"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."
Ravindra smirked as he ran his incisors teasingly along Zuko's throat, prideful when the teenager grit his teeth in pleasure. He'd secretly wanted to wait until the young man was perhaps a little older to turn him into a vampire. He had a feeling this beautiful boy had yet to reach the pinnacle of his beauty. Still, the warm blood pulsing beneath his teeth was calling him, whispering sensuous temptations. He would have to distract himself with more physical pleasures. The younger, panting against the headboard, let out a whimper when the man pulled away. "Ravindra…" Zuko let the name slide off of his tongue as the vampire knelt before him on the bed, his expression one of triumph. He licked his lips perversely, using his hands to part his robes and ease his erection out of its constraints. He nodded expectantly at Zuko, who wasted no time crawling onto his stomach and admiring the pleading arousal.
"You expected this," Zuko accused him, running a teasing finger up the length of the member. Even Ryuichi wasn't prepared for their encounter. "Smug, aren't you?"
"I've reason to be. I had faith in you all along." Ravindra closed his eyes and allowed his body to indulge in this fresh pleasure. It was different than being touched by Ryuichi. Such warmth, such tenderness! A tongue flicked the head of his arousal and he let out an animalistic moan. Shudders ran up and down his spine as Zuko pressed his erection up against his throat while whispering, causing vibrations to taunt his aching flesh.
"We should murder the Firelord as soon as possible. Of course, that still leaves the issue of Setsuya and his people interfering. How do you propose we stop them?" He punctuated his sentence by running his tongue up and down the other's length.
"A-Ah! T-Taken care of. Ozai has sup- ngh… supplied us with f-firebenders." Ravindra threaded one hand into Zuko's hair and ran the other along the bare crease of his spine. This unrivaled heat taunting him was greater, more erotic than he thought possible. Setsuya trained this young man well in the love arts.
"But vampires are so strong, so powerful. Even with their influence over fire, those mortals don't stand a chance." Using two fingers, he massaged gentle circles just around the base of the shaft. He smirked when the man jerked his hips, letting out a deep sigh.
"Don't tease me darling, I haven't the patience." He stifled a moan as he was encompassed fully by his young companion. Ravindra spoke in soft whispers, forcing words from trembling lips. "The m-mountain range above the eastern tunnels of, mmm, his p-population hosts a volcano. It's thought to be ex-extinct, but it's o-ohhh-only dormant. Instead of f-facing the vampires directly, the firebenders and going to c-cause an eruption that will channel lava into the u-UH-underground city. The entrances will be blocked, and they'll-" The vampire choked out a groan, biting his lower lip wantonly. He hated to tremble at the hands of a human, but this was no ordinary human.
"They'll be burnt to ashes," Zuko finished with a chuckle. He raised an eyebrow as Ravindra's pulsating cock twitched. The man seemed to get off thinking about murder. Such unhealthy behavior. He continued pleasuring the other, running his hands up and down the man's sides as he swallowed him deeply into his throat. A moan tore from Ravindra's lips, no longer willing to restrain himself. His thighs tightened as velvet heat surrounded his sensitive member. He couldn't take the teasing anymore. Ravindra gripped the boy's hair and gently eased him upward, pressing a kiss against his forehead. Within moments, Zuko found himself on his hands and knees with a desperately arched back. He felt the combined sensation of flesh and cloth against his backside, realizing what Ravindra intended as a finger traced the loosened ring of muscles. The man wouldn't even take the time to undress… According to Fire Nation custom, that was nothing less than an insult to the receiving partner, and he was certain that was Ravindra's aim.
Zuko bowed his head and braced himself as a hand gripped his hips. This is it. He frowned when he couldn't feel the penetration, glancing over his shoulder at the frozen vampire. "It seems that he received my message," Ravindra whispered, still poised to take his companion. "Wait here, and I'll come for you when you're needed." He sighed with annoyance, backing away and straightening out his clothes. The teenager made it a point to huff his chest and wrap the sheets around his body with a bitter grumble.
Ravindra smiled with sympathy, winking at the younger. "We'll continue our encounter soon enough." He lifted himself off of the bed and gave the other a last, deep kiss. "Soon enough," he repeated, edging out of the room reluctantly. He headed for the northern hallways, combing his hair into place. As expected, Ryuichi was at his heels within a manner of moments.
"You took him?" Ryuichi asked quietly, catching the strong scent of Zuko on the other. There was a slight edge of anger and jealousy that only caused the other to laugh.
"Close, so close." Ravindra shook his head, full of woe. "I don't know what you did to him in that bed, but you triggered up quite a stir."
"You mean… he was going to allow you to have him? Willingly?" Ryuichi inclined his head in suspicion. Zuko would never cheat on Setsuya, not by his own accord. Or perhaps… Perhaps he wasn't Setsuya's any longer. The thought that once made his heart leap only made him tremble.
"Don't worry, love. Next time you can join us." They quickened their pace as they approached the central courtyard. The stairwell leading down into the prison cells brought Ravindra to the sweetest sight he'd ever laid eyes upon- Setsuya behind bars, guarded by a vampire on either side. The moment Ravindra entered the room, the vampire lord's posture straightened with a sneer that was absolutely menacing against the candlelight.
"What have you done with Zuko?!" he demanded, his nostrils flaring. He was ignored, much to his annoyance. He inhaled deeply: Zuko was close, Ryuichi closer.
"He turned himself in, my Lord," one of the guards spoke up.
"As I thought he might. You may leave us." Ravindra waved his hand, dismissing his men. With a malicious smirk he approached his captive, opening his arms wide in exaltation. "My friend, you came! I'm so delighted!"
Setsuya snarled, the scent of his lover unmistakably strong on the other. "Where is he? I've fulfilled my part of the bargain. Now let him go before I rip out your throat!" he hissed, gripping the bars with a fierce glare.
"An empty threat of passion's breath," Ravindra taunted. "He is safe, which is more than I can say for you."
"And what of Ryuichi?" Setsuya demanded, wishing that the man might come a little closer so that he could choke him, no matter how futile. "He'd best be unharmed."
"On the contrary, Ryuichi is better than he has ever been in his entire life!" Ravindra laughed, motioning for said man to come forward from the shadows. "Come! Approach your former lord and tell him of your prosperity." Ryuichi edged toward them, every step more painful as he noted Setsuya's naïve hope. He came to a halt behind his master, his lips pursed with silent agony.
"Ryuichi, are you alright? Where is Zuko?" The man pleaded for answers, tapping his fingers against the metal bars with anxiety. Ravindra smirked, pushing the younger vampire forward with a single hand. Ryuichi swallowed harshly, as Setsuya's eyes widened and his body trembled.
"Ryuichi… you…" You smell like him, like his essence. As though you were- "Ryuichi, what have you done?" Setsuya whispered, his eyes stricken with tears. "What have you done?" His heart, though unbeating, never ached so terribly.
"I, I didn't m-… I-I-"
"He has stolen your lover from beneath you!" Ravindra cried as he embraced his subject from behind. "If he should desire to return to you, I promise that I will release him without qualm. Shall I fetch him for you?"
"There's no need, Master," a voice sounded from the adjacent corridor. Setsuya felt his knees give out from underneath him, for from the stairwell emerged his lost soul mate, now fully clothed and sporting a smirk. Setsuya mouthed his beloved's name, but could not will his voice to accompany his lips.
Ravindra's eyebrow arched, his brow wrinkling in confusion. How did the teenager escape his bonds? More importantly, what was he going to do now that he was free? He certainly wasn't expecting the young one to walk up to both Ryuichi and himself and plant deep kisses against their lips. Ravindra smiled with pride while Ryuichi would only stand frozen. Finally, Zuko turned to the speechless vampire lord and strode directly up to the bars. Kneeling down to meet the man's eyes, he whispered, "Hello, darling. It certainly took you a while to find me."
"Z-Zuko…"
"I'm glad you're here. As cruel as you are, I don't want you to witness the death of your entire population." Zuko chuckled, turning back to Ravindra. "How long now, Ravindra? How long must he wait in agony, knowing that there is nothing he can do to stop the lava or even warn his people?"
"The troops hike to the rendezvous within three days," Ravindra said, flaunting smile as he observed his captive enemy's horror. "With the entrances barricaded, they don't stand a chance."
"Shame… Of course they'd only get in our way." Zuko winked, turning his attention back to Setsuya. Ryuichi felt his motionless heart jump to his throat as he observed the obvious alteration in the young man's demeanor. Zuko could speak of the deaths of so many people with a single unhindered breath? This wasn't the teenager he fell in love with, heartless and unfeeling.
It must be Ravindra's brainwashing.
"What are you saying? What have they done to you?" Setsuya whispered, stretching out a gentle hand to stroke the other's cheek.
"I'll tell you what happened," Zuko bit back, all traces of a smile gone. "Ravindra offered me power, recognition. He offered me what is rightfully mine! What you and my father collectively stole from me!" He inhaled sharply, slapping the man's touch away. "You betrayed me, and you'll pay with the lives of everyone who's important to you!"
"No… No!" Setsuya jolted to his senses, leaping up to address Ravindra. "Please, don't! Not them! They're innocent!"
Ravindra hissed, "Innocent? The same people who laughed at me, ridiculed me for my beliefs? I think not!" Ravindra's stare turned deadly as he pulled Zuko back, wrapping one arm around either of his lovers. "Together, we will rule the world and ensure the superiority of our race. Three days…" He turned to Ryuichi, pressing a kiss against his cheek. "I was going to wait until later, but I do believe I want Setsuya to witness this. My dear, I want you to defy Setsuya's teachings and pledge yourself to me fully. I want you to cast away the last of your disgusting affiliations. Ryuichi, take his blood." Zuko's shock was no hidden reaction, but he quickly recovered. Ryuichi, however, was not as collected.
"You're asking me to kill him," Ryuichi murmured, uncertain of his next move. Ravindra cupped his face affectionately, shushing him with a kiss to the lips
"No. I'm asking you to bring him to life." Ravindra backed away, gesturing to the young man. "Let him become one of us."
"No!" Setsuya cried from his cell, tears streaming down his cheeks. "You can't! Our bond is broken, he won't survive!"
"He will live, for I know something you do not. Dear Setsuya, you act as though Zuko hasn't already made his choice." Ravindra shrugged, nodding toward Ryuichi. "Show him."
"Please! I'll do anything!" Setsuya pleaded, clenching the bars as though to break them, but to no avail.
"The time for compromise has ended. I wrote that message to you in the event that prodding Zuko to join our cause was a hopeless effort. As it turns out, it wasn't." Ravindra smiled his sick smile as Ryuichi brought a hand to Zuko's throat. End it, Ryuichi. Bring honor to me. Bring honor to our cause.
"Wait!" Zuko jerked out of the vampire's grasp turning to Setsuya with calculating eyes. "I have a few parting words." He approached the cell of the heartbroken man, his eyes softening. To the vampire lord's surprise, Zuko grasped his hand and leaned in to whisper, "I do what I do because I love you." The teenager breathed in deeply, summoning his inner strength. With one fluent motion, he whirled around and let a harsh stream of fire emerge from his fingertips. Their enemies cried out in shock and pain as the flames burned the flesh of their defending arms. Zuko dug into his pocket and drew out a set of keys, using swift eyes to match the lock on Setsuya's cell door with the correct one.
"Ravindra…" Zuko let the name slide off of his tongue as the vampire knelt before him on the bed, his expression one of triumph. He licked his lips perversely, using his hands to part his robes and ease his erection out of its constraints. He nodded expectantly at Zuko, who wasted no time crawling onto his stomach and admiring the pleading arousal.
"You expected this," Zuko accused him, running a teasing finger up the length of the member. Even Ryuichi wasn't prepared for their encounter. "Smug, aren't you?"
"I've reason to be. I had faith in you all along." Ravindra closed his eyes and allowed his body to indulge in this fresh pleasure. It was different than being touched by Ryuichi. The warmth of the young man's grasp was a sensation he hadn't experienced for a while. He moaned as a tongue flicked the head of his arousal. Shudders ran up and down his spine as Zuko pressed his erection up against his throat while whispering, causing vibrations to taunt the aching flesh. As he did so, a hand traveled to Ravindra's pockets. First his hip pockets, then his back pockets, then his chest pockets… There! He soundlessly withdrew the keys from the man's robes and slipped them beneath his pillow.
"Split up" were Zuko's final words before he dashed up the stairwell and took a right into the adjacent corridor. Before the smoke died down Setsuya followed the suit, taking the left corridor.
"That traitorous fiend!" Ravindra spat, clutching his wounded forearm to his body. "The drug must have worn off. You go after Zuko. Bring him back dead or alive. I'll find Setsuya." Ryuichi nodded, bounding up the stairs five at a time to find said teenager. The burns on his shoulder and bicep ached, but they were not nearly as bad as the ones his master sported. All Ryuichi could do now was pray that Zuko would find a way to evade him.
xXxBloodlustxXx
Zuko ran as fast as he could, hoping that one of the vampires would follow him. Setsuya might be strong, but asking him to take on two of his own kind was stretching it. This way, if one of them was captured, the other could reach the population with word of the nearing attack. He passed several bewildered vampires, none of which dared to touch him no matter how much they craved his blood. After all, he was Ravindra's property. He ran, ran for his very life toward the first upward staircase he saw. Upward stairwells meant a probable path toward the surface. He didn't spare a glance behind him as he proceeded up, greeted with a metal door that, when pushed open, revealed the fresh scent of the forest. Perfect. He wound his way through the woodland, growing aware of the light footsteps pursuing him. He glanced behind him to find Ryuichi hot on his heels, though having trouble adjusting to all of the changes in direction Zuko was making, which slowed him down considerably.
Come and get me. He didn't know where he was going and he didn't care. He was free now, and Setsuya would find him in time.
xXxBloodlustxXx
Setsuya raced up the stairwell, his heart full of joy even as he was being chased by his arch nemesis. Zuko was free. Zuko had a plan. Zuko found a way to trick Ravindra into letting loose the details of his plot. Zuko loved him. All he had to do was lose Ravindra, find his soul mate, and return underground where they would prepare for what was to come. He led his follower up through the nearest entrance into the city, displeased to find that dawn was nearly upon them. If any humans caught sight of them, it would mean upheaval. Setsuya ran as fast as he could and made it to the edge of the city within minutes, Ravindra close behind.
As he ran, he tried to gather up all of the information he'd been supplied with thanks to Zuko's genius. Assault… Three days… Lava? A volcano? His thread of thought was cut short when Ravindra found a way around him, cutting him off at the clearing preceding the forest.
"You'll pay for the trouble you've caused me," Ravindra snarled, baring his teeth in warning.
"I can say the same for you." Setsuya crouched down, ready to pounce on the offending brute. He had a slight advantage of being stronger and faster, but neither had the ability to dispose of the other for good. It was a draw before they even started fighting.
xXxBloodlustxXx
Zuko had to stop running. His breath was escaping him, his adrenaline was wearing off, and he didn't know if he was getting closer or farther away from his destination. He spun around and let out another stream of fire, forcing Ryuichi to stop in his tracks. "I don't want to hurt you," Zuko said sincerely, though positioning his body otherwise. "Please, don't make me do this. It's not a fair fight."
"You're right." Zuko choked back a gasp when a cold hand was wrapped tight around his throat and a slender body pressed up against his own. "It's not a fair fight." The vampire released him, and Zuko stumbled backward with fear clouding his gaze. Ryuichi's eyes flickered upward, as though contemplating something. Then, after a brief silence, he produced two swords from his cloak and offered one to Zuko. The boy raised a confused eyebrow. "Here. We'll fight fair. The first to inflict a hit upon the other is the winner."
"Doesn't seem very fair to me," Zuko muttered, though he accepted the offered weapon. He recognized the sword's weight, and it pained his heart to realize this was the sword they made together. "What happens if you win?"
"You come back with me."
"And if I win?"
"I'll let you go freely." Ryuichi's upper lip twitched, as Zuko inclined his head suspiciously. Both men unsheathed their swords at the same time, touching blades as a starting point. Tension sunk their hearts in their chests, neither able to fathom attempting to hurt the other. Nevertheless, the choice was not theirs. "On three… One, two, three!"
xXxBloodlustxXx
Setsuya hated fighting. Especially old-fashioned, tooth-and-nail fistfights. Those were the worst. And when you had regenerating flesh and eternal stamina, it was inconceivably more annoying. Still Setsuya continued to punch, kick, swipe, and strike his heart out, receiving harsh blows in return. Ravindra kicked his feet from beneath him with a smirk, pinning the older vampire to the ground and pressing his jaw into the dirt. "You should have heard Zuko moan underneath Ryuichi," he whispered into the man's ear. "He sounded like a brothel's cheapest whore."
"You bastard!" Setsuya flipped them around and kneed Ravindra pointedly in the stomach. "What did you do to him?!"
"You want to hear more?" Ravindra asked in delight, spawning a look of pure terror. "You should have heard him begging for Ryuichi to fuck him." He struggled upward, taking a swipe at Setsuya's chest. "He was in chains, pleading for someone to touch him or to be allowed to touch himself."
"Don't you dare!" Setsuya punched the man square in the jaw, earning only a hallow laugh. "Did you drug him?!"
"Ryuichi slung Zuko's legs over his shoulders and pounded into him. And your little bitch loved it. He climaxed four times, thrusting his hips and whimpering the entire time. He was naked and writhing, his heartbeat faster than you would believe." Ravindra kicked the distracted man in the stomach and drove a punch into this throat. "By the end of it his entire body was slick with sweat and seed, with his legs spread wide and his chest heaving. He was euphoric!"
Setsuya evicted the descriptive image from his mind, sick to his stomach. "I should kill you!" he hissed, fingernails digging into his palms as he struggled to lift himself up in spite of the pain. "You're sick!"
"Hmm, now let's be politically correct. They call me an idealist."
Setsuya growled, lunging forward and pinning the man to the rocky terrain. He couldn't do this by himself! He needed help… He could only pray that Zuko would reach the population and send for backup.
xXxBloodlustxXx
Zuko swallowed hard, trying not to display the pain he felt as Ryuichi's sword clashed against his own and caused fierce vibrations to jolt down his arm. His mentor had never fought him with such desperation, and he was certain that he was doomed to defeat. Even so, he carried on. Ryuichi was not using his strength and speed to his greatest potential, making him wonder how much the man really wanted to win. Passion flooded the vampire's eyes, his movements not fluent, but harsh and demanding. Their blades locked, Zuko's arms trembling as his heart pounded. "This wasn't the way it was meant to happen," Ryuichi whispered, making the other's chest tighten. "I never wanted to hurt you."
"Stop distracting me," Zuko grunted, leaping back to break their draw and lunging forward once again. But you did hurt me, Ryuichi. No one has ever betrayed me to such lengths, not Setsuya and not even my father. He swung around, targeting a fierce blow at the other's chest.
"Listen to me!" Ryuichi begged, retreating step by step as the other's assault continued. "We can run away together, I promise. We can take a ship to the western islands of the Fire Nation, where they can't find us! We'll build a life in solitude, where we'll form a bond unshaken by all of this. I won't let Ravindra or Setsuya hurt you." He ducked, wincing as the blade barely spliced a rogue strand of hair.
"That's just like you, trying to run from your problems," Zuko muttered, watching the other's eyes flicker with hurt. He parried the weak blow aimed at his shoulders. He backed away pleading, "Why don't you come back with me? I know you don't want Ravindra to win. He can't prevail, there's no way. Please, Ryu. You'll be forgiven, treated as a hero!"
"You know that's not true! Besides, I don't care about any of that!" Ryuichi insisted, lowering his weapon. "All I want is you."
"I won't be treated like another man's property!" Zuko hissed, his grip tightening as he shot the man a dirty look. "Fucking me doesn't make my body and soul yours!"
"And claiming to be your soul mate shouldn't make you Setsuya's! I saw you and I loved you! I didn't see you as an object, a thing to be bought!"
"This has nothing to do with Setsuya! You drugged me and used my body for your pleasure!" Zuko shook with frustration as he allowed the sword to fall to the ground beneath him. He opened his tunic, revealing the bruises and traces of dried semen lingering there. "Is this what you wanted all of this time?! You saw me and imagined this?!"
Ryuichi looked away, tears stinging at his eyes. "I didn't do it out of malice! I did it because I love you, because I wanted to be with you!" His voice wavered when he realized the younger man had dropped his sword. I… I could… "I want to heal, Zuko. Please, you can help me." His voice was desperate, causing the other to avert his eyes.
"I am no angel, Ryuichi. I can't save you by any means. I can love you as my friend, but you need to do the inner work yourself." He bowed his head and asked quietly, "Would you strike me?"
The vampire pursed his lips, his left hand tightening its grip on the blade. Would he? Would he tear Zuko from that which he came to love and force him to return to Ravindra, who would most likely imprison him and torture him for his impudence? Would he hurt the only friend who could look him in the eye and care for him, even after all he'd done? "I-I…" I love you. "I'll walk you back."
Zuko's eyes narrowed as though he wasn't sure what he'd just heard. "What did you say?"
"I'll walk you back to the underground city. I know where to go from here." Ryuichi sheathed his sword and strapped it back onto his waist. "You don't have to worry about Setsuya. He'll be alright."
"I… I don't…"
"I love you, Zuko. But you're right- I'm such a broken person, I can't make another whole." Tears spilled down his cheeks as he wrapped his arms around his own waist. "I can't force you to be mine. Maybe in a different time, a different place… I might have been a more appealing partner. I can't make you happy, no matter how much I care about you."
Zuko straightened out his shirt, his lips parted in surprise. "Am I to trust you?" The words felt almost unnatural in his mouth, considering the utmost sincerity of the other's demeanor. He pulled his sword upward and sheathed it guardedly.
Ryuichi smiled sadly, shaking his head at the teenager. "No, I guess not. But if you follow me, I'll lead you to where you need to go." Zuko glanced left, then right as the other began to walk. He had no idea where he was, or which direction he'd come from. Biting his lower lip, he dashed after the man and fell into step with him.
"Your sword." Zuko held it out for him, but the other refused.
"I told you that it was yours." Ryuichi's voice was low, and Zuko could tell he was trying to repress the trembling of his speech. "Something to remember me by."
Remember me by… He hooked the sword onto his sash."I forgive you," the teenager whispered, in a desperate attempt to make the vampire look at him. "I'm sorry that I mentioned it." Words unspoken danced at the edge of his tongue. When the man didn't answer him, his heart leapt to his throat. Finally, he grasped a cold hand and yanked the man around to meet his eyes. "Don't go back to Ravindra," he begged him outright. "Please! You don't have to come back with me! Just don't go back to him."
Ryuichi's eyes widened as he fought to gain his composure. "I made my choice, Zuko."
"No! That's not you, I know who you are!" He sharply inhaled and hissed, "You can't let Ravindra control you. He can't give you what you need to heal."
The vampire sighed, combing a shaky hand through his hair. "You don't understand, Zuko." He gently pried the other's hand off of his and continued to walk.
"Who are you afraid of?" he demanded, shouting at the detached man. "Ravindra? Setsuya? Me?"
Ryuichi halted, turning to address the other with soft words: "I'm afraid of losing my reason for living. With such a long time to live… It's the most frightening prospect of all."
Zuko felt his broken heart twist in his chest. A week ago, he'd been so carefree and had thought others to be the same way. He was building a life, making friends, falling in love... And now all of that, in one way or another, was falling apart. He'd seen Ryuichi as someone of strength, security- someone to look up to. And now the man was before him, questioning the purpose and value of his own life? He gave a start, realizing that the other was on the move. He forced himself to catch up, still mystified "Ryuichi! Ryu, wait up! What about Setsuya? Can you sense him anywhere? Is he alright?"
"He's nowhere nearby," the man admitted, his stride forceful and swift. "You shouldn't worry- Ravindra can't hurt him. Not physically."
"Wait, don't-"
"Ryuichi! Zuko!"
The teenager jumped as a figure approached them at lightning speed, Takuya's green eyes coming into sight and glistening with absolute relief. "Ryuichi! I'm so glad you're alright! I was waiting to-" He met the man with a deep embrace, although he immediately stiffened in shock. His nostrils flared, and he glanced from Ryuichi to Zuko, and then back again. He knew something was off. The two had so many scents pervading them that wove together in a strange way. "Wh-What's wrong?" he whispered to the other vampire, who couldn't seem to meet his eyes.
Zuko winced, backing away from the two men in case they needed some privacy. He kept an eye on Ryuichi, who seemed to be whispering something into the other's ear. As he spoke, the teenager could see those emeralds that served as Takuya's eyes tear up, and he hugged his friend all the tighter.
"…made a terrible… the only chance I… and he… be here soon."
"…understand… have you… possible… with him?"
"I can't…"
"Please!"
"Takuya…"
Zuko swallowed as Takuya began to sob, clutching at his friend and pleading incoherently. He could see it, the love Takuya had for the man. It was so terribly obvious now; how could he have seen past it? Ryuichi held the man with reserve, his arms trembling. They parted with reluctance, only after Takuya planted a deep kiss on the other's lips. Ryuichi disappeared, leaving Takuya to stare after him with longing, lonesome eyes. Finally, he turned to approach Zuko and whispered, "Is there anything I can do to help you?"
I want to know where Setsuya is.
I want to help Ryuichi.
I want to defeat Ravindra.
I want to rebuild my bond.
I want…
"I want to sleep," Zuko muttered, allowing his weariness to overcome him. This, all of this, was far too much than he ought to be expected to handle. Then again, he was no ordinary adolescent. Takuya nodded, wrapping an arm around the teenager and guiding him a little ways to the underground entrance. Not surprisingly, Akane and Rohan met them anxiously in the corridor. Takuya shook his head before they could question the younger, ensuring that the teen made it to his quarters safely and undisturbed.
"I'll tell the council what they need to know," Takuya promised, presumably receiving said information from Ryuichi and his own conclusions. "Just rest. Setsuya should be back within the hour." Alone for the first time in quite a while, Zuko allowed the tears to fall from his eyes as he stripped off his outer clothing and slid between the sheets of the freshly made bed. When he awoke, he trusted that things would seem better.
xXxBloodlustxXx
Ravindra bit his lip, shaking his head in frustration. This wasn't getting them anywhere. Their clothing torn and their patience wearing thin, the two vampires stared at each other from across the clearing in suspicion. "There's nothing you can do to stop us," Ravindra warned the other aloud, raising his eyebrow in a challenge. "Your people don't stand a chance with firebenders on our side, and we will overtake Ozai's forces before he can blink!"
"I can't believe this…. completely unrealistic… unimaginably egotistical…" Setsuya continued to spit out fragmented sentences, unable to form a coherent opinion. He knew now that Ravindra was right; the man had the ability to sway and seduce using empty promises of power and desires untold. Even if he didn't have the power to maintain order, he could round up short-term support in order to form his perfect world. Then, it would be nothing but chaos from there on out. "I'll tell the Firelord of your betrayal," he finally warned in a last-ditch effort to dissuade the man. "He'll kill you without a second thought."
"And you think he'll believe you over me? The Firelord and I have been plotting your downfall for weeks." Ravindra shook his head and said with a chuckle, "You haven't a chance. And when we're finished with you, I'm turn around and kill him! Ingenious, yes?"
"I won't let you kill those humans, or my people. I don't care what it takes." Setsuya silently swore, his fingers flexing in agitation. This couldn't go on, but what could he do? If their two populations clashed, there would be no plausible outcome. He had to do something, something that would ensure Ravindra's downfall. They had to take away his support, his backbone. They didn't have to destroy his followers; they only had to capture them, perhaps persuadethem to abandon their ways. They outnumbered Ravindra's population at least two to one. Was it possible?
"And I thought I was the idealist." Ravindra smiled, stuffing his hands into the robe pockets with a smirk. "This would all be so much easier if you would only join us. But the great Lord Setsuya cannot be swayed by my unworthy words. After all…" He strode forward, his eyes narrowed. "He is the one who foiled my plan in the first place. Everything would have been taken care of ages ago if you hadn't shoved aside your cowardice and murdered Master."
"I did what I had to. And I'll do the same thing again to ensure the safety of the human race."
"Why do you deny our nature, Setsuya?" Ravindra inclined his head, edging closer to the man. "We are meant to drink blood, the blood of humans. We are supreme beings, blessed with power beyond what any mortal could ever dream of. And you live underground, feeding off of slime and wasting away day by day, wondering how many years will pass until the end of time."
Setsuya shuddered, backing away with every step the other took toward him. "I have not forgotten that once I was a human. Apart from our feeding habits, I see no difference between me and them. I foster the same emotions, mentality, and desires that they do. As far as one might be concerned, I am still a human."
"They are inferior! Pathetic, unobservant, careless! You are none of these things!" Ravindra let out a frustrated growl lunging forward in a final attempt to pound some sense into the man. He pinned Setsuya to the ground, shaking him repeatedly as he muttered, "You have the potential to be so much more… If you join our cause, I promise not to murder your traitorous little bitch-of-a-lover. I might even consider keeping him as a sex slave."
"Don't you dare speak about Zuko in such a manner! You're bitter because he beat you at your own game!" Setsuya's hands grasped his opponent's wrists, flinging him backward and onto the ground.
Ravindra stumbled upward with a grunt, bracing himself against the nearest tree. He forced out a chuckle, although his narrowed eyes and heaving chest gave away his frustration. "Perhaps you're right. Then again, it was difficult not to be influenced when he had his throat around my cock." Setsuya's expression turned stone-cold. "That's right. He went down on me, the best I've ever had. You have him trained so well, Setsuya. Or was he already a whore when he was brought to you?"
Setsuya shuddered, shaking his head over and over again. He had to get away from this man and his mind tricks. But before he could… "You said something about Zuko surviving the transformation even though our bond was broken. What did you mean by it?"
Ravindra crossed his arms with a sneer, eying the other with a mischievous gleam in his eyes. "Why should I tell you? It's a secret, you understand."
"Don't play games with me!"
"Come now, Setsuya. Everyone likes games." Ravindra laughed, sending shivers down the other's spine. "We have very different philosophies. If you want information, you're going to have to do something for me. Isn't that fair?"
"I've known you long enough to understand that you don't play fair. What's your price?" Setsuya braced himself, trying to calculate the fastest route by which to escape by. He had to warn his population just in case… just in case Zuko was…
"Surrender and you can have any information you want."
"You don't compromise, do you?"
"Not with the finest of hostages before me."
Setsuya sighed with exasperation as the other adorned his signature smirk. His eyes widened as a familiar scent caught his attention. "I'm not a hostage yet."
"And he's not going to become one."
Within moments Hayate was by his side, accompanied by a number of other members of the council. The moment Setsuya saw them, his heart nearly ached with relief. Zuko had made it home! Ravindra eyes widened and he began taking slow steps backward, as though not to provoke an angry dog. He turned back to Setsuya with a sneer and hissed, "This isn't over! You have signed the death sentence of everyone you have ever known and loved! I hope you're satisfied!" Ravindra spat on the ground and disappeared into the forest. Setsuya had to restrain Hayate to keep the man from barging after him.
"Wait, wait! We aren't far from his fortress. You'll be outnumbered. Let him go for now. We need to inform the population." He took Hayate aside, though he was certain the other vampires were listening intently. "Did Zuko make it back in one piece?" he whispered, disheartened as the man's eyes flickered downward.
"Physically, he's alright. But my Lord… we have reason to believe he may have been r-"
"I know." Setsuya pursed his lips and ran a hand through his hair in frustration. "Everyone knows don't they? Damn, I need to get back to him."
"Sir, what happened?"
Setsuya's eyes averted as he muttered, "I should address the population first. I don't want to tell the story more than once or give out any unnecessary details. I'll meet with you afterward. There are some things we need to go over." He turned to address his anxious comrades. "Thank you for your reinforcement. You could not have come at a better time." With this he led the vampires deeper into the forest, each biting their tongue in order to keep from questioning him. Setsuya himself only had one thing, or rather, person on his mind.
xXxBloodlustxXx
The end of the day. Ryuichi loved the end of the working day in Setsuya's office. Mainly because the working 'day' consisted of twelve to sixteen to even forty-eight hours of nonstop labor. Not that Ryuichi wasn't grateful for his job! He really was. It gave him so much time to get to know Setsuya better, and he didn't have time to feel lonely when he was working. Even so, the end of the day was the best time. Setsuya would lock up the office, cozy up at his desk, light some black cherry incense, and read for pleasure. Ryuichi would lay perfectly still at his feet like a loyal puppy, counting the seconds between every flip of the page. Indeed, the best time of the day.
Today was a little different, however, not for any particular reason other than Ryuichi's blossoming boldness. He snuck up behind Setsuya as the man locked his office door, though the vampire lord could clearly sense him approaching. The younger embraced him playfully from behind, taking in everything from the shape of the other's body to his pleasing scent. Setsuya chuckled, squirming a single arm out of the other's grip and locking the door. "Ryu, you're making this a little difficult."
"Isn't that my job? To make things difficult?" Ryuichi teased, relishing the affection he was shown. If anyone else had tried to hug Setsuya for friendliness' sake, they would have received merely a confused stare.
"You're my assistant. Theoretically, you're supposed to make things easier." Setsuya turned around, embracing the other with a smile. Ryuichi melted in his arms, nestling his head into the other's neck with a sigh. This was perfection. If he could only feel this every moment of every day, he would never get tired of it. Maybe if he could gather the courage... Ryuichi leaned up to reach the taller man's lips, giving him a gentle kiss. When they parted, Setsuya could only smile. They shared such moments often, and it was not uncommon to express their affection in such a way. The younger vampire swallowed and gave the man another kiss, deeper this time and utilizing his tongue as Takuya had taught him in one of their many 'sessions'.
Setsuya reacted with reluctance, though the exchange became heated once he did. Ryuichi would have flushed bright red as he let out a moan that echoed throughout the office. Although, perhaps it was his imagination. Sounds usually didn't echo in this particular room. The vampire lord gently pried their lips apart and murmured in a dazed voice, "I wish you wouldn't do that."
"Why?" Ryuichi's kisses descended, tracing the man's jaw and nipping at his throat.
"You shouldn't waste such a beautiful gift on me. Find someone that you love and share your touch with them."
"It's far from wasted. I love you, Setsuya." Ryuichi didn't have time to reflect or regret. They had fed together that night… How could he resist? He had waited for the perfect scenario for so long. Intertwining their legs, Ryuichi bestowed sweet lovebites that were quick to heal, but imposed prolonged effects.
"Don't say things like that," Setsuya breathed, pushing the other away only to be embraced once again. "You're too…"
"What? Too young? Believe it or not, I'm older than I look." Ryuichi smirked as the other's hands traveled the length of his body. "I know what love is like."
"Ryuichi…" Setsuya pursed his lips and looked away with shame. "I can't tell you how you feel. But I can't return that love with my whole heart. I can't be the partner you deserve."
"I don't want a 'partner'. I want you."
"Want…" The word sounded foreign to Setsuya's ears. Who was the last person who wanted him? When did Ryuichi's touch become so bold and desperate? Why was he allowing this to continue?
"How long has it been?" Ryuichi inquired in a teasing tone, his hands descending to push back the folds of Setsuya's crimson robes. "Can't be less than thirty years."
"Since?"
"Since you've made love."
Setsuya groaned at his choice of words, falling to his knees as the other urged him down. Step by step, Ryuichi was getting his way. Setsuya almost always let Ryuichi get his way. He hadn't made love since he was with Kuzon. Over half a century ago. Love… "Sex isn't love, Ryuichi." It was his final warning.
"I know."
Setsuya wasn't sure if he believed the younger.
Kissing turned to touching. Touching turned to stripping. Stripping turned to…
Mistakes.
Mistake after mistake after mistake.
Ryuichi had made so many mistakes, one right after another. And now he was going to pay for all of them. Can a man ever atone for his sins? Was there any way to compensate for what he'd done? Were his mistakes of such great proportion that his soul would be damned for all eternity? If so, it was probably what he deserved.
"Ryuichi!" Ravindra met him at the door to the fortress, his expression one of weariness and frustration. "Where is the boy?"
Ryuichi bowed, speaking with distinct clarity: "Gone. I couldn't bring him back." Strike me. Hurt me. Kill me. Find a way to punish me.
"Of course," Ravindra hissed, his hands clenching into trembling fists. "I should have transformed him into a vampire the moment we captured him. Then we wouldn't have had to worry about his damn firebending!" The man began to pace, a nervous and age-old habit. The younger stood in stunned silence. Why wasn't he being beaten into the dirt? He had not expected forgiveness. "It's alright, Ryuichi. I always have a back up plan. I want you to-"
"No."
Ravindra glanced up from the ground, inclining his head in dangerous curiosity. "What did you say?"
His voice was sharp and strong as he continued, "No. You promised me my heart's desire. I don't care what happens to your precious plans now. If I can't have Zuko, I don't want any part of this." Ryuichi waited for the blow, but it never came. Instead he found his master laughing, striding forward and brushing away the rogue lock of hair resting upon the other's cheek.
"Oh, Ryuichi. You poor thing. You're confused aren't you? You still have me, don't you know that? If I can't get you Zuko, I'll find you a boy-toy even prettier than he is."
Something in Ryuichi snapped at these words. He growled, grabbing Ravindra by the collar and slamming him up against the alley wall with a snarl, "Don't you dare compare him to a boy-toy!"
Ravindra fell quiet, his eyes darkening as the silence drew on. Finally he spoke in a voice that forever haunted Ryuichi's mind. "I was convinced that this was just a phase, Ryuichi. I told myself that you were lost, consumed by thoughts of revenge. But that's not it at all, is it? You love that fucking human, don't you? You really love him!" He spat his words like venom. "You ungrateful bastard! I've shown you the way to redemption, the way to glory! And you go off sucking the blood of animals and fucking humans, all because of your sympathy and love!" He drew a deep breath, trying to calm his raging anger. "I'm going to give you another chance, Ryuichi, because I'm the only person to whom you are more than a convenient fuck." He called the nearest vampires to him, nodding his head toward Ryuichi as he muttered, "Lock him up in the lower cells for now. I'm going to give him some time to think things over."
Ryuichi remained silent as he was dragged down the steps, his furious glare not quite dismissed from Ravindra's mind. The vampire shuddered, taking only a few steps before he was intercepted by a few members of his coven that appeared even more frustrated than himself.
"Damn it, Ravindra! When are we going to get to feed?!"
"When the hell are we starting this war?"
"You promised us blood!"
"And you'll get it soon enough!" Ravindra hissed, baring his teeth in warning at the assembled mob. "I don't want anymore humans left for dead!" It's too much for me to bear. "Ozai may catch wind of us. Within three days, you'll have all the blood you can ever desire. Now leave me be!" Ravindra pushed his way past his subjects, his irritation mounting. They were getting harder and harder to control every day. Perhaps he should have started off- No. Vampiric hunger was frustrating, but they would soon have their fill. As he flexed his burned arm, a particular name lingered on the tip of Ravindra's tongue, the name of whom he was going to devour for his first entrée.
xXxBloodlustxXx
Zuko awoke in a cold sweat, his body trembling as he forced his eyes open. Whenever there was darkness, it was replaced by an image he didn't wish to see. His memories were starting to return to him, terrible memories he wished he didn't possess. He could now remember how he felt when the drug overtook his body. He could remember the pleasure on Ryuichi's face. He could remember those cold hands that felt pleasantly cool on his blazing skin. Worst of all, he could remember the way his body felt as Ryuichi moved inside of him. He could remember every single orgasm, and the way he'd pleaded and moaned with his captors. He hated his body for allowing it. He hated his mind for registering it. He hated his heart for hurting so much.
He lifted himself up and glanced around the room in a sudden panic. Where is Setsuya? His breathing accelerated rapidly and he leapt out of bed, pulling on his clothing as he went. Uncaring of how he appeared, he flung open the door and rushed out only to bump into his lover after merely three steps. Shocked, he stumbled back and stared at the solemn man, whose posture remained without tension. At first, he was scared when Setsuya made no move to touch him… No, of course he wouldn't. He understands what this is like, this feeling of not being whole, not being pure enough.
The vampire drew an unsteady breath. Their first words for so long. What could be said? He decided on the words he was certain that his soul mate needed to hear. "Zuko, I love you." The last half of the sentence was swallowed, unspoken: 'No matter what.' The scent, no, stench of Ryuichi and Ravindra lingered on the boy, but Setsuya did not let his own unease show. He had to be strong, for the other's sake.
The teenager stared at him, his expression half stunned and half hopeless. He felt empty without the comfort and stability of their bond. "Setsuya, I… our bond, the- I'm so sorry." The vampire took a deep breath as he restrained himself in order to keep from embracing the other.
"Not yet, Zuko," Setsuya said firmly, though empathy shone through his expression. "Give yourself time. Do you want to clean up?"
"Yes." Zuko's answer was immediate, and he allowed the older to take him by the hand and lead him to the awaiting hot spring. Setsuya turned his back as Zuko unclothed and slid into the waiting water, its warmth unraveling his tense muscles. Only when the teenager was fully immersed with his body veiled by steam did the vampire lord turn around. Setsuya laid flat on his stomach by the side of the pool, his head resting near the edge atop his folded hands. Zuko sat in grateful silence, relishing the presence and discretion of his lover. He wanted desperately to talk, but he wasn't sure of what to say. "What happened?" he finally asked in a hoarse voice, lathering soap into his hands and running it first through his hair, then his neck and torso. "Are you alright? Is Ravindra in captivity?"
"I'm just fine, but I'm afraid Ravindra got away. It's better that way, in any case. Taking away the only scrap of leadership that wild clan of vampires has is not in the best interest of anyone." Setsuya sighed, his eyes fluttering shut as he whispered, "It will be okay. We know when they will be stationed to attack now. It's up to us to stop them. If we aren't fast enough, our existence will be revealed to the world. The Fire Nation citizens will panic and my people will be slaughtered." The word made them both shudder. "The information you gathered from Ravindra is vital to our survival. You're a hero, Zuko."
"Funny. I don't feel like one." Setsuya's hands took the place of his, gently washing the soap from his upper body. Zuko pursed his lips, but relaxed within moments. His touch was different, so much different that that of anyone else's. He indulged in the touch, even though he didn't deserve it. "I withdrew my trust in my lover and placed it in someone who betrayed me."
Setsuya shook his head uncaring of the water soaking through his robes as he wrapped his arms around the damp chest of the other. "He fooled us both. I had no idea his malice ran so deep. You went to a friend for well-deserved comfort, and h-he-" He swallowed harshly before he whispered, "You did nothing wrong." Zuko's chest ached at these words and his throat tightened. Tears stung at his eyes and he tried desperately to breath.
"S-Set-"
"Shhhh," the vampire hushed him, pressing a kiss against his shoulder as he continued to wash the other's body. He ran his hands across the other's flat stomach beneath the water, cleansing away the excess residue. The contrast of the searing liquid and the freezing touch made Zuko shiver.
"How can you touch me so easily?" Zuko choked out, as the affectionate arms caressed him. "After what they did to me… After what I did to you! How, how can you even stand the sight of me?!"
"Do you think me so hypocritical, beloved?" Setsuya inquired with a soft voice. "For how long have you loved me and touched me, knowing my body had never been solely yours? There is nothing as such that could make us any less worthy of one another. As for our bond, it is not synonymous with our love. Even if I cannot immediately feel your emotions or read your thoughts, we are connected. I love you wholeheartedly, and I'll stay by your side until you wish me away."
"You say that so easily." Setsuya's hands rose from the water and intertwined with Zuko's. They shared a moment of peace, each listening to the other's breathing. The vampire brushed away the tears streaming down his lover's cheeks, as the teenager whispered, "I should never have left. I should have talked this out with you. I wasn't upset with you so much as I was angry at my father. I always knew I meant so little to him! I just didn't want to believe it. I understand now, why you were so insistent on keeping me close by. You were trying to protect my life. If he knew that I was alive, he would have certainly killed me."
"I struggled day and night," Setsuya explained, massaging the younger's shoulder as he savored the warmth of his skin. "I just couldn't tell you."
"I know, I know."
"I'm sorry." Setsuya turned the young man around by his shoulders and leaned in to kiss him.
"Don't, please don't," Zuko begged, holding a hand up to his mouth. I can still taste him. The vampire jerked back, all contact immediately withdrawn from the younger. He looked as though he was about to spit out a dozen apologies before Zuko interrupted, "No, no. That's not what I meant. To weasel that information out of Ravindra, I- I-"
His words were silenced when a pair of icy lips devoured his own. Zuko's whimper turned into a moan as a tongue swept through his mouth and gently prodded his own. When he finally pulled away, the vampire rested their foreheads together and murmured, "Never doubt that you are cherished by me. Every inch of your body and soul is precious to me, no matter what."
You're too good to me. Zuko pulled himself out of the water, grateful that his lover politely looked away. He wrapped himself in the clean clothing provided for him, feeling slightly more relaxed. He turned to the vampire lord and allowed his hand to be lovingly held. Resting his head against the other's chest, he asked, "Where is Ryuichi?" The man gave him a strange look and he quickly explained, "He escorted me back. H-He could have killed me and he let me go. There was something… He didn't… go back to Ravindra?" The sentence hung in the air like a guillotine suspended by a thread.
Setsuya's expression was uncomfortable and not easily read. "Not if he's intelligent. I doubt Ravindra has any mercy for those who fail to carry out his orders." He sighed when his young lover's face fell. How much patience and compassion could one person hold in their heart? "Ryuichi will not return to us for protection. I, let alone the population, could never forgive him."
"He's confused," Zuko insisted, letting out a sigh as the cool arms tightened around his body. "I just wish…"
'I'm afraid of losing my reason for living.'
"I just wish that I knew he's safe." Zuko shook his head, allowing his body's weight to rest against the other. "The volcano Ravindra spoke is nearby. It wouldn't be far-fetched to attempt an attack. What are we going to do?"
"Evacuate for now. It's too dangerous to fight our battle at the volcano's peak, and we'd never make it in time. We need to intercept Ravindra's forces above all else. When the lava channels into the tunnels, I'm afraid that our home will be destroyed."
The word 'our' pierced Zuko's heart. He couldn't help but consider himself a part of the 'our' now. "But where will we go? There aren't very many places we can fit over one hundred vampires."
"The forest will serve as our stronghold for now. After that…" Setsuya shook his head and winked with surprising playfulness. "Worst case scenario, we find a way to discreetly dig some more tunnels. I'm going to call a council assembly. We will discuss the matters at hand, and then the decisions will be passed along to the rest of the population. Do you want to attend?"
Zuko released a deep, reluctant breath. Everyone knew what he'd been through. Everyone would look at him with pity and uncertainty. For now… but I can't wallow in my misery lest I spur it on. "I'll be there," he affirmed, pressing a kiss against Setsuya's cheek as they proceeded toward the man's office.
"You remember Hayate, don't you?" the vampire lord asked softly, wrapping a protective arm around the other. Zuko doubted that the older man would ever allow him out of his arms again.
"Yeah... The big guy with golden eyes?"
"That's him. He is, what you might consider to be, my successor." There was a significant pause here, one that made Zuko's stomach twist. "He'll take care of you should anything happen to me. I know that's the last sort of thing you need to hear right now, but… it's what I need to say." Knowing that you have nowhere else to go.
"I understand."
And Setsuya had no doubts that he did.
xXxBloodlustxXx
As the meeting progressed, Zuko fixed his eyes on Setsuya for the entire time. If he didn't glance at anyone else, he wouldn't know whether or not they were staring at him. Everyone knew, he was certain, of his experiences as a hostage. They smelt the entire story on him when he arrived at the underground cavern. Therefore, Zuko stared at the solemn Setsuya, sometimes drifting off into his own world that was nothing less than what it had been only two days before: love without external conflict. The council members and Setsuya sat on their mats in a familiar circle, eerie tension creeping over them as the vampire lord continued to speak:
"I shall call for an immediate evacuation of our people. Surely you all remember Ravindra's abandoned stronghold? It is small and indiscreet, but it will hold the majority of us safely. The sensory-inhibiting vegetation will work to our advantage. Our first priority is to protect the humans as quietly as possible."
"My Lord, for practicality's sake, would it not be easier to let the humans take care of Ravindra once he attacks? We are too evenly matched with other vampires, and we would have to capture each and every one. But mortals have the advantage of fire."
"I'm afraid that the odds are against the humans. Ravindra is a persuasive man. He may very well increase his population by a hundred fold come twilight. However, my purpose is not solely the protection of humankind. If Ravindra succeeds, he will have enough power to suppress us and wipe us out. If he fails, yet the presence of vampires is known, there will be no peace to sacrifice if Ozai was to use his armies to eradicate all remaining vampires that he can, even us." A shiver ran down the spine of every man and woman in the room. It felt like somewhat of a lose-lose situation.
"But how can we restrain Ravindra's entire colony?" Zuko found himself asking, his hands clasped together tightly. "I'm happy to help, but won't we need a bit more… firepower?"
Setsuya openly smiled at him. "Yes, we will. I've come up with a plan. Unfortunately, it still lays much responsibility on your shoulders. Even if we evacuate, Ravindra will not halt the orders to instigate the volcano's eruption. What better satisfaction is there than to flood us out of our home? Now, these tunnels are natural, interconnected throughout the island. Not surprisingly, they can be traced to the caverns beneath the city where Ravindra's people dwell. There is going to be precious time between when the volcano erupts and the enemy unleashes their forces. Time supposedly spent wiping out any of our people who might be left. If you can reroute the lava, it is Ravindra's people who will feel the effects. We let the firebenders do most of the work, and we turn their plot against them." He pursed his lips as he observed the change in the other's demeanor, suddenly regretting calling the younger man out in front of the entire council. "I don't want you to feel pressured," he quickly amended, unable to decipher the other's tense expression. "I know that what I am asking of you isn't easy t-"
"How?" Zuko asked quietly, his hands clasped tightly in his lap. Setsuya's lips parted in amazement at the bravery shining in the other's eyes. Never before had he seen Zuko so fearful, yet so determined. No, he didn't only see it. He could feel it, if only for a moment. It was as though their bond fluttered only to die down like a failing heartbeat. "How does a firebender bend lava?"
Setsuya gave the teenager a thankful look as he spoke, "It's a method that was once revered and considered the highest level of firebending. Now it is nearly extinct in the Fire Nation, condemned as a filthy art. Even so, I'm sure Ozai conjured up enough men and women who know of the method. One uses what is known as 'hybrid bending'- the combination of the will of fire and the changeability of water. Motions seen in waterbending are morphed with firebending, allowing the lava to be manipulated. I am certain there is at least one vampire here who can teach you the basics, enough to achieve our goal." The council members looked back and forth between the two men as a silent struggle tore through Zuko's heart.
A lot of vampires may be killed.
If I don't, so many more humans and vampires alike could be killed.
They don't deserve to die.
It's not about what they deserve. It's about saving the innocent, the people I love.
It doesn't have to be you.
Who else is going to do it? I'm the only firebender they have!
Ryuichi may be among those who die.
Ryuichi… If he went back to Ravindra, then the Ryuichi I know is already dead.
You can't even perform simple firebending! What makes you think you can bend lava?
For Setsuya and those he cares about, I would do anything.
"I don't know what I can accomplish in three days, but I'll do my best." There seemed to be a unanimous breath of relief among the group, as Setsuya lifted a fisted hand to his lips with his eyes closed, as though in prayer. Silently, he mouthed the words'Thank you' just for the teenager to see. The flicker of emotions returned, stronger this time, expressing the vampire lord's sincere appreciation and the teenager's fortitude. Their eyes connected and joy filled their hearts to the point of absolute bliss. Their bond was surfacing… It wasn't severed as they'd thought it to be!
Overjoyed, Zuko had to keep a hand on his mouth to stop himself from laughing. Setsuya suddenly didn't seem too keen on maintaining the solemnity of the meeting for any longer than necessary. "Please let your assigned divisions know of these updates. Evacuation will begin gradually, but immediately. Any objections?" Silence. "Thank you all very much for your time and patience. You are dismissed." As the vampires rose and began filing out of the room, Zuko could hardly keep from bounding to his feet and into his lover's arms.
"Setsuya!"
"I know, I know! But…"
'He will live, for I know something you do not.'
"But how did Ravindra know?"
Zuko shook his head, kissing the man with desperation. "It doesn't matter," he breathed against the other's lips. "This is between you and me."
The two shared a fierce embrace, each relishing the comfort and warmth (or coolness) of another's body against his own. Setsuya kissed his forehead, threading a hand though the younger's russet hair. "I'm going to speak with the author of the scrolls you read about vampire and human soul mates. She may know something about what's happening to us."
"Don't go! I just got you back." Zuko buried his head into the man's robes, wanting nothing more than to curl up with his counterpart and drift off into a sweet slumber.
"I know, but I promise that I won't be gone for long. I have a number of things to attend to, however, including finding someone who can teach you hybrid bending. Please, rest for now. You'll need your strength." Setsuya kissed his cheek with an apologetic smile, and Zuko could hardly become as exasperated as he pretended to be. "The evacuation will commence in timed groups, so that we don't draw attention to ourselves. You and I will be the last to leave. Try to stay in our quarters and remember that you can't trust all vampires that approach you. Stay vigilant."
Zuko nodded, his enthusiasm subsiding and the reality of the situation striking him. For a time, trust and safety were matters of uncertainty. "Alright." Before the vampire could turn away, the teenager caught his hand and pulled him back one more. "Setsuya?" Biting his lip, the younger couldn't help but express his discomfort. "Even if Ravindra's forces are defeated... in the end, the Firelord is going to figure out what happened, from his own perspective. He won't know of Ravindra's betrayal. Only of your hostility toward his ally. The population is in danger, no matter the outcome. What are we going to do when all of this is over?"
The vampire lord smiled sadly, shaking his head as he admitted, "I haven't thought that far into the future as of yet. Whatever happens, I vow to save the people I love. We'll find a way, I promise." With a caress to the cheek and a kiss to the forehead, the man was gone. Zuko sighed, rubbing the back of his neck with a hint of anxiety. He knew it wouldn't help to worry about it, but he would much rather be certain of the future. Then he would… Rohan. His lips pursed as he considered the matter. If I asked him to, Rohan might do a tealeaf reading for me. He's pretty damn good at it. Every single prediction had come true so far, every one except…. No. Despite everything, he wasn't going to let tealeaves define his future. Everything is going to be okay. I'll make sure of it.
First, he had a visit to make.
xXxBloodlustxXx
"Ryuichi, love?" Ravindra's face appeared on the other side of the bars, a sickly sweet expression spread across it. "Are you still pouting? I promise to let you out if you'll be a good boy."
"No thanks. I like it better in here anyway." Ryuichi sat in the corner, his eyes stubbornly fixed on the stone floor. The chains around his wrists were taut, pining his arms against the wall for a single purpose- Ravindra knew Ryuichi hated feeling as though his arms were useless.
Ravindra was not far from losing his cool at this point. "You can't stay in there forever! You'll need to feed sometime!"
"I don't mind living off of the rats."
"You-!" A deep breath was taken. "Are you really going to let everything you worked for fall apart? You've sacrificed too much just to give up."
"Don't play mind games with me. Zuko's gone. I have no reason to even associate with you, you lunatic."
Lunatic…? "You've forgotten your place, darling." Ravindra purred out in warning, but to no avail.
"I never found my place."
"No? Well allow me to reveal it to you." Ravindra didn't take the time to unlock the cell; he broke the lock and threw the iron bars open. Ryuichi didn't even flinch when his chin was grasped tightly and harsh words were whispered into his ear, "You are my subordinate, either behind me or beneath me. You do what I say, when I say it, because I told you to. You are not to whine and snivel about your lost love; you are mine. Your mind is mine. Your heart is mine. And your body…" Ravindra growled, ripping off the other's clothing in one swift motion. "Is especially mine."
Ryuichi shuddered, as he was in view of his guards. Ravindra sought out to desperately humiliate him, and it would only get worse from here on out. Tossing the torn clothing behind his back, the vampire lord crossed his arms and took a hard look at the younger. "You know, Ryuichi, it doesn't have to be this way. I want you to be my willing partner! I don't want to treat you like the slut they define you as." Ryuichi bit the inside of his cheeks in order to keep from making noises as slender, rough hands traveled the length of his body. He would not let the man hear his longing, his distress. Ravindra leaned forward, breathing deeply into the other's neck and gently nipping his ear as he spoke, "I'll take care of you, always and forever. If you really want me to, I'll capture Zuko for you. You know how good I am at breaking people- I will train that feisty little fox into a docile butterfly. Delicate and easy to crush."
"He's too strong for you," Ryuichi hissed, attempting to worm his way out of the other's embrace. "He's not weak like me or the rest of these slime balls that you seduced."
"Enough!" Ravindra ordered, his grip on the younger's thighs tightening. Using one hand, he shoved Ryuichi into the wall and dipped the other further between his legs. "Don't make this mistake, Ryuichi."
Mistake…
The touch descended, brushing against places that made him shudder and tremble. "Don't you love me anymore?" Ravindra whispered, pressing a kiss against his forehead. His voice was sweet, like an overly saccharine éclair. That's how Ravindra functioned; he played with his food, treating it with humanity, then malice, then humanity again. "Hmm? Why the sudden hostility? Haven't I given you everything I can to make you happy?"
"Everything except what I need." Only I can give myself what I need. The gentle hands turned aggressive.
"You." Slap. "Ungrateful." Slap. "Two-timing." Slap. "Pathetic." Slap. "Whore!"
"Ah!" Ryuichi cried out, his body convulsing against the wall. The fingers were shoved into his entrance, creating a sensation of pain and masochistic pleasure. "St-stop it!"
"Why?" Ravindra smirked, biting the man's shoulder harshly. "Does it remind you that you are nothing to anyone?"
"That's not true!" Ryuichi bit back a moan as the fingers delved further into him. Without his permission, his legs spread further and his chest rose and fell erratically.
"Oh really? And who, pray tell, could ever treasure you?"
"Z-Zuko!" Ryuichi whispered against the free hand that was beginning to tighten around his throat. "He was my friend! He never hurt me intentionally!"
"Are you sure he didn't just feel sorry for you? Maybe he heard your little sob story and decided to pretend to be your friend, whispering and laughing with Setsuya behind your back."
"No… It wasn't like that. He wasn't like that!" Ryuichi's voice shook, but was determined and calm. Ravindra scowled, tearing further into the other's body and gripping his throat furiously. After a moment, the man's clutch loosened and was replaced with a gentle kiss to his captive's lips. The fingers within Ryuichi curved, tenderly rubbing the spot that teased his inner body. The younger vampire shook his head, trying to ignore the sensations that were being bestowed upon him. But he knew that if fresh blood had been running through his veins, he would be shamefully aroused.
"I don't blame you," Ravindra whispered, pressing a kiss against the other's throat. "I should have taken you with me that night. I sacrificed your wellbeing to keep you as a spy. Why didn't I try harder to break you of your affiliations and filthy habits? No matter…" Ravindra loosened his sash as he spoke, "I'll remind you of what's important."
No… No! Ryuichi jerked a leg between them and kicked the man in the chest, sending him sprawling across the cell and into the iron bars with a resounding clang. The vampire lord groaned, clutching a hand to his head and glaring at the chained, exposed man. "I know what's important now," Ryuichi whispered. "And it has nothing to do with you. You can't do anything to me that will make me sink any lower. I've already been to the abyss and back!"
Ravindra glowered at him, disbelieving of his companion's dismissal. Finally he hissed out, "Fine. The one person I thought I could trust…" He sighed, lifting himself up and slamming the cell door shut. "Find another lock for this cell!" he barked at one of the guards, who couldn't seem to bolt out of the room fast enough. He turned to the other and growled, "Make sure he doesn't get a scrap of blood! He will suffer for his treason."
"Yes, Lord Ravindra." The vampire barged out of the room, not sparing a glance at his prisoner.
Ryuichi bowed his head, his body trembling against his efforts. So this was his sentence. An eternity of hunger, loneliness, and insanity. He couldn't help the tears that glistened in his eyes. It was better off this way; he was away from the people he loved. He couldn't hurt anyone else now. "Here." He glanced up to see the guard holding a robe with a solemn expression. "An extra from the storage."
"Th-Thanks." The man draped the robe over the man, restoring some amount of decency to him. The newcomer had a kind expression on him- not necessarily handsome, but smooth and full of compassion.
"I'm sure he doesn't mean what he says," the stranger lied, taking the time to make sure Ryuichi's shackles weren't too tight. "He's been having anxiety fits as of late. The invasion is soon, after all. If everything goes as planned, I'll release you and he won't know the difference."
"Don't risk infuriating him for my sake," Ryuichi warned, making himself comfortable in the corner of the cell. "I'm not worth it."
"That's not true," the man consoled him, leaning against the bars with a shrug. "Don't let Ravindra make you feel that way. There is always someone who holds you close in their hearts, no matter what. That's why we're vampires, isn't it?"
"I'm a much older vampire than you. I cannot speak for the person who held me to this earth; he is dead, I'm afraid."
"Even so, that spiritual energy remains and is conveyed through those who do live beside you." He chuckled, running a hand through his hair. "Or at least, that's what I read in a book once. I like to think that it's true, you know?"
"Yeah… I know."
xXxBloodlustxXx
"Can you let me in to see him, please? I promise I won't be long."
"Of course, sir. Feel free to call for me if he tries to pull anything."
"Thank you."
Zuko shut the cell door firmly, turning around to assess the figure sitting cross-legged in the center of the room. He quickly judged the prisoner's arm length and the slack allowed by the chains, standing just far away enough so that he was out of reach. The room was dark, lit only by the candlelight of the hallway that peered through the barred window on the entryway. He spoke without fear, though his heart pounded in his chest and sweat lined his palms. "Hello Khai. How is jail time treating you?"
"Fucking fantastic." The boy sneered, glaring up at the solemn mortal. His beauty was diminished, leaving a hallow shell of the vampire Zuko remembered. Khai's hair was losing it luster, his skin was fading to a single shade of grey, and his eyes seemed sunken.
So this is what denial of human blood can lead to in such a vampire. "Relax, would you? I'm not here to taunt you."
"I'm surprised you're even here at all. You should be dead already, or at least undergoing transformation."
"Ravindra's little scheme didn't quite go according to plan." Zuko inclined his head, letting his anger pass before he spoke again. So Khai had been in on this too, had he? It wasn't a surprise. "I'm afraid your Master's stubborn foolishness will be his undoing."
"I see. And to what do I owe this visit, your Highness?"
Zuko sighed, ignoring the other's malice with his best efforts. It was understandable that the boy would be bitter after having been locked up in a prison cell and starved of human blood. Not to mention Zuko's presence couldn't be making it any easier on him. The human knelt down, seating himself comfortably on the floor so that he could make eye contact with Khai. "Please, I beg of you. I'll persuade Setsuya to let you go in only days' time if you can help me. I just need one question answered."
Khai glared at him suspiciously, biting his lower lip before muttering, "What is it? You want to know about Ravindra's plans? His followers? His connection to the Firelord?"
"No, not quite. I want to know how he does it." Zuko took a deep breath, bowing his head. "I want to know how he turns good people into monsters."
Khai was silent for a long time, his mouth frozen in a silent 'o'. This was not at all what he'd been expecting. He sighed, slinging an arm over his knee as he considered the matter. What did he have to lose? Ravindra was a bastard for leaving him in here, and he would most likely lose his ridiculous little war anyway. Khai may as well make the best of the compassion he was shown. "Ravindra is a manipulator. Whether he uses an undercover agent or his own two eyes, he will discover your weakness and prey upon it. For me… After my father died, I thought that I didn't have anyone to look up to. I was frustrated with the mortal world, and he seduced me with words of power and security. He became that which I aspired to be like, and a mixture of shame and fear glued me to his side. Unfortunately, I realized far too late that Ravindra couldn't provide me with the comfort I thought he could."
"And what about Ryuichi?"
So he was caught. "Ravindra feasted on his inner turmoil. He thought that there was no one in the world who would ever love him, or even consider him worth caring for. Let's face it- he brings that upon himself with the way he opens his legs for everyone and anyone. Ryuichi misunderstands relationships, and Ravindra tricked him into thinking that Setsuya was the enemy. Ravindra has done this to countless of his subjects, observing and utilizing the individual's perception of the world's imperfections." Khai frowned at him, trying to calculate his expression. "Why are you asking me this?"
"I want to understand," Zuko whispered, his voice quivering. "I want to understand how Ryuichi could have done this. I know he's not a bad man… Or perhaps I've just convinced myself of it." Zuko shook his head. "I guess Ravindra discovered my weakness too; I trust too easily." He rose, bowing at the young vampire with respect. "I will keep my word. If you can adapt to animal blood, you'll be out of jail within a few days. I'll make sure of it."
"Hmm. You're easy to please," Khai scoffed, but Zuko only smiled. He was certain it was the boy's way of saying 'thank you'.
After thanking the vampire standing guard and begging him not to tell Setsuya about this little visit, he found his feet taking him up the nearest stairwell and further into the west corridors. When he glanced up from his daze, he was confused though hardly shocked when he saw Ryuichi's door standing before him. Out of habit, he knocked on the door. Receiving no answer, he entered the room to find that nothing was out of place. It was almost as though the man could return at any moment and nothing would be different. Forgive me, Ryuichi. His heart heavy in his chest, Zuko took the liberty of sitting on his friend's bed where he found Shu curled up on the pillow. Upon the teenager's arrival, the snake lazily crawled forward and rested his head on the young one's knee.
"Hey there." Zuko smiled at the lump in the reptile's stomach. "Ryuichi took care of you, didn't he?" The snake wiggled in agreement, unaware of the severity of the situation. "Good." He ran a hand across the sheets of the man's bed and noticed that they were clean… Cleaner than he'd ever seen them. He knew Ryuichi had been having his lovers over less frequently, if even at all, as of late. He had no idea what was going on in that man's head, and Zuko couldn't help but wonder if it had something to do with Ryuichi's infatuation with him. Not everything revolves around you, he scolded himself, before letting out a shaky sob. He curled up on the bed, inhaling deeply into the pillow. Ryuichi's scent was heavy, a scent of ashes and cinnamon. A thousand thoughts ran through his head, none of which he seemed to control.
How could you do this to me?
You're my best friend.
Why did you throw all of this away?
I wish I could have done something to help.
I wonder if you hate me now.
I don't blame you for anything.
I love you still.
Nobody here is going to understand.
Why couldn't you have just come back with me?!
The teenager shut his eyes and prayed. He prayed that Ryuichi would gain the clarity he needed to follow his heart. He prayed that Setsuya would maintain the stability to lead and defend his people. He prayed that his own efforts to help would be adequate, that it would be enough to save the home he'd grown so fond of. Zuko understood that prayer wasn't reality. It was asking for a blessing that may or may not accompany fate's plans for them. Nevertheless, he prayed for the wellbeing of his loved ones, vampires, and humankind. Maybe it was selfish, desiring so much from the Spirits. Or perhaps selfless? Either way, Zuko was willing to do whatever it took to preserve the world's shaky harmony.