Author's Disclaimer: I don't own a thing belonging to "Avatar: The Last Airbender!" Not a durn thing.
Author's Notes: Okay, so Aang succeeded in helping Zuko out abit; delay, delay, delay. When the Avatar State goes off, you have to go with it! I'm sure Zuko will be happy with delays, but we'll be looking at the downside of Aang's strike. Crops, homes and lives were in jeopardy as well.
Maraghoul: Your review made me lose it :P Dammit, Avatar, stop damaging crops and property because of who sits the Fire throne! Take care, my friend :P
QueenTyzula: I have accomplished my goals of making you hate the characters it seems :P Yeah Ty Lee kinda has to sit most of this out being so huge and preggers. Action will be coming later! :P Winter is coming indeed _ :P
Harley Quinn Davidson: Oh yes, those Avatar powers be wonky sometimes :P Glad you liked it.
"Stoking the fire"
Chapter twenty-four "Icy Delay"
The farmers of a village on the outermost tip of the Fire Nation islands were disoriented and dismayed to be bombarded with the first of the early winter storms. Ice and sleet pounded the fields and stirred the ocean into frenetic waves at the edge of the islands.
The men and women ran out into their fields, trying to collect as much grain and vegetables as they could. But many crops were ruined, hardened to frost and then snapped off to nothing when they were touched.
"Winter came early!" one of the women gasped. The men bent double at the waist, yanking at roots, and trying to salvage beets, turnips and greens. The children were pushed to go inside. The icy winds were too harsh even for the adults.
"How is this possible?" one of the men lamented. The icy winds crusted over everyone's thin clothing and they all shivered as they hurried through the fields.
Half of their crops were lost, however. Little did they know their losses were felt throughout the Fire Nation islands.
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"My Lord Zuko, you don't have to help us!" one of the farmers kowtowed. Zuko tightened the hood of his cloak around his face. He exhaled steam as his soldiers turned farmers ran through the fields outside of the royal palace, helping the local farmers.
"I can and I will. We have to save what's left," Zuko swore. "Get up already."
The farmer stood, bobbed a bow, and ran off. The icy winds tore at everyone's clothing, buffeting everyone to and fro. Zuko's hands were starting to turn blue. One of the farmers pressed a pair of gloves on him and it did help, but the stiff frozen vegetables dampened the fingers of the hand wear through and through as time went on.
The moon was high overhead, accentuating the frost and snow across the fields, casting an eerie almost blue light. Zuko exhaled, trying to regulate his body temperature, but he knew he was in for a cold night. After another few hours, his soldiers begged him to return to the palace.
They had done what they could, but the fields were all but a loss at this point. With night fully on, the coldness seemed to seep into everyone's bones, freezing them to the quick. Zuko agreed, and inclined his head respectfully to the farmers. The men and women were all but weeping openly for their lost harvest.
Zuko's mind was awhirl as he entered the palace. He noted some of the Kyoshi Warriors entering opposite, just as frozen through as he was. He waved and they tiredly waved back. Zuko was ready to go to Ty Lee's chambers (he had flat out refused her to follow him; she was too heavily pregnant and tired as it was) when he noticed Iroh.
The old grey-haired man was stooped, his beard lined through with ice. He blinked tiredly and tucked into his cloak. Zuko ran up and slung an arm around his waist.
"Uncle, are you alright? You didn't have to help," he insisted. Iroh blinked tiredly but smiled at his nephew.
"The Breath of Fire, Zuko," he suggested. Both he and Zuko inhaled and exhaled, moving their chi through their bodies with their bending. They both exhaled a thin plume of fire and felt warmed. "Now get some sleep."
"I don't think I can," Zuko admitted, but it was a lie. His limbs were exhausted and he felt like he was going to fall asleep on his feet. Iroh clapped him on the shoulder and they parted ways.
Tsung and Yoshiko were clad in thick cloaks over their already thick Kyoshi Warrior robes and outfits. They opened Ty Lee's apartment door and nodded to him. He felt sorry for them. All of the high windows in the palace corridors had been hastily closed and latched by the servants, but quite a few of them had broken with the high icy winds and would need to be repaired.
The Kyoshi Warriors had to be cold even this thick in the palace. Zuko hurried inside, certain there were more calamities in his concubine's apartments. But he found Ying beside Ty Lee in the wide bed he shared with her, both contently asleep. The windows in the chamber were tightly latched and fine.
He knelt beside Ty Lee and touched her arm. She stirred and opened her eyes. She had been dreaming of Azula kneeling beside her, stroking her belly. She started, recognizing Zuko.
"Zu….are you okay? I was so worried," she admitted. Ying woke and climbed out of the other side of the bed, yawning widely. She tucked her bed robe around herself and bowed to the Fire Lord.
"Try and get some sleep, my lord," she urged. She left them alone.
Ty Lee sat up and watched Zuko shrug out of his ice-encrusted cloak and outer tunic. His inner tunic was sleeveless and he shrugged out of it, muscles along his torso flexing. He shivered noticeably and shouldered into a bed robe. He half turned and discarded his trousers and boots. He almost felt like a hot bath, but Ty Lee opened the comforter and invited him in.
He slid on his side and Ty Lee pressed against his chest. Her small hands rubbed along his sides, trying to warm him. The bed had been warmed by the two women and Ty Lee's comforting arms helped ease him. He slowly warmed, even laughed when Ty Lee yelped when he pressed his cold feet against hers.
"Warm up, already!" she insisted. Zuko liked how her belly pressed into him. He pressed close, draping over her round belly. The baby began kicking and it made him smile, despite how exhausted he was.
"Calm down, little pup. It's time for sleep," he insisted. Ty Lee sighed, shifting on her hip. Zuko worried she was uncomfortable and rubbed her belly and low back. By and by the baby quieted and Ty Lee dozed against his shoulder. Finally, he let his eyes close.
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"Where are you going, Mai?" Lady Michi asked. It was late at night, and her daughter wasn't in her old apartments with the Fire Lord. In fact, she looked like she was sneaking out.
Mai pulled her robes around her rounder belly and sighed.
"For a walk," she groused. Michi frowned.
"Take the Kyoshi Warriors or you're not going! It's dangerous right now, Mai. You shouldn't be going at all," she protested. But Michi knew if she said anymore, Mai would flounce off, alone and everyone be damned. At least if she asked, maybe she would remember the guards.
"Fine, Mother," Mai frowned. She signaled and Tsung and Yoshiko peeled from the doorway of her bedchamber and flanked her. "Happy?"
"If you see Lord Zuko, tell him good evening for me," Michi said idly. Mai flushed. She wasn't going to sneak out to see her husband. He was probably holed up with Ty Lee as it was anyway.
Before she could dwell into a darker pit, Mai left her family's apartments and began her unexpected stroll. She neared the corridors to the throne room and heard soft whispering. She frowned and edged closer, keeping to the shadows along one wall. Tsung and Yoshiko followed close enough to touch.
"What is that?" Tsung whispered to Yoshiko. Mai frowned. They were nearing the end of the long corridor and could see a few shapes gathering, to converse it seemed. Mai's brow raised despite herself.
Were they servants? Engineers? The palace soldiers she was certain was on Zuko's shit list? Mai's slippers moved silently over the carpet over the stone floor, and edged closer. Suddenly, concern for her husband flared through her. Maybe it was her stupid condition, but there it was. Who was having a secret meeting in the middle of the night in her palace?!
Mai could just make out the glint of moonlight through the high windows on the edge of the imperial uniform, glinting off the breastplates of the armor. Maybe she made an audible sound, because the three shapes paused, and Mai swore they were looking right at them.
Mai was ready to use her status and command them to show themselves, when the three shapes moved closer, and let their footsteps be heard. Mai's mouth opened and then Tsung slung an arm over her shoulder. She set a shawl suddenly over Mai's dark hair, shielding her familiar features, and bawled out.
"Come on, Mitsuko, you're needed at the lady's room! Stop shirking your duties."
Mai went along with the ruse and ducked off with the Kyoshi Warriors, who gave an idle wave to the three soldiers who marched past. A few corridors away, Mai pushed the shawl off of her hair.
"Thanks, Tsung," Mai said. Tsung gave a small smile.
"Maybe we should head back, my lady," she suggested. Mai nodded but her mind was awhirl.
"Let's make a few rounds. Come on," she said. After an hour, they almost bumped right into Iroh. He was sharing a cup of tea with another of the Kyoshi Warriors in the shadows of a balcony.
"It's good to see you, my lady, despite the lateness of the hour. Did you come for a cup of tea as well?" Iroh was, as ever, seemingly unperturbed. Mai had to quirk a small smile despite her life's upheaval.
"No thank you. Iroh, have you seen anything strange?" she had to ask. Iroh's eyes hardened slightly.
"Mariko and I are trying to pinpoint down where the random Kemurikage could be hiding. Thus far, the soldiers are all still with us. I hope there will be no murders tonight if we keep up our vigilance…"
"It has to end some day," Mai said sensibly. More than likely with Azula's arrival to overthrow Zuko. A shiver went up her spine, but it was more of fear.
"We can only hope," Iroh said softly. Mariko tugged on his sleeve and snapped to attention.
"We should handle the west wings, Lord Iroh," she suggested. Iroh nodded and gave a bow to Mai.
"Please get some rest, my lady. You're in a delicate condition. And it's been a long enough night as it is," he smiled, eyes twinkling. Mai felt a flush of shame. Zuko's uncle thought that even though they were fighting, she was still carrying his child. She wanted to scream.
"I will," she promised. Iroh grinned and took off with Mariko. Mai watched him go.
Tsung's hand settled on the hilt of her katana. "He's right, my lady. We should get you back."
"Very well," Mai said. She regrettably passed by the royal apartments. That there was no one on guard outside the double doors indicated Zuko wasn't there, but with Ty Lee. Naturally. She flounced off with her warriors, trying not to cry.
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Zuko woke before Ty Lee. As always, he sidled close to gently stroke her round belly. It seemed to calm whatever frenetic dreams the acrobat was having. Her mouth opened and she gave a soft cry, then quieted. Zuko wanted to kiss her brow for her she was beautiful, but the heaviness of the previous night weighed on him.
How could he enjoy one moment of happiness when his people were suffering? The sudden winter storm wasn't a one-time occurrence. A glance at the windows told Zuko that the snow and ice was still falling heavily outside. He knew he would be needed in the throne room and by his council. Zuko tugged on a new pair of trousers and laced up his boots. He pulled on his heavier tunic and adjusted his cloak over it. He was starting to comb his hair when Ty Lee roused. She leaned on one elbow and watched him finish dressing.
"They need you already," she guessed. Zuko gave a soft smile to her.
"The storms may have hurt our harvest by…. well, a lot. I can only hope the damage isn't as bad as I think it is," Zuko said. Ty Lee sat up and patted the bed. Zuko sat beside her and she leaned up. She took the comb and finished combing his hair. She pulled it back into a topknot and Zuko went in search of his Fire Lord's ornament.
"I'll order you both breakfast," Zuko said softly. "You should stay in bed as long as you can."
Ty Lee nodded, grateful. She was exhausted and the on cue, the baby began kicking. She made a face and shifted, sighing. "It's getting stronger. Gives me no peace."
"I'll ask Ying to rub your back," Zuko offered. He exited, to talk to the servants outside and to collect Ty Lee's best friend. Ying bowed and entered the room, sidling up to Ty Lee. She rubbed her shoulders briskly. "Until later, ladies."
"I guess it's too much to hope you have a good day," Ty Lee said sheepishly. Zuko gave a rueful smile.
"One can only hope," he agreed. Soon, he left and one of the Kyoshi Warriors on guard duty outside flanked him toward the throne room. As they walked down the long corridor, the odd cold snap of wind made it in from one of the broken windows high above. Zuko glanced up as they walked. Tall ladders had been propped up against the stone walls, and glass makers were measuring for new panes of glass. They were dressed in heavy coats, their hands and faces securely wrapped with bindings. Zuko felt sorry for them and let the guards outside the double doors of the throne room push them open.
As was customary of the lord who sat the Fire throne, Zuko set the sconces along the walls ablaze. The dragons carved into the walls above them seemed to writhe and move against the orange flames. Zuko ascended the steps to the throne and knelt down from above. Several of his council members were waiting and they pushed closer to the dais, looking worried instead of smug.
"My lord, I have the newest figure of our damaged crop surrounding the capital. It's not good…."
"Lord Zuko, the Fire Sages haven't foreseen this pattern of weather. They consider it a bad omen…"
At that one, Zuko sighed mentally. Of course, it would be another strike against his rule. He would have to win over the superstition with decisive action and planning.
"What's the total for damaged crops?" Zuko made himself ask. He watched the flames along the walls along his throne room out of his peripheral vision.
One of the lords looked through his ledger with shaking fingers. He read off a figure. It was way too large a figure to contemplate being a loss and Zuko slowly closed his eyes. His hands settled into fists on his knees.
"And the stores we already harvested? Can they be spread to the people of the capital?" he asked. Lord Genma nodded. He stroked his white beard.
"It will be done. My lord, what of the farmers of the outlying islands and provinces?"
Zuko didn't want to contemplate the damage outside of the capital, but it had to be done. "Send runners on chicken-horse to the provinces. Have them collect bills of damage so we can assess them, and pass them iou's for the harvest in the capital."
He hoped it would be enough. He worried it wouldn't be.
"Are all the mechanics assessing damage to the palace?" Zuko asked, thinking of the broken windows he had seen. A stooped lord with a very long white beard nodded.
"I told them to disregard budget and fix whatever needs repairing. It's going to be a bad winter as it is," he said.
Another lord harrumphed. "It's an early ice storm, but it can't stay with us. Surely this is a fluke of nature!"
But despite the lord's suggestion, the ice stayed with them the whole day and through the night. As the moon rose overhead, Zuko had to reflect that their winter was well and truly set into place.
His uncle had joined the council and everyone was trying to remain vigilant as they went over the figures and reports. But jaws were clacking open in yawns and lined eyes drooped closed at odd intervals. Zuko coughed.
"Please, my lords, we must needs rest as well. The farmers outside the capital are done for the day. We need our minds to get through the worst of this."
"Zuko is right. Everyone get a good night's sleep," Iroh echoed. Zuko wondered if his uncle was truly going to follow his own words or patrol with the Kyoshi Warriors again. The lords rose and bowed to him, tucking ledgers and scrolls under their arms as they went.
Lord Genma dawdled to ask the Fire Lord about his grandchild and Zuko answered pregnancy questions as he was able. He mentioned the baby had started to kick and Genma was so excited, Zuko began to regret it. He would want to dote on Ty Lee and she was estranged from him as it was. He sighed.
"Pray excuse me, my lord. I must rest as well," Zuko begged off as grandly as he could. Genma looked like he wanted to argue but broke out into a smile instead.
"Of course, Fire Lord. We all need our rest! Ty Lee most of all," he grinned.
In that, Zuko agreed with the narcissistic lord.
As Zuko left, he was about to head for Ty Lee's, but stopped. He tapped one boot on the stone floor and whirled in the other direction. There was small talk and commotion in the sitting room of the apartment he stopped at. He knocked.
The door opened. It was the Kyoshi Warrior's apartment and one of the women answered, dressed down for sleep in a bedrobe, her make-up scrubbed off. She started and smiled to see Zuko.
"Come in, Fire Lord! What can we do for you?" she asked. Zuko smiled and entered.
"I came to see if Suki is available. Is she here?" he asked. The woman nodded and went in one of the adjoining bedrooms.
Suki came out, equally dressed down for bed. Her bed robe was a simple green, and her face was pale and free of make-up. She smiled and bobbed a bow.
"Good evening, my lord. Some of the Kyoshi Warriors are keeping up patrol with Iroh for the night. What can I do for you?" she asked.
Zuko extended an arm and gestured to the door. "Come with me?"
The two departed, leaving the women behind giggling. Zuko flushed, wondering what on earth they were thinking they were up to. He sighed.
Inside the royal apartments he once kept with Mai, and sometimes saw her in, Zuko set a fire in the hearth and he and Suki sat on the sofa.
Suki's fingers twitched and she clasped them together. The scene was somewhat intimate, but it was too much to hope for….. "What do you think caused the ice and snow to come early?"
"I don't know," Zuko admitted. "But the worse news about it is the loss of crops. We're in for a bad winter. I hope it's not a long one."
"Me too," Suki shuddered. "We had a bad winter one year on Kyoshi Island when I was a kid. The village had eaten everything, even the shoe leather. I remember helping my mother pick acorns in the woods. We even peeled bark from the trees to boil down into soup. It was disgusting, but at least it was something."
"That's incredible," Zuko said. Hardships traveling on the road with Iroh flashed through his mind. He placed a hand on his flat stomach, lest it growl in memory.
"It was something," Suki smiled. "So, what's on your mind?"
"Everything," Zuko admitted. "The babies….. my wife and Ty Lee. Of course, I worry about Mother and Kiyi as well."
"There's always a Kyoshi Warrior with your family," Suki said. "Don't worry on that score."
"Thanks," Zuko smiled ruefully. He suddenly wanted to spill the truth about Mai's baby to his friend. It would ease his mind and maybe his damaged heart. But when his lips parted, he faltered. He couldn't tell her. He couldn't tell anyone else. Bad enough he kept his uncle in the dark about both of the children's paternity. He was just too hurt. "Please…. Can you still keep Ty Lee's secret?"
Suki faltered, lips pursing. She had been so close to just blurting out the truth to Mai. Maybe it would ease her hatred of Zuko's actions, and she'd ease up on the man she was so fond of. And now Zuko was asking she remain silent…. "Of…. Of course, Zuko. It's a delicate matter."
Suki's heart swelled when Zuko sagged with relief and gave her a soft smile. "I can't tell you how relieved that makes me. Thank you, Suki…. thank you so much."
When Suki was about to speak, Zuko surprised her. "I'll tell Mai. One day… I just don't know how. I don't think I can while…. We're so at odds," he finished lamely. The urge to blurt out the truth of her pregnancy was on the tip of his tongue again. He nearly bit it to keep the words down.
His situation with his wife hurt so badly, that he eased into Suki's arm, when she slid it around his shoulders. "But you managed to get Lady Mai pregnant. You should tell her and the sooner the better," Suki said.
Zuko chuckled mildly, his mind whirling. Of course, Suki didn't know the truth of THAT child…..He closed his eyes when her fingers sifted through his bangs. Zuko sighed. Wait…..
"Uhm, Suki…." He sat up. Suki flushed and looked down between them. "Are you?..."
"No, I'm not okay. I'm not okay watching your wife devour you alive, and you going to Ty Lee's arms. She doesn't care about you. Not the way I do…." Suki made herself say it. There, now it was out. The Fire Lord could make her and the Kyoshi Warriors leave, but she had to say it.
Zuko's eyes widened and he fairly gaped at the woman beside him. "But….. oh, Suki… I'm so sorry…" he stammered. Suki bit her lip and lowered her head.
"I know you don't feel the same. That's okay. I just had to say it or I was going to lose my mind."
Suki's heart thundered when Zuko's palm covered her cheek. He tilted her face up to his sad expression.
"I don't want to lose you, my friend. Please, will you still be my friend?" he asked. Suki found herself nodding. She sighed and touched his hand, lowering it from her face.
"So, Ty Lee doesn't care about me that way?" Zuko asked casually. Suddenly, Suki felt her heart lurch. Involuntarily, she had caused him hurt yet again.
"That is, she does care a great deal for you…that is…." Suki stammered. Zuko gave a sad smile.
"It's not her fault I'm falling in love with her." Here, Zuko's eyes darted away, and she couldn't read his sullen expression. "It is my child she's carrying, after all…."
The subterfuge in his words killed Suki inside. They both knew the truth about Ty Lee's baby. She suddenly felt so sorry for her handsome Fire Lord. So at odds with the people he cared about. His wife truly was at hate's door with him, and the woman he spent all his time with did not love him back.
"Zuko…"
Zuko wiped his eyes on his tunic sleeve. "So, is it because Sokka has been away for awhile? I thought you both were doing fine."
"So does he," Suki admitted. "It's not his fault…"
"Is there any way you can rekindle your feelings for him?" Zuko wondered. Suki flushed and looked away.
"I hope so….. since I don't have a chance with you it seems."
Zuko looked at her sadly. "Maybe if I weren't married. And I didn't have Ty Lee…."
Suki regarded him ruefully. "I'll take your friendship. You won't have to worry about that changing between us."
Zuko gave a genuine smile. "Thank you…"
"But please tell your wife. If she knew about Ty Lee's baby…she wouldn't hate you so much," Suki said. Zuko sighed.
"I have a feeling that would be so. But there is something else going on….. I just don't know when I can tell her." The image of his wife spreading her legs and letting Azula mount her filled his mind and his fingers twitched angrily. He exhaled a stream of steam.
"Things will get better, Zuko. They have to," Suki swore. Zuko sighed.
"I hope you're right."
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The camp was a mess.
Azula growled and stalked between the rows of hastily erected tents and campfires. The soldiers were huddled in their armor and cloaks, breath steaming in the freezing air. She turned over a frozen log on the ground and gazed around the forest. The trees and bushes were frosted white and the swirling winds carried noticeable flakes of snow and ice. She blinked as her lashes were dusted rapidly.
It could be her paranoia, but Azula was almost certain that Zuko was somehow responsible for the lurch into winter.
"You can't stop me, Zuzu. I WILL get to you…." She cursed out loud. A crunching came up behind her and Azula blinked, turning toward Zirin. She was huddled in her purple and black cloak, hood pulled down over her face. She had barely slept; well everyone hadn't gotten much sleep. "We need to break camp and get back to the march."
Zirin blinked, mouth drooping with frustration. "I don't think that will happen, Azula. We should retreat to Lady Sachiko's until the ice is manageable."
Azula growled and flared, boot flying in a high kick. Fire streamed from the movement. Zirin casually dodged. "That is not an option!" she snapped.
Zirin admired Azula's strength; really, everyone did. But she had to be shown that real health issues would arrive if they pressed on. The nonbenders were certainly suffering.
"It has to be, princess. We must go back. It's only a month or two wait or so; and we can work on our plan while we do. Let Zuko be lulled to a false sense of security. We will get there in time."
A myriad of emotions contorted Azula's face; rage, frustration, and then dull understanding. "FINE. Tell them to get their shit packed up."
As Zirin turned to head back toward the tents, she cast a glance over her shoulder. Azula was gazing at the rows of ice-encrusted trees, a harsh scowl on her face. She neared a tree and placed her bare hand against the frozen bark. She watched her long fingers splay, imagining it were someone else she were caressing.
"Soon. You will bow to me," Azula murmured under her breath. She wondered what Ty Lee looked like swollen with pregnancy. With Zuzu's pup; the very image became suddenly toxic and Azula growled. Her hand heated up and she set the tree to a slow blaze.
The crackling of blue flames filled the woods as the princess stalked back to the camp.
End for now
End notes: Okay it's a bit of a delay :P I need to have the kid born before I get the plot going to more proactive events :P And I will time jump some more so never fear :P Love it, do that review thing, smash that review button :P Stay strong, my lovelies. And happy Friday the 13th!
Sincerely, pen
1/13/2017