Author's Disclaimer: I don't own a thing belonging to "Avatar: the last Airbender!" Not a damn thing….
Author's notes: The results of actions require further action. I swear these characters keep spinning their web of deceit :P
Maraghoul: Mai is at a crossroads, but she truly does love Zuko. That may help sway her to stay.
QueenTyzula: Yup, those two needed a splash of cold water in the face to get their heads out of the clouds and each other. Mai and Azula are still out there, after all! Hope you enjoyed. I wrote that part from the perspective of a Mean Girl. Just let it go to hell :P
CharlieBarrow: The Tyluko angle won't be for always, as you'll find out…..hope you like what's to come!
Harley Quinn Davidson: That is an excellent suggestion :P Stay tuned!
"Stoking the Fire"
Chapter twenty-one "Fire Lady's Turn"
Strange. Even in the sticky heat of the summer day, Azula felt chilled. She wrapped her elbows in her hands, and shivered. She was in one of the stone corridors of a stone temple that she recognized as the Fire Sage's temple. Not just any specific one, but the one in the capital. Azula didn't reflect how odd it was she was suddenly at the royal palace, but kept going.
She caught the edges of a robe as a slender figure ahead darted out of reach around the corner. Azula quirked a brow but quickened her pace. She was startled to see Ty Lee suddenly, sipping from a round cup as a large as a small bowl. A bearded old sage was mixing more of the like in the corner, and one of the Kyoshi Warriors helped Ty Lee crawl to a chamberpot as she was violently sick.
Azula's fists clenched. She suddenly wanted to roast the sage for whatever it was he made Ty Lee drink. Her once lover finished retching and sobbed suddenly into the Warrior's lap. What was going on?
The scene shifted and Azula focused on her boots as she plodded ahead. Sounds of passion filled the room ahead and she grit her teeth as she turned into the antechamber. Her brother was between Ty Lee's legs, thrusting into her and before she could rush to fling him off of her, a pounding filled Azula's head. She blinked and the sex was suddenly over. It still drove Azula mad to see Ty Lee touch Zuko with gentle hands. She seethed, noting the connection between them as they stared into each other's eyes.
"Agni, you are one sick fuck. Why in all hells are you showing me this?" Azula muttered under her breath. She stalked off, as nine Fire Sages sitting on stools opposite the naked pair read off health tips.
Azula stalked off. She was surprised to happen upon Ty Lee with her own mother, talking about her pregnancy. "Yeah yeah, Zuzu knocked you up. Rub it in, you bitch," Azula muttered to the apparition. She was aware she was probably dreaming, and of things that may have happened.
Azula formed a fist, fire streaming from the back of her knuckles. She tested the fireball and sent it her mother's way. The image wavered and went out like smoke and Azula smirked.
"Well, that's one way to get rid of you," she taunted the women even though they were gone. Azula was ready to take off when she suddenly rounded a corner and entered a large bed chamber. Ty Lee was crying yet again in that Kyoshi Warrior's lap. "Shit, you really do cry a lot…. Aura not so pink?" she taunted even though she was certain Ty Lee couldn't hear her.
Ty Lee truly shocked her by crying out her name. "Oh, Azula, I'm so sorry…." As to why she was sorry, she didn't say. But Azula was shocked how rigid she was, her heart fluttering asunder.
"Damn you….. you chose him! You left ME!" Azula hissed at the crying woman. She flailed, flinging fire around the bedchamber. Fire licked the corners of the room, and set the canopy above the bed ablaze. "Wallow in your misery, you bitch!"
Before Ty Lee could respond, Azula was waking. Her eyes slit open and she was startled to see another servant girl of Lady Sachiko's in her bed. She was naked and Azula felt her shaft stir at the sight. Well, she may as well work off the frustration of that dream. The girl woke gasping when Azula flipped her onto her stomach and mounted her from behind. She worked her length in swiftly and set a hard selfish rut, not caring if the girl was acclimated or ready.
The sounds of passion mixed with pain made Azula's mind stretch to endless plains of agony. She slammed her hips harder, working her erection harder and harder into the girl. If she fucked hard enough, she could forget for a moment….
Azula panted and gave a small grunt of pleasure as spurts of precome were milked from her cock. She ground against the girl's buttocks, rolling her hips as she began to come.
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
Zuko allowed Ying in to help him dress, not wanting to see any servants. His pants and boots were on, but he needed Ying's help fastening the clasps of his tunic, and to adjust his cloak. Ying even took up a comb and tied his hair back into its topknot.
Ty Lee rested on a few pillows, one arm draped across her belly. Her bed robe was loosely tied and she and Zuko shared a small smile as Ying finished dressing his appearance. He settled on his side of the bed, knee crooked up as he perched on the edge of the mattress. "You look fine, Zuko."
"Indeed," Ying smiled. She adjusted the tray beside Ty Lee's side of the bed and poured her a cup of tea. Ty Lee sipped it slowly. Zuko carefully plucked the cup from her and leaned to kiss her lips shortly. Ty Lee started in surprise. The gesture was very sweet and her heart bled for Zuko. He had a heavy burden to bear today and she wanted nothing more than to ease the stress from his eyes.
"Agni, please, wish me luck. I'll come back to you as soon as I can," Zuko swore. Ty Lee cupped his cheek with one palm. She gave a brave smile, but she couldn't deny the hurt that welled in her.
Zuko was going to propose a night or two with Mai should she want to keep her child. She hadn't said she wanted a divorce, and they had to keep up appearances.
"Please, try to be at peace. I want that for you," Ty Lee said softly. She leaned up and Zuko pressed closer to kiss her. They shared a sweet kiss with the softest stroking of tongues. Zuko didn't want to open his eyes as they separated. Ty Lee was trying to be brave and it killed him that no matter what he did, he was hurting her too.
"I keep saying it, but I mean it. I'm so sorry to cause you any pain," Zuko swore. He looked distraught. Ty Lee caught up his hand and twined her fingers with his.
"You have to do what you have to. Believe me, I understand," she said softly. Ying poked out of the bedroom as they kissed long sweet kisses. Zuko climbed further up on to the bed and let Ty Lee lean against him.
"I don't think it'll be a fine experience. Mai is soon to spit at me as look at me," Zuko admitted. Ty Lee twined her fingers over the fabric of his trousers as she caressed his knee. His heart yearned to stay where he was, no council meetings, no worrying over soldiers or Suki or Ty Lee or his wife….. But he was the Fire Lord. He had to continue.
He sighed raggedly. "Agni, I'll miss you."
Ty Lee cupped his face and gave him a lingering kiss that left his shoulders shivering. He sighed happily against her mouth. "I'll miss this too…"
"Me too…." Ty Lee caressed his scar, not wanting to muss his hair. She gave her old optimistic smile and quirked a brow. "Do your duty, Fire Lord."
Zuko regrettably let her go and etched a bow beside the bed. "I'll return soon, hopefully," he stammered. Ty Lee waved, crooking a smile. Zuko turned slowly and left, cloak swirling. Ty Lee watched him go and sighed. Ying poked back in and sat on Zuko's side of the bed; she slept on that side when Zuko had stayed away those few short weeks.
"He has to do this. Mai IS his wife," Ying said practically. Ty Lee nodded, but her heart still hurt.
"I know. I wish she wouldn't keep hating us." Even as Ty Lee wished this, she knew Mai was hurting. It was only natural for her to lash out and would do so until her anger cooled.
When that would be, she didn't know.
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
Zuko left his council, mind awhirl. There had been a few reports of fighting among the fields surrounding the capital. The soldiers who had been all but forced to follow Zuko's decree of farming had protested against the field hands and it had come to blows. Zuko ordered the soldiers responsible to be taxed for the offense, and set to cool in a jail cell for a week. It would keep them out of trouble, and hopefully the other soldiers would keep quiet and help with the harvest.
Zuko sighed, thoughts dark. 'Another thing they'll hate me for, I'm sure,' he thought bitterly. To continue on that thought, he went in search of Mai. She was in the courtyard, watching the Kyoshi Warriors drill. Tom-Tom was at her side, clutching the sleeve of her robe.
Zuko darted a glance to the Warriors; Suki was in rare form, leading the line, and she was as impressive as any bender. He gave a small smile and was pleased Suki seemed to have notice it. She quirked her painted lips at him. Following Suki's gaze, Mai noticed the Fire Lord and her spine stiffened. Tom-Tom called out a greeting loudly and Zuko made himself smile for the boy.
"Can we talk, my lady?" he murmured. Mai gave a curt nod.
"Sure," she said sarcastically. Zuko led her to an inner courtyard far away. A cherry blossom tree stood at attention in the center and he stood beneath the branches, letting the shade try to settle his mind. Mai leaned against the tree, watching the odd cherry blossom petal fall slowly to the ground. "Am I on your mind for once?"
Zuko flinched and scowled. He placed one hand on the bark of the tree and looked up into the cherry blossoms above. "You always are. And yes, of course you are currently," he snapped. "Have you taken kajihana?"
Zuko didn't beat around the bush this time. Mai quirked an eyebrow. "No."
"Then….I trust you want to keep it," Zuko ventured. Mai blinked slowly at him. Her arms wrapped around her middle.
"For now, yes."
Zuko pressed on. "And you came back to the capital. If you didn't want to come back, you wouldn't have."
Mai flushed with anger and leaned her head against the side of the tree. "The capital has its comforts. Don't read too much into it."
Zuko wouldn't let up. He frowned. "Bull. If you never wanted to see me again, you wouldn't have come back at all. Your family has its share of manors. Since you're back, and you don't want a divorce, I propose we keep up appearances."
Mai laughed bitterly. She angled a finger into Zuko's chest and stabbed. "So you want this child, too. Can you really handle it?"
"That's not up for you to decide," Zuko ground out. He couldn't very well say he was claiming another of Azula's pups already. "You're my wife. If you're going to have this baby, we need to share a bedchamber again for a time."
"Found a way to get at me again, huh?" Mai groused. "What if I say no?"
Zuko's brows lowered over his angry golden eyes. "Then either leave me and get it over with, or take a tea with kajihana. Your options to keep it and remain here have to be this way."
Mai blinked. "Fine. When do you want to do the deed so you can have another royal announcement made and get your pats on the back?"
Zuko glowered at her. "Whenever it suits you, my lady."
Mai tapped a finger against her lip. "I'll come to our chambers tonight. At least that's a start."
Zuko inclined his head politely. He took Mai's hand and pressed a chaste kiss to the back of it.
"Zuko…."
"Hmm?" he asked. He blinked down at Mai curiously. She gave a devious smile that was not kind.
"I expect you to perform. I know I'm not your precious Ty Lee, but hopefully you can manage to get it up."
Zuko flushed with rage. "You won't have to worry about that," he snarled. He stalked off out of the small courtyard, cloak streaming. Mai watched him go, heart still in her chest like a stone. She pressed her hand to her belly and sighed.
She didn't want to be near Zuko and she was going to have to be intimate with him. It had been an age since she had slept with her husband. Way before the Fire Sage's diagnosis of incompatibility, way before Zuko had foolishly landed on choosing Ty Lee as a royal concubine.
They had once been unable to keep their hands off each other. Before they'd tried to have a baby themselves, before this whole mess. Mai sighed in her head.
She DID want to stay. She did love Zuko, even if he was rather stupid at times. Well, now he wouldn't visit Ty Lee so much. He had to appear to sire the child she was carrying, and that required more of his time.
Mai smirked. 'Well, Ty Lee, looks like we're not going to be sharing so much. He'll come to me.' As the Fire Lady swept back to her family's chambers, she bypassed Suki who was lingering.
"Did you need something, Suki?" she asked. The Kyoshi Warrior shook her head.
"No, my lady….I suppose not," she stammered. Mai watched her sweep away down a nearby corridor, confusion on her features.
Maybe Suki just ate something bad for her lunch, but it seemed an odd exchange. Mai went to her family's apartments so she could nap. She was going to need her strength for tonight.
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
Suki bypassed more palace soldiers, and her Kyoshi Warriors before alighting on Tsung. The thin woman was conversing idly with Yoshiko and Suki waited until they were done to hail her. Tsung smiled at her friend.
"You shouldn't wear your heart on your sleeve, Suki. Sokka or one of his friends will notice," she suggested. Suki frowned.
"I can't help it. Anyways, stop being angry at Ying. I gave her leave from us to protect our friend."
"She still is that, isn't she, Suki? Despite her stealing both of our heart's desire," Tsung glowered. Suki started and sighed.
"I don't think she's sleeping with Ying. You don't have to worry about that," Suki said. Tsung raised an eyebrow.
"I know it can't be easy for you. You care about the Fire Lord. And he's been with Ty Lee since Lady Mai left," she said softly. Suki pressed a gloved hand to her brow, trying not to smudge her make-up.
"It hasn't been easy," she admitted. " I just wish I could tell him…."
Suki was sworn to secrecy and she wouldn't tell the real reason for Zuko laying with Ty Lee. Ty Lee's link to her noble blood was kept intact and she got Zuko in every way. It really wasn't fair. Suki sighed.
"Maybe….one day. I just have to stay the course," Suki said. Tsung laughed, clapping her on the shoulder.
"The Fire Lord has his hands full with two women. Add you and a fight with Sokka and that's more than he needs," she said. Suki sighed.
"I know….." Suki wished with all her heart Zuko was free to confess her heart to. But she was already too late.
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
Zuko drank from his glass of wine, fingers of his free hand pulling at the fabric of his sleeping robe. It felt strange to be back in the royal apartments without Ty Lee. She was safely guarded in her own chambers and he missed her terribly. He sighed and ran a hand through his bangs. His lord's hair ornament was out and his hair was loose and mussed. He kicked off his slippers and paced barefoot back and forth in his bedchamber.
The one he had shared with his lady wife. Zuko paused by the fireplace and grunted. He bent his knees and assumed a simple stance, blasting a fireball into the remnants of the fire wood inside the hearth. With the intensity of his flames, the coals began to settle and grow warm, and the fire was soon sparking high. Zuko paused to watch the orange flames lick up the sides of the chimney as he sipped his wine.
A polite knock rapped at the front door of the apartments and Zuko sighed. He set his glass down and moved quickly to the sitting room to open the front door. Mai was dressed down casually for the night as well, in a simple red bedrobe. Her hair was loose over her shoulders. Yoshiko and another of the Kyoshi Warriors flanked her. They gave a polite bow to the Fire Lord and took up positions to guard the door. Mai entered, stalking past Zuko.
Zuko shut the door behind her. "So….."
"You're ready, I see," Mai said. She surprised Zuko by moving through the sitting room to their old bedchamber. Zuko followed, throat dry. Before, seeing Mai moving through the apartments put his heart at ease. Now, he felt like he was about to tangle with an eel-octopus.
Zuko swallowed and followed his wife in. Mai stood before the hearth, elbows clasped in her hands, seemingly lost in thought. Zuko slowly walked up behind her. She stood still as his hands settled on her shoulders from behind. She didn't pull away and Zuko's heart lurched.
Maybe Mai would forgive him…..and maybe, just maybe he could forgive her too….. Feeling a slight flash of hope, Zuko turned to lean into her. Mai stiffened. She pulled away and turned to face him. Zuko's heart lurched.
"We don't have to do anything tonight…. We'll do things when you're ready," Zuko stammered. Mai glared at him and he felt the sear through his chest. "Or not at all…"
"Oh, don't worry about that, Zuko. You'll get your roll in the hay. I just hope you're up for the task." To emphasize her words, her eyes darted to the lap of his robe. Zuko adjusted the sash, feeling like he was on display. Even covered, he cringed.
"It doesn't have to be like this, Mai," Zuko said as gently as he could. He could feel Mai's chi spike rapidly against his, railing against him. He shuddered. "It can all go back to how it used to be…."
Mai's golden eyes flashed brilliantly with her anger. "Then put aside Ty Lee."
Zuko's lips pursed in a frown. "I CAN'T."
'Oh, Mai, if you only knew why I can't….' Zuko thought desperately. He tried to take Mai's hand but she darted a finger sharp against his chest again.
"Then you're going to have to make this worth my while," Mai retorted. Zuko frowned.
"So you picked up vulgarity from Azula as well. You used to be so kind to me."
"That was before my husband wanted to stick it in my oldest friend," Mai retorted. She ran a hand up and down the front of Zuko's robe. Despite her rage at him, she was starting to feel the effects of lust. She knew every contour of Zuko's body and to know it was going to be against her, inside of her, made her long for the old times.
But this time would be far different than the others…. For one thing….
"Lose the robe," Mai ordered. Zuko watched her, petulant. He slowly untied the sash and shouldered off the robe. Mai's eyes darted down between his legs where his cock stood at half attention. She gave a small smile. "It really is a close call…."
Zuko frowned and tried not to snatch up his robe again. He let it drop regrettably to the floor. "Oh? Now you're going to compare everything about me to my sister?"
"Well she does have a thick cock," Mai said idly. Zuko flushed. His cock surged with his rage, growing stiffer. He tugged at his scrotum harshly.
"If you don't want to do this, just say so. I'm not going to be humiliated," Zuko growled. Mai stood opposite and unfastened her own robe. She was partly relieved Zuko's gaze drifted down her breasts and belly despite himself. A surge of old love flared in her, but she quashed it low.
"You're comparing me to Ty Lee, I bet. Her figure IS fuller than mine." Mai cupped her smaller breasts. Zuko's cock twitched. He moved closer to press against her. Mai sighed against his pectorals. Just when things felt more at ease, and Zuko was leaning down for a kiss, Mai surprised him yet again.
She sank her fingernails into the back of his neck and pressed in hard. Zuko gasped in pain, and lifted his head from her mouth. "Dammit, Mai!"
"Your sister put more into it. Is that all you've got?" Mai taunted. Zuko hissed in rage. He tried to gently collect her in his arms, but she writhed against him like an owl-cat. His cock liked the brisk movements, but the rest of it all felt wrong.
"Shut up. Stop talking about her!" Zuko hissed. Mai arched her back. Her breasts pressed up against Zuko's chest. She could feel his arousal against her belly.
"She really knows how to fuck….her whole being is primed and ready at all times," Mai smirked up into Zuko's face. He was flushed with rage.
"I don't have to listen to this!" Zuko swore. He made to pull away, but Mai grabbed his jaw. She pulled him down into a harsh kiss, teeth scraping along his lower lip. Zuko tried to soften the kiss, but Mai was all over him, pressing him against the wall. His hands clutched at her hips and buttocks despite himself. "Mai!"
Mai slapped him in the face when he tried to push her off him. Zuko growled, mind going red. "Stop that!" he snapped. Mai slapped his other cheek, delighting in the red palm prints left behind. Zuko hissed, steam drifting from his nostrils as he exhaled harshly. He pushed at Mai's shoulders, forcing her back as gently as he could. Mai snorted.
"I should have known you couldn't perform. Having alittle trouble there, Zu?" she taunted. Zuko flushed.
"It's apparent you don't want to be with me, so we may as well end things for tonight," he growled. Before he could turn to collect his robe, Mai darted her hand low and cupped him by the base of his penis. Zuko stopped in his tracks, gasping. His angry eyes darted to Mai who was smirking.
"You're not going to your concubine tonight. You may as well spend your time wisely," she said. She stroked up and down and squeezed the base of him. "You feel more than ready….."
"Not like this, Mai….." But Zuko's hips were moving, trying to push more of himself into her hand. Mai ran her other hand up his abs and chest. She cupped the back of his neck and pulled him down. She nibbled on his lower lip. Zuko groaned and hungrily kissed her. Mai was pleased to feel more than a spark of lust in it. When his lips broke free of hers and ran down her throat and collarbone, Mai arched her back and wrapped her arms around his neck. Eyes closed, she could almost imagine they were back months ago, before their marriage was upended into chaos.
Zuko pulled her nipples between his lips, moving from one to the other and Mai grasped the back of his scalp, fingers twining through his hair. Just as Zuko was feeling almost normal again, Mai tugged his face up.
Her cheeks were flushed with lust, but her eyes still sparkled wickedly. "Azula never waited so long to get inside me. What are you waiting for?"
Zuko growled. His hands ran down her hips and he lifted her. Mai gasped as she was pressed into the wall and balanced against his hips. "STOP….TALKING…..ABOUT…HER!" he hissed. Mai sank her nails into his shoulder blades as he pressed up against her. She began to slide against his tip, a small moan wrenched from her throat.
"Do it, already," she urged between grit teeth. Zuko bowed his head against her shoulder and thrust upward. His entrance wasn't as gentle as his past times, but Mai was over it. She wanted to be stretched, even if the fun times were done with Azula. She gave a happy sigh as she was pulled down and sheathed onto his cock. Zuko pressed her hard into the wall, ramming into her. When his thrusts began to slow, Mai grabbed his face. She took his lips in a bruising kiss. Their mouths moved hungrily against each other.
"Harder….harder!" she urged. Zuko's fingers splayed against the wall beside her. His chest was taut as he strained against her. His knees began to quiver and he hoped he could last long enough. With his harder thrusts, he could feel Mai quivering over him. So she was enjoying it. At the very least, he didn't feel like he was hurting her.
At least, not physically. When his legs trembled too hard, Mai pushed at his shoulders. He sank to his knees and onto his back as Mai moved on top. She rode him wildly, eyes closed. Zuko was almost relieved. Almost. His chest constricted tighter as his breathing came faster and faster, and he wanted Mai to see him. Suddenly, he was certain Mai was remembering her heat with his sister.
Zuko gripped her hips in his strong hands and surged up into her faster and faster. His hard jogging pace made Mai scream and her eyes opened down at him. Zuko's heart burned and a warning was in his eyes. Mai smirked down at him. Sweat broke out along her temple and her hair flowed over her bare shoulders as she rode him.
"Finally, some fire from you…." She purred. Zuko growled, hands strong around her waist.
"I'll give you fire," he warned. Mai ran her hands down his chest, finger nails scraping. Zuko winced at the pain. Droplets of blood were wrenched with her scrapes. He hissed. "Dammit, stop!"
"Not until you do," Mai purred. "Is this all you have, Fire Lord…is….this…your…best….rut?" Her words were punctuated by thrusts up and down on his length.
Zuko pushed at the floor with one bare foot, arching up. He rolled Mai onto her back and went with her. Mai looked surprised as he drove into her at a breakneck speed. His more passionate times with Ty Lee was a good comparison to his mind as he watched his wife arch into him, screaming. When he came, Mai was clutching him. She wailed as she came and Zuko watched her face contort with pleasure, heart thundering.
When they were finished, Zuko smoothed loose hairs out of his wife's face. He panted, sweat streaming down his face. Mai arched into his touch, clutching at him. His thumb rubbed her lower lip. Mai gave a soft moan and kissed his finger. She opened her eyes, and his heart surged to see their old spark in her eyes. He leaned down to kiss her when she slapped her palm into his face, stopping him. He grunted, halting in his thrust between her thighs.
"Ow….."
"Just do what you have to, Zuko," Mai retorted. Zuko sighed. He leaned his head against her breasts. Mai's fingers scraped over his shoulders, pushing at him. "Azula didn't need this much coddling…."
Enraged, Zuko lifted his head and slapped his hand on the carpet next to them. He looked positively furious and even inside her, she was comparing him to his sister. Zuko pulled out and Mai protested. "What…."
Zuko leaned on his heels and rolled Mai onto her knees. She gave a surprised gasp. Zuko pressed a few hot kisses along her back as he lined up. "Stop talking about her…." He growled. He thrust in hard and Mai shrieked.
End for now
End notes: Maybe short, but I wanted to do something plot-pointy and get it out by Christmas. Enjoy and stay strong, my lovelies! Have a happy Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukah, and all that jazz :P
Most sincerely, pen
12/24/2016