then the Kyoshi Warriors," she said. Zuko led everyone to a council room and they all sat at a long table. Ying stood at attention behind Ty Lee's chair. She wasn't in Kyoshi Warrior regalia, but her parents still looked at her curiously all the same.
"The guards around the palace? Really, Ty Lee, you're nobility. Isn't that beneath you?" Lord Genma scolded. Ty Lee watched him with a slit-eyed expression. She wanted to angle her chair closer to Zuko, but held her posture.
"It's good work, Father."
"And they are loyal," Zuko agreed. He thought of Suki and as if on cue, she and two of her warriors sidled in to watch over things. He gave Suki a smile who nodded.
"Well," Ty Lee's mother huffed. "Be that as it may, you're nobility. I'm just glad you've given up your attachment to peasant living."
Suki and Ying bristled and exchanged a look. Zuko frowned but Ty Lee laid her hand over his arm.
"It's not peasant living, Mother. If you ever left Father's house and took a look around, you'd know that," Ty Lee said softy. Her father frowned, but then smiled at Zuko.
"I trust you haven't touched my daughter before we talk compensation," Lord Genma said. Zuko sighed in his head. He wanted to shut the man up. He also didn't want Ty Lee to feel like breeding stock.
"Of course not. What do you propose?" Zuko folded his hands. Ty Lee wanted to erase the lines of frustration between his brows, but she herself just wanted to leave the room.
"I think we can come to an….agreeable form of compensation," Lord Genma smiled widely. It was not a polite smile and showed far too much of his very white teeth. "And I've also heard a spot on the royal council is open." He tapped his bony fingers on the table, indicating he wanted both money and glory.
Ty Lee felt sick and she wanted to protest. Zuko turned his fingers over and clasped her hand, assuring her through a gentle squeeze not to worry. "I think that is an apt gesture of gratitude," Zuko said diplomatically. Ying sighed behind Ty Lee's elbow and Suki exchanged a look with her as Lord Genma and his wife clapped delightedly.
"Wonderful!" her mother beamed. "Just take good care of our girl."
Ty Lee glowered in her head and she was ready to bite off a retort but Zuko squeezed her fingers again. "You won't have to worry about that." The look Zuko flashed her eased her mind.
"Perhaps the children should leave us to discuss the amount," Lord Genma folded his hands, smiling in confidence. Zuko nodded and turned to Ty Lee and the Kyoshi Warriors.
"Please, would you?..." he asked. Ty Lee nodded. She rose, her elaborate robes sweeping her movements.
"Good luck, Zuko," she whispered. Zuko nodded, looking weary. Ty Lee left the council chamber and closed the door.
"Well, your parents are sure…. decisive," Suki tried to begin diplomatically. Ty Lee nodded. She sighed.
"Sit with me awhile, Suki? I'm too far away from you and the others," Ty Lee said. Suki nodded and she, Ying, Yoshiko and another warrior sidled into her new apartments. "I can't stand them!"
"They're still your parents," Ying said. Ty Lee sighed.
"You know I ran away from home. This was why. It was always in their best interest to marry me and my sisters off to as many high-ranking nobles as they could obtain. They do love their wealth and status," Ty Lee complained. She held her elbows in her hands.
"Guess they thought it lucky you obtained the trust of the heirs," Yoshiko guessed. Ty Lee nodded.
"My sisters and I were presented to court, in the off chance the prince or princess would fancy us as playmates. Azula scared all my sisters off but I could stick out her games. Then Mai came…." Ty Lee's eyes fell in shame.
"It's okay, Ty Lee. Mai will come back," Suki smiled. Ty Lee clasped her hand.
"I hope so."
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After Lord Zuko emerged from the council chamber, Lord Genma was swept away by existing members of the royal council and his lady wife was given residence in one of the supremely decorated chambers. The Fire Lord looked weary and Suki took his elbow, guiding him along.
"Are you alright?" she asked softly. Zuko gave a long nod and followed her along.
"Where's Ty Lee?" he asked. Suki bit her lip. She had intended to give comfort but the sudden turn gave her heart a lurch. She was nothing, if not loyal.
"In her apartment. I'll secure the area," she offered. The smile Zuko gave her warmed her heart however.
"What would I do without you?" he wondered. Suki squeezed his elbow.
"Let's pray you never have to find out," she teased. "Come on, Fire Lord."
Zuko was let into Ty Lee's apartment and Yoshiko and the other warriors rose to bow. He waved a hand. "Please, be at ease. Could you give us a moment?"
The girls nodded and left the chambers, holding guard outside with Suki. Ying clasped Zuko's arm on her way out. He looked mentally exhausted after that meeting with Ty Lee's parents.
Ty Lee gestured for him to sit beside her on the sofa. Zuko all but collapsed, boots flying high. "I haven't seen your parents in years, but I can see why you left them," he groused lightly. Ty Lee slung an arm over his shoulder and drew him to her.
"I would apologize, but we know what Fire nobility can be like," she complained lightly. Zuko smiled wryly at her.
"It's rare to know where your friends are here. Thank you for being so honest with me," Zuko said. Ty Lee smoothed her fingers through his bangs.
"We're friends, Zuko. No matter what, we are that," she said softly. Zuko settled a hand lightly on her thigh and through her robes, she felt heated.
"We are," he agreed. Ty Lee blinked when he raised his face to hers. They kissed. Ty Lee's fingers clutched his shoulders and she was pulled down. Zuko smiled finally as he fell on his back and Ty Lee fell against him. She leaned up on one elbow and caressed his cheek beneath his scar.
"We should present to the Fire Temple before I start showing," she whispered. Zuko nodded. There was a gleam of eagerness in his eyes that lightened Ty Lee's heart.
"No one will assume the pup is anyone's but mine," he whispered. Ty Lee's heart lurched over but there was kindness in Zuko's eyes. He kissed her softly.
"We should keep up our exercises, Zuko," Ty Lee suggested. Zuko played with the end of her braid, smiling.
"Of course," he beamed. Ty Lee swatted his shoulder.
"You're just thinking about getting me naked," she complained. Zuko grinned up at her.
"We'll….make due," he said lamely. Ty Lee leaned down and pressed her lips down his throat. The gasp Zuko gave went straight between her thighs.
"I'm beginning to think it won't be so bad," she admitted. Zuko pulled a face.
"Thanks," he teased. Ty Lee leaned up and kissed his lips. Their mouths opened slowly and just as heated, her thighs opened, wrapping around his waist.
"It will be just fine." Ty Lee had to admit, the prospect of being safe and warm with Zuko was starting to look up. She still feared Azula would attack her or her brother, but the past few days had been nothing but safe, despite her parents upending on their mood.
"Everything will be," Zuko vowed. He pulled Ty Lee down for another kiss. They twined on the sofa. Ty Lee banished the still looks Azula sometimes wore to the back of her mind.
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Azula blew one of her bangs out of her eyes. She crossed her arms, glowering. She and the Kemurikage were drilling a team of soldiers in Lord Shun's courtyard and they were pretty sloppy. The War had ended a few short years ago, but it was no excuse for laziness.
"They're terrible," Kirin muttered at her elbow. Azula pushed off the stone wall with one boot and jaunted across the courtyard to the soldiers moving through firebending kata. They stopped at her arrival and bent the knee.
Azula stopped beside two bowed men, and tapped one foot. "No ferocity." She spun a high kick and slammed it between them. The two men kept their eyes lowered, but she noticed them swallow noticeably. Good.
"No drive," she continued down the line. At the head of the line, she spun with fists streaming fire. The men deflected the flames and stayed bowed on one leg, ready if she chose to spar. "No victory!"
Azula's fist steamed as she laid it against one of the soldier's cheek. The heat made sweat roll down his face. He blinked, stance remaining strong. "Is that how you think we'll win?!" she screamed. Zirin watched the men trying not to piss themselves, nodding. If anyone could sharpen them, it was Azula.
"We're sorry, princess," one of the soldiers acquiesced. He kept his head lowered. Azula growled and blasted a fireball at him. He caught the flame and deflected it from his person. She stalked down the line, eyes slit.
"Sorry won't gain me the throne. Tell me, do you all enjoy your current occupations that much?" Azula sneered. The men fell to their knees.
"No, princess!"
"Then face me!" Azula yelled. She held her hands up, a sinister smile on her lips. As the soldiers charged, Zirin tensed, certain she'd have to come to Azula's aide. She shouldn't have worried. Azula strode across the cobblestones, sprawled soldiers in her wake.
"Pathetic," she bit out. Zirin sidled up with Azula, leaving the men to nurse their slight injuries.
"Lord Shun has gathered enough men," Zirin noticed. Azula sneered.
"They need more than a little work," she groused.
Zirin tried to drag Azula's dark thoughts to the now. "Do you want to visit Lady Sachiko yourself? Or send one of the girls?"
Azula sniffed and crossed her arms. "Getting out of this stuffy place will do me some good. I will go."
Lady Sachiko was a very old noblewoman; she was in her nineties and blind, but a fierce Fire Nation supporter. She'd been alive since the end of Fire Lord Sozin's reign. Azula had to admit that was impressive in itself. It also meant she wasn't in the best of health and traveling was out of the question. She had sent Lord Shun a missive supporting Azula, but she or one of the Kemurikage would have to come see her in her home. Azula chose to go. She needed to ask for more monetary support.
"At least take one of the girls," Zirin cursed. Azula waved a languid hand.
"Fine. Will that placate you, Zirin?" she smiled. Zirin crossed her arms.
"Yes. Take San," Zirin suggested. Azula shrugged.
"Sure," she said. Azula told San they would be leaving that night and traveling by foot to Lady Sachiko's estate. It was two days away. The girl nodded, and Azula retired to the lord's chambers to pack a bag. She couldn't wear her finely stitched leather armor top, nor as much red. It was bad enough her features were utterly recognizable. She had changed to a peasant's tunic and trousers, and pulled her hair loose out of its strict topknot. She tied it casually back and settled for a wide traveler's hat. She pocketed her fire hair ornament and tucked it into her satchel. San appeared in her room, similarly dressed. They looked like two town girls on business for their bosses or parents.
"Ready, Princess?" San asked. Her dark-ringed eyes blinked tiredly at Azula. This was nothing new; ever since the mental institution, she never could get a full night's sleep.
Azula nodded. "Call me Z while we travel. It's safer that way," she ordered. San nodded. They shouldered their satchels and departed out of Lord Shun's via the back kitchen door. They made for the forest surrounding the mountain town and broke through shrubs and past tree branches quietly. Only the odd snap-snapping of a branch they pushed aside was the only noise. San wasn't much of a talker and Azula didn't like senseless babbling. The journey would be boring but Azula wanted that over excitement.
She'd get all the excitement she was going to need when she put her fist through Zuko's face and killed him. Ty Lee's shy smile echoed in her mind and Azula frowned. The sun began to set as the two girls moved on.
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"The Avatar's coming here?" Ty Lee gasped. She and Zuko moved quickly to the palace's courtyard. Aang liked landing there as it was a clear wide area. Zuko noticed a few of his palace servants waiting nearby, with brooms and dustpans to collect any leavings from the sky bison. They looked positively irate.
"Along with his friends. You know them all," Zuko urged gently. Ty Lee beamed, nodding.
"I know them. We just haven't had much time to get to know each other after the War and the comet and everything."
Zuko smiled wryly. "My friends are your friends."
Ty Lee sighed. "I wonder if they know what's going on."
Zuko's eyes hardened and he looked at the cobblestones. "They know Mai left me for a time. Aang probably knows why, but I don't know if he's told the others."
Ty Lee knew the Avatar was a sensitive young man and may have been inclined to keep the secret for Zuko's sake. Her mind turned over at that. Could Aang be entrusted to her child's true sire? She'd test the waters, but for now, she had to not be pregnant. She and Zuko were untouched as of yet.
"They're your friends, Zuko. They just want to cheer you, I bet," Ty Lee smiled. Zuko straightened beside her. Suki and the Kyoshi Warriors flanked them and they all craned their heads back to watch a dot in the sky descend, closer and closer until it became a sky bison much bigger than most beasts of transport.
Aang was sitting behind Appa's head and he waved excitedly to Zuko. "Zuko!" he called. Katara and Sokka leaned over the side of the saddle and waved eagerly.
"Zuko! How's it going?"
"We missed you!"
"And we came to cheer you up," Toph insisted. She was carried out of the saddle and once on the ground, was more at ease. The green look on her face paled. Zuko moved forward and was embraced by everyone. Toph and Sokka pounded him on the back but Aang and Katara were far more gentle.
"Thanks, everyone. How long will you be staying?" Zuko asked.
"A couple of days at least. Then it's off to Whale Tail Island!" Sokka said.
"Long over-due vacation," Katara winked.
"Ty Lee! Hi, how are you? It's been awhile!" Aang greeted the uncharacteristically quiet omega with a bow. He noticed her robes were new and red, indicating a higher status. Something clicked in the back of his mind at this. Her usual outfits were either skimpier or she was clad as one of the Kyoshi Warriors.
"It's good to see you, Avatar Aang," Ty Lee stammered. Aang took one of her hands and bowed over the top of it.
"Please, it's just Aang! We're friends, aren't we?" he smiled. Ty Lee's smile was more genuine.
"Of course!" she chirped. Aang grinned. He blinked and something white cascaded behind his closed eyelids. He started, and blinked again. Just as quickly, the flash was gone. Aang shrugged it off as Sokka angled to grab Suki up in a hug. He missed the sidelong look Suki had as he wrote off the flash of inner sight. Being the Avatar meant you had to accept the Avatar powers were sometimes wonky and sporadic at best. If there was anything more to it, he'd meditate on it.
"How are you, Ty Lee? I love the robes. I thought you were with the Kyoshi Warriors," Katara said. She cast an approving look up and down Ty Lee's garb. Ty Lee plucked at one of the wide sleeves, blushing.
"I am, I was. Well…."
Zuko saved her from any further embarrassment. "I'll explain if I can. Shall we sit?" he asked. Everyone exclaimed at once and Toph socked a fist against his shoulder.
Everyone was ushered into a private sitting room and Zuko ordered tea and snacks for everyone from a nearby servant. The woman nodded and dashed off for the kitchens.
"So, we were upset to hear Mai had left. Are you holding up okay?" Aang asked diplomatically. Katara gave a soft frown of worry and touched Zuko's forearm.
"Whatever it is, she'll be back. She can't stay mad at you for too long," she said sensibly. Zuko flushed with shame and cast his gaze to the table.
"I fear it's more than that. Due to matters that are out of my control, I had to make a decision concerning the future of my reign. And it wasn't one she wanted to accept," Zuko said carefully. Ty Lee frowned softly. Zuko looked so worried.
"What do you mean, Zuko?" Sokka wanted to know. Zuko tapped one pale finger on the table.
"The matter of children, Sokka. I know you guys haven't given much thought to that yet, but siring children is all but expected of my line. Can't stay Fire Lord without an heir," Zuko tried to make it easy to understand his plight. Everyone was nodding but Toph frowned.
"So, what's the deal? Did something happen with Mai?" she asked. Zuko and Ty Lee shared a look and Aang caught the flash of quiet communication. Another flash of light sparked behind his eyes. What WAS that?
"You could say that," Suki said dryly. Sokka watched her, concerned. There was something off with her, but he couldn't place his finger on it.
"It's not really a good topic for afternoon tea," Zuko said as a servant backed into the room, a large silver tray in both arms. He set the tray down and bowed, retreating. "But my Head Fire Sage pronounced us incompatible."
"Meaning…oh no," Katara realized. Zuko nodded.
"They're certain we can't have children together."
"So Mai left because….you dumped her?" Sokka gasped. Toph punched his arm.
Zuko sighed. "No. No matter what remains, she is my wife."
"So what? What option does that leave you?" Aang wondered. Zuko coughed into his fist.
"They suggested I take a concubine."
"Don't tell me you considered it," Toph guffawed. At Zuko's silence, the realization of his decision began to sink in. Everyone fairly gaped at the young Fire Lord and Ty Lee squirmed in her chair.
"You did, huh?" Sokka asked. Katara frowned prettily.
"Is that really all you can think to do, Zuko?"
"Who is it?" Aang asked. Suddenly he felt like smacking himself in the forehead, noticing the blush on Ty Lee's face. "That is…I guess I know."
That started to sink in for everyone and they looked at Ty Lee in a new way. Well, except for Toph, that is. She crossed her arms and leaned back casually.
"Hey, whatever you Fire Nation have to do for the throne," Toph complained lightly. Sokka scratched his cheek with one finger.
"You really made this kind of decision? What…Ty Lee?" Sokka sputtered. Ty Lee and Zuko flushed, casting their gazes to the table.
"It's not like we haven't done anything yet," Ty Lee protested. Another flash of white light moved behind Aang's eyes. He decided to blink extra hard to focus on the flashe before it left. An image kept striking his Avatar intuition. Oddly, it was Azula's profile, lips curving to a predatory smile. As he was starting to question why, he had the flash image of Azula above him, eyes glazing in passion and Aang blushed.
He blinked again, and was greeted with his friends all talking at once, Zuko's voice rising in gentle tones. No, Azula wasn't looking at him…. He had stepped into someone's memory of her. Ty Lee's voice added to Zuko's and a pang of realization tingled down Aang's spine. He blinked hard. No, it had to be a past image… Even if what he had glimpsed had happened with Ty Lee, that shouldn't mean anything right now. Right?
"I know it seems like a harsh decision, but I have to secure my reign. You know how unstable some things are right now," Zuko protested. Ty Lee nodded. Katara crossed her arms, frowning at him.
"You boys all think with the same head, don't you?" she growled. Aang blinked suddenly. He wondered if that statement had been addressed to him as well and resolved to win over any bad feelings his girlfriend might be having. Zuko flushed.
"Don't be like that, Katara," he pleaded. Ty Lee smiled sadly toward the irate girls across the table.
"It seems a rash thing, but we talked it over and we've got to make it work," Ty Lee tried to be diplomatic. Aang felt another pang of realization slide into his psyche at her words. Yes, there was an underbelly of truth to her words….something else was going on here. He'd have to ask Zuko himself.
"That's all we can do, right? Make the best outcome," Aang said. Ty Lee's radiant smile warmed his heart. Zuko sighed.
"I'm glad you see it my way, Aang," he said. Aang raised an eyebrow at him. Zuko sighed inwardly. Of course his friend would have questions for him.
"I try. Seeing is we're all agitated, maybe we can do a meditation together," Aang offered. Suki smiled and Ying raised her hand. Ty Lee beamed.
"It would do me some good. Thank you, Aang," she said. Katara shrugged but Sokka looked disappointed. He was looking forward to getting some alone time with Suki but she didn't seem inclined toward that conclusion. Maybe he could ask her to Whale Tail Island. Then he'd have more time to smooth over any ruffled feathers.
"Pass." Toph scratched her ear. "I'm not one for personal insight, Twinkle Toes."
"Maybe you'd like to spar with some of the Kyoshi Warriors?" Suki suggested. Toph grinned.
"Sounds good. I'll try not to squish any one. Can't have any more girls crying," she said.
As everyone picked up to sidle into one of the gym rooms to have more room to sit cross-legged, Aang caught Zuko's eye. He gave a subtle nod and Zuko frowned, but nodded in return. They'd talk in private afterwards. Aang sat opposite Ty Lee and had her breathe to match his inhales and exhales. Zuko didn't join the impromptu meditation, but watched the pinched worry between Ty Lee's brow fade as she matched the Avatar's breathing, hands on her knees.
He was suddenly so glad Aang could try and bring a moment of peace to any turmoil in Ty Lee's mind. She needed it.
Aang, for his part, began low chants of "Ohm" between his inhales and exhales. The patches of white light kept tugging at his closed sight and he finally turned toward it. He stepped behind the curtain of light and peered inside.
Loud pants filled the air; small screams and murmurs of passion cascaded. Aang blushed hotly in his psyche, as his inner sight fell on two sprawling figures wrapped in each other. He recognized Ty Lee beneath Azula. The princess rutted into Ty Lee heatedly and the omega clawed her back as they shared the high ebb and flow of physical passion. So they'd had a day or two of lust. Why was he seeing this? The flash of light beckoned and Aang hopped over the sprawling figures on the carpet and ventured along.
In the next antechamber of his intuition, Aang walked into a stone room. A red mat and chamberpot waited in one corner and Aang was startled to see Ty Lee rush toward it, sick, from the contents of a cup she let drop to the floor. After she retched, Aang's heart churned as Ty Lee wept sorrowful sobs into Ying's lap. What was going on?
"See the Head Fire Sage. He'll give his statement," one of the Fire Sages was saying to the crying Ty Lee. She nodded, trying to be brave, but her heart was in her eyes and all over her face. Aang wanted to comfort her, but he knew he was looking at a memory. He took a step and almost fell into the next antechamber. Inside, a bent woman, not the Head Fire Sage, was touching Ty Lee's naked torso from breasts to belly.
"Congratulations," she was saying, a smile stretching her wrinkled lips. As Aang worked over what that could mean, Azula flashed into the antechamber, no doubt tethered by Ty Lee's memory. She purred something and moved closer, shrugging out of her tunic and clothes.
Aang snapped back to himself and finished up the breathing exercises. When he opened his eyes, Ty Lee was smiling across at him, brown eyes twinkling in thanks. It took everything he had not to gape at her in surprise.
He had an idea now. He just had to hope Zuko would confirm it.
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"There were no concubines at the Air Temples, but I can see where Mai would be upset," Aang said carefully. Zuko grunted. They had moved to his personal sitting room, all the more private and to keep unwanted ears away. Toph had taken everyone off for a jaunt around the grounds and Katara gladly practiced her bending with her. The Kyoshi Warriors palled around with them so for the moment, they were alone.
"I know it's a harsh concept for you, but it's not unheard of. My great-grandfather and grandfather had a few," Zuko said. He hated comparing himself to his 'illustrious' great-grandfather, but he felt he had to defend his decision.
Aang laughed lightly and sat on one of the sofas. Zuko sat opposite, cloak streaming. "You're intent on getting pregnant sooner rather than later, huh?"
Zuko flushed with shame. "I guess you could say that…."
"And…. You've known Ty Lee for years," Aang said carefully. Zuko gave a short nod.
"We all grew up together. We used to play in the royal gardens as kids," he said. Zuko sighed. He would sit with his mother later today. Lady Ursa seemed to want to spend more time with Ty Lee, but Ty Lee wanted to keep to herself until their time at the Fire Temple.
Zuko felt it hovering over him as well and he just wanted to get it over with. Well, he was eager about the idea if he was honest with himself. His heart was weary and with Mai gone, he wanted a touch of comfort. He craved it.
"Yeah….how is Ty Lee handling all this?" Aang ventured. Zuko blinked.
"As well as she can," he admitted. He was omitting sections of that statement. He could recall the heavy thunderstorm brewing the decision between them and Ty Lee slamming her fists on his chest. "It was hard at first….."
"Because she had a connection with Azula?" Aang hazarded. Zuko flushed.
"She did…..but you know Azula is on the run. She attacked me while she was on house arrest," Zuko said. Aang nodded.
"Why Ty Lee?" Aang asked. He was far gentler than any of his other friends for the topic. "Couldn't you have picked another girl?"
Zuko scratched the back of his neck. "Because I trust her," he said. That was the truth, but he hoped it was a good enough answer to placate the Avatar.
"Well yes….." Aang said. "It's good to be around those we trust."
Zuko relaxed when it seemed Aang was going to leave the subject alone. He wanted to tell him, but two other people already knew. Suki and Ying could keep a secret indefinitely, but the less people who knew, the better.
Aang, for his part, rolled his chi in soft waves to assure Zuko. When he wanted to tell him, he would be ready to accept it.
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"My Lady, do you require anything? I could make you a tea." One of the servants fawned at Mai's shoulder. She glowered. Her days cycled to a sticky conclusion and she didn't want the tea offered that would lower her scent and aura.
"No. Please, leave me," Mai ordered. The servant bowed and backed out of her room. Mai sighed and turned over a satchel. Within were several of her knives. Mai picked one up and idly began sharpening it. Her husband's forlorn face came to mind, almost pouting at her in her memory. Mai's heart lurched. Damn Zuko. He seemed to always set a record for breaking her heart. And almost by accident sometimes. She loved him but she wanted to get back at him.
Sharing his body with another, that couldn't be forgiven easily. Mai put on a cloak and pulled the hood over her loosely tied back hair. She snuck out of the family manor by a side gate and climbed down the steps toward town. She kept pace with the throngs of people lighting lanterns or moving from building to building. Mai passed Lord Shun's manor, walking slowly and casually. She spotted two women that could have been Azula's Kemurikage. They were seemingly on guard in the courtyard. Mai ducked around the corner and found a slat of wood that was propped sidewalks on the fence, allowing her eyes access. Mai waited and watched.
She had seen Azula here a week ago. The Fire Princess seemed none the worse for wear after her attack on the Fire Lord and Mai had almost tripped over herself trying to get away when she had spotted her in town. Even with a hood pulled low over her familiar features, Mai would have recognized those flashing golden eyes and smirk anywhere. Would Azula be back at this lord's house? Her Kemurikage would indicate perhaps.
Mai sighed and clutched the cloak tighter over her casual red robes. After another half an hour of quiet watching, she made her way back up the mountain to her family's estate. Side-stepping into the kitchen door, Mai startled the cook on duty.
"My lady!" she gasped, straightening. Mai gave a casual wave and moved toward her bedroom. When one didn't address their actions, sometimes people tended not to question it. Mai closed the door to her room and tore her cloak off. Her hands moved up and down her body through her robe despite herself. Oh yes, she hoped she would be ready. Her days were spiraling to a heat and she didn't intend to spend it alone. Zuko was in the capital, but there was another she could spring her pheromones on.
Mai sat at her vanity and ran a comb through the ends of her hair. She gave herself a devious smile.
End for now
End notes: Bum bum buuuuuum! This was fun to write, if for the Gaang appearance. I find I like doing the Fire Nation and villain type characters better than the main characters. Maybe the mains are so awesome, I don't wanna mess em up :P Like it? Smash that review button!
And I love playing with the Avatar's powers. I'm calling Avatar State Shenanigans for the earlier scene.
Sincerely, pen
10/21/2016