Author's Disclaimer: I don't own a thing belonging to "Avatar: The Last Airbender!" Nothing.
Author's notes: I do like diving into dreamscapes and the like. Enjoy, my lovelies.
CharlieBarrow: Thank you for the sweet wishes. Thank you for the wonderful thoughts throughout the day ^_^
Maraghoul: for the messages that formed this story :P Thank you for getting me out of writing corners!
QueenTyzula: All the snark is for you of course, my friend :P
Harley Quinn Davidson: methinks Azula had some severe daddy issues and then some. Glad you enjoyed :P
Maverikc: Thanks for the kind words. Hope you stay tuned! And yes, I have definitely thought of giving Tsung and Ying more story time.
"Stoking the Fire"
Chapter fifty-four "Lapses"
"I hope she gets some rest," Ying said. Tsung clasped her elbow. Ty Lee had been sedated by the healers, much against her wishes, but she'd finally succumbed to their suggestions. What good was she going to be if she didn't get any rest herself? And Azula was still out, so there wasn't anything for her to do for her. So, Ty Lee had finally taken the intravenous sleeping medicine, and was out within five minutes. She was half propped up in a stuffed chair beside Azula's bed. Her hand reached out for the princess's arm, remaining contact as she slept, and hopefully rested.
Tsung sighed as she settled into one of the overstuffed chairs. She and her girl had gotten used to the healer's puttering around the princess's room, and their soft whispers didn't bother her so much anymore. But boy, they were as exhausted as Ty Lee to boot. She and Ying had barely gotten a good night's sleep, pushed to naps by Ty Lee at intervals. But instead of true rest, they'd had to jump out of bed and help Ty Lee with the odd task to caring for Azula.
Azula had only woken momentarily the past few days, to use the chamber pot, and to eat whatever was on Ty Lee's tray at her side. She had stopped spitting food out at the once concubine, but reluctantly accepted her help for replenishment. Now seeing them both asleep near each other did Ying's heart good, even though in waking, Ty Lee still had a lot of terrain to cross to reach Azula's trust.
If she'd ever had it. Ying sighed and watched their friend's chest rise and fall with her breathing.
"I feel so bad for Ty. She's in love with her…and you saw how Azula reacted to seeing her. Ty must've hurt her horribly when she…joined with the Fire Lord." It killed Ying inside that Tsung still didn't know the secret behind Zuko claiming Ty Lee for himself. She believed, like the populace, that Zuko was Princess Izumi's father. She bit her lip.
"That goes without saying…." Tsung clasped Ying's shoulder from behind. Ying reached back and laid a hand over hers. "At least, we found each other again. I would be more upset if I didn't have you at my side…."
Ying swept a grateful smile to her lover. "What would I do without you?"
"We've been apart long enough. Pray we don't have to find out." Tsung's words were serious but she gave a friendly wink. She pulled Ying into her chair, cradling her on her lap.
They had no way of knowing that Ty Lee's dreams were as confusing as her current decision for Azula. She traversed the dusty plains of the Earth Kingdom, then across small islets of the Fire Nation, skipping past various lava pits. In the blink of an eye, she was back in the palace. It must have been a few years prior, for Zuko was not the ruler on the Fire throne, and Ty Lee had had to run to avoid running into Fire Lord Ozai. He swept past her hiding place, formal robes bannering around his tall form. Ty Lee had never told Azula, but she'd always been terrified of her father. Fire Lord Ozai always looked as if he were carved from stone, unfeeling and uncaring. The dark neutral looks Azula practiced mirrored his and hurt to see every time.
This time, Ty Lee found Azula on the floor of her bedroom, tunic torn, and bruises splotching her thin frame.
"Azula!"
Azula's dark head bobbed up and she swallowed her tears. She scrubbed at her wet face, seething as Ty Lee knelt beside her.
"I don't need your help, Ty Lee!"
Ty Lee tutted her, and cleaning off her face, all business. She didn't allow Azula's hurtful words to appear as if they'd stuck. For it DID hurt. But the only way she'd gotten close, was by pressing carefully…
"No, you don't," Ty Lee agreed. She carefully refastened Azula's tunic, closing the fabric over her breast band. The purple bruises on her pale flesh was startling to see. Ty Lee knew Azula wouldn't allow anyone to touch them, so she helped with her appearance.
"When he's gone, I'll rule with an iron fist," Azula was hissing. Ty Lee nodded. She'd heard such proclamations before, in private with the Fire Princess. As heir apparent with Zuko banished, she had a lot put on her shoulders. And only in private did Ty Lee see Azula waver under the weight her father put on her.
"You'll have all the omegas lined up. Anyone in mind?" Ty Lee couldn't help pinching Azula's waist. The princess turned, smirking with newfound interest. Ty Lee could always distract her from the harsh areas her father put her in.
"I have a few in mind. An omega who'd spread whenever I wanted and bore me as many pups as needed."
"Blah. All that talk of pups…" Ty Lee made to tease. The dream lurched and the image of Izumi, her scrunched up face and small balled up fists, flew into Ty Lee's mind. She swallowed as her dream let her straddle both time lines with eyes wide open. "What about just the fun leading up to it?"
Back then, Ty Lee had figured that Azula had found her sexual stamina with servants and a few prostitutes. She'd once walked in on Azula slamming a naked woman into the bed from behind.
Azula's eyes hooded and she trailed a hand up and down Ty Lee's arm. "Have any fun in mind?"
"I always do…" Ty Lee teased. The dream lurched again, the floor going sideways as if they walked the prow of a rocking ship. Her eyes closed and when they opened from the slam, she was startled to find Azula kneeling opposite her, naked as she was. She was shifted, her cock half erect between her legs, and she was leaning to brush Ty Lee's bare shoulders, arranging her loose hair carefully.
Azula was older, and so was she. Ty Lee wasn't surprised to look down and see the slight amount of weight Izumi's birth had given her. If anything, she had made her breasts even rounder. Her tummy was still flat, but had a bit of softness. Azula's hand went past her breasts and to her belly. She stroked her softly, and in her eyes were a soft reverence.
"I know you want a pup. I'm trying my hardest…though the trying is fun," Azula said softly. Ty Lee knelt on her knees and hugged her alpha around the neck. The two tumbled across the pile of cushions on the floor and Azula pressed Ty Lee down carefully, mouth open against hers in a hungry kiss.
"We don't have to try and surpass Zuko with getting a pup. It'll happen, Azula," Ty Lee said. Azula's eyes darkened at the mention of her brother. But Ty Lee's every motion and word were for her alone and Azula calmed rapidly. They twined legs, kissing sweetly. Soon, Azula's flesh stiffened and she ground against Ty Lee with soft urgency. Just as Ty Lee spread her legs, welcoming Azula inside her, her princess's moans loud against her neck, the dream shifted again.
It was cold and it was very dark. Ty Lee walked alone, naked as the prior shift. The only difference was she was heavily pregnant, distended belly leading the way through the inky darkness. She trod carefully along a lighted path that wound slowly higher and higher. Up ahead, Ty Lee could make out a massive shape of…herself! Herself staring down, holding a large ball of chi energy between her cupped palms. Ty Lee gulped. It was oddly surreal to see herself so high above…. vertigo washed through her mind and her arms circled the child inside her as if to protect him or her.
A soft curse rang across the void, and Ty Lee craned to look to her right. Across the way was a similar lighted path, and Azula was on it. She was as naked as she was, shifted cock half erect. She peered across and waved to Ty Lee.
"Go on in. They won't hurt you," A familiar voice rang out. Both women looked up across the void mountains and saw the yellow and red garments of the Air Nomads bobbing against the blackness. Aang sat, long legs dangling as he urged them on, seemingly not noticing their nudity.
"What's in there?" Ty Lee called to the Avatar. She was afraid, but not as afraid as she had been without Azula across the way.
The Avatar leaned on one elbow, chin propped on his hand. "It is your energy signature, your light and life. It is you, and when you both enter, you'll be joined. You already are." Here, Aang waved a hand, gesturing to Ty Lee's pregnancy.
A broad smile lit Ty Lee's face and she turned to smile encouragement to Azula. "Let's do it."
"Wait for me," Azula said. They both continued up the light pathways. Once they reached the glowing sphere of light held by their inky dark selves, Azula sought Ty Lee's eyes. She nodded. Together, they stepped into the void.
The air left Ty Lee's lungs rapidly, as her hair whipped around. She felt as dizzy as if she were plummeting a great distance. Opposite her, Ty Lee could hear Azula scream. She reached, flailed out. When her hand met Azula's, Ty Lee SLAMMED into being again.
Only she was on her back, knees spread wide, screaming with pain as a contraction tore through her. Azula was kissing her face, beaming, and then Ty Lee felt pressure inside her push, once, twice, three times and warmth erupted from between her legs. A child's cry split the air and filled the universe.
Ty Lee had barely time to register the abrupt change of pace, indicating she had given birth and not to Izumi…. Her eyes slowly opened and her mind woke, noticing the details of the chamber. Ying in Tsung's lap, talking quietly with her. And Azula restrained to the bed, clad only in a red bed robe.
Tears leaked from Ty Lee's eyes. It had only been a dream. But she wanted it. So badly she did….
"Ty," Ying said, noticing her waking. Ty Lee pressed her face to Azula's shoulder, crying softly.
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Aang woke suddenly. He was drenched in a cold sweat, but a smile was on his lips. He had dreamt of Ty Lee, and he had helped her seek out Azula's spirit. The two of them had joined with his help and he was glad he could offer any aide…..
Katara stirred at his side and knelt up. She kissed his bare shoulder, yawning. "Aang? You okay?"
She knew the Avatar's dreams were often spirit walks, so Katara was pleased when her fiancée settled into her arms, seeking her comfort. Her hands ran around his smooth scalp, cradling him close.
"Fine, Katara. Just fine."
"If you needed comfort…please…..you know I need it too." Katara's voice was small in the dimness of their bed chamber.
Aang lifted his head and sought her lips in the dark. Their limbs twined.
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Ursa leaned back against the pile of pillows spread across the rumpled futon. Iroh was sitting back on his heels nimbly, still joined inside her. They had come and wonderfully hard, and the older lord huffed as he sat back, holding onto Ursa's thighs, keeping them joined at the knot. Ursa clutched around him, fluttering around his softening knot. Iroh groaned, sweat dotting his hair line. Rivulets of perspiration made his skin gleam in odd patches. His hair was tangled and Ursa's fared no better.
"Are you satisfied?" he couldn't help asking with pride. The soft glow in Ursa's eyes made his heart flutter wildly. Sitting nimbly on his heels, Iroh couldn't help tensing his biceps, trying to hold his paunch in. Ursa chuckled, trailing affectionate hands up and down his torso. She ran her fingers tenderly over his chest, down his sides, and to his hips. She held him onto her, sighing as she squeezed and fluttered around his knot.
Iroh thought he had given every drop of himself, but he groaned as his shaft stiffened inside her.
"You've serviced many heats, I'd think. You know I'm not done with you yet," Ursa teased. Iroh grinned as he leaned to kiss her. Ursa's hand wound through his shorter, much trimmed beard. Her fingers coiled through the neat fork at the end affectionately. "Much better."
"It still is a bit long," Iroh said sheepishly.
"It's much better. Thank you for trimming it," Ursa sighed. She arched her back, round breasts bobbing. Iroh pulled Ursa up into his lap, wrapping her legs around his waist. He rolled his hips beneath her as he bent to gain access to her breasts. Ursa sighed, rocking against him. Her fingers wound through his loose hair.
"I wanted to do this for so long, Ursa…" Iroh murmured against her flesh. Ursa flushed. She tugged his face up and drank his lips in a kiss.
"Don't talk," she urged. "Just take me…."
"Yes…." Iroh murmured. His hips thrust upward with urgency and they rolled back to the futon. Ursa ground her thighs around his hips and thrust wildly on top. Iroh clasped her hips and rolled with her, groaning.
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Mai smoothed her husband's hair from his eyes. Zuko had his head bowed against one hand when she sought him in the council room. The two lords remaining had wisely exited, giving a low bow to her. Mai was pleased when Zuko looked up curiously into her golden eyes.
"Hi, Mai," he said sheepishly. Mai sat on the arm of his chair and slung an arm around his neck.
"It can't be that bad, can it? You've a list of names to question. Things will be secure," Mai urged. Zuko wrapped an arm around her waist.
"They will be, even if I have to question their children as well," Zuko growled. Mai blinked. She kissed his brow, smoothing his long bangs back.
"It won't come to that, I hope." Her tone was dry. Zuko blinked and suddenly she could see the indecision of his teen years reflected in his eyes. Her heart warmed. "You'll do what is right."
"I will," he swore. "And as for…."
Bam! The council double doors were shoved open and one hit the wall, marring the wood. Zuko glowered. Lord Genma entered, smiling a snaky rather kind of smile. Zuko didn't like it. He stood, Mai at his side. He swept an arm in front of her waist protectively.
"Your arrival is a surprise, my lord," Zuko said formally. Genma smiled again, showing way too many white teeth.
"Now that the rest of the council has departed, I thought it a good time to bring up suggestions."
"Oh?" Zuko raised an eyebrow. "Suggestions for what?"
Mai had a feeling she wouldn't like this. She touched Zuko's sleeve.
"For Princess Izumi's upbringing, of course. My daughter has always been terribly flighty, and I can't convey how sorry I am she's fled yet again." If Genma was sorry, he certainly didn't look it.
Zuko gave a small frown. He exhaled, tamping his temper low. "She will be raised with her parents in the palace. With the best supervision and tutors. That's how."
"But my lord," Genma wheedled. "Even if Ty Lee isn't here, my family has a claim on Izumi's future. Surely she should have….other options?"
"Such as staying at your family estate?" Zuko's fingers clenched into fists. "You're suggesting taking my daughter away from me."
Mai started, her chi flaring in anxiety. Zuko reached out, and twined his chi strongly through hers. It was as effective as taking her hand physically. Mai relaxed slightly.
"Not taking." Genma smiled again, too widely. "Showing her where her other family is."
"So, you'd not just take her, you'd use her against me," Zuko snapped. "I think we both know this conversation is over."
"Fire Lord Zuko." Genma's tone hardened and his friendly demeanor vanished as swiftly. It was appalling how quickly he changed mood. "You may not like me, but I did provide a daughter you selected for your own. It matters not to me whether you can keep Ty Lee or not…."
Mai clutched Zuko's arm hard enough to break skin through the fabric of his sleeve. Fury roiled across her husband's face.
"…..But she did provide you with your heir. And she is part of my family too. I would suggest you keep me in your best regards. Unless you wanted an incident to happen."
Zuko stalked forward, shoulders hunched, away from Mai's touch. His chi roiled like a living thing, flung out towards the older lord. Genma took a step back from it.
"You DARE threaten ME? MY FAMILY?!" Flame lined Zuko's knuckles as he surged forward. "You must be MAD, my lord….!"
Mai hurried to keep pace with Zuko, and in her hand was a dagger. She held it at the ready, an equally hard scowl on her face. "You will not touch my daughter! If you do, I can't guarantee you'll live in one piece…"
Zuko's chi calmed slightly at her back-up. He took a ready stance beside Mai. "You threaten me, it comes to Agni Kai. And you won't win….."
Genma had several years of experience with firebending over Zuko, but still…faced with the royal pair, he faltered. His altercation ended not as he wished, and he had to acquiesce or risk imprisonment.
Genma bit his lip and bent the knee. "My…. apologies, Fire Lord. I spoke far too much."
"Apparently it was on your mind," Zuko snapped. He drew his chi closer, extinguishing his flames. Mai kept her dagger, however. Genma lowered his face, scowling at the stone floor. When he raised his head, his next words made Zuko freeze.
"Many said you didn't have it in you. Lord Ozai's ferocity. But for an instant….you looked just like him."
Zuko recoiled as if struck. His eyes widened, then his brows drew taut as he scowled. He told himself to keep his Fire Lord's face as he stiffly nodded.
"Rise."
Lord Genma rose.
"Get out of my sight."
Lord Genma gave a curt bob of a bow, keeping his gaze averted. As the gray-haired man neared the council door, Zuko called to him.
"Expect to be watched closely. For your own safety of course, my lord."
Genma scowled. "As you will… Fire Lord."
Once he left, Mai wrapped an arm around Zuko's waist. She knew such a remark would have its effects and Zuko fairly sagged his gait, leaning against her.
"What he said…" Mai leaned her mouth up near Zuko's ear. She had to stand on tiptoes to reach it. "It's not true. It's not."
Zuko shuddered, and embraced her tightly. Mai slung her arms around his neck.
"I know…I know…." Zuko mumbled against her shoulder.
End for now
End notes: And finally, something somewhat plot-pointy! Stay strong, my lovelies. Like it, smash that button and do that review thing ^_^
Most sincerely, pen
8/04/2017