Author's Disclaimer: I don't own a thing belonging to "Avatar: the last airbender!" Nothing.
Author's Notes: More plans, more plots. One need not be unsubtle about playing the game of thrones :P In the comics, Republic City seems to have been shaped by the Fire Nation colony Yu Dao. That's my guess so I'm including it in the story :P More of a transition-y chapter, but here you go.
QueenTyzula: Thank you for all what we discussed. I love batting ideas back and forth :P As you know, some ideas are up in the air. The story will dictate what it wants I'm sure.
Maraghoul: My friend, I know this chapter's short, but partially dedicated to you as well. Thanks for all the nudges :P
"Stoking the fire"
Chapter fifteen "Council proposal"
"Are you ready for the council?" Ty Lee asked. Zuko nodded. He held his arms out and allowed his male servants to adjust his tunic and cloak.
"What I have in mind won't be a popular decision, I'm sure. But for the merchant and farmer class, I'm sure it will be appreciated," Zuko admitted. He adjusted the sleeves of his tunic and looked at his reflection in his looking glass.
Ty Lee leaned against the vanity and watched him wryly. "You'll do fine, Zu."
Zuko gave her an unabashed grin. It was full of affection and Ty Lee's heart turned over. It wasn't an unhappy lurch; if anything, she was glad it was directed at her. "Thanks to you."
"You have the good ideas too, Zuko," Ty Lee said. Zuko brushed a hand at his side, shooing one of the servants away. He turned and clasped Ty Lee's hand in his.
"You know, if you want to drop in on the council meeting, that would be a good benefit too," he said. Ty Lee smiled wryly. His sister may have known how to openly play the nobles and the game of thrones, but Zuko knew how to play the game in his own subtle way.
"You know, I imagine it would," Ty Lee pretended to feign surprise. Zuko grinned. He kissed the back of her hand.
"Wish me luck," he said. The male servants cleaned up his shaving tools and other washroom items and Ty Lee leaned up. She wrapped her arms around his neck and stood on her tiptoes. Zuko leaned down and drank in her kiss. "I won't need luck if you keep kissing me like THAT."
Ty Lee blushed, but smiled happily. "Go knock 'em dead," she teased. Zuko's eyes warmed to her.
"How are you this morning, by the way?" he asked. Ty Lee came back down and patted her still flat belly.
"I was abit nauseous, but I was able to eat breakfast. Ying and I are going to stretch later if you want to do a session," she offered. Zuko nodded, eyes happy.
"Well, here I go," he said grandly. Ty Lee patted his hip affectionately.
"Go put on your Fire Lord's face," she teased. Zuko gave a last grin and they left his bedchambers.
Zuko handed a few scrolls to a couple of servants who trailed him into the council room. The older bearded men sat around a long table, talking together. At his entrance, Lord Genma and the others started. Ty Lee's father radiated smug joy. Zuko gave him a polite nod and sat at the head of the table. The servants set the scrolls in front of him and Zuko folded his hands.
"Thank you for waiting, my lords," Zuko began. "I'd like you to look over my proposal."
The lord to his right took the offered scroll and flipped it open. He scanned the characters. "Farming the homeland?" he read out loud.
"I'm already beginning new treaties with Avatar Aang to make Yu Dao the bastion of what all the nations can be," Zuko said. "For the Fire Nation itself, we must look to fortify our own lands. Too long have we stolen resources from other nations."
The lords began talking in low murmurs and there were a few complaints. "But, my lord, what you propose is to put soldiers to work in the fields. That's what the lower classes are for!"
Zuko folded his hands and waited patiently. "During my travels, I lived poorly for a time. Everyone should be taught humility if they haven't learned it. The soldiers will be put to good use helping to farm our resources."
"Yes, my lord, but this won't be a popular decision," one of the older lords gave. He stroked his long beard with one hand. "Soldiers are best put to use with a sword in their hand instead of a plow."
"They'll learn to like it," Zuko said firmly. "The War is over." Some of the lords looked impressed by his words of strength, but the rest looked uneasy.
Ty Lee swept into the council chamber in her elaborate new robes, Ying ever at her elbow. She carried a tray, Ying another, and a few servants followed with a few more trays. Teapots and cups were carried on the trays.
"I thought you'd like a refresher, my lord," Ty Lee smiled. Zuko beamed at her. Lord Genma rose, and made a show of taking the tray from Ty Lee's hands, giving her an indulgent smile. The other lords rose to their feet and gave her a polite bow, showing deference to the announcement made to the capital.
"Thank you, Ty Lee," Zuko grinned. He stood and kissed her cheek.
"My lady," the lords echoed politely. Ty Lee flashed them all a brilliant smile. She and Zuko smiled at each other secretly, and Ty Lee kissed his lips shortly.
As Ty Lee and Ying left the council room, Ying smiled at her friend. "The lords quieted down when you showed up."
"Zuko knows how to play the game," Ty Lee sighed. They two went to her apartments and Ty Lee undressed. Clad in a loose pair of pants and tunic, Ty Lee turned and bowed to Ying with her fist in one palm. Ying bowed back. "When you're ready."
Ying snapped on one leg, balancing on one foot as the other leg extended to her head in a stretch. Ty Lee helped lift her foot high, and Ying returned the favor, helping her stretch. Ty Lee sighed and leaned into the stretch, foot going higher than her head. Ying was always at Ty Lee's side, but sometimes her mind drifted to Tsung as it did at odd times. She sighed herself and lowered Ty Lee's foot to the floor.
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Mai stumbled out of the carriage and lurched to the side of the road. She knelt, her fine robe getting grass stains. She retched, hoping whatever was clawing her middle would just expel itself from her body. Her family had begun the journey back to the capital and she had been dizzy and off the past week.
"Are you okay, Mai?" Lady Michi stuck her head out of the carriage window. The door opened and Tom-Tom scampered down to assist her.
Mai spit, trying to get the taste of bile from her mouth. "Fine! Just fine," she glowered. Tom-Tom patted her long hair awkwardly.
"You've been sick awhile, sis," Tom-Tom said innocently. Mai nodded, but her mind was awhirl. Well, she would be home soon. She would know what to do once she got there.
"I know, kid. Sorry to wreck your vacation," she said. Tom-Tom grinned.
"I caught plently of lightning bugs! I had a good time," Tom-Tom said. Mai gave a watery smile. Her brother helped her to her feet and together they made their way to the carriage.
"Drink this," Lady Michi handed Mai a flask. "It's water. You need it, dear."
Mai waited for her brother to clamber into the carriage after her. One of the servants in the carriage reached to pull the door shut after the boy. Mai accepted the flask and drank slowly. Her belly turned, and she pressed a hand to it. Dizziness made her blink.
"We can stop at an inn, right, Mom?" Tom-Tom asked worriedly. Michi nodded absently.
"Of course. We're still a few days from the capital as it is," Michi said. The servant opened a ledger and went over the figures with her. Mai accepted a handkerchief from her brother and pressed it to her mouth. She closed her eyes as the carriage began moving again. She leaned into the side of the carriage and willed herself not to be sick.
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Zuko lay on his back in his bed, looking up at the canopy. He had had a good meeting with the council, and there were the obligatory complaints. With the right nudge from Ty Lee, even the most obstinate lords were swayed to relook over his proposal. Yes, the soldiers needed something to do instead of warring. And the Fire Nation needed to look after its own resources. Zuko thought it was a good idea. He prayed there wouldn't be a backlash of a response.
There was a soft noise at his apartment door and Zuko got up. He pulled his bed robe around himself and opened the door. Suki and Tsung were on guard and both women smiled at him.
"Can't sleep?" Suki asked. Zuko nodded.
"I'm going to Ty Lee's," he decided. There was a dart of darkness in Suki's eyes but she nodded. The two flanked him to the concubine's chambers and Zuko knocked.
"Coming!" Ying called from within. She opened up, dressed down in her own bed robe for sleep. Her hair was loosely braided and her make-up had been scrubbed off. "Fire Lord Zuko."
"Evening, Ying," Zuko smiled. "Have you both had dinner?"
"Oh yeah. Ty Lee's feeling a bit under," Ying smiled sheepishly. Zuko pushed into the chambers and Suki and Tsung stayed outside. As the door closed, Tsung raised an eyebrow at her once lover. Ying blushed and leaned against the door when it closed.
Zuko moved to the washroom door and knocked. "Ty? You okay?" he asked.
There was a flurry of activity and Ty Lee slowly opened the door. Her face was damp as if she'd just washed it and her braid was pushed over one shoulder. She smiled sheepishly at the concerned Fire Lord.
"Hi, Zu," she said. Zuko gently took her arm and led her to the sofa of her sitting room.
"Are you okay? Do you need anything?" he asked. Ty Lee sighed and leaned back. She laid her arm across her flat belly.
"Maybe some tea? I'm just going to rest," Ty Lee said. Zuko nodded and opened the chamber door. He politely asked Suki to have the tea delivered and he shut the door gently. Ying sat across from Ty Lee, leaving the room beside her for Zuko. Ty Lee smiled at the Fire Lord as he leaned against her. She leaned into his arm around her shoulders.
"What are you reading, Ying?" Zuko asked. Ying held up her scroll, smiling.
"The ballads of the Yan province in the Earth Kingdom. The Kyoshi Warriors really got around in the past century," Ying smiled cheekily. Zuko smiled.
"Could you read us some?" he asked politely. Ying nodded. She thumbed through the scroll and began reading out loud.
Ty Lee settled her hand on Zuko's thigh and leaned against him. She listened to his heartbeat as Ying read the exploits of Avatar Kyoshi's daughter who had founded the Kyoshi Warriors. Zuko kissed the side of her head softly. He wished Mai were there, but at least Ty Lee made him feel like a man. It seemed a petty way to cope, but right now, he would take it.
After the chapter was finished, Ty Lee pushed on Zuko's knee. "Are you staying the night?" she asked almost shyly. Zuko nodded smiling.
Ying stood and bowed. "Good night." She said to the pair. She went to the small bedroom given her and shut the door.
Ty Lee took his hand and led him to her bed chamber. With the door closed, she wrapped her arms around Zuko's waist and looked up into his shining eyes. "Is everything okay? Sorry I got sick and missed dinner."
Zuko nodded and leaned to kiss her. "Well, the council meeting went well. Thanks for coming when you did," he grinned. Ty Lee smiled.
"Everything else okay?" she asked, hinting about Mai. Zuko sighed.
"You know me too well. I wrote Mai's family's estate again. There's been no response from her and I have no idea when she's coming home. Or if she will….."
Ty Lee kissed the side of his jaw. "Zu, it'll be okay…..she will come home. I think we have to tell her when she does. She may forgive us if she knows the truth."
Zuko nodded but he looked extremely anxious. "I know she'll still be angry but if she knows…..what will she do with it?"
Ty Lee swallowed hard. She pressed her cheek to his chest, feeling less optimistic. "I hope nothing to damage everything…." If they had let Mai in at the beginning, she may not have left, she and Zuko would be fine, and just maybe, Mai wouldn't hate her.
But she and Zuko wouldn't have found this connection their losses pushed them to. Ty Lee knew it was selfish, but after seeing the hate in Azula's eyes and the way she had attacked her brother, her heart was torn. She found a trace of still comfort with Zuko's efforts and her heart warmed toward him. At the very least she could make sure Zuko would be safe and happy.
'But what if Azula comes back? You know she will…' Ty Lee's conscious argued. Ty Lee clutched Zuko's waist. He held her tightly, kissing the top of her head.
"What's wrong?" he asked gently. Ty Lee shivered and let his chi wash over her. She was warmed and she sighed.
"I guess I'm afraid. What if….what if Azula comes back?" Ty Lee whispered, looking up into Zuko's face. "The baby won't be safe, will it?"
Zuko's eyes hardened. "I know I pushed you to this, Ty… but I won't let anything happen to the baby. I promise you, I'll protect it and you."
Ty Lee's eyes lowered but before she could brood further on Azula, Zuko leaned down and kissed her. It caught her attention to the now. The moment began very sweetly and Ty Lee murmured into his mouth. Zuko held the back of her head gently and kissed her insistently. Ty Lee found her hands tugging on his waist, urging him to the bed. Zuko sat on the edge of the mattress and pulled her down on top of him. The robes were pushed off and they stretched on their sides. Ty Lee moved closer, wanting to be comforted. Zuko pressed Ty Lee to her back and ran his hand from her collarbone to her breasts. He leaned down to her nipples, feeling his cock surge with interest.
Ty Lee arched her back, hand stroking the back of Zuko's head. Azula's golden eyes narrowed at her in her mind. Her pussy throbbed as Zuko gently bit the corner of a nipple and sucked it into his mouth. Ty Lee focused on the pleasure his ministrations gave her and widened her thighs. One of her hands latched onto his wrist, pushing it to her thighs as she gave herself to his advances. Zuko murmured against her breasts, his cock pushing into the mattress.
Ty Lee began to breathe heavier as she urged his hand to her throbbing folds. Zuko carefully stretched her with two fingers and moved his kisses lower down her belly. His mouth would feel good, but Ty Lee wanted to feel his body on top of hers. Worry over Azula could be ignored for a time if she focused on lust. At least her body's demands were easy to understand.
Zuko crawled up Ty Lee's body, his cock bowing toward her. Ty Lee sucked two of his fingers into her mouth, rubbing herself along the underside of his erection. Zuko gaped down at her and angled the base of his cock. He pushed in slowly, Ty Lee flushing with pleasure. She gripped him, nimble thighs going around his waist.
"Zu….spirits, Zu," she urged. Zuko gently tugged his fingers from her lips and leaned to kiss her. His mouth moved eagerly over hers as he began to thrust in long deep strides. Each thrust in to the hilt made Ty Lee bob and cry out beneath him. His heart was placated as he was cradled, his back clawed by Ty Lee's fingers, his cock encased in clinging satin.
Ty Lee's fingers moved through his dark hair. Zuko gasped against her shoulder, his harsh breaths echoing in the air. His hips worked in shorter thrusts and Ty Lee clenched onto him deliberately. Her lips moved against his shoulder as her hands moved down, holding his hips against her.
Zuko raised his head, sweat pouring off his brow. He grit his teeth and Ty Lee gazed up into his contorted expression of pleasure. The way he was moaning said he was close and so was she. Ty Lee urged him on and Zuko thrust harder to push her over the edge. When she gave out a loud cry, thighs trembling, Zuko let go. He filled her again and again, and made himself keep his weight on his elbows.
Ty Lee planted kisses along his shoulder as they wound down. Zuko kept his weight half on his hip, keeping off her stomach. His fingers trailed up and down her flat belly. Zuko's heart surged with contentment as Ty Lee arched beneath him, hands roaming up and down his body. She tugged the back of his neck and pulled him down for a kiss. Zuko cradled Ty Lee carefully in his hands.
With a soft grunt, Zuko gently tugged out and fell heavily on to his back. Ty Lee cuddled up to him, tracing a hand up and down his belly. "Are you okay?" Zuko felt he had to ask. They knew how to share pleasure, but when it came to matters of the heart, he still felt responsible for Ty Lee's happiness.
Ty Lee nodded and kissed his shoulder. She leaned on one elbow and met his lips. "Yes," she admitted. She kissed him softly. Zuko twined his fingers through her hair. "Everything will be okay, won't it?"
"It will be," Zuko said firmly. He ran a hand down her back and kissed her again. Ty Lee could see Azula in her mind's eye, turning to kiss her after they sated themselves. When her eyes opened, she was almost surprised to sees Zuko beneath her. But her eyes softened and she leaned down against him. Zuko's arms were warm and she felt safe.
If Azula were to attack….what would Zuko do? Ty Lee knew it would kill her if they fought…..if Zuko hurt Azula, she knew she couldn't look at him the same way again. But for the moment, she knew Zuko was trying to make life easier for her, to make her happy, and to make sure the child she carried would be happy. It was a big thing to offer.
Zuko wound up bursting into laughter as Ty Lee trailed her fingers up and down his sides, tickling him. He rolled her onto her back and buried his face into her neck, giggling. Ty Lee wrapped a leg around his hip and giggled with him. No, the Fire Lord she knew would protect his own, but he wouldn't seek to hurt others. As long as Azula didn't attack and stayed away, Zuko wouldn't harm her.
Ty Lee had to believe in that.
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"When the princess gives the word, we have to be ready," one of the palace guards whispered. His companion shouldered his spear. They angled to whisper as they patrolled. They couldn't even do their job in relative peace. The blasted Kyoshi Warriors were everywhere and were always on guard at the Fire Lord's apartments or his family's or the concubine's.
"We have to help Azula win. But the Fire Lord's lady is certainly a fine woman," the other young man admitted. His companion brightened. He had glimpsed the young contortionist in her fine robes, bringing tea to the royal council. Her smile was wide and she was quite the beauty.
"Yeah, she is! Wow," the other soldier grinned. "We can't kill the women or children. Zuko is another matter."
"Then we can't touch the royal ladies. Or that kid sister," the other soldier agreed. "It's not their fault Zuko is a lousy ruler."
The two soldiers nodded and continued along their way.
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Azula thrust her fist forward, fire streaming. Her blast struck a series of dummies set up in the courtyard and the soldiers beside her darted forward, seeking to decimate the rest of the straw men. Azula grinned darkly and ran out to join them. Zirin followed more slowly, but her firebending was no less fierce.
The soldiers beamed as Azula tapped one foot, looking extremely satisfied. "Well done," she begrudgingly said.
Zirin paused at her shoulder. "Do you want to go over plans?" she asked quietly. Azula nodded. Zirin pulled out a scroll of parchment. Azula and she hunkered on their heels and Zirin spread the map across their knees. It was a layout of most of the royal palace. Azula trailed one finger down a long corridor.
"Once the word is given, we can move as one unit. Dissenters will be taken down. We can corner Zuzu in his bedchamber or the throne room," Azula suggested. Zirin pursed her lips. The main corridor that led to the throne room was a claustrophic hallway that was twenty feet tall, and eight feet abreast. It was a straight shot of a hallway and Zirin had a nagging feeling if anything could go wrong, it would be there or in the throne room itself.
"Azula, what if the Avatar is brought into play?" Zirin asked. She finally voiced what had been nagging her for the past few days. Azula pursed her lips. A flicker of fear darted in her golden eyes but her answer was confidant.
"Even if Zuzu calls in the Avatar, I can take him down. I've done it before," she retorted. Zirin had heard Azula boast of how close she was to killing the Avatar in the catacombs of Ba Sing Se, and she didn't deny the validity of the story. But the Avatar was a fully realized young man now. He wouldn't be taken out with a single bolt of lightning like before.
Zirin had heard stories of what the Avatar State looked like, and the idea of seeing a soulless gaze that could harbor powers tenfold of any person was terrifying.
"If you say so," Zirin said lowly. Azula gave her a petulant frown.
"What makes you think I can't?"
"We can take down Zuko. I'm worried what the Avatar State will do to us all," Zirin admitted. Azula laughed.
"He's an Air Nomad. They believe in fuddy duddy concepts of denying harm against others. I'd say taking us out goes against his very nature," Azula sneered.
Zirin still shivered. "I hope that is true."
Azula stared at Zirin with a still gaze then pushed her shoulder hard. "Lighten up, Zirin. We're going to win."
Zirin prayed this were so. Azula seemed her old confidant self, but she knew the chinks in the princess's armor. If they returned to the capital and that Ty Lee showed her face, it could crumble Azula's mind like so much putty. Zirin wondered if the princess knew she was even in love with the royal concubine.
Azula herself felt strangely high. It could have just been the good end of her usual moods, but she felt as light as air. She knew she was going to win the throne. And whether it destroyed her mind or not was up to the future. She could always let the capital burn if the throne proved too much of a burden.
'All of it can burn,' Azula thought. A gleam filled her golden eyes and she strode out to the trees of Shun's gardens, smiling widely. Zirin watched her go warily and kept pace a few steps behind. Azula traced a finger along the burnt wreck of one of the oak trees and chuckled. 'The throne won't take me.'
Zirin sighed, wondering to the darting gleam behind Azula's golden eyes. Her somewhat manic state today was as disconcerting as her rages. She followed carefully.
End for now
End notes: We've seen some manic highs from Azula so I thought I'd take a look at that side of her moods. If I could hazard a guess, I'd say Azula is ripe for a diagnosis of narcissistic bipolar mix. Maybe a dash of schizophrenia for the psychosis episodes too.
Most sincerely, pen
11/14/2016