Bloodlust

by OnexLostxSoul

In order to keep the vampire civlization at bay, Ozai hands over one thing he won't miss: His own son. However, a strange relationship develops when the enchanting Lord Setsuya entraps Zuko in his circle of twisted pleasure and seduction. Explicit Yaoi.

15. To Plot

(A/N: Enjoy.)

Ryuichi stumbled over a rock in the center of the hallway, letting out a curse as he clutched the ridiculous pile of folders and loose-leaf papers in every attempt not to let the documents collapse. The missing paperwork was thought to have been stolen during the supply raid, but was found discarded and strewn in a niche near one of the forest entrances. It had taken him a total five hours to compile all of the papers and another three to sort them. Even with his experience, it was quite the task. He expected some sort of compensation for this one, be it a new cloak or some scented candles…

Lord Setsuya had locked up his office for the time, so he would have to drop them off at the man's quarters. Maybe he would get to see Zuko! His pace quickened as he dodged rocks, citizens, and any other odd obstacles he encountered such as the occasional rat or cobweb. Approaching Setsuya's door, he set the papers down for a short-lived relief. He quieted his breath and leaned into the door to hear the voices of Setsuya and Zuko. However, their voices were not channeled into precise words, but ragged moans and cries. He put a trembling hand on the handle and eased the door open, unable to stop the motions of his body. He peered into the room, confident he wouldn't be noticed. What he saw made his chest tighten and his heart catch fire. Across the room in plain sight was Zuko, naked and in a state of bliss as he straddled his soul mate and savored the sweetest of unions.

Ryuichi's hands clenched and his fingernails dug into his skin, staring into the face of his dearest deriving pleasure from another man. And Setsuya! Writhing and thrusting as though he deserved to be inside of such a beautiful boy. It was sickening. He ignored the vampire for what it was worth and focused on Zuko, watching him bask in absolute Nirvana as he doused himself in the love of another. What he wouldn't give to be the one Zuko looked at in such a way… Zuko should be his and his alone. His. And. His. Alone.

"Ryuichi? Are you listening to me?" Takuya pouted, tugging on the vampire's sleeve. "I'm spilling my heart out here! You could at least pretend to pay attention."

"I'm sorry." Ryuichi winced, shaking himself out of his reverie. "I'm a little distracted. So you got to keep the apartment?"

"Yep! He didn't want to deal with the pain of moving the piano. I've never felt more relieved. It's like I've been wearing a mask for years without knowing it, and just peeled it off! Still, I am a little sad over all of this." Takuya crept to Ryuichi's side of the bed and whispered, "Care to cheer me up?" He nibbled on the man's ear and ran a fingernail against his cheek, noting the man tense beneath his touch.

"I haven't fed for a few days. Besides, I'm not really into that sort of thing anymore, you know?" Ryuichi smiled and removed the man's hands, not at all angered by Takuya's request. As of late, he'd felt offended whenever a bold vampire requested sex from him. Suddenly, he didn't want to be the community whore, not now. He wanted people to think better of him, Zuko in particular. But Takuya was different. He had always been there for Ryuichi. He was his first kiss with a man, his first conversation about intimacy, and his first rebound lover after Setsuya. Takuya couldn't judge another person; he didn't know how.

"I figured." Takuya instead set his head in the other's lap, staring at the wall across from them with a forlorn sigh. "Got yourself a long-term lover? You did seem pretty into that cute human. Zukai, was it?"

"Zuko." Ryuichi took a sharp breath, not at all the reaction Takuya was expecting. He was waiting for the other to laugh, hit him on the head, or perhaps demand that he stop teasing. Rather, the vampire seemed very, very on edge. "What do you mean?" Damn musicians, always so observant.

"I mean what I said, I guess. I want to say I was joking, but your reaction leaves me puzzled." Takuya inclined his head, his playfulness fading away. Could it be that Ryuichi was truly 'into' the teenager?

"So did Kyo move in with his secret girlfriend?"

"Don't you dare change the subject." Takuya reached upward and tilted Ryuichi's chin so that their eyes met. "Is it true? Do you love him?"

The word 'love' struck a chord in Ryuichi's heart. Love was so ambiguous. Ryuichi himself thought once that he loved Setsuya, and it turned out to be unrequited. Takuya once loved Kyo, and now they were undergoing separation. Akane and Rohan loved each other, yet they seemed like an unfit pair to even sustain a conversation. "I don't really understand a whole lot about love, but it would seem that I have developed… an affection for him that runs deeper than it should."

Takuya sighed, his eyes sympathetic as he traced the man's cheek with understanding. "Ryuichi, he is Setsuya's lover."

"You think I don't know that?" Ryuichi demanded, catching the shimmering red-orange hair between his fingers and absently stroking it. "Zuko sees me as his best friend, maybe even his brother. It eats away at me night and day." He sighed, leaning backward and closing his eyes as he tried not to imagine Zuko's expression as he made love to Setsuya.

"I know, I know," Takuya soothed him, running cool hands over his forehead and neck. "Zuko loves having you as a mentor, doesn't he? Would you rather retain you friendship or lose him altogether?"

Ryuichi didn't answer, pain jolting through his chest like an intensifying heartache. He was going to steal Zuko away from his soul mate, and try to woo him into a life he may possibly be repulsed by. No, he swiftly berated himself. You're going to make him fall in love with you. He's going to run away with you and forget about his past life. He's mine. "I guess I'll just have to live with it," he growled through his teeth, not registering the worry written across his friend's face.

"Yeah..." Takuya leaned forward and pressed a kiss against the man's forehead, and then his cheek. "You're a good friend. You know that, don't you?" He sounded desperate, as though he was trying to convince Ryuichi of an unspoken truth. Takuya was good with his voice. He could portray anything with it. To his misfortune, he couldn't always persuade with it.

xXxBloodlustxXx

"To think Rohan's predictions came true! Oh, he'll be so excited! It gives me chills just thinking about it!"

"Same here. Although, the predictions left are the terrifying ones. The death of someone I love and the betrayal by someone dear to me make the list." Zuko rubbed his neck in anxiety, despite the smile that adorned his face. He visited Akane's apartment with the intent of congratulating Rohan about the accuracy of his tealeaf reading, but the man was out with his friends playing poker. In his place, Zuko shared the exciting news with Akane, whose skepticism seemed to have melted away.

"Oh, I wouldn't worry too much about it." Akane smiled, putting an arm around the boy in a motherly way. The teenager breathed a sigh of appreciation. There was nothing quite like a woman's touch, and Zuko had been deprived of it for so long. "Things will work out for the best, I'm sure."

The best? I wonder who decides what the best is. "I sure hope so. I'm just starting to get settled into the idea of remaining here. That is, for as long Setsuya will have me. I won't be able to handle it if creepy stuff starts to happen." Zuko blushed, as Akane's eyes widened.

"Zuko, do you mean that you wish to stay permanently with us?" By your own accord?

"That's right. I-I'm happy here, happier than I've been in a long time. I'm going to ask Setsuya to take my blood soon, until… well, you know." Zuko breathed out a nervous sigh, twisting his hands together. He'd thought it out, meditated on it, and decided. His life was here now. The past was the past. Setsuya was his present and future.

"I certainly hope that Setsuya will be understanding about your decisions." Akane spoke with unease, earning Zuko's undivided attention. "Smoke and mirrors removed, you are asking Setsuya to… to kill you, his lover."

The teenager chuckled, trying not to let his surprise show. Embarrassingly enough, he hadn't really thought of it that way. "As ironic as this may sound, I trust Setsuya with my life. I know he'll understand. We may have to wait a while until he comes to terms with it, but I don't mind. I'm sure this is something that we both want." It has to be. I've felt his heart's desire. He wants me to live for what this life has to offer, to embrace him without regrets. It's time for me to fulfill his desires the way he's been fulfilling mine.

"I'm happy for you," Akane said, giving him a tight squeeze and a kiss on the forehead. "It's always a beautiful thing to find true love."

Zuko nodded with zeal, and the woman could nearly see the boy's heart pop out of his chest with exhilaration. "And this love is as true as it gets, if I may say so myself."

"True love? Are you feeling well, Zuko? It's not like you to use a cliché."

The teenager gasped, nearly falling from his seat as Setsuya's head popped up from behind the couch, as calm and cool as ever. "Setsuya! When did you get here?!" Zuko flushed a bright red as the vampire twirled his finger around a lock of his hair with satisfaction. It wasn't often the younger's mind was occupied to such an extent that Setsuya found an opportunity to sneak up on him. He prayed that the man hadn't overheard their conversation- he wanted to tell Setsuya in a more private, unique way.

"Just now. The council meeting ended a few minutes ago, and I took it upon myself to fetch you." The vampire seemed smug, leading Zuko to believe he had perhaps only heard the last few lines of their dialogue.

"You knew he was here," Zuko accused Akane, as Setsuya's hands massaged his neck and his heart rate returned to normal. The woman shrugged with a mischievous grin, crossing her legs with an innocent pout.

"He motioned for me to keep quiet! I cannot disobey my Lord."

"I see how it is," Zuko murmured, receiving a gentle kiss on the cheek from his vampiric lover. The man leaned forward to nuzzle his neck and nibble on his ear, in front of Akane at that! Zuko was about to scold him when a soft whisper made him forget about the other's mischief.

"We're invading in twelve hours. A scout came back with not only an exact location, but an estimate of their forces and Ravindra's status among them. It seems he's become fairly unpopular for trying to restrain his people's eating habits until better control is gained over the Fire Nation. I wanted to leave within the hour, but the council wants to review the information thus far accumulated. We may be rushing into a situation that's beyond our capacity to control. I'll admit, there are still a few pieces of the puzzle that don't quite fit together. Mystery or not, I want my hands around Ravindra's throat before he can do harm to anyone else."

Zuko nodded, his hands tightening into fists at his sides. Ravindra was going to pay for what he was making them go through. All of this time wasted on fighting his cause could be used for much more productive things! Like talking, laughing, painting, sparring, or making love to Setsuya. Especially that last one. "I'll be waiting with utmost anticipation." Zuko rose and thanked Akane for her hospitality, sensing that Setsuya wanted to talk with him alone for a while.

"What's the matter?" were the first words out of Zuko's mouth when they made it into the hallway, headed not for Setsuya's quarters but for the training room where he often spent time with Ryuichi.

"Nothing, nothing. I've just decided that, since we are going up against Ravindra soon, that I should teach you how to fight against a vampire. Just in case." Setsuya seemed as though he was trying to mask anxiety as he pulled Zuko into his arms and carried him down the pitch-black stairs. The teenager prodded his heart in curiosity, raising an inquisitive eyebrow. "It's nothing, love," Setsuya replied absently, adjusting his arms so that his lover was more comfortable. "I'm just a little on edge.

"Everything will be alright," Zuko promised, giving Setsuya a comforting squeeze before he was set down. "I won't let anything happen to you," he said with a wink, although vampire found the words strangely consoling.

"Okay," Setsuya exclaimed, rubbing his hands together and positioning himself a good fifteen yards away from the other. "As you know, vampires are fast. But there are limitations to this, particularly when we change direction. Our momentum may become so great, we have to stop completely in order to adjust our bearing. This is why luring an enemy into an area with obstacles is vital, such as a forest. It won't be beneficial to anyone if we engage them in combat in the middle of the city. Even at nighttime, it's just too risky. Now, try to catch me before I reach the wall." Zuko nodded, crouching and waiting for the man's signal. "One… Two… Three!" The teenager barely took four steps forward before the vampire was leaning against the wall on the opposite side of the room, a smirk adorning his face. The boy winced- he hadn't even seen the man move.

"Alright, now I'm going to run toward you in a zigzag-like pattern. Try to pounce on me and pin me to the ground." Setsuya jolted forward, although there was a big difference. Now the vampire was forced to dig his heels into the ground and whip around whenever he wanted to switch direction. This allowed him to catch sight of the vampire for seconds at a time. Timing, Zuko realized, as he squinted and stretched his fingers. It's all about timing. He lunged forward as the vampire neared him, letting out a huff as he flopped onto the ground chest-first. The teenager glanced up in wonder, finding the older man with his arms crossed and his eyebrow raised. "Close, but not close enough."

They repeated this practice until Zuko was successfully able to pin him to the ground five times in a row. "Good," Setsuya grunted, spitting the dirt and dust out of his mouth as he lifted himself off of the floor. "I'd be bruised all over, if I was a human."

"I'll give you a massage when we get back to the room," Zuko promised, holding a hand out to help the other up.

"Okay, next lesson: no hesitation. There is no time for uncertainty. If you have a feeling someone is going to hurt you, firebend your heart out. Even if it's just to scare them. I'm afraid you may have to be prepared to kill." Zuko nodded, forcing his unease behind locked bars. He had to be strong for his lover; even though he valued human life, he couldn't stand to allow himself or the person he loved to be hurt. "Now, then…" The teenager gasped as the vampire's arms wrapped around his torso and restrained his arms. "Escape my grip."

"What if I don't want to?" Zuko asked with a seductive wink, pressing his body up against his captor's.

"Careful," Setsuya warned, squeezing his lover all the tighter. "Taunt your enemy too much and he may very well rape you."

"Well, I wouldn't want that."

"Zuko!"

"Sorry." The teenager observed his position, noted the strength with which he was held, and came to the ultimate conclusion: I can't escape. Nevertheless, he experiment with his options. He tried struggling, kicking, biting, and even bartering. Not even a week's worth of wild sex could get Setsuya to let the young man go... although he did loosen his grip a little. Zuko sighed in frustration and fell motionless, biting his lip in thought. If he could focus without interruption, he might be able to devise a way to break away from his captor. He closed his eyes and concentrated on his body heat, raising it. This time, he raised it and raised it until he felt Setsuya tremble with discomfort and finally release him out of pain.

"Well done!" Setsuya's pride turned into concern as the teenager fell to his knees with a sharp gasp.

"Damn…" Zuko took a few minutes to cool down, trying to channel the warmth out of his body. "I only meant to warm up my skin, but I heated my core as well. I don't think there is any way around it." He sighed with gratitude as cool hands ran over his flesh and brought his temperature back to normal.

"That'll have to be a secondary defense." Setsuya supported the boy as he staggered upward. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to push you so hard."

"No, no, no! It wasn't your fault. I didn't even know that I could raise my temperature to such an extent. It's useful information." Zuko stretched his back and let out a sigh of relief, purring as his soul mate ruffled his hair. "Not to mention you make such a strong, sexy assailant."

"I'm sure. Now, you must remember that Ravindra's people have little to no respect for humans. They'll kill you given the chance. The most important thing for you to do is make sure you mask the outward flow of any blood." Setsuya produced two small rolls of bandages from his pocket and presented them to the younger. "These are unique chemical bandages that help induce blood clotting. Apply them with a bit of pressure and they'll do you well. We'll be entering through the city, so your overall scent will be disguised by other humans and pollution. They won't realize we have a firebending ally. Ryuichi will always be with you, so just let him know if I call for you."

"Right." Zuko wished he had a notepad to take down these tips. In the heat of battle, he was lucky if he remembered what his own name was. He pocketed the bandages and adopted the expression of an expectant owner threatening his newly housebroken puppy. "I'm trusting you'll keep our bond open, so I know you aren't in trouble?"

"I swear to it." Setsuya heaved a sigh, somewhat resentful of being scolded. He knew he deserved it though. It would be in his nature to try and hide his own alarm and pain from his soul mate in order to protect him. An admirable trait, but bothersome. "We'll carry on underground as far as we can, and then-" The man's words came to an abrupt end as he glanced over to see Ryuichi lingering in the doorway.

"You called for me, my Lord?" Ryuichi asked in his usual laid-back way, although he couldn't seem to meet Setsuya's eyes for more than a few seconds.

"Ah, you're back. Did you retrieve the documents from Hao?"

"Left them on your desk. It took me a good half an hour to convince him that I wasn't trying to gain evidence to arrest him on charges of perjury. Not sure what that's all about."

"Thank you for your help. I was wondering if you could teach Zuko what you know about utilizing weapons in coordination with firebending. I'm sure I remember you mentioning the technique to me not too long ago."

Ryuichi looked confused for a moment, but his eyes widened with sudden recognition as he exclaimed, "Ah, of course! You might find firebending a more agreeable art if you use it in unison with your talent."

"Using firebending in junction with weapons? Is that possible?" Zuko appeared doubtful, as though it was too good to be true. An element he'd always struggled to control could be utilized through his greatest skill? He'd never seen anyone use a weapon to firebend; then again, if you couldn't bend fire successfully with your bare hands, you were considered a failure in the eyes of the Fire Nation. You might as well not even bend at all.

"A swordmaster taught a whole group of competitors about the technique," Ryuichi explained, joining them in the center of the chamber. "I've seen the presentation at a tournament. According to his words, it takes a bit of time to get used to the sensation and common folk can catch on in less than an hour. It won't take you more than a few minutes, I'm sure. "

"Sounds great," Zuko said with excitement, laughing as his lover pulled him into his arms and left him with a deep kiss. Neither saw Ryuichi's eyes darken or noticed his fists clench.

"I'm going to round up the rest of the team and make preparations. In the meantime…" From behind his back Setsuya produced a round vegetable-like piece of produce, at which Zuko blankly stared. "This is for you."

"…An onion?" Some romantic lover Setsuya was turning out to be.

"No, a pomegranate," he explained with a chuckle, pressing it into Zuko's hand. "I promised that I'd get you one, remember?"

"Oh!" Zuko seemed to be pleased until he knocked on the fruit a few times and gaze Setsuya a puzzling stare.

"You're meant to cut it through the middle and eat the seeds. Don't ask me where the spirits came up with such an idea. Enjoy!" The man disappeared with a wink, leaving Zuko to stare at the onion-like fruit with a raised eyebrow. It didn't look, smell, or feel like a fruit, but the teenager decided to take his chances and slice it open, revealing a collection of crimson seeds encased in a soft, edible membrane. He poked at one cluster a few times, confused by the nature of this foreign fruit.

"Be careful with the juices!" Ryuichi warned, as the teenager plucked a few seeds out with a grimace. "They stain like crazy." Then, he watched in horror and fascination as Zuko gave the seeds an experimental squeeze and encased his fingers within his mouth. The vampire's eyes widened as Zuko let out a low, pleased hum as the red juices streamed from between his lips and down his hand. It wasn't meant to be seductive. There was nothing abnormal or provoking about the way Zuko was reacting to the fruit, and yet Ryuichi found himself inwardly aroused. His mind was playing with him, and he was letting it. He took a few steps forward, inclining his head with curiosity. That staining liquid was going to soak into that beautiful insipid skin, tainting it forever. He couldn't let that happen. Somewhere in his mind he understood that the pomegranate would do no such thing, but his instincts insisted that he should protect that flesh from being polluted.

He wrapped a hand around Zuko's wrist and pulled him forward, his lips connecting to the other's knuckles immediately. The pomegranate fell to the floor from a limp hand as Ryuichi's tongue snaked out from his lips and lapping at the spilt fluid. The vampire grimaced at the taste of the fruit, as it could not compare to blood. He sucked with desperation, hoping to reach the sweetness of the flesh. Zuko meanwhile, was frozen in astonishment. He trembled as petal-soft lips devoured the protrusion of his wrist, teeth scraping gently over the veins.

Zuko? Are you alright?

Setsuya's voice sounded in his head, and Zuko jolted back to life. His soul mate sounded concerned, ready to dash back to him and save him from the evil clutches of whatever was troubling him. He felt the teenager's shock and fear, though he stood at a distance out of respect.

Um, yeah. Yeah. I just… I just got bit by something. Thought it was poisonous, but it seems fine.

I'm the only one allowed to bite you, yes? Tell whatever it is to buzz off.

Will do.

"Erm, Ryuichi?" Zuko would admit that he'd had abnormally intimate contact with this vampire, but never before had it been this… inappropriate. The vampire lifted his head with a dazzling smile, licking his lips seductively.

"I apologize. It looked so much like blood, after all. And it would be such a shame to let your lovely skin be spoiled."

"Spoi-?"

"This reminds me of the eastern Fire Nation myth… Do you know of it?" He released the boy's arm, but his seductive eyes kept the golden-eyed prince rooted to the floor. "The beautiful daughter of a deity walks along a meadow trail, a young woman with luscious lips and a lovely figure. Beautiful and innocent, she stoops down to pick flowers when a demon emerged from the earth and sweeps her into the netherworld. He found her so alluring that he decided to keep her as his bride. Her mother was terribly upset, and she demanded the return of her daughter or she would wreak drought and famine across the land of man. But the demon was clever, and he knew that anyone who ate or drank sustenance of the underworld would be forced to remain there. He tricked the fair maiden into eating four pomegranate seeds, thus confining her to his side for at least four months out of the year. The girl returned to her mother's arms, only to be annually dragged into the underworld as the demon's lover. Her mother's devastation during that time deprived the land of its usual abundance, leaving it barren and cold. Thus, the season of winter originated." The silent, tense moment following the tale was broken as Ryuichi smiled and said, "Kind of cool, huh? There are different versions of it, but I find that one to be the most enjoyable."

Zuko lips twitched, but emitted no sound. Was it merely the pomegranate that reminded the vampire of the story? Did he think of Zuko as a fair maiden? Did he think of Setsuya as a demon? Both notions were equally distressing to the teenager. Ryuichi, in contrast, was not at all fazed. The teenager glanced down at the pomegranate, expecting to feel a deep regret. Instead, he felt oddly relieved.

"Alright, let's get started. The trick to utilizing weapons in firebending is channeling your chi. I really have no idea what that means, by I imagine it means something to you." He paused to see Zuko nod, who was trying not to reveal his uneasiness. It was awkward, but Ryuichi decided it was worth it. The young man would be confused now, and confusion could breed interesting things. "I'll try to remember the demonstration the best that I can. Now, take your normal firebending stance and get your breathing under control. Now, feel your chi circulating throughout your body. Take a few minutes and zone in on the sensation." Zuko closed his eyes and did as he was commanded, tensing a bit as a sword was pressed into his hand. He recognized the weight and grip immediately- it was the blade they'd made only yesterday.

"Extend your arms outward, perpendicular to your body. Keep focusing on the flow of your chi. Just as you channel the energy through your arms, you are going to channel it through your sword. The weapon is a part of you, and therein takes part in your power. Simply extend the path of your chi into your sword, understand?"

The voice of Zuko's yoga teacher rang in his mind. "Breath is the key," she'd said. "Your breath is everything to your body; treat it with reverence. It pulses like the waves of the ocean, like the beat of your heart, and like the flow of your chi. Synchronize your body with this flow, and the fire will accommodate you in time."

Ryuichi seemed to realize Zuko was at peace, for he rounded the teenager and whispered in his ear, "The two arts are one. When you swing your sword, channel your chi throughout its new path. The fire comes not from your palms, but the edges of your blade." Zuko opened his eyes and whipped his blade downward, shocked by the stream of fire surging forward for at least ten meters before dying out. "I told you it was simple!" Ryuichi said with a laugh, amused by the undisguised expression of disbelief. "You don't have to feel uneasy about your firebending now."

"That's…" Zuko shook his head incredulously. He'd always struggled with firebending. He'd grown to resent it, despise it. But now, it wasn't about bending the fire to his will. It was about working with it, as an escortrather than a master. I think I can get used to this. He spent the next half an hour experimenting with the element. Ryuichi looked on with interest, always willing to stick around to see the fireworks. Not to mention the time restraints. Forty-four hours left; he would have to hurry. He couldn't predict the outcome of his experiment, and he needed to achieve the desired results soon. It was time to steer their dialogue.

"So have you thought about what I said?" Ryuichi questioned, feinting an attempt at light conversation. "About staying with Setsuya? Perhaps allowing yourself to be converted into a vampire?" So what if he had spied a little on Akane and Zuko? He had been the one to snoop around the black market to find those scent-concealing plants Ravindra insisted on having. Why shouldn't he put them to use?

"Setsuya is open to talking about it, but I think it's a little soon to make such a demanding request. Nevertheless, I have a feeling that he's the one I want to spend the rest of my life with, however long that may be." A smile tugged at Zuko's lips as he sheathed the sword and offered it to Ryuichi, who refused to take it.

"I imagine that Setsuya will receive the request with open arms. You two have a unique connection, based on trust and truth that is remarkable." Ryuichi crossed his arms with a smirk, leaning forward so that their noses were a mere two inches apart. "Nevertheless, he must be truly relieved by your decision. I'm sure he faced daily anxiety wondering whether or not you would desert him."

"I would never desert Setsuya," Zuko said with utmost confidence. "He knows that." He didn't feel Setsuya's uncertainties very often, and even the deepest of them quickly disappeared. Of course, this might be attributed to the vampire lord's desire to shield Zuko from his troubles, but he doubted that this was solely the reason. They loved each other; there was nothing they were able to hide for too long.

"Well, you must understand why he feels that way. After telling you about your father, even I doubted that you'd be able to stand the sight of him." And there it is. Ryuichi forced himself to meet the other's eyes. It would hurt him to see Zuko in pain, but he deserved it. Sacrifices must be made to ensure success. Or at least, that's what Ravindra claimed.

"My… father?" Zuko's mouth twitched as he lowered his arms in confusion. "What about my father?" The teenager's blood turned to ice, and he blocked Setsuya from accessing the inner workings of his mind and heart. Deep in his gut, Zuko was sure that this was meant to be a private conversation.

"About the deal that was made upon your arri -"

"Deal? What deal? What do you mean?" To Ryuichi's surprise, Zuko dropped the revered sword in his hand and allowed it to clatter to the ground. The younger strode forward with a stern, threatening glare that said, 'Tell me what you know, or receive a first in the face'.

"H-He didn't tell you?" Ryuichi averted his eyes downward, wrapping his arms around his chest with seeming discomfort. He's caught on the lure. Now reel him in. "Maybe I shouldn't, I don't want to cau-"

"You know something, don't you?" Zuko demanded, reaching forward and gripping the man's collar despite his attempt to keep his cool. "You know something that I don't."

Ryuichi now appeared anxious, twisting his hands together as he muttered, "I thought he would have told you by now. This is a little awkward."

"Awkward or not, I deserve to know. If you can't tell me, at least admit why you deny me the truth." Zuko's released him, but folded his arms expectantly. Ryuichi could feel the other's suppressed frustration surfacing, frustration he'd set aside out of his love for Setsuya. Now the teenager had a potential source of information and he wasn't about to give it up without a fight.

"I would never tell you lies, Zuko. I just don't want to hurt you." Ryuichi punctuated this statement by reaching forward and caressing his cheek, pursing his lips with forged worry. "If you're certain you want to know..."

"It's more important to me than anything. Please, Ryu." The vampire felt his chest constrict at the younger's desperate eyes, wondering if he was going to hell for what he was about to do.

"When you first arrived here, you woke up drugged in an underground room. I'm willing to bet that you've assumed Setsuya was the one to kidnap you and drag you down here, though he's never told you why he initially did so. Am I correct?" Zuko nodded without hesitance, though he shuddered when the man's cold touch descended upon his throat. Ryuichi tried to cover up his satisfaction as he felt the boy's heart pounding. The vampire kept his voice soft and sympathetic, stroking the other's hair as he spoke. "It seems that Setsuya, in fact, was a more passive associate in your abduction. You were part of a deal between the Firelord and Setsuya. As a part of a peace treaty, Lord Ozai offered Setsuya your body to do with as he pleased. As his servant, his sex slave, his breakfast… you get the idea. Being of such noble bloodlines, you have a blood sweeter than that of many humans in this world. You were in the wrong place at the wrong time, and made for the perfect sacrifice." Ryuichi stepped back, allowing Zuko time to process this information. The teenager's lips parted as though to speak, but couldn't quite form words correctly.

Zuko felt his body begin to tremble, his foremost instincts screaming at him that Ryuichi was a dirty liar. He wished he could tell himself that selling his only son away for political reasons didn't sound like Ozai, but it wasn't true. That was undoubtedly something his father would do. Ozai never loved him, and had used him as a bartering chip to ensure the stability of his absolute control. And Setsuya… Setsuya's love for him could not extend any further than that a master has for his dog. The vampire lord had been so reluctant to let him walk on Fire Nation grounds because he was dead in the eyes of the people there, and the treaty would be violated! He was on a tighter leash than he'd realized and the bond, this wretched bond was to blame. He'd been betrayed, deceived, and made worthless in the eyes of so many. Setsuya's way of keeping his pet by his side was convincing him what they had was love. But he was a tool; tools weren't loved. They were used.

He lied to me. He had me wrapped around his finger. Zuko could almost forgive being kidnapped. He knew how Setsuya was abducted by Master, and accepted the act as a twisted reconciliation with the man's own past. He thought perhaps the vampire had seen him, thought him intriguing and beautiful, and decided he must have him. Zuko hadn't planned to make anything else of it, even though he knew there was more to the story. Being treated as nothing more than an insurance contract? This he could not forgive so easily.

The young man's thoughts were distorted and muddled, as he felt his eyes moistening with tears. He hardly registered Ryuichi's cold embrace around his body and the whispered words, "It's going to be alright."

Zuko? Zuko, what's the matter?

The dam surrounding his emotions had broken through, allowing the vampire lord to feel the absolute anger and hurt that had been brewing deep within his soul. He could feel Setsuya's own shock, and he knew then that his thoughts were being heard as well. He knew that Zuko knew. They both knew.

Beloved, listen to me. It's not how you're perceiving it to be! Setsuya's voice was desperate as he tried to probe Zuko's emotions and calm him. The teenager wasn't having any of it.

It? What is 'it'? This whole situation? Our love? The fact that you accepted me as some kind of sacrifice?

My motives may have been skewed in the beginning, but I grew to love you! Even before I knew you were the reincarnation of Kuzon.

You were always so insecure. What would you have done if I tried to leave you for good? Chained me to your side? Would you have killed me to keep me away from my home?

Never! I only feared your death at the hands of your father! I couldn't let you go back to him. He gave you away freely and I took you under my wing with care, did I not? After that first day, I could see you as nothing but my equal. You have to believe me!

I don't have to believe a damn thing. Zuko could feel his heart constrict around the middle, and the tears he'd attempted to hold back raged down his cheeks. This bond… you're holding me to you. It's your way of controlling me!

No, I-

I won't let you play your games with me!

Something… was broken. The overbearing pain was lifted, or rather, it came crashing down on him. Zuko felt Ryuichi's hold on him tighten, keeping him upright after his legs collapsed beneath him. "I can't feel him anymore," the teenager whispered in a state of shock. Ryuichi eased them both to the floor, allowing the distressed young man to rest against him. "Our bond, it's broken," he mumbled, feeling no comfort when Ryuichi nestled the younger's head into the crook of his neck. Zuko felt as though a piece of his heart was missing, torn from his chest and sucked into an abyss. He couldn't feel Setsuya, he couldn't felt their bond, he couldn't feel anything but the heartache.

The vampire pursed his lips as tears stained his robes, his own chest aching as his student began sobbing. He was concerned that he had contacted Setsuya, and feared the man could be on his way to where they were. "It's going to be alright, I promise." Zuko shuddered at the words, though the man continued to soothe him. "I would never lie to you, Zuko. People don't lie to the people they love, and I love you dearly." He wasn't sure what the younger made of the statement, but the boy seemed to physically calm down. Planting a kiss on the teenager's forehead, he whispered, "You trust me, right?"

Zuko couldn't gather his thoughts, he couldn't sort through his emotions. All he knew was that Ryuichi was his sanctuary. Whenever he needed to vent his stress, he could go to Ryuichi. Whenever he felt stifled, he could go to Ryuichi. Most importantly, Ryuichi didn't keep the truth from him. He found himself wordlessly nodding, his body moving on automatic as he was pulled upward by the man. "Come on. You don't want to see Setsuya right now, do you?"

No. No, he didn't. But he didn't want to leave either. He just wanted to mull things over, he just wanted to think. Nevertheless, he allowed the vampire to sweep him into his arms and carry him up the stairwell as he often did. Only this time, Ryuichi didn't plan on returning.

xXxBloodlustxXx

Setsuya was panicked. Very, very panicked. He hadn't meant for Zuko to find out aside from his words, and now the teenager hated him. He hated him enough to sever their bond, abolishing everything they'd built between them. It didn't matter how Zuko found out, and it didn't matter that they were scheduled to invade Ravindra's lair within the day. All that mattered was finding the man he loved and begging him on his knees to take him back. Even if his lover didn't want him, the least he could do was secure his safety. Without a home, the boy didn't have anywhere else to go.

Setsuya went sprinting down the hallways, unable to adapt to his inability to sense his mate. He fled to the training room where he'd felt his lover, only to find the chamber empty. Alright, maybe he's with Ryuichi. Yes, Ryuichi's smart and he cares about Zuko. He wouldn't let Zuko out of his sight if he was troubled. He calmed only enough to eliminate the adrenaline-like rush in his body and dwell in the anguish that surfaced out of being rejected by his lover. Setsuya brushed his hair out of his face, jolting when his wrist encountered a damp patch of skin. Withdrawing his hand, he trembled when he realized he was crying. He couldn't remember the last time he'd allowed himself to cry.

Maybe, he thought, it was okay to cry this time. With no one around to see him and every reason to, he leaned against the wall and allowed the tears to stream down his face. He'd made a mistake by not telling Zuko himself, a terrible mistake. Just when he thought everything was going well…Setsuya flinched when he felt a cool, scaly texture against the back of his hand. He brushed the water from his eyes and glanced down to see Shu staring back at him. "What are you doing all the way down here?" he asked in a shaky voice, lowering his legs so that the snake could slither into his lap. The reptile flickered its tongue sympathetically as it rested his head on the man's shoulder. "You sought out Zuko too, didn't you? You could sense that something was wrong. You're a pretty smart snake."

Shu wrapped himself around the man's neck, perhaps in an attempt to comfort him… or strangle him. He cocked his head as if to say, Well, you've certainly got a mess on your hands.

"I know." Setsuya let a sob rack his body, his strength disintegrating. "I spent more time trying to protect him than I did telling him the truth. He's so much more to me than just a bargaining chip. I thought he knew that, but I suppose honesty would have meant so much to him." The snake let out a soft hiss of agreement, rising to meet Setsuya's gaze. The two stared into each other's eyes for a while before the vampire finally said, "I love him, and I'll do anything for him. Even if we have to rebuild our bond from the start. I'll let him have some time alone, and then I'm going to find a way to show him how much he means to me."

The snake seemed to bow his head, and Setsuya hoped this was reassurance. There was nothing more trustworthy than the instincts of a snake.

xXxBloodlustxXx

"How are you feeling?" Ryuichi questioned, wrapping an arm around the teenager beside him. The vampire had persuaded the younger to take a walk above ground in hopes of 'clearing' his head. All Zuko had managed to do was trip over his own feet a few times and mumble something about the ocean while he kicked rocks across the dusk-lit path.

"I'm… breathing." Zuko let out a sigh as he leaned into the other's embrace. He'd regained his reason, but there was much more healing to be done. His chest wouldn't stop aching and his mind wouldn't stop buzzing, torturing him each second. "Something is wrong, something is missing." He felt exposed without his connection to Setsuya. He didn't feel safe anymore, he didn't feel complete. And it was the worst feeling in the world. Damn it. He tried to hide his tears by coughing into his hands, at which Ryuichi sighed and wrapped and arm around his waist.

"I'm sure Setsuya never meant to hurt you; then again, it didn't seem that he ever meant to tell you either." Ryuichi sidestepped out of the way as Zuko kicked another rock. "I understand, Zuko. He used me; he hurt me too." The vampire tightened his grip on the young man, who seemed all too grateful to sink into the man's touch.

"I love him," Zuko muttered against the vampire's chest, sighing with regret as they continued to walk. "I'm hurting him right back. I didn't mean to; I don't know how it happened."

"How what happened?" Ryuichi asked, keeping his voice down as they strode deeper into the woods. Zuko paid little attention to where they were going- he didn't really care as long as he didn't have to face Setsuya.

"You ever heard of the theory of soul mates?" The teenager spurned his own question, which earned him a mysterious smile.

"Yes, I have. I've thought for a long while that you and Setsuya might be soul mates. It would explain the unfathomable connection you two shared."

Shared. That's right. He'd severed his bond with his lover. He'd ruined what they'd had! Damn it, here come the tears. "Yes well, I seemed to have demolished our entire bond within one millisecond." He sounded self-hateful, and Ryuichi couldn't bear to endure such a tone coming from his angel. Angel... That was a sweet pet name, perfect for Zuko. He was certainly an angel.

"Zuko, such a bond shouldn't be so simple to break. Have you ever considered, given that Setsuya and yourself have not followed the same life cycle, that you might not be the perfect pair?"

"But our bond-"

"You can forge the bond because your souls are compatible, but perhaps your life cycle has an effect on how fit you two really are for each other. Perhaps you should consider your options." Ryuichi drew a sharp breath, pretending that the spark of love in Zuko's eyes was for him. It was the second time he'd used the phrase 'consider your options' that week, and it seemed to make the teenager somewhat anxious.

Zuko couldn't seem to find an appropriate response as he combed a nervous hand through his hair. "I don't know, Ryu. Sure we had some rocky days, but it seemed that we were- are made for each other. Maybe I should go back and talk to him." He attempted to turn around, but was firmly jerked forward by his companion.

"Give yourself some time away from him. You're still a little muddled. We wouldn't want you to say anything you don't mean." Ryuichi brushed his free-flowing raven hair over his ears to hide his smug expression. Zuko sighed with consent, allowing himself to be swept further into the forest.

"Do you think he's looking for me?" the teenager asked woefully, trying not to sound too desperate. His intention wasn't to make Setsuya worry, or rather… He groaned, massaging his pounding temple with frustration.

"He's nowhere in the area," Ryuichi admitted, sniffing the air. "He does have an ambush to plan, after all."

"I forgot about that." Zuko bit his lower lip nervously. Of course Setsuya had better things to do than- No. Setsuya is definitely searching for me. Even if he is still going through with the plan, I want to be a part of it. In his heart, the last thing he wanted was for the vampire to get hurt. They would meet, kick Ravindra's ass, and then talk things through. "That's it, I'm going back." The teenager whirled out of the man's grasp only to be tightly embraced from behind.

"Hey, hey, hey. Don't be in such a rush," Ryuichi whispered into the boy's ear, smiling when he felt the younger's heartbeat turn erratic. "I told you to wait for a while."

"I'm serious!" Zuko insisted, struggling against the strong arms that held him. "I'm going back. I've made a mistake, I've got to fix it!" The man did not relent, even when the teenager's breath began to fall short. "Ryuichi, let me go!"

"No." The vampire lowered a hand, trailing it across the other's chest and setting it to rest on his abdomen. "I'm preventing you from making the biggest mistake of your life." He slid his hand underneath the other's tunic and stroked the flesh, inhaling deeply into the boy's neck.

"What are you talking about? Let me go, or I'll make you!" Zuko began to panic, his head spinning from loss of breath. It wasn't like Ryuichi to hurt him.

"You said you trusted me. Calm down, and I promise I'll make everything better." Ryuichi relished in the sensation of the teen pressed up so close to him. The struggling- Zuko's legs, hips, and chest moving against his body was just as good as foreplay before sex. The teenager sensed a twisted motive and shuddered as the hands caressed him in notably improper ways.

"Ryuichi, please. I don't want to hurt you." Zuko heated up his palms in warning, as his arms were pinned between his back and his captor's stomach. The man merely purred, whipping the boy around in his arms and kissing him. One hand held him by the waist and the other by the neck as the vampire delivered one of the most passionate kisses of his life to the younger. Thoughts ran through Zuko's head faster than he could keep up with them as he stood frozen at the scene.

He's kissing me! Why, why would he…?

Is he going to take my blood?

That's Setsuya's right only!

I need to get back to Setsuya!

I feel strange, this is all too bizarre!

I have to get away from him; he's not in his right mind!

"You trust me, don't you Zuko? Give me five more minutes with you, and I promise to bring you back to Setsuya if you want me to. Just five minutes."

Zuko let out an uneasy breath as the grip on him loosened. Ryuichi was his friend; there was some explanation for the way he was acting. "Five minutes," Zuko agreed, heaving a sigh of relief as Ryuichi released him save for a firm hand around his wrist. He bit back his protests as they fled deeper into the woods, the traced path fading away. Dusk had since passed, and only the presence of a vampire was reassuring him that they would find their way around. Even so, that security was gradually disintegrating with every step they took. Ryuichi's eyes, usually meriting the subtle glow of blood-red rubies, stood out against the darkness like the embers of an active volcano.

Ryuichi finally stopped in a grassy clearing, his nostrils flaring as he whispered, "I've done what you requested, my Lord."

My Lord? Setsuya? Zuko felt two arms once again wrap around his waist, pining him in place as a shadowed figure emerged from behind a nearby tree. A man crept toward them with the grace and lethality of a feline, and the teenager felt his knees quake as he approached them. He'd barely set sight upon this man and he was certain he knew who it was. A vampire, well-built with lavender-frost skin and long hair neatly braided stood before them dressed in regal crimson robes. His presence was not commanding or authoritative, but downright threatening.

"Thank you, Ryuichi. It's late, is it not? Let us be hospitable and bring our guest somewhere more appropriate for conversation." His voice was falsely airy and light, beneath it a sea of unspoken malevolence.

"I'm not going anywhere with you," Zuko said quietly, shooting a glare at the vampire holding him from behind. His heart ached at this betrayal of trust, rattling in his chest. "How could you do this, Ryuichi?"

The vampire remained silent, so his master spoke for him. "It's alright, my young human. You've no reason to be upset with Ryuichi. We only want to talk with you for a while."

"I have nothing to say to you!" Zuko barked, trying to twist out of the grasp around him. He warmed his body temperature to a scalding degree, but Ryuichi simply grit his teeth and bore the pain until the teenager was forced to cede. Damn, damn! He fought to tap into his bond with Setsuya, dismayed when he could not reach his soul mate. Setsuya, please…

The newcomer glided forward, taking the boy's face into his hands. He'd noted his faraway eyes and distraught expression, coming to his own admittedly accurate conclusion. Zuko shuddered at the touch, narrowing his eyes at the presumptuous man. "It's not working is it? You poor thing, you've severed your bond. There's no need to try and call Setsuya. We aren't going to hurt you." It was as though he was calling out in apology to a puppy hidden beneath the couch because it had just been struck. "My name is Ravindra. Ah, I see that expression. What have you heard of me?"

"Just that you're a lunatic bent on enslaving the human race," Zuko snarled, casting a glare back at Ryuichi, whose blank gaze was fixed to the ground with determination.

Ravindra's smirk faded a bit as he pursed his lips and shook his head. "The naivety of humans shows no boundaries. You still have much to understand about our goals. Where vampires are concerned, you've only met Setsuya and his people. Is it not just to listen to both sides of a story before making such a rash judgment?" Such smooth words, yet such a tone was worthy of distrust.

"I'd rather be unjust than associate with you." Upon speaking these words, a sharp blow was dealt to the back of his skull followed by a whispered apology. Zuko groaned, staggering to the forest floor before blacking out. The last thing he saw was Ryuichi kneeling over his fallen form, apology written on his face.

xXxBloodlustxXx

Upon gaining consciousness, Zuko was pissed. He did not experience a gradual, gentle rise to the physical realm that allowed his memories to ease into his mind. No, he recalled the recent events on the spot and with much spite. Particularly the throbbing pain he'd felt when his companion had knocked him unconscious. "Ryuichi," the teenager spat into the air, rising from his admittedly comfortable position. Instead of a barren underground cell, he found himself on lavish silk bedding in the center of a simple, yet elegant room. It reminded him of his bedroom back at the palace with its red marble columns, the canopy drawn over the bed, and its cold unforgiving crimson tiled floors.

"You called?" A silhouette appeared behind the canopy curtains.

Zuko jumped, noting the sound of a rattling chain as he did so. He glanced down to see said chain lying across his chest and traced it with his finger, finding that his neck was loosely shackled to the bedpost. His cheeks flushed red with humiliation- he was being demeaned to the status of a dog, and it was certainly intentional. He glared as the curtains around his bed were parted by a pale hand and scarlet eyes fixed just below his sightline. "You have the nerve to show yourself to me now?" Zuko demanded, wishing he wasn't in such a pathetic position. "You trick me, betray me, drag me here against me will, and now you seek to make a mockery of me? I would strangle you if I knew it would do any good!"

"I never tricked you," Ryuichi insisted, his fingers absently tracing the silk of the curtains. His words were soft, with a tinge of shame. "You're my friend. That's the reason I brought you here. I promise, you won't be hurt."

I've been hurt already. This man that he used to spar with, banter with, laugh with… There had been no signs pointing to this treachery, not from where he stood. They both jerked a bit, Ryuichi less so, when the door opened from their left to reveal Ravindra himself. He had an aura of gentle grace, masking his ill-intentions poorly in Zuko's eyes.

"Our Prince is awake, yes? I thought I heard a youthful voice." He glided forward, tilting his head at the young man who lie before them, not attempting to disguise his triumph. The man was of his early thirties in appearance, perhaps one of the most graceful and majestic of vampires Zuko had laid eyes on. Not to mention one of the most devious and suspicious.

Ryuichi was quick to respond to his lord, but Zuko saved him the trouble. "He-"

"Why yes, I am awake. Thank you for your concern. I deeply appreciate your use of such a natural sedative." Zuko shot a nasty look at Ryuichi before continuing. "Now, release me from these chains before I burn you to oblivion!" At least he had one ace up his sleeve.

"I think not," Ravindra exclaimed with glee, taking a seat at the very edge of the large bed. Zuko estimated his ability to kick the man, but could not perceive it physically possible. "You did not think we would take precautions? We drugged you in your sleep with a potion that blocked your chi pathways." The teenager let out a frustrated sigh as he snapped his fingers, but produced no flame. Of course, they knew everything about him. Ryuichi was nothing more than a spy, spending time with him merely to gather information! The young man had never felt so foolish, so used than he did now. First his father, now Setsuya, and then Ryuichi! Did anyone see him as anything else but an object, a tool? Ravindra took this time to whisper something into Ryuichi's ear, who nodded with suppressed confusion. He spared one last glance at Zuko before exiting the room. The human immediately tensed upon his departure; at least he knew Ryuichi. This man Ravindra was a twisted mystery.

They sat in silence for a few moments, Ravindra contemplating his words and Zuko contemplating how he could weasel his way into finding the key to his restraints. Finally the vampire spoke in his deep voice, staring off into the air with a far-off expression. "I am not often a man of straight forward expression. You'll have to forgive me if I am an inadequate host. I pray that you not interrupt my words, or their meaning will be lost upon you. Humans can be so slow to grasp concepts such as silence." Zuko rolled his eyes, wondering if the distant man would notice if he drifted off to sleep. "Do you like poetry?"

Zuko's ears perked up at the inflection of the question and he glared with distrust at the man. "No, not particularly."

"That's a shame. There is a lovely poem written about vampires. It must have been created by someone with a personal connection with one of my kind, for it captures our essence well." Ravindra this cleared his throat and began to recite the poem himself:

The evening sounds the chapel bell,

by which a demon springs from hell.

Solely by blazing fires of man fast-pitched

can be demised the thirsty and bewitched.

Pale flesh of ice and dry veins of blue.

Thy nightly objects shall be few.

Tempted by the rush of crimson blood,

from Thy wounds Thy source of life shall flood.

Should Thy heart fail and Thy mind tread amiss,

he shall steal Thy soul with a winter's kiss.

"Notice the solemn, seductive tone of the piece. It's one of my favorites." Ravindra smiled, but it was no ordinary smile. There was the slightest smirk, the slightest cock of the eyebrow that made it all the more sinister. He turned toward the young man, folding his hands on his lap elegantly. "Please believe me when I say that you are in no danger here. I only wish to communicate with you, for you have been drastically misled."

"Yeah, Ryuichi can be quite the liar."

"Please, please. No interruptions." Ravindra's eyes narrowed as he continued, "I was a human once, as you are now. I did as I was expected of- I completed my schooling, was affianced to a young woman, and went on to study medicine. I lived the average life of any man born of the Fire Nation. It was a thoughtless circle, and I admit that I took full part in it. I married, I became a doctor, and I took on every day of my life waiting for something, something that was never going to come. I woke up one day, realizing that I was the only person waiting. Everyone around me was satisfied with what they had, and they had nothing more than me. There was nothing else to life, nothing to wait for. And still I waited. For a while, I edged the brink of insanity. I had come to master the aspirations others had laid out for me, but I'd never done anything for myself. I was at the peak of what humanity had to offer me and I still wanted more."

Zuko let out an uneasy breath. A premeditated life, dissatisfaction with the world- it sounded too familiar. He listened more intently, although he didn't let it show. "My life changed when my I was transformed into a vampire. I was taken under Setsuya's wing and I began my life anew. I fell in love with the lifestyle instantly; no longer did the petty boundaries of humans hinder me. I studied the art of poetry, I dominated my fear of limitations, and took the best of lovers both male and female. I soon found, however, that this existence had restrictions as well. Why was it that we were committed to a life beneath the ground, like animals? In truth, vampires are the supreme beings in this world. Why would the Spirits allow us to be if we were not meant to dominate the land, to make it a better place? You have spent time underground with Setsuya's population, you must understand. There was no war, hardly any bickering, and there was a degree of liberty and acceptance that cannot be found in the world above.

"I knew that we, peaceful and powerful, should guide humans into such a way of life. My efforts to sway Master must have been grossly exaggerated. I did not wish to enslave the human race, as you so eloquently phrased, but to lead those humans who were not too damaged by society to take part in our way of life. I admit that I felt only the strongest free-thinkers of the Fire Nation could do so. Our nation, as you must know, is equipped with the best intellectual resources of this century. The benefits of industrialization and economic influence, surely. But not all are able to digest information and form their own opinions. I was naïve back then; I thought that these humans and vampires might be able to live together in harmony, with vampires advising the humans on how to adopt our utopian social order. I realize now that it was only wishful thinking.

"Those humans unbefitting of vampirism were monsters. They lived to gain power over others. With less than a hundred years to live, humans are determined to claw their way to the top using others as a means to achieve their goals. They truly live out the laws of natural selection- those who are fit and of healthy heritage have a chance of survival. They are also discriminatory beings, isolating those whom society defines as undesirable. Vampires do not hold these same ideologies. Blood is nothing to us, as is background, gender, and sexual orientation. You've lived among both humans and vampires. Tell me, my young mortal, which life do you prefer? Which do you find more appealing?"

The teenager wasn't sure how to respond. This man didn't deserve the truth from him. Or did he? They'd only just met, and he'd formed preconceived ideas about this man based on what he'd heard from the people who had betrayed him. Ryuichi had lied to him to keep him fooled, and he couldn't trust Setsuya's word as far as he could swallow it. Then again, he was chained by the neck on a bed next to a man who let his subjects feed off of the human race. "My preference is based on nothing save for my love for Setsuya. Who will be on his way here in a manner of minutes to kick your ass," he added, narrowing his eyes. I hope.

"We are too far away for him to catch your scent. After your little quarrel, he probably thinks you're still crying on Ryuichi's shoulder. If he does end up here, it will be because I wanted him to."

As I thought. A manipulator. "How did y- Why do you think we had a fight?" Zuko cursed his pathetic response. Of course this man knew everything about him. Anything he had spoken in utmost secrecy to his best friend was now exposed as complimentary knowledge.

"Ryuichi knew of your stasis as soul mates, and told me of your argument. I'm so sorry to hear about the severing of your bond, but it makes it all the easier to maintain your attention." Ravindra edged toward the suspicious teen, barely within arms reach. "Please, set aside your prejudices and hear me out. Ryuichi also told me you are considering a life as a vampire to live out eternity with Setsuya. If you fall under that man's spell again, you will only be emotionally abused. He's a twisted, confused person."

Like the teapot calling the kettle black. "You will never understand what we share!"

"A bond does not necessarily mean love. And the ease with which you devastated your connection with him only demonstrates this." Ravindra let loose a forlorn sigh. "You are the crowned prince of the Fire Nation, are you not?"

"Not anymore," Zuko murmured, his mind blocking the image of his father. "I've been disowned."

"The throne is your birthright. If you are a legal resident of the Fire Nation, you are eligible for lordship upon your father's death." Ravindra's cold, rough hands were stroking his hair within moments. Zuko shuddered, his left arm jerking forward to stop him. However, the touch departed faster than it came. "You must take what's rightfully yours, Zuko. I have a temporary contract with the Fire Lord, temporary meaning until I see it necessary to dismiss his services. Our part of the bargain entails keeping the human death rate down. In turn, he will help us… suppress a few enemies that stand in our way." His eyes flickered at these words, and Zuko realized that the man probably meant Setsuya's population. The teenager began to seethe with anger, his heart filling with protective fury. He didn't care if Setsuya had betrayed his trust. He didn't want the man or any of his people dead! "We have set the Fire Lord up to trust us so that we may attack the political corruption at its heart- the man who has the power to rule the world. I won't lie to you; I plan to murder the Fire Lord, gain the attention of the Fire Nation humans, and rally those who are worthy of becoming one of us."

"And you plan to murder the rest, I presume?" Zuko barked, curling his arms around his legs with a glare. "What of the Water and Earth people? Do you plan to cage them up and harvest them one by one? I know you've been letting your vampires drink from the blood of humans, and I know you plan to breed humans like animals!"

"In regards to the food chain, we would treat them like animals. They are below us, after all." Ravindra shrugged, wrinkling his nose at the young man. "You needn't worry. If you were a vampire, you'd understand what I mean. I'm only fighting for my people's rights."

"You mean your superiority! You don't give a damn about humans!" Zuko continued to receive bad vibes from this man, though he tried to calm his heart rate. It wasn't smart of him to get his enemy so riled up. Even so, it seemed that nothing could rile this smooth-talking man.

"Think of me as a civil rights activist," Ravindra corrected him. "Either way, our efforts are futile without you."

"You want me to join you?" Zuko asked slowly, inclining his head at the man. "Of what benefit am I to you?" This man had thoroughly confused him now, and was no doubt lying to him in some aspect. The pieces of the story didn't fit together well. If Ravindra wanted the power, Zuko had no doubt he would find a way to get it alone. With the Firelord's help, he could wipe out Setsuya's population and diminish all resistance before stabbing the leader in the back and continuing on his merry way.

"Rather, you should be asking what benefit we are to you." Ravindra smirked, winking at the boy. "We need a strong, capable leader who the people trust. That would be you. A hero, born to salvage the remains of an ancient pact and restore the balance of the world. When we slaughter the Fire Lord, the throne will be yours. You and I will no doubt be able to maintain peace and prosperity. You are nearing the peak of your physical strength and beauty- we will transform you, and you will gain eternal life. Apart from power and stability, there are other benefits." Ravindra's form flickered and within moments he was pining the young man to the bed.

"Don't you dare touch me!" Zuko attempted to thrash against his hold, but was held firmly into place. "Damn you! You pervert! You bastard! Let me go!"

Ravindra chuckled, shaking his head. "Are you aware that Ryuichi loves you?" The thrashing stopped. "Yes, that's right. Ryuichi would give anything to be your lover. He has silently admired you for so long. Do you know why he accepted me in the first place? When I found him, he was sobbing, clutching his heart whispering, 'Why? Why doesn't he love me? What did I do wrong?' It was Setsuya, you understand. Ryuichi was a compassionate, understanding soul before he was Setsuya's plaything. He felt so betrayed and soon thought of sex as the determinate factor in love. That's why he's behaved so promiscuously. Setsuya ruined him, and if he hasn't already, he will ruin you. Ryuichi only wants to make you happy. He hasn't tried to hurt you or pressure you into a relationship. Why do you refuse him?"

Zuko's chest rose and fell unevenly as he murmured, "No, no, no. He's my friend. He can't love me, he doesn't love me."

"Do you deny the way he looks at you? The way your skin feels after he brushes it with his own? The way he comforted you when you were in agony?"

"Stop it! Stop it!" Zuko groaned, closing his eyes and wishing this brutal man away. It was painful, but it must have been the truth. This means that Ryuichi was pained over and over and over again as his simultaneous friend and admirer. It made sense now… Ryuichi really did think he was protecting him by bringing him to Ravindra. If he had been with Setsuya during this lunatic's potential assault along with the Fire Nation troops, he would have been killed.

"Join us and you can stand by Ryuichi and I as our equal. We can better this world, I promise you. No longer do you have to suffer as one who is unloved by your family, friends, and your own soul mate. We will love you, Zuko. And we can show you what it truly means to love someone in return." Ravindra leaned forward and the teenager was almost certain the man was going to kiss him. Instead, chilled lips whispered in his ear, "Accept us, and we shall bring you the greatest of pleasures."

"Your words are the most venomous of poisons," Zuko whispered, as a tear ran down his cheek. He hated himself getting into this situation. How could he let this happen? How could Setsuya let this happen? This was surreal, this was beyond bizarre. He had no one left to turn to, no one but this… this man?

"A poison or an cure?" Ravindra wondered aloud, bestowing a simple kiss on the young one's forehead. It sent shivers down his spine, though not the same shivers of Setsuya's kisses. The manner in which they were different, he wasn't sure. But those foreign lips felt almost disgusting against his flesh, he knew this for certain. The man finally released him, taking his place at the edge of the teenager's bedside once more. "Trust Ryuichi- despite his disguised loyalty, he lies not to you."

I just want things to be the way they were, before I knew of Ryuichi and Setsuya's lies. I just want to be with the lover I thought I knew, with the friend I thought I had.

"Master?" Ryuichi's voice sounded from the other side of the door, accompanied by a gentle knock.

"Come in, love." Ravindra wiped away the tear from Zuko's face, whose eyes averted steadfastly to the ceiling. The vampire edged his way through the door like someone who had just been reprimanded, hesitant and frightened. His eyes kept being drawn to Zuko, but they flickered away as though he'd be hit if his sight lingered for too long. "Ryuichi, Zuko and I have had the most interesting discussion. He is aware of your love for him, and he is still adjusting to the idea of it."

"Is that right?" Ryuichi's words and tone were calm, but there was an underlying hysteria that was not well contained. His eyes then fixed on Zuko unwaveringly, who finally met his gaze with a hopeless stare.

I don't know what I'm meant to do. I don't know what's right anymore. I don't know who I can trust.

Ravindra discreetly reached into his pocket and pulled out a small green leaf with a thick layer of white powder coating its surface. He then did something rather unexpected- he swiped it beneath the nose of the youngest, causing the teenager to inadvertently inhale the sweet-smelling dust. Zuko fell back in a convulsion of coughing, as it seemed that the particles were sticking to the lining of his throat. As he managed to choke the substance down, Ravindra made his way over to his vampire counterpart and stroked his throat with a single polished fingernail. "Your lover is waiting for you," he explained, nodding toward the dazed teenager who was staring half-lidded at the ceiling, his lips parted slightly.

Ryuichi frowned, not quite understanding what the man meant. His eyes widened as physical symptoms began to overtake Zuko, and the boy was unable to control his body. A thin coat of sweat formed at his brow and his breathing became rugged and shallow while his heart rate increased. Ryuichi bit his lower lip in shock as the teenager began to jerk in desperate motions against his chains, an erection clearly forming within the confines of his clothing. Ravindra chuckled, reaching into his lower pocket and producing a key with which he unlocked Zuko from his restraints. The teenager made no move to escape, only writhing against what seemed to be an invisible lover.

"You fed as I asked you to?" Ryuichi wordlessly nodded, his own arousal becoming prominent as the object of his affection twisted and whimpered in a painful state of need. The vampire's desires flared within his body as he imagined Zuko in all sorts of sexy, accommodating positions that would evoke such reactions. "This is what you want, isn't it Ryuichi? He needs you, and he'll be submissive in every way to pleasure you. Zuko, why don't you show Ryuichi how much you want him?"

Zuko staggered onto his knees, still gasping for breath and shuddering against the masochistic pleasure he took from his fierce arousal. He wrapped his arms around Ryuichi's neck and began grinding his need against Ryuichi's thigh. The vampire let out a groan, his cock throbbing as the wanton teenager, eyes glazed and distant, used his body as a means to receive relief. Zuko let out moans that rivaled any the vampire had ever heard, gyrating his hips in his silent plea for satisfaction. He was without shame and without a sense of any sensation but that which he was receiving.

"Agni…" Ryuichi's hands roamed the territory that was once off-limits to him, sucking on the boy's neck before gracing his lips with a sweet kiss. "Yes, yes." Zuko's lips parted for his greedy tongue as it tangled with his own.

"This is my gift to you, Ryuichi, for your loyalty me." Ravindra drew the canopy open and settled himself on the other side of the room, watching the two in their lustful dance with a smirk. "He is yours to have."

The younger vampire cupped the teenager's face, kissed him reverently, openly stroked his need- he did all of the things he could never do before. He pressed the pliable, conforming body into the mattress and moved their bodies into the position at which Zuko's moans were the loudest. The needy teenager rubbed up against him like a feline desperate for affection, as the bed creaked beneath them in their forbidden union. Somewhere deep in his heart, Ryuichi knew this was wrong. The teenager was drugged, mind and soul separated from his body. Still… maybe he could pretend, just this once, and Zuko would fall in love with him. The human was already fighting to remove the other's clothes, his fingers shaking and not at all productive. Ryuichi smiled, removing his own tunic before stripping the other bare.

The vampire pursed his lips and bit back a groan at seeing the teenager in his entirety. His sculpted abdomen, his flexible legs, his flushing erection... All his. His and his alone. Ryuichi teased the young man with nimble fingers, kissing each eyelid with affection. "I love you, my darling." Zuko writhed beneath the man's touch, his breath steepening as he let out a longing groan. The teenager struggled with his companion's pants, his trembling fingers unable to properly untie the sash.

"Please!" Zuko finally forced his lips to beg for what he wanted. Ryuichi consented, removing the remainder of his clothes under Ravindra's watchful eye. The vampire lord crossed his arms and smirked, leaning against the opposite wall as he observed the newfound lovers. He was almost a little jealous, as Ryuichi was reacting in ways he never had when Ravindra took him in bed. Ryuichi retrieved a bottle of oil from underneath the pillows, trying to restrain himself as the teenager beneath him thrashed for contact. He poured the oil carelessly into his hands, rubbing them together with enthusiasm as the warm liquid spilt onto the sheets beneath him.

Ryuichi began by using a deep, smothering kiss to regulate his lover's breathing and calm him. Zuko finally fell back onto the pillows, but his arms remained wrapped tight around the other's shoulders. "Relax," the vampire ordered the boy, who had a difficult time lying still in the midst of his agonizing erection. After lathering the oil, Ryuichi began massaging Zuko's chest and abdomen, attending to every surface inch of skin. He purposefully avoided the boy's member, even as he arched his back and begged for the contact. Finally, he parted the boy's legs after stilling the jerking hips. He kissed his inner thighs, biting a little to see the teenager shudder and emit immodest noises. Zuko's chest heaved as he lay back, submissive as Ryuichi took pleasure in watching his reactions. "Do you want me to fuck you?" the vampire hissed, taunting the younger by pressing their arousals together.

"Yes, Agni yes!" Zuko thrust upward wildly, letting out deep cries as their hot flesh pressed together. The two let out simultaneous moans, rocking back and forth in their desperation. "Please!"

"Spirits, I love you," Ryuichi whispered, coating his three foremost fingers in the oil once again. "Put your legs over my shoulders." Zuko's glazed confusion caused the older man to carry out his own instructions, lifting his lover's legs and resting them over his lowered torso. Ryuichi laughed, slapping the young man's hands away as he tried to gain relief. "Time, angel. Give it time." He commenced, not allowing himself time to think. He smothered Zuko's entrance in oil before slipping the first digit in, pleased as the boy drove his hips forward in want. Second digit, no reluctance. Stretch him, gently. Third digit, tension swept away by sweet kisses. Loosen the muscles, stroke his inner walls.

"Oh!" Zuko moaned as his prostate was caressed by the man, his erection straining at its peak. "A-Ah!" Ryuichi was a master of pleasure, having had enough experience to understand the human body. He knew all of the right places to stroke, every nerve to target, and every sweet spot to tease. The man finally rested his hands on the hips of the younger, positioning himself to enter the body he so desired. Even as the flesh of their bodies touched and their heat exchanged, Ryuichi froze as the teenager lay panting beneath him.

Zuko.... Didn't want him. When he awoke he would find himself next to the other in the bed, feel another's seed between his legs, and hate Ryuichi for taking advantage of his drugged body. That wasn't what he wanted. He wanted the boy to love him. "Don't hesitate," Ravindra whispered, appearing next to Ryuichi, easing away his worry. "See how he needs you? See how he wants you? Setsuya could never pleasure him the way you can, he could never hold him with the love you can! Take him, Ryuichi. Help him trust us."

Your words are venomous. Ryuichi took a deep breath, and thrust into his new lover.

xXxBloodlustxXx

The stream was cold, for it flowed from a fresh water lake that iced over every winter. To Ryuichi, however, it felt lukewarm against his pale flesh as he ran his fingernails over his skin and viciously scrubbed at the flesh between his thighs where his admiration's semen lingered. Tears ran down his face as he washed, naked in the forest brook, trying not to fall on the slippery rocks. He wasn't sure how long he stood there, trying to wash away the scent of another on his body. Mumbling curses and nothings, he scrubbed the tainted skin with convulsing sobs racking his form. There was no amount of water in this world that could wash away the dirty, disgusting way he felt. He was worthless; he wasn't good to love, and he wasn't even good enough for sex!

He gasped and jolted as two robed arms wrapped around his bare, wet body. A masculine body pressed up against his own, causing him to struggle even as he was held steadfastly. He hadn't even noticed this man approach! For a moment, just a moment, he prayed that it was Setsuya.

"There, there, my beautiful. Even the most pure of tears cannot wash away what love can. Tell me, who has harmed you?"

Ryuichi's shoulders fell at the sound of the unfamiliar voice, biting his lip in fear as he was turned around by gentle hands to face his captor. His eyes widened in shock- a rogue! A handsome, one at that, with high cheekbones, gorgeous long hair, and black eyes that reflected the full, insipid moon. "Do you need help?" he asked quickly, wiping away his own tears. "I can bring you to a place where other vampires will take care of you. There are many of u-"

"I have partaken in the underground population long ago, but my history matters little in the face of such injustice. Tell me who has wronged you."

Ryuichi pursed his lips as the man allowed him to rest his head on his shoulder. He forgot his nudity, his shame, and focused on this considerate figure that embraced him so lovingly. "He rejected me after he made love to me."

"The cruelest of acts. I'm so sorry." Ravindra supported the younger vampire with a hand across his neck and lower back. "Who could have done this to a beautiful creature such as yourself?" The vampire froze when he heard the whispered name of the perpetrator float across the other's lips. "Come again?"

"Setsuya!" Ryuichi sobbed aloud, trembling in the secure arms of the other. He felt the form against his stiffen, and he quickly pulled away thinking he had become a burden. Surprisingly, his eyes met only compassion and the subtlest hints of a scheme. "He killed me, and in turn he killed my brother! And now he's broken my heart!"

"Setsuya." The word rolled off of his tongue in a nostalgic, wondrous way. "Do you hate him?" Ravindra wondered aloud, petting the other's hair with as a smile twitched at his lips. Ryuichi didn't answer for a long while, inwardly struggling before Ravindra decided to rephrase the question. "Do you want to see him atone for his actions against you? Would you like to make sure no other person goes through this again?"

"…Yes." Ryuichi nodded furiously, as he glanced around in hopes of spotting his abandoned clothing.

"Come the time for our revenge- Yes, that's right. He has wronged me as well, stifling what he knows is right.. Come the time, I will seek you out. When I appear before you, you must promise to do whatever I say without question. You will obey me, trust me, and I will bring justice to you." Ryuichi nodded, and only with a parting kiss on the cheek did Ravindra disappear.

It would be over a half a century later before Ravindra made his presence known to Ryuichi. When a weakness was exposed and the timing was perfect, he came to the other with tempting words of power and vengeance. But there was only one reason to take up the offer then, and that was the love of his new companion. Maybe he was a fool for falling in love after being so fruitlessly rejected. Maybe…

xXxBloodlustxXx

Ryuichi moaned as their union met its peak, his restraint wavering. Still, he held on- he had waited so long for this pleasure, and he would not allow it to end so easily. Part of him, though he refused to acknowledge it, was frightened to taint this boy with his unworthy essence. The insatiable nature of Zuko was no doubt attributed to the drug in his complete submission to pleasure; he had allowed himself to climax three times already, starry-eyed and panting as he let wave after wave of orgasm rock his body. Ryuichi shuddered upon hearing the wanton moans of his lover, as they reminded him of a rather familiar voice that once belonged to him. Ryuichi could feel his final breath being drawn through his teeth as those muscles clenched around him again. This is it. He was going to claim Zuko as his own.

He tiled the chin of the teenager downward to meet his eyes, his chest aching when he was forced to see the truth that was veiled behind them. This was not Zuko. This was a body pumped full of blind hormones and numbing hallucinogens. Nothing, not the love he felt in his heart, the writhing figure beneath him, or the semen on the sheets could change that. Ryuichi pulled out of the teen's body at his own climax, his arms and legs trembling as his clear, viscid essence surged forward, falling onto his lover's body. It tainted his abdomen, neck, and smudged his face, causing Ryuichi to stifle a gasp of shame. The young man looked like nothing less than a whore. Zuko's body seemed to return to normalcy, though his mind still seemed somewhat distant. Ryuichi guiltily reached to the teenager's side to grasp the sheets and wipe his body free of the fluid when another's hand gripped the offending wrist.

"Leave him," Ravindra ordered in a cold voice, pressing Ryuichi to the side. "He's fine the way he is." He leaned forward and began whispering harsh words into the teenager's ear, whose agape lips and half-lidded eyes gave no indication that they at all registered within his mind. "You're a human. Worthless and pathetic, without beauty or grace. Do you really think Setsuya or Ryuichi can love you the way you are now? You allow your body to rot, a victim of time. Humans are so vulnerable, so weak. The only thing you're good for is being a whore and a potential snack. Otherwise, you're nothing more than a wretched piece of filth to be cast away after one use."

Ryuichi felt his heart break when he realized what Ravindra hoped to accomplish by his cruel words. "Ravindra, please. He's been through enough."

The man's eyes narrowed for a brief, dangerous second before his expression softened. "I'm doing what I have to, Ryuichi. You want him to be ours, don't you?"

"Yes, Master. I'm sorry."

"Good. After all… As of now, he is a mere human." He gave the teenager's hair an experimental stroke, lulling him to sleep. "You mustn't forget, he is nothing to us unless he attains his immortality and his spirit is thoroughly, irretrievably broken. You will have the pleasure of taking his blood soon enough, my darling."

"No!" The vampire winced at his impulsive respond, quickly remedying his reply. "I don't think that's a good idea. I've never taken the blood of a human before."

"Exactly. You didn't think I'd allow you to carry on in such an uncivilized manner, drinking that animal sludge you call blood. Human beings are meant for consumption by their superiors. Isn't that what I taught you?"

You taught me only the importance of righteousness, by counter-example. "Yes, my Lord."

"Don't worry. Both you and Zuko will warm up to the idea soon enough. All it takes is one little taste."

xXxBloodlustxXx

Setsuya paced about the corridors near the underground entrance, biting his lip out of nervous habit. How long should he give Zuko could recover? How much time had passed already? One hour, two at most. If he lingered for too long, his lover might think he didn't care for him. Then again, maybe his lover wasn't ready to see him. Too many thoughts, too many conflicts, not enough intuition. How he longed for the intimacy that their bond had provided them! He would know then, whether Zuko would want to see him. Even so, the vampire lord doubted whether or not he had the strength to keep waiting. No, more time spent alone would do neither of them any good. This was a lover's quarrel, and so a lover's solution via communication was required.

"Lord Setsuya?"

The startled man halted his pacing and thought process to see a vampire of form-fitting clothing and oddly colored hair staring at him with nervous, flickering eyes. It took a moment for the image to register… "What is it, Takuya?" He tried not to let the dismay show in his voice, but it was not easily restrained. This particular vampire always seemed to be causing him trouble, whether it be from his expeditions above ground to his merriment below ground. Not to mention that damn piano.

"I'm sorry, sir. I know you're probably busy, but I…" The man shuffled his foot into the dirt, uncharacteristically hesitant. "I'm worried about Ryuichi. I talked to him earlier and he seemed kind of off, if you get my meaning. I just think maybe you should keep an eye out for him. His emotions are starting to mingle with his thoughts and I'm afraid he might do something drastic."

"Drastic?" Setsuya frowned, trying to recall Ryuichi's demeanor when he'd last seen him. He hadn't seemed 'off', but the vampire lord also hadn't been very attentive at the time. Zuko and Ryuichi were probably still together, as they had yet to appear underground. He had trusted Zuko in the vampire's hands because he thought he'd keep him safe, but if they were both truly feeling drastic… Takuya waspretty observant, despite being a pain in the neck. "I was just about to go aboveground. I'll find him as soon as I can," he promised Takuya, who breathed a sigh of relief.

"Thank you, sir." Surprisingly, the man wanted nothing more from him as he backed away with a last desperate look.

Now there was no question about the matter. It was time to seek out Zuko and Ryuichi. Setsuya slunk out of the underground cavern, his nostrils flaring. He couldn't smell either man, giving him reason to continue biting his lip. Where would they have gone? The coastline? The town? The vampire froze, as a faint scent in the air taunted him. Could it be…? He sprinted toward the source of the aroma, coming face to face with a parchment tacked to a nearby tree, adorned in elegant script. With each line he read, his heart sunk further into his chest.

As the sun shuts His eyes and the moon takes Her shift,

To the heavens one more soul shall midnight's stars lift.

Your sins are unearthing; you can't fathom the cost.

Your beloved has been stolen by the night's winter frost.

Precious seconds tick by, as the rhythmic pulse of his heart

Foresees his demise, from this realm he shall part.

Reborn into darkness, possessing a heart of static cold,

By the flames of hell, he melts into my mold.

Eyes longing for life, he'll surrender his will

With a void in his heart only blood can fill.

In twelve hours' time, your hope is for naught.

His mind I'll have grasped, his heart I'll have caught.

Hand me your life and I'll relinquish his soul,

Lest he succumb to my love and accomplish my goal.

Setsuya put a trembling hand to his mouth as he re-read the accursed words. This note was meant for him from Ravindra which implied… he captured Zuko. He was going to transform his lover into a vampire in only twelve hours! Less than that, depending on how long ago the note was written. Ravindra was above no method of torture to break the spirit, and the vampire lord feared what might have already happened to his sweet soul mate. Hand him my life…? I see. If I hand myself over, he claims he will let Zuko go. But handing myself over means subjecting my people to whatever follows. And he acts as though I'll trust his word. Setsuya knew his counterpart would not be poisoned by Ravindra… But in the state he was in, it was possible for him to be persuaded to do things out of his character. No, no. Zuko will stay strong. I just need to get to him. Zuko would not be convinced by that dreadful man. Setsuya would play Ravindra's game for now, but sooner or later that maniac's luck would run out. He pleaded with the Spirits in hopes that his soul mate wouldn't do anything too feisty or rash- there was no telling what was in store for him.

Returning underground only to give Hayate brief set of instructions, he set out toward Ravindra's hideout. Alone. All the while he remained calm by meditating, trying as hard as he could to contact his soul mate via their vanished telepathic connection. He made it to the edge of the forest when a thought crossed his mind- And what of Ryuichi? He must have been captured with Zuko! Setsuya groaned with frustration, his mind spinning and heart aching at his loss. Okay, okay. Worst case scenario: Ravindra viciously interrogates Ryuichi for information and Zuko is turned into a vampire. But that doesn't mean he'll succumb to Ravindra! But what if- No! No, 'what ifs'! Another, far more troubling realization took priority over his mind. Zuko severed our bond. Which means I am no longer the force that holds him to this earth! Which means he has no means by which to remain on this earth if his life is taken by Ravindra! Which means if they attempt to take his blood, Zuko may die permanently! Setsuya hadn't realized that he could run any faster. As it turned out, he could.

Setsuya was at the edge of town within minutes, slowing down to avoid hitting various carts, humans, and chickens. He slunk into the alleyways, keeping his nostrils flared for any hint of his soul mate's scent. Somewhere, his lover was here somewhere. He had to be. He had to be.

'This bond… you're holding me to you. It's your way of controlling me!'

The vampire groaned with frustration, his hands clenched at his sides. How could Zuko truly have considered that matter again? Hadn't they cleared that up some time ago? It hurt Setsuya deeply to think that Zuko considered their bond- No. He couldn't think about it. His lover has been around too many people who looked to him as a means to reach their own goals. His father, for one. Setsuya for another. The teenager was better off away from that wretched man either way. Then again, being with Ravindra was no great step forward.

I'll be there for you soon.

xXxBloodlustxXx

Ravindra rolled his eyes as he combed his fingers through his lush hair, for it demanded to be braided once again. He wished that Khai was here to settle the matter, but the young man had sealed his own fate by telling Setsuya of their stronghold. It would eventually come to benefit them, perhaps within the hour, but given any earlier that information would have been a condemnation to death. Let the little suck up rot for a year or two in that cell. It'll help him learn what loyalty is about. Still, no one took such meticulous time in braiding his hair as Khai did.

Ravindra stood in the corridor, patiently waiting for Ryuichi to have his fill of holding his lover during their post-sex elation. His nose wrinkled with displeasure at the scent of earth that seeped through the metal lining of the fortress. Their hideaway may seem a bit classier than Setsuya's, but they were still struck with the same indecency of underground residence. Soon, though. Very soon he would take what was his and whip those humans into their rightful place. Once he utilized their treaty to its fullest advantage, of course.

"My Lord?"

Ravindra raised his head and blessed his subject with a raised eyebrow. It was his natural reaction when anyone interrupted his thinking process. The woman fought back a flinch as she quickly spoke, "There's news from the Firelord's representative. He says the troops stationed in the mountains will be ready for orders within three days." With a curt nod from her lord she was dismissed, leaving Ravindra to mull over the information. Three days… Too far, yet too soon. There could be no worse number than the dreadful, ambiguous three. Frustrated with his hair, as it seemed he would never braid it as efficiently as Khai, he tied it up loosely and continued to stare at the door. For behind that door, Ryuichi was surely convincing Zuko to join their cause.

Behind said door, Ryuichi was busy stroking the sweaty hair out of the young teenager's face with compassion. He knew the younger was awake, despite Zuko's attempts to keep his breath steady. His dynamic pulse was out of control as he forced himself to remain motionless and calm as the vampire caressed his body. Zuko was afraid; he was afraid of what he would discover upon opening his eyes. He was afraid of what he would say to Ryuichi. He was afraid of what would be said to him. Most of all, he was afraid of never seeing Setsuya again. At the same time, what would the vampire lord say of him now? Though his memory was lacking, the odd feeling between his legs and the couple's nudity gave him a fairly clear picture of what had happened while he was in his dazed, dream-like state. Setsuya probably wouldn't want to have anything to do with him. He had been taken, tainted by another man.

"Zuko?" the timid voice finally murmured as the hands withdrew. The teenager realized he had tensed. He opened his eyes, noting that his restraint had been replaced around his neck. Golden eyes met scarlet, and neither could quite tell what the other was thinking. A moment passed before Ryuichi whispered, "Do you hate me?"

Zuko automatic response was, "No." He swallowed, seeing the vampire's disbelief. "I don't hate you," he insisted.

"Why not?"

Zuko didn't answer for a while. Why didn't he hate Ryuichi? He had stolen what was not his; he had exploited intimacy and made it into something casual and immoral. He had stripped Zuko of his fidelity, a purity he was proud of. Most of all, he had taken advantage of him in his most vulnerable moments. There were so many reasons to hate him, or so it seemed. In the end, Zuko decided he didn't hate Ryuichi because he didn't love him. To be raped by someone you love, that was heartbreak and betrayal. To be raped by someone who has already broken your trust, your friendship, and under orders beneath a higher power- it was just beneath expected. This wasn't the Ryuichi he knew and aspired to be like. He didn't know this man who lay beside him. "I don't have the strength to hate anyone right now." Nevertheless, he flinched when the other brushed his hand against his cheek. The teenager paused, bringing the sheets around his form as he sat up. "Is there somewhere I can clean up?" Is there somewhere that will allow me to wash away this pain in my chest, these tears in my eyes?

"I don't think it's a very good idea to leave this room," Ryuichi murmured, pursing his lips as he suppressed his trembling. How could Zuko speak so casually? "The vampires have already been begging for a taste of your blood. They spoiled themselves, and now they lack self-control. You're as good as dead if you're not secured in a private room."

"From what Ravindra tells me, I'm as good as dead anyway."

"He's giving you a choice."

"And if I refuse?"

"You would be foolish to." Zuko raised an eyebrow, as though challenging the vampire to explain his logic. "If you agree, you will become immortal. You will claim your birthright and bring peace to the world. With vampires dominating the world, war will end."

"He really has you trained, doesn't he?" Zuko muttered, gripping the red sheets with shaking fingers. "You really think that vampires are immune to war? What happens when someone gets power-hungry and starts a rebellion? Ravindra is not, by any means, a perfect leader! And what of the humans, what of my people? Are they to be caged up and locked away, only to be addressed when a sacrifice is needed?"

"Would you forget about everyone else for just one damn minute?" Ryuichi shook him by the shoulders and hissed, "I'm talking about you. That shit will happen if Ravindra rules or not. You know that the Firelord has already wiped out one civilization. War is inevitable, no matter whose side you're on! I just want to make sure you're alive by the end of all of this! You have no idea how relieved I was when Ravindra came to me, saying that you were the key to our success. It meant I could save you! Please, Zuko. For your own sake."

Zuko was silent as Ryuichi held him in a soft embrace, his voice wavering as he said, "Setsuya… He's going to kill Setsuya, isn't he? Akane, Rohan, everyone. That's why he needs the Firelord's help. He's launching an attack."

Ryuichi didn't answer, most likely because he had been forbidden to. He merely shook his head and muttered, "You have an inability to be selfish. Ravindra is going to come in here in a few minutes. Can I do nothing to persuade you?"

Zuko considered his options, assuming that Ravindra won control of the Fire Nation. His family would die, his friends would die, Setsuya would… "How much does my support matter to Ravindra?" he asked quietly, as Ryuichi crept out of bed and slipped into his clothing. He didn't bother asking where his own clothing was- Ravindra would want him to feel vulnerable and humiliated.

"What do you mean?" The vampire's answer was hesitant.

"I mean, how much do I matter to this whole operation? Am I a 'succeed or fail' factor?"

"Without you, it will be much more difficult to persuade the potential vampires of the Fire Nation. They are bound by blood and law to follow your orders. You are a prodigy, one of two divine bloodlines. You would be a more powerful vampire that Setsuya himself. In other words, you're pretty important. But, given more time, Ravindra would still gather enough support to prevail without your help."

"I see…" Zuko calmed his breath as Ryuichi gave him a last pleading look. The tension had suddenly increased by a thousand fold, as the vampire looked on the naked, ruffled teenager in shame.

"Zuko, I'm sorry."

For what? For betraying my trust? For selling me out? For kidnapping me? For raping me?

At that moment, Zuko wished more than anything else that Setsuya was by his side. If he could forgive Ryuichi for all of this, he could forgive his lover for unspoken truths. But how could Zuko expect the man to love him now? Not only had he severed their bond and distrusted his lover, he had been tainted by another's essence. The pure, unrivaled devotion fostered by their bond… where was it now? "It's alright, Ryu. You were only doing what you were told to."

Ryuichi visibly flinched at his nickname, spinning around and gripping the door handle as he ground his teeth. "This makes me a horrible person, doesn't it?" Without waiting for an answer he darted out of the room, leaving a smirking Ravindra to linger in the doorway.

Not horrible. Weak, perhaps, but not horrible.

Ravindra strode into the room, unfazed as he observed the young man with smugness dripping from his aura. "Did your time spent with Ryuichi go well?" He sat at the edge of the bed, just out of reach as though he was purposefully taunting the other.

Zuko opened his eyes with a soft smile, whispering, "Yes, I enjoyed it very much. But you would know, wouldn't you? Seeing as how you were watching us." It was a guess, but a lucky one. The vampire's nostrils twitched as he let out a chuckle.

"You caught me. I wanted to make sure you pleasured Ryuichi thoroughly. He deserves the best treatment, regarding the way he's served me. I'm sure he pleasured you equally, did he not?"

"Oh, yes. I never had sex that… adventurous with Setsuya." Zuko sat up a little straighter, letting the sheet around him droop dangerously low. "So," he began, inclining his head as he let out a sigh. "How are we going to do it?"

"Pardon?" Ravindra's full attention was diverted to the teenager, who was letting his body rest invitingly against the headboard of the bed.

"How are we going to kill the Firelord? Are we going to poison his food? Drink his blood? Strangle him in his sleep?" Zuko pursed his lips in near-excitement, trying to suppress a smile. "I, personally, favor slitting his throat. How beautiful the blood would look."

The man continued to stare at him, for once caught off-guard. He hadn't really expected Ryuichi would seduce the young one so easily. Perhaps the man was holding out on a few tricks when he and Ravindra made love. Slowly, his confusion split into a sick smile as he whispered, "Yes, slitting his throat would be marvelous. We can sneak up on him while he's sitting on his magnificent throne, and watch the blood stream down the steps like a waterfall."

Zuko laughed, combing a hand through his hair in wonder. "I could force my sister to clean it up. I can't wait to see the look on her face." He edged forward as far as the chains would allow him leaning forward to whisper, "But how am I to survive my transformation? Setsuya is no longer my lover. What bond will hold me to this world?"

"Do you trust me?" Ravindra cooed, leaning forward and brushing a finger against the boy's cheek.

Only a moment's hesitance. "Yes, Master."

The man shook his head, pressing a kiss against the younger's forehead. "Call me Ravindra."

(A/N: PLEASE NOTE: Any poems used thusfar have been the creation of OnexLostxSoul, and have not been plagarized in any way, shape, or form. OnexLostxSoul prays that others will not plagarize these poems in turn, for OnexLostxSoul will be very hurt. Agni bless those who believe OnexLostxSoul's poems are worth plagarizing.)