e
Author's Disclaimer: I don't own a thing belonging to "Avatar: The last Airbender." Not a damn thing!
Author's notes: We'll be looking at abit after the night of the last chapter then time jump forward a bit. If I go at a normal pace, we'll be stuck in summer forever :P
QueenTyzula: Meheh I hope you enjoy the strife. Is it bad to say adversity makes for the best kind of writing?
Maraghoul: I think Mai and Ty Lee are more alike than they like to admit. If Ty Lee were in the same position as Mai, I'd think she'd make things difficult as well :P Azula cool her ardor into a glacial slab? LOL! Well maybe not so much, she's actually being proactive now :P
Harley Quinn Davidson: Ask and ye shall receive! Enjoy.
"Stoking the Fire"
Chapter twenty-two "Second Announcement and Fall"
Zuko sighed as he was roused from sleep. After the harsh rutting on the floor, he had picked his wife up and invited her into their old bed. Mai had sniffed at him and ordered him to pour her a few glasses of wine. Zuko allowed it, since it was so early in her pregnancy. He had glowered at the thought and had a bit too much to drink himself.
He was startled to feel his cock stir and stiffen, encased in warmth. He opened his eyes. He wasn't in bed with Ty Lee and his wife was coaxing him to hardness with her mouth. He ran a hand through her hair on reflex. Mai swatted his hand aside and went down on him with more vigor. Zuko wasn't sure whether to enjoy it or not. He could feel the bare edges of Mai's teeth along his shaft. He twitched.
Mai gave a contented hum around him and took him deeply into her throat. The threat of teeth vanished as she relaxed her throat. Zuko sighed, and fell onto his back, his attention narrowed between his legs. Just when he was starting to really enjoy himself, Mai lifted her lips off him with a loud pop. Zuko opened his eyes as Mai crawled up his body. He wanted to smile, but was afraid of getting a sharp retort.
He held her hips, helping her slide onto his waiting length. Mai gave soft sighs as she mounted up. Zuko let her lead their pace. He delighted in watching her pleasure. It wasn't a harsh rut and her insistent but gentle pace gave his heart hope.
When Mai came loudly above him, Zuko sat up and hugged her waist. He drove upward harder until he could let go. Mai held his head in her arms. Zuko sighed. He leaned up to kiss her but Mai pushed him onto his back.
"Don't get any ideas," she snapped. Zuko blinked as she climbed off his cock, thighs trembling. He sat up and reached for her.
"Mai…" he said. Mai snatched on her robe and furiously tied the sash.
"Don't look at me like that," she snapped. "I'm going to my family's."
Zuko swallowed. His heart was in his eyes but he nodded.
"Good day, my lady," he said. He was starting to feel exposed, so he tugged the sheet over his waist. Mai snorted and collected herself. She swept off to the front sitting room and the front door to their chambers slammed open. He heard her conversing with the Kyoshi Warriors on duty and their voices trailed off as they left.
Zuko sat up, trying to collect himself. He finally threw himself into his robe and fastened it. He stalked out of his chambers. Suki was just coming up and both stopped, practically in each other's faces. Zuko blinked when she flushed faintly through her make-up.
"Do you need a friendly ear?" Suki asked. Zuko found himself nodding.
"Come sit with me. Might as well start the day with someone who cares," he said bitterly. Suki accepted Zuko's slight bow and both sat on a sofa in his sitting room.
"I saw Lady Mai leaving," Suki said carefully. Zuko leaned back into the sofa, his head supported on the back. His long legs stretched out in front of him. He closed his eyes.
"Agni, that was horrible. She showed me she hates me in every way," he complained. Suki wanted to run her hand through his tousled hair, but wasn't sure how he'd react. The way he was hurting, he'd rush to Ty Lee's side again. It wasn't doing either of them much good in matters of the heart, but they would wallow the only way they could.
"I'm so sorry, Zuko. I hoped since she came back that…."
"That she'd want to be near me? Guess that was a futile dream," Zuko laughed bitterly. "It's amazing she came back to the capital at all."
"Is she going to leave you?" Suki asked quietly. Zuko pressed his palm over his closed eyes.
"I keep thinking she will. She said she'll stay for now, and she didn't want a divorce."
"You asked her that?" Suki was amazed that Zuko had tried to be proactive yet respectful of Mai's feelings about everything.
Zuko opened pained eyes at his friend. "Of course. She may not have thought it would be a possibility. If she truly wants to leave, she can. I can't order her to stay."
"Legally, you could," Suki said wryly. Zuko quirked an odd smile.
"Mai wouldn't listen if I did. And I almost lost her that way after the War. She should have the power to choose how she wants to live."
"Zuko, it'll be okay. Even if she leaves you, you have Ty Lee, you have me and the Kyoshi Warriors," Suki offered.
'Most of all you have me!' she wanted to insist out loud. Zuko nodded.
"Friends are so hard to come by. I know I can trust you. I just…" Zuko's eyes were full of pain and he leveled Suki with his gaze. "With Ty Lee's baby…..you know what it is about that. Am I even doing the right thing anymore?"
"You can't falter, Zuko. The path is set. We have to see it through," Suki said sagely. Zuko nodded.
"We will. Thank you, Suki," Zuko smiled. Suki was glad to see a hint of warmth in it. If she could give him a moment of peace, she'd take it.
"Come on. I bet Ty Lee missed you too," she said. As Zuko eagerly got to his feet, her heart still hurt. But if she was loyal, Zuko may come to her. In Suki's mind, Lady Mai would eventually leave. To the Kyoshi Warrior, the Fire Lady had no reason at all to stay. She couldn't begin to grasp Mai's current situation or Zuko's part in it.
Back at the concubine's apartments, Ying happily greeted Lord Zuko and smiled at Suki. Suki left them and Zuko pushed into Ty Lee's bedroom. She was undressing for a bath, and she covered herself with her robe. She looked tired, but smiled to see him.
"Morning, Zu," she greeted him happily enough. Zuko stalked closer and wrapped his arms around her. He ducked his head against her shoulder and sighed. Ty Lee's arms went around his back. She ran a hand through his hair. "Missed you."
Zuko shuddered and he was startled to feel tears in the corners of his eyes. "Missed you too. Well, Mai hates me. It's just…. We'll never go back to the way things were."
Ty Lee's fingers twined through his hair and she massaged his scalp softly. "I wish I could say I knew things would get better. I wish I knew…"
"My wife hates me. She really does hate me now," Zuko said bitterly. He lifted his face and gazed sadly into Ty Lee's gaze. Her eyes were very sad and he wondered if she had been thinking of Azula again. He caressed her cheek. "Are you okay, Ty?"
"I'll be okay…. Want to take a bath? We could use a long soak," Ty Lee suggested. She coaxed Zuko to her washroom, arm around his waist. When she parted his robe, she was startled to see bite marks along his shoulders which made her blush, then scratch marks down his chest. She gasped. "What happened? Geez, Zuko!"
Zuko flushed with embarrassment. "Mai was insistent we not be…gentle about things."
"I hope you didn't hurt her," Ty Lee commented. Zuko flushed with shame.
"I did everything she asked. I wouldn't hurt her," he insisted. Ty Lee gave him a rueful smile. She stopped the water tank over the bath tub and Zuko firebended, adjusting the temperature of the water.
"I know you wouldn't. Come on, into the tub." Ty Lee felt her maternal instincts kick in as she helped Zuko disrobe. She just wanted to ease the stress from his face. Zuko slid in, sighing as the hot water sifted up to his chest. He leaned back.
"Come in?" he asked. He was certain Ty Lee wouldn't; why would any woman in his life right now be agreeable? But Ty Lee disrobed and slid in. Her hand went to her lower belly and Zuko started. The bump was much more noticeable naked and his hands slid around her middle protectively.
"You're just…" he started. Ty Lee cupped his cheek as he gathered himself. "I wish it really were mine."
Ty Lee kissed his cheek. He had to shave again that morning. "It is," she insisted. Her heart lurched even as Zuko smiled kindly at her.
'Oh, Azula…. If only you were here with me like this….'
Ty Lee began to wash Zuko's back. She darted to his front and carefully inspected the nail marks. "We're going to need to wash this out, Zu. I don't want it to get infected."
"Okay, Ty," Zuko said. He started when she carefully washed the marks with a clean washcloth. He hissed when she rinsed it out with fresh water. "Dammit to Agni's hell!"
Ty Lee tutted at him and patted the area with a towel. She leaned up to kiss his cheek to take the sting away. "Watch your mouth, Papa."
Zuko found himself smiling. "You always know how to cheer me up."
Ty Lee started when his arms went around her waist and he lifted her. They hugged tightly, their slick bodies rubbing. Ty Lee carefully kissed him and Zuko accepted eagerly. Long moments sifted by.
"Agni help me. Let us be at peace," Zuko pleaded when their lips parted. He meant for the whole situation, with his sister, with his wife, everything. Ty Lee hugged his neck.
"We have to find our peace. You must be tired…."
"Not so tired." Zuko gave a crooked smile. Ty Lee started as she felt him stiffen against her in the water.
"Your wife didn't tire you out?" she teased. Zuko's fingers parted her thighs beneath the water and she shifted restlessly. "Not fair, Zu…."
"You missed me, too," he insisted. "Come here…"
Ty Lee allowed herself to be lifted onto his lap and down. Zuko's heart surged. At least she answered his royal proposal with the appropriate moans of contentment.
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
A few weeks passed.
Zuko had Mai examined again by the Head Fire Sage and insisted he do so even though he was certain of the outcome. The Head Fire Sage wildly yelped after the examination, scurrying through his scrolls frantically. Mai smirked as she pulled her robe around herself.
"This can't be! I was absolutely sure!" The old man insisted, then scattered his scrolls with a flurried flick of the wrist. "Be that as it may, I'm glad to be wrong!"
Mai purred a smile to the flustered old man who didn't know whether to look pleased or distraught over the diagnosis. "Thank you, my lord."
"Thank YOU, Lady Mai! Lord Zuko will have another heir!" the Head Fire Sage insisted. He clasped her hands between his and bowed over them. "I suppose you WERE keeping up with my fertility tea?"
"Yes….and different positions," Mai said idly. The old man flushed.
"Yes, yes, sometimes that can help," he laughed. "Well done!"
'If you only knew….' Mai thought. Azula's pale flesh flashed through her mind. She swallowed.
Zuko was waiting outside of the sage's temple. He took Mai's hands in his and she allowed it. "Well?" he asked.
Mai's eyes flashed to his. "You already know."
Zuko nodded, eyes looking distracted. "Of course….. congratulations are in order."
"To you, I'm sure," Mai patted his cheek alittle too hard. Zuko winced. "You have another heir."
"Yes….. as long as you want to be my wife," Zuko pleaded. His eyes begged for resolution, for recourse; for her love. Mai's heart lurched. She set her jaw in a stubborn jut.
"I am your wife. You'll have more children than you know what to do with," she retorted. Zuko flushed. 'Because of Azula' was clearly the thought shared between them.
"Apparently so," he said dryly. "Shall we make the royal announcement?"
"Very well. I won't appear so lax to the nobles now," Mai said languidly. Zuko flushed with a flash of anger.
"You never did," he insisted. Mai shrugged at him. Zuko escorted her to her family's apartments and bowed.
The next day the royal family, Ty Lee and Mai, were gathered on the high balcony overlooking the capital city. The braziers were lit, and Lo and Li gathered at the balcony's edge with the Head Fire Sage to announce the next pregnancy.
"Behold, a miracle! With much work and insistence, Fire Lord Zuko and Fire Lady Mai have joined together to conceive an heir!…. A second prince or princess in line to the throne…."
Ty Lee stood at Zuko's left elbow. The three were dressed in their finest robes, and Ursa and her family were no more finely dressed behind them. Zuko and she shared a flash of understanding as her fingers clasped his elbow. Her hand went low and into his. Their fingers squeezed.
Mai was to Zuko's right, as the royal wife's position dictated. She clasped his sleeve to give the appearance of unity, although her eyes were so icy they could have frozen one in their tracks.
Zuko stiffened, trying to keep his expression regal but neutral. The throngs below cheered at the twin advisor's words, their voices rising steadily in volume.
Ty Lee gave a small wave and Zuko was proud of her. She did know how to play the crowds. He wanted to shake his wife, however. Mai barely gave the briefest of nods, clutching his elbow hard enough to hurt.
Kiyi murmured behind them, and darted forward to grasp Ty Lee's other arm. The four were cheered on by the citizens and the young girl looked down in awe. Zuko gave a small grin at last for her wanting to see the crowd up close. He and Ty Lee squeezed hands.
Mai sniffed beside Zuko. "Is this enough?"
Zuko gave a nod to the crowds and spoke out of the side of his mouth. "Yes. If you so wish…"
Mai gave a curt bob of a bow to him, robes flaring, and stalked off the balcony. Her servants trailed off quickly. Lady Ursa watched her, sadness in her gaze. Zuko gave her a forced smile that became real and held his arm out. The crowd reacted, noticing the Fire Lord's mother at the edge of the balcony, and cheered. Ursa blushed.
"It's been awhile for all of that," she admitted. Noren lurked behind them until Ursa held her free hand back. He strode forward to take it. The small family held hands, listening to the crowds cheer once more.
At the very least, the announcement went off well. And right in this moment, Zuko could be happy with it. What it meant for his wife and their marriage was something else entirely. Just thinking of taking another of his sister's pups for his own was enough to make him physically ill.
But Ty Lee's baby would be born first. By past relationships in the royal family, any child born first would succeed the throne, whether their mother be Fire Lady or concubine. By law, Ty Lee's child would have first succession. At the very least, Mai hadn't beaten Ty Lee to the punch in that.
Zuko was happy to feel Ty Lee's fingers in his left hand, but his mind was full with thoughts of his erstwhile wife.
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
A couple more months passed.
Ty Lee was in the middle of her pregnancy and the bump became a pop that was more than alittle noticeable. Summer was coming to an end and fall was well on its way.
Azula hadn't attacked yet. That there was no open battle was more than alittle disconcerting; it was becoming downright scary. Apparently, she had learned subtlety and it showed in guerilla shadowy tactics. Odd soldiers that had been newly employed were attacked or killed. It was enough to make anyone enlisting take pause from doing so. Every morning passed with at least one incapacitated soldier, or one even dead. That it was becoming routine was alarming.
The older soldiers, the ones who could very well be under Azula's involvement, had to be called in from the capital city perimeters to guard the palace walls. Zuko hated that he seemed to be playing into Azula's tactics, but he could only respond.
Iroh took up patrolling with the Kyoshi Warriors and day and night they hardly took a break. Anything to protect the soon to be born children, he insisted. Zuko barely rested. Only in Ty Lee's arms could he close his eyes. And Ying slept pretty much at their bedroom door in a bed roll, and five Kyoshi Warriors guarded the apartment.
She was as distraught, he knew. Their sex had dwindled as her pregnancy advanced, and he knew she had an affection for him despite her love for a traitor. Even so, in his heart of hearts, Zuko wondered what Ty Lee would do if she came face to face with Azula. Throw herself at her? Or try to protect him? The thought hurt him.
For that matter, would his lady wife throw herself at Azula as well? The entire possibility was too stressful. Mai had demanded his use for a few nights out of the ordinary and when he left for Ty Lee's in the morning, he felt used, like a dirty limp dish rag.
At least with Ty Lee, he felt somewhat whole. By and by when he had to leave her for Mai, he worried over her. With Azula's pup growing large inside her, it stood to guess that Azula would be on her mind.
He knew it was petty, but Zuko lavished attention on her, gifts and personal massages, doting attention on the mother of his supposed child. Oft times it worked and Ty Lee would spread for him, or at the very least, want to loll in bed, arms and legs entangled for a cuddle.
Today, Zuko couldn't focus on his strange dynamic between the two women. Aang had sent a messenger hawk and he and Katara were on the way for a fast visit.
Zuko bet it had to do with Aang's unspoken questions about the whole debacle. He truly wondered how much he could let his friend in on, even if he was certain Aang could keep a secret.
He stood in the courtyard with Suki and her Kyoshi Warriors. Ying and Ty Lee were at his elbow, waiting. They all spotted the sky bison circling down and all too soon his friends jumped out of Appa's saddle.
"Hi, Zuko!" Katara waved. She and Aang rushed forward to embrace him. Aang let go of Zuko to gentle grasp Ty Lee in a hug. She was startled.
"We heard the news. Congratulations," he smiled. Ty Lee flushed. She and Zuko shared a look and Aang felt a pang in his head. He hoped he wasn't getting a headache. He blinked away the flash of white light.
"Yes, congratulations! You're showing so much," Katara complimented. Ty Lee sighed and took the waterbender's hand and laid it on her protruding belly.
"That's okay, Ty Lee…" Katara tried to bow out. Ty Lee gave her old optimistic smile and clasped Katara's hand, keeping it where it was.
"You know you were going to ask to touch it. Have you and Aang decided to take the plunge yet?" she teased. She was glad to take the Avatar and Katara's mind off of her pregnancy with the sudden flush between the pair.
"Everyone keeps asking us that! It's only because you guys got pregnant first," Aang said loudly. He was bright red all the way to his scalp. Zuko laughed out loud.
"You know the subject is going to keep coming up," he had to rib his friend. Aang pursed his lips out at him, irate.
Katara was about to take her hand off of Ty Lee's belly when she raised an eyebrow. "Strong aura, Ty Lee. Zuko, you should be so proud."
The two shared another look and Aang pinched the bridge of his nose to stave off the pain of an inevitable headache. He wished it would just arrive or get lost.
"Come on, let's head inside. I wish we could enjoy the sun more, but times have been alittle, well, dangerous," Zuko admitted. He and Ty Lee clasped arms and walked in ahead as the servants ran up to collect Appa for the stable areas. The cleaners with their brooms and dustpans sighed angrily at the clumps of fur and leavings they had to clean up.
The four sat in a sitting room and Aang looked around. The servants passing seemed furtive and the palace soldiers were downright on edge. "What's going on around here? I thought everyone would be more happy."
"That's right, isn't Mai pregnant too? See, everything turned out okay, Zuko!" Katara smiled. She leaned against Aang's arm. Zuko flushed.
"We're…still at odds. About Ty Lee, I mean," Zuko mumbled. Ty Lee laid her hand over his. Aang was glad to see their connection, but was equally troubled over the news about Mai.
"I'm sorry, Zuko. By law, Ty Lee's baby inherits, doesn't it?" he asked curiously. Zuko nodded.
"Firstborn child inherits. It doesn't matter whether the mother is the Fire Lady or not," he said. Katara raised an eyebrow.
"I'm just glad we won't have to worry about that," she said. Aang was pleased she took his hand. They had traveled without Sokka, and while the trip was fun and romantic, he was secretly worried about proposing to her. He hadn't done it yet, but her closeness gave him pause for hope.
"Well, you're not Fire Lord, Katara," Zuko said dryly. Ty Lee squeezed his hand.
When it was apparent Mai wasn't going to appear and join them for tea, the four friends sat, chatting. Ty Lee felt some of her stress dissipate with Aang's easy cheer. For now, they could forget the assassinations. They could relax because the Avatar was there.
Ying stood at Ty Lee's elbow as always, and caught her eye. She gave a nod. Ty Lee blinked dark-rimmed eyes. She let some of her stress go. Her fingers stroking over Zuko's wrist urged him to do the same.
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
"Azula's people are gaining access somehow to the palace at night. I sleep with Ty Lee almost all the time, if to protect her," Zuko complained to Aang. The Avatar was in the royal bedchambers alone with him, looking at Zuko's expensive Pai Sho set.
"Ty Lee can take care of herself. All those chi blocking moves," Aang tried to tease. Zuko blinked, serious.
"I mean it, Aang. I'm really worried. She's playing a long game she intends to win. And all I can do is react to whatever it is she does!" Zuko ran a hand through his bangs. He thought as usual, of Ty Lee and Mai. The soon-to-be-mothers were well guarded. Katara herself with was Ty Lee and Ying, which did put Zuko at ease. He knew first-hand how accurate Katara's bending was.
"What about Mai?" Aang had to ask. Zuko made a face.
"I put as many of the Kyoshi Warriors on guard at her family's apartment. I don't have to worry about THEIR loyalty," he said. Aang nodded.
"You're agitated, Zuko. But hopefully you can relax abit," Aang said. Zuko blinked dark-rimmed eyes.
"Is it bad to say I'm alittle relieved the Avatar is here? Even Azula would falter, knowing your whereabouts," he said. Aang sighed.
"I figured as much. But I'm here to help, Zuko. However I can."
"Thank you, old friend," Zuko said. "I only hope winter will stop these attacks. Uncle and I had to give compensation to the families of two soldiers we cremated this morning. I don't mind going in the coffers for the soldiers, but the look in their family's eyes….. they blamed me for their deaths. And I can't say I blame them."
Aang started, concerned. He put his hands on Zuko's shoulders and urged him to the ground. Both sat cross-legged across from each other. "I know you're more of a physical person, Zuko, but try some breathing exercises with me. I can promise it will help."
Zuko pulled at the long sleeves of his tunic and sighed. He clasped his hands into fists and laid them on his thighs. "What can I do for these poor people of mine? I can't even protect the ones protecting my palace."
"It is a heavy burden to be responsible for others," Aang agreed. He pressed his fists together. "All you can do is accept what is happening and face it."
Zuko nodded, still looking distant. "Of course…"
Aang inhaled and exhaled a long breath. "Let's begin. In….. out…."
Zuko closed his eyes and followed the example. As they breathed, the white light kept tugging at Aang behind his closed eyelids. He sighed and ducked into it.
As usual, the scene was like to make him erupt into a bright red blush. He was opposite Zuko so it was his memories. He and Ty Lee were joined, naked on a mat in front of nine bearded old men sitting opposite, watching their every move of passion. After their release, Zuko traced a hand along Ty Lee's flat belly. Their smiles were telling as they breathed hard against each other.
Aang started and followed the flash of light into the next room. He saw Zuko awake, watching Ty Lee sleep, worried. He was thinking about what his sister was doing as his hands moved gently over the sleeping acrobat. In another flash, Mai was screaming in his face, indicating a bad memory. Aang winced as her harsh words crashed over him.
"Well, you got what you wanted. Congratulations! "she snapped. Aang started and blinked. He glanced at Zuko's still expression. His eyes were still closed and Aang was desperate to flat out ask what was really going on. He kept up the breathing until Zuko opened his eyes.
The Fire Lord still looked troubled. "How long are you staying?"
"A couple of days at least. I'll fly over the palace and do a perimeter check," Aang promised. Zuko sighed.
"Thank you."
As they climbed to their feet, Aang wondered whether his friend would trust him to tell him the truth.
8
8
8
8
*8
8
8
"Another note, princess," Zirin urged. Azula laughed. She was drinking sake. Her tunic collar had been loosened and she smiled predatorily.
"Why not?" Her right hand picked up a brush, dipped it in ink, and wrote a series of characters. Zirin angled to read. The note read 'Another one gone, Zuzu.' Three Kemurikage were hiding in plain sight around the palace, dressed as servants. They had garnered access to the messenger hawk station and they sent birds back and forth. Over the past few nights, Azula had taken to sending handwritten notes to place on the newest corpse they left for someone to discover in the morning.
These new soldiers hadn't been turned to their employ, and thus were expendable. Azula's lips curved upward. She bet Zuzu was having a cow-pig everytime he found one of her notes. He would know it was her hand, making many uncomfortable scenarios come to mind. "He'll love this one…"
"Oh, yes." Zirin poured her another cup of sake and took one for herself. It was her suggestion to try this shadowy tactic and she knew the effects had to be driving Zuko half mad. More soldiers had gathered at Lady Sachiko's and the amount of men and women arrayed was impressive. They camped in the lady's courtyard and around her estate. They'd have to march soon or grow bored.
At the very least, Zirin was insuring their entrance would be abit easier by their women taking out some of the newer soldiers.
"I bet the Fire Lord pisses himself every morning. He has to wonder if you're actually there in person," Zirin said. Azula grinned. Zirin poured her another glass and the princess tipped back the sake.
"We need to be on the move soon. But it wouldn't hurt to thin out the ranks before we march the soldiers in," Azula said. She itched to fly into battle, but she had to admit that Zirin's idea was a good one.
"Winter should be a long way off in coming," Zirin agreed. "Here's to our victory."
Azula poured Zirin a glass and the two women clinked. "It's coming. Zuzu will be at my feet….."
Zirin sipped, liking the wide smile and darts of red in Azula's cheeks. At least she wasn't lamenting over her lost love with Ty Lee.
"And we'll all get what we want."
"Indeed," Azula drawled. She leaned back in her chair, knees spread.
End for now
End notes: Happy new year's, everyone. Stay tuned and stay strong, my lovelies. If you liked, smash that button and do that review thing :P
Most sincerely, pen
12/30/2016