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.

18. To Steal

(A/N: Chapters 1-7 have been revamped. Old chapters 2 and 3 were morphed together. Expect the next chapter soon, thanks to an astounding Beta. OnexLostxSoul has spoken.)

"Zuko…"

"Wake up, Beloved."

"There we go, come on."

"No, not quite! 'Wake up' doesn't mean turn over and pull the blanket over your head."

"Mmmm…" Zuko yawned, rising and slinging his arms lazily over his lover's shoulders with a murmur, "Whassa matta?"

"I should be asking you the same thing." Setsuya sat down and allowed his soul mate to use his body as leverage to squirm his way out of bed. The vampire hid a smile as his counterpart's eyes fluttered open in the most adorable way. Zuko allowed his legs to dangle off of the edge of the mattress, using Setsuya as a means of support. "Are you alright? You've been sleeping for a while now."

"Have I?" Zuko whispered, taking a moment to collect himself. When his awareness returned, he was horrified to find that he was still lying in Ryuichi's bed. How did this look to Setsuya?! "I-I… I didn't-"

"It's alright," Setsuya murmured, bestowing a kiss upon his lover's cheek. "I know you miss him. Our bond is allowing me to faintly pick up on your thoughts. I think I understand where you're coming from. If there's anything we can do to help him, it will be done. But first things first, yes? Nearly the entire population has evacuated by now. I'm going to introduce you to the former firebender who says that he can teach you how to bend lava." The vampire's expression fell a bit, his hesitance apparent as his fingers tapped nervously against his thigh. "His personality isn't much to brag about, but he'll instruct you on what you need to know. He'll accompany you to the rendezvous and begin your lessons there. I'm going to stay behind and make sure everyone is accounted for. Before I leave, I'm going to stop by our room. Is there anything that I can bring to you?"

"I left a sword by my bedside," Zuko whispered, pressing Setsuya's hand to his neck to alleviate the tension he'd acquired from sleeping crookedly. "I might need it later on. Don't forget Shu. And I definitely want that portrait of you in a safe place for now."

"Alright." Setsuya seemed pleased by the request, playing with the other's hair between his fingers as he spoke. "We have a lot of things to discuss, but we will have to make time for it later. Are the clothes you're wearing alright?"

"Yeah, they're fine." Zuko stumbled upward with a groan, his body begging him to crawl back into bed and continuing dozing. He shook himself awake and accepted the cloak offered to him by his soul mate. Outside of Ryuichi's door was a man of exemplary stature, physique, and middle-aged bitterness. The scowl on his face was enough to make Zuko want to run in the opposite direction. Narrow golden eyes hiding under a thinned cloud of grey hair assessed him with skepticism.

"Zuko, this is-"

"Yoshiro." The man stepped forward, circling the teenager like a vulture calculating the worth of its next meal. Zuko shifted nervously, straightening his posture and smoothing out his clothes. He took a deep breath, trying to puff out his chest and appear a bit more strapping. Both his chest and ego deflated when Yoshiro turned to Setsuya and rather loudly proclaimed, "This is the best you could come up with?"

Setsuya sighed, smoothing out his lover's hair in a comforting gesture. "I assure you, Zuko is a fast learner and quite competent. Apart from that, our choices are rather limited."

"Hmph. I was expecting someone who was a little older than twelve." Yoshiro wrinkled his nose at the young man.

"But I'm fourte-"

"I suppose he'll have to do. Come with me." The newcomer clasped a rough hand on the teenager's shoulder and pushed him forward. Zuko cast a pleading look back at Setsuya, who could only smile and mouth, 'I'll see you soon'. Yoshiro continued to drag Zuko down the abandoned halls, rattling off stern words as they went: "Hybrid bending takes extreme measures of discipline to master. You have less than two days to train, and we mustn't waste our time. Speak only when spoken to, and do exactly as I say. The most important law of bending lava is confidence in your abilities. Lava doesn't hesitate, and neither will you if you value your life. Understand?"

"Y-Yes, sir." Zuko nodded his head furiously. He'd dealt with this type of trainer before, and he'd learned that a locked jaw was the best approach. They treaded swiftly throughout the corridors and into the forest, Yoshiro's words no less hasty.

"Controlling flowing lava is a difficult task. It requires stamina and consistency beyond what has ever been expected of you." Zuko swallowed hard, clasping his hands to keep them from trembling. This guy didn't exactly care to alleviate the pressure. "Here, come this way."

"But the hideout is-"

"Come this way." Yoshiro yanked the boy by the arm with a grimace, leading him in a direction slightly to the east of their destination. "Now, name characteristics of fire."

"Erm…" Zuko frowned, curling his hands with thought. "It's... It's destructive I suppose. Unyielding, passionate, difficult to contain." The sound of running water came into earshot, and Yoshiro guided him to the edge of a creek winding through the vegetation. They observed it quietly for a moment, before his instructor prodded him with another request.

"Now, name some characteristics of water."

"Let's see… fluid, smooth, revitalizing."

"So you'd say the two elements differ severely?"

"Yeah, I'd say so. Fire serves humanity by destroying, water by providing sustenance." Zuko scratched at his neck, unsure of whether or not he was headed in the right direction.

"A common point of view. But…" Yoshiro knelt down, skimming the water with a single finger. "Water can be just as destructive as fire. It serves as the power behind natural disasters such as floods, tsunamis, and monsoons. It tosses sailors into the ocean and drives islanders from their homes. Fire in turn, is also a necessary element in sustaining life. It filters water, clears out forestry for shelter, and forges resources for necessities. It is important not to underestimate water or fear fire- simply respect them." Yoshiro motioned for Zuko to come forward and stand in the stream. The teenager nodded, kicking off his shoes and steadying himself on the smooth rocks. The instructor stood behind Zuko and took his hands into his own. "Remember, we are molding two fearsome elements and they should be treated with equality. Feel your arms follow the pattern of this water- flowing, passive."

Zuko allowed his arms to be guided in what he presumed to be waterbending exercises. It was strange… How could anyone bend an element with such gentle movements? Did water truly accompany such nonassertive motions? "Loosen your hands. Now, you're breathing too heavily. Allow your lungs to expand and contract naturally." His eyes narrowed when the boy failed to follow his direction. "Your efforts are too focused on breathing. Let it flow naturally."

"I-I… can't…" Zuko's arms fell lifeless to his sides as Yoshiro released him with an exasperated sigh.

"Why?"

"Breath doesn't come that naturally to me. I have underdeveloped lungs."

The man's frustration morphed into irritated shock as he muttered under his breath, "Setsuya said he wanted a young, strong man trained in the art of hybrid bending. He didn't say the young man was twelve years old with breathing problems."

"I'm fourteen! I don't appreciate-"

"And a sharp tongue! Fine. We'll try this a different way. Have you ever been to the ocean?"

Zuko pursed his lips to hide a smile. "Yes, I have."

"Think about the rhythmic pattern of the waves against the shore. Take a deep breath, the wave pulls forward onto the shore. Release the breath, the wave recedes. Time it as though you control the very ocean." Zuko closed his eyes and did as he was told, expanding his lungs to their greatest capacity. It felt strange to force his breath in such a way. He hardly realized that Yoshiro had begun guiding his arms once again. "Now, allow the ocean to control your breath. Relinquish your command to the water." The teenager consented, trying to breathe without truly thinking about it. Unfortunately, trying not to think about it only made him think harder. "Consider your sleep and meditation. Let your subconscious take care of your breathing."

So, Zuko's mind turned to a man important enough to steal his breath away from his consciousness: His beautiful Setsuya. Every time he felt their bond flicker, it was like a revitalizing heartbeat that drained away his fear of being inadequate. He could feel the vampire's icy cold hands envelop his own, as gentle words were whispered into his ear. "I have faith in you. You can do this."

"Are you listening?"

Zuko jolted back to reality, finding that Yoshiro was staring hard at him. "Huh? Yeah, yeah. I think I've got it."

"You think?"

Zuko cleared his throat. "I've got it. What's next?"

"Focus on the movement of our arms. What do you notice about them in comparison to firebending?"

"Well, it seems a lot less determined."

"Try again."

"Not so much less determined as… slower, elongated."

"Good. Most short-range firebending doesn't require sustaining the flame yourself. Usually you just punch away and hope you hit your mark. Water requires that you extend your range of motion until the impact. Now, the qualities of waterbending you need to utilize revolve around this steadfastness. There is no impatience and no leniency. Combining the will of firebending and persistence of waterbending will allow you to bend the lava." Yoshiro released his grip on the younger, who turned around to face him.

"You make it sound so easy," Zuko muttered, folding his arms at his chest. "There's a lot at stake here."

"You will be prepared if you spend less time worrying and more time concentrating," Yoshiro scolded, gesturing to the stream. Zuko closed his eyes to prevent himself from rolling them. "The lava will approach you from the east in a single direction. The firebenders' original plan is likely to guide the lava into the nearest tunnel and let it fill the caverns from there. This means that you should not have to combat them directly. We can loosely blockade the tunnels preceding the one you need to channel it down. You must stand strong and persistent- if you fail, you cannot blame anyone but yourself for your irreparably scorched, mangled flesh."

"Shall I sign a waiver then?"

"A waiver?"

"Promising that Setsuya won't tear you apart limb from limb if I die." Zuko smiled, gracing the other with a casual shrug.

Yoshiro's eyes narrowed. "Very funny," he growled, though he began treating the teenager with somewhat more care. "If Setsuya's word is true, you'll only have to learn to guide the lava in a single direction. Keep the fibers in your muscles loose; control is not the same as tension. Watch my movements for a while, and then we'll run them together."

It took Zuko a while to get a hang of the idea of submissive-yet-determined control. In his experiences, control was… well, demanding. Fierce. Unyielding and without compromise. And now he was being asked to gently but firmly accompany an element? Hours passed, is seemed, before Yoshiro was willing to allow the young man to attempt the movements on his own. And even then, he surely did not feel as though he had accomplished much.

"Your elbows are not made of metal!"

"Loosen your fingers!"

"Straighten your spine! No, no, no. Don't lock it!"

"Decisive! Guide the lava, don't coddle it!"

"Gentle! You're infuriating the element!"

"How can you tell?!" Zuko finally blurted out, gesturing to the open air. "It's not even here!"

Yoshiro's expression tensed to such a degree that Zuko swore a vein should have been popping out of his temple. "I know because I have experienced it! I remember every moment, every sensation! The constant danger, the uncertainty! Now, bend the lava."

'Bend the lava', he says! I feel so ridiculous, bending imaginary elements. Nevertheless, the teenager complained no further. He ran through the motions again and again, until his arms were sore and his legs numb. Even then he trained, Setsuya never far from his mind. Setsuya- his support, his every breath's aspiration. He would do anything for Setsuya.

"Keep your eyes on the lava!"

Anything.

xXxBloodlustxXx

Setsuya appeared nowhere near as panicked as he truly was. There was no other time in history when the vampire population had been so vulnerable to discovery and annihilation. He remained calm and collected, so much so that his fellow vampires could not sense his tension. He went from person to person, greeting them and dousing their fears as any experienced leader knows how to do. There was only one present who was aware of the vampire's stress, and that was Shu. Because of the somewhat cramped quarters, Setsuya refused to set the snake down lest it be stepped on. Zuko's heart would simply break. Therefore, he allowed the reptile to curl around his neck, earning some rather strange looks. It is Shu that felt Setsuya's neck tense when he spoke and heard his tired sighs.

"Hayate!" he called over the crowd, motioning for his adviser to join him. The man effortlessly wormed his way through the masses, poised with parchment and ink to take notes. "Timing is crucial. I need a troop assembled to cave in the three known entrances to Ravindra's cavern and to search for any more that might exist. It should be done in approximately forty-three hours." Hayate nodded, scribbling fiercely. "Is everyone accounted for?"

"Yes, sir. Everyone except for Yoshiro and Zuko."

I hope they come back soon. Agni knows what's lurking out there. "Thank y- No! Bad snake! Bad!" Setsuya shuddered and gently lifted the snake upward as it tried to crawl down his robes. "Let's not get too personal," he scolded the reptile. "I have a boyfriend." He turned back to Hayate, who was trying desperately to bite back a smile. "Thank you, Hayate. The rest we'll play by ear. Is there anyone who truly needs to feed?"

"Hunting groups seven and eight haven't eaten for three weeks."

"I will address them to make sure they hunt far from here and hide the carcasses well. We should build up our strength in the likely event of a confrontation with Ravindra's people." Setsuya stifled another sigh, not desiring to sound too dramatic. "I suppose there's nothing else to do but wait." Wait… The word sounded strange in the man's mouth. When his people were in danger, his last instinct was surely to 'wait'.

"Oi! Setsuya!"

Hayate's hint of a smile morphed into a menacing glare as Khai approached them, his hands shackled by a chain wrapped around his vigilant guard's wrist. He received sneers from the surrounding vampires, and Hayate took the initiative to speak what was running through their minds: "Do not address Lord Setsuya in such a manner!"

Setsuya seemed not to notice, stepping forward and growling between his teeth, "What can I help you with, Khai?"

"Your bed-warmer promised me you'd free me in a few days!" he insisted, rattling his handcuffs pointedly.

"My bed...? Do not speak of Zuko in such a manner!"

"It interests me that you acknowledge him as the one I speak of."

The vampire lord would have blushed if blood had allowed it. Setsuya wished for a moment that he was a little more hot-tempered. Maybe then prisoners wouldn't be so keen on upsetting him. "What do you mean? I have yet to relieve you of your sentence."

"He and I made a little bargain. I answer a question of his, and you let me off the hook." Khai cast a smirk at the vampire who restrained him before continuing, "So long as I drink animal blood, he said I was free."

"What question?" Setsuya inquired suspiciously, folding his arms as a troubled feeling settled in his gut.

"What's it matter? Ask him yourself." Khai chuckled, getting a kick out of taunting the man. "What's wrong, my Lord? Don't think I'm telling the truth?"

"On the contrary, that sounds precisely like something Zuko would do." Setsuya rubbed his temple in frustration. Could his soul mate not consult him on such matters first? "Alright. In two days, you can go free. During that time, I want you to compose an essay on why it is not okay to kill humans and team up with lunatics trying to take over the world. And I want an apology written to my lover for calling him names, trying to murder him, and selling his personal information out to Ravindra. And dull that sharp tongue of yours or I'll cut it off myself."

"What is this? Elementary school?" Khai winced upon receiving a tempered glare that clearly said, 'or I could just as easily set you on fire'. "Alright, alright. Fine."

It was Setsuya's turn to smirk. "Find this young man some ink and paper," he instructed his guard with a sweet smile. "He has a lot of work to do." Grumbling, Khai departed with a smug guard on his heels. The vampire lord's brow furrowed as a thought nagged at the back of his ming. He pulled an unsuspecting Hayate into the adjacent corridor and whispered in his ear, "I'm going to do a little spying. Keep everyone calm and safe?"

"Of course. Nothing too dangerous, I hope?"

"That depends on your point of view."

xXxBloodlustxXx

Ryuichi rested his head against the cold wall, wary of any stray spiders that might be lurking about. He hated spiders. They seemed to move slowly, but they were sneaky and always managed to catch up to you. Just like Ravindra. "So how did Ravindra con you into being part of his little league?" Ryuichi muttered, carrying on a conversation with his cell guard. As uncomfortable and lonely as it was in that underground prison, he had managed to make a friend out of the vampire supposedly keeping him under surveillance.

"I didn't exactly consent," a voice replied from the left of his cell door where the man was seated. "I was a mistake. One of his followers was a little too careless and killed me without proper observation or Ravindra's permission. He assessed me and offered to let me join. How could I refuse? I had no idea what a vampire ought or ought not to be doing. I was convinced that I would burn up into ashes if I went out during the daytime!"

"A common myth. I didn't believe in vampires when I was boy. I did believe in witches, though. I'm still convinced my stepmother was one."

The man chuckled. "Yeah, I know that feeling. My sister-in-law tried to set a temple on fire to keep my wife and I from getting married."

"You're kidding!"

"I wish. Made family dinners hell on earth. I do wish I hadn't been turned into a vampire so soon, however. I'll never have the chance to apologize for calling her a 'self-absorbed pig'. My wife, though… She was worth it. Beautiful, inside and out. Did you have a wife?"

Ryuichi bowed his head, trying to suppress the trembling of his voice. "No. No, I was eighteen. I thought I had all of the time in the world."

"I see… You were a part of Setsuya's population, weren't you?" Only curiosity was present in the voice, not the malice he was used to hearing in regards to Setsuya.

"Yeah, I a-… I was."

"Then you were made into a vampire by accident." The man's empathy was apparent in his voice. How terrible a fate it is, not to have a choice.

"Yes. I'm a bloodlust-child like you."

"Is that how they call us?" Ryuichi could almost see the man shrugging. "Do you regret your transformation?"

"I regret my existence."

"What?" The man whirled around and appeared before the bars with a near-horrified expression. "Don't say that!"

"It's true. I've hurt so many people, all because I was hurt once. Without me, there's a chance Ravindra wouldn't have gotten this far in the first place." Ryuichi shook his head, slinging his arms over his knees with a sigh. "I am such a fool." He frowned, realizing that his arms were free and his cell door was open. He glanced up in confusion to find the man staring hard at him.

"You really do regret it, don't you? I've heard about you; you're the one who relayed information about Setsuya's population to Ravindra and helped him capture the human kid. Truth be told, I don't really believe Ravindra is going to win this game. Dominating the human race? Honestly! The guy's a nut job." He snorted, running a hand through his hair. "If you put in a good word with Setsuya for me, I'm willing to turn a blind eye." Ryuichi could only blink. "Come on! You can redeem yourself! I don't know what happens to vampires' souls when we 'die', but I'd hate for you to be reincarnated as a spider-toad or something slimy like that. You seem like a nice guy."

"There's nothing I can do," Ryuichi whispered, rubbing his wrists where the manacles once restrained him. "I can't be of any help. And even if I could be, Setsuya would have me killed before I could say a single word."

"Think of all of the information you could provide them with! The assault, the volcano-"

"They know all of that already." Ryuichi shook his head, his body limp as he muttered, "I'm better off in here, where I can't screw things up." The vampire yelped when he was yanked to his feet by his collar and shoved out the door by two rough hands. He turned and stared wide-eyed at the scowling man.

"Look, I wouldn't be letting you go if I didn't think you could help. I have a good feeling about you. My wife and children are up there, alive and well! Do you think I want to see their throats bitten out by ravenous monsters? There's a lot at stake here, and I'm certain you have a role to play in it. If not, you could at least apologize properly to the people you've hurt. There's so much regretful tension radiating from you, I couldn't cut it with a damn sword!" The man gestured to the door expectantly. "No one will notice."

"But… You-"

"Me? I'll walk out of this room and not think twice about it. Ravindra couldn't remember my face if his plans depended on it. I think everyone looks the same to him, the self-centered brat."

Ryuichi chuckled, having remembered his frustrated master saying something of the sort. Maybe, just maybe he's right. I got myself into this mess. I've got to finish it my way, no matter the cost. "I think I'll take you up on your offer, now that I think about it," he said with a hint of a smile, backing his way toward the door. "I really appreciate it, mister…?"

"Yasu." The man nodded, seemingly proud of his identity.

"Well Yasu, it's been a pleasure being your prisoner, but I'm afraid I am otherwise engaged." He blew a kiss toward the man. "If I do get the chance, I'll make sure to put in that good word with Setsuya." By the will of the Spirits or sheer miracle, Ryuichi managed to escape the labyrinth unnoticed and into the city. Perhaps it was the lingering scents of must and dirt. Perhaps nobody knew he was supposed to be restrained. Perhaps nobody gave a damn. Whatever his fortune, Ryuichi dashed up the stairwell and pushed open the small stone door opening up into an alleyway. The broad daylight was shadowed by thick layers of clouds, ominously foreshadowing future hardship. He would find a way to atone for his wrongdoings, or he would die trying. First, he would need to make a short detour. Relishing the fresh air sweep in and out of his lungs, Ryuichi approached a man, eyes and skin cloaked, to request directions. It had been a while since he'd come even close to the heart of the Fire Nation capital, and he wasn't sure precisely how to navigate around this heap of industrially-reformed buildings and paved streets. I wonder how late I really am.

xXxBloodlustxXx

No pain has ever lasted this long, Zuko decided as his arms flopped to his sides and he fell to his knees. His arms were aching, his stomach was growling, and his mind could hardly register what his body was doing. Every time he took a breath he could no longer feel oxygen, but the unpleasant humidity of midday forest air. On the verge of fainting, he collapsed onto the ground in hopes of some short-lived relief.

"Your movements are progressing, but you do not truly feel-" Yoshio's words halted abruptly when he saw his student's sorry state. "What is the matter with you?"

"Nothing," Zuko growled, trying to catch his breath. "Just need a break."

"Oh, that's right. You're a human, aren't you? In that case, we are finished for the day. There is nothing more of the motions I have to teach you. Tomorrow, you will shape your understanding of lava's nature. Reflect on it for your homework."

Homework? Zuko followed a few steps behind Yoshiro, tripping over his own two feet several times. Even in spite of his exhaustion, he was pleased with his progress. He would get hybrid bending down, if only he could maintain the will required of him. He had to admit, not being able to test his ability before he was forced to utilize it was a bit of a bummer. He couldn't imagine what he would do if he found out at the last minute that he could not control the giant river of lava charging toward him… Oh, Agni. Why did I sign up for this? More importantly, what was Setsuya thinking when he nominated me? Wasn't the vampire supposed to be overprotective? What kind of overprotective lover bids his soul mate up against lava? The sort of lover who trusts you, a voice in his head responded, one that sounded suspiciously like Setsuya's.

Setsuya? Zuko received no answer, though he did manage to run face-first into a tree. "Ow!" The teenager rubbed his forehead with a whimper, earning a somewhat disgusted look from Yoshiro.

"I hope you aren't always this clumsy. If so, I'll be damned if I put the safety of my home in your hands. Setsuya's a great man, but he has no idea how to pick his heroes."

Zuko ignored him and continued to walk, trying once again to contact his soul mate through their veiled bond. He could have sworn he had felt the connection flicker! Then again, he may have just imagined it. Great, now I'm hearing voices. Maybe Yoshiro's right. I wouldn't even put myself in charge of guarding a chicken farm.

Upon entering the newly designated hideout, Zuko found that it was neither comfortable nor accommodating. Two large chambers joined by a single corridor made up all of the room the many vampires had to reside. One could hardly find a personal space of three and a half feet in any direction. Most were standing in small groups, whispering about the latest rumors they'd heard, while others were seated up against the wall reading a book or silently holding the hand of a companion. "Hayate!" Zuko's face lit up as he wormed his way through the crowd and near the patrolling vampire. If anyone knew where to find his soul mate, it would be him. "Have you seen Setsuya? Has he been here?"

"Yes, he arrived only a few hours ago. Unfortunately, he had some business to take care of." Hayate winced at the obvious crestfallenness of the other. "He shouldn't take too long to return. Is there anything I can help you with?"

"No, no." Zuko sighed, trying to force a smile onto his face. "I'm going back outside to rustle up something to eat. Is that okay?"

"I'd prefer that you take someone with you," the man admitted carefully, having been told by Setsuya how the teenager did not approve of being coddled. "I hate to say that it's likely Ravindra's spies are searching out where we've gone. If you take a vampire with you, you can sense the danger and evade it."

"That's fine. I'm a fan of the buddy system anyway. Can you tell me where Akane is?"

"At your service." Zuko smiled when a familiar, motherly hand rested upon his shoulder. "I've been waiting to see you," she whispered into his ear. They hadn't spoken since Ravindra had kidnapped the young man, and there was no doubt Akane wanted to make sure he was alright without asking any painful questions.

"You wouldn't mind coming with me, Akane?" he asked in a gentlemanly tone, charming as ever toward his lady companion.

"It would be my pleasure."

"See you later." Zuko waved at Hayate and followed his friend up the stairs and back into the open air. He felt a bit light-headed and weak from his exertions, but he was strong enough to at least take a walk. For a while there was a bit of an awkward silence between the two. Akane was probably trying to decide what level of recovery Zuko was at and if he wanted to talk about his experiences. The younger resolved not to trouble Akane with the past, and strove to start a light-hearted conversation. "I wonder where one finds food in the forest," the teenager whispered aloud to himself, never having developed adequate survival skills. He'd lived a royal's life, where servants brought him whatever he desired from a kitchen. Never once had he been forced to hunt for his own food.

"I could catch you a small animal, if you like," Akane offered, sniffing around for any nearby small mammals. "We could start a fire and roast it."

Zuko shook his head quickly, feeling sick at the thought. "I can't eat anything fuzzy with the eyes still attached. Is there a fruit tree nearby that's not poisonous?"

"Let's see… There's one, but the fruit smells as though it might be a little bitter." Akane wrinkled her nose, sticking out her tongue at the scent.

"Beggars can't be choosers, I suppose. Please lead the way." Zuko relished the company of his friend. Akane was one person whom he had never had mixed feelings for, one that had never shown him anything but compassion. "How are things going between you and Rohan?" he asked in a playful tone, nudging the woman.

"We're actually going through a rough patch," Akane explained, though she didn't seem terribly concerned. "He and I aren't seeing eye to eye on whether or not we should adopt a younger vampire when we get the chance. He really wants to adopt, but I just don't think I'd make a very good mother. Of course, facing the circumstances that we are now, it seems like a bit of a silly argument."

Zuko coughed to cover up a chuckle. "Akane, you'd be a wonderful mother. In fact, you could always adopt me. Then again, Setsuya provides me with more parental influence than I can handle." His laughter turned into a thoughtful frown, an idea occurring to him. "You know who needs some parental figures in his life? That vampire Khai. I'd be willing to bet you two could put him on the right track. Trust me, there's nothing you can do that will screw that kid up any further." Akane looked as though she wanted to laugh, but her expression turned solemn when she realized Zuko wasn't joking. "My mother… She died when I was eight," he explained, the sorrow behind his eyes unmistakable. "But she was a good mother while I had her. I think a lot about a woman can be revealed through her hands. Your touch is gentle, accommodating, protective- the same as hers. Take it from me, you'd be a wonderful mother. And Rohan is too energetic and boyish not to be a great father. I'd think about it, you know?"

Akane, whose face was easily read, would have been blushing a deep magenta. "Your charming words will get you in trouble one day." She stopped at a particular tree, plucking a bright yellow tear-shaped fruit from the lowest branch and handed it to the younger.

"Maybe," the teenager admitted, unconcerned. "Thanks." He bit into it, chewing thoughtfully. "Interesting. Bitter with a sweet aftertaste." It reminded him of Setsuya- spend a little time with him, and the stern veil melts away. He sat down and allowed himself to rest against the tree trunk, Akane following the suit.

"And pray tell, how are you and Setsuya coming along?" she asked. A simple question, that constituted a complicated answer. Her tone was innocent, inquiring no deeper than he was willing to speak of.

"We're… we're pulling through just fine. I have a feeling we'll have more time to heal after this mess is over." Zuko sighed, fixing his eyes on the firm fruit. "I've decided it, Akane. No matter what happens, I'll never leave his side. I know who he is, and I love him dearly. I want to be with him until my death." Saying that makes me feel… complete, in a way I haven't felt for a while.

"I'm so happy to hear you say that." Akane wrapped an arm around the teenager and whispered, "You're both so strong."

"We try," Zuko said with a smile. "It's never easy, but we try."

xXxBloodlustxXx

Ryuichi crept down the street, uncertain of why he felt the need to be so secretive. Nobody knew who he was, or would recognize him from over half a century ago. Nevertheless, he kept his head down until he reached the old house, which had been refurbished to accommodate time's demands. The rotting oak rails of the balcony, the decaying roof, and the balding trees had all been replaced. The fact that it was still being taken care of filled his heart with hope. There didn't seem to be anyone home as the shutters were closed, so Ryuichi jumped the fence and walked around the house into the backyard where the family shrine lie. Shining silver obelisks towering over urns stood in a semicircle, a few more than he remembered. He started on the right side and walked along the stone pathway. His great-great-grandparents, his great-grandparents, his grandparents, his mother, his father… Ryuichi. The vampire stared at his own gravestone, his lips trembling as he silently read the tribute.

'Because he would never leave me.'

Kichirou must have written that. He presumed me dead because I would never abandon him. Ryuichi found himself crying, mourning his own death. In an attempt to lighten his thoughts, he couldn't help but approve the absence of his stepmother's gravestone. She was surely dead by now, but had not been buried with his family. Instead of reading the name of the next grave, he read the date of birth and death first. He was eleven years old when I left and... twelve when he died. Ryuichi's tears cascaded down his cheeks, and he fell to his knees before the tomb. I can't believe it. They didn't buy you your medicine. They let you deteriorate.

"You're probably watching me right now, shaking your head at the person I've become. I'm your big brother; I'm supposed to set a good example for you. They used to tell us that time and experience makes a person wiser. I'm the living counterexample. These factors change a man, but the way they change you depends on your own perception. I sucked the negativity into my life and evicted my self-esteem. I don't know if you can read my thoughts and emotions, but I want you to know how sorry I am. For leaving you and for the things you've seen me do. I've got some good news- I'm not going to let my past define me. I am going to redeem myself to the people I've hurt. Somehow, someway. If we ever meet again… We'll talk, yes? There's no explanation for what I've done, but I want you to get to know the real me. That is, once I unearth him for myself." He traced the name, his heart aching in his chest. He thought maybe there was the slightest chance that his brother or his descendents might have been alive due to the state of the house. Distant blood must have taken over the property. "I… I love you, Kichirou. There isn't a day that goes by when I don't think about you, my little brother."

He stood, brushing the tears from his crimson eyes. "Don't worry. I'm going to make things right."

xXxBloodlustxXx

Ravindra needed a drink. Alcohol would have served him well, if liquor had any such effect on a vampire as it did a human. He would have to settle for a drunk human and pray that he could target the blood into his brain in such a way that would intoxicate him to hell. He would be breaking his own rules, but what did it matter? He couldn't stop his own bloodlust anymore than he could stop his people's.

He lurked in one of his favorite alleyways, between the old-fashioned bakery and the casual bar. It was hardly midday, yet there were men stumbling out of the side door at every hour. Waiting impatiently, he knew the third guest to pass him was the one. It was a middle-aged man, obviously stifling some degree of tragedy and pain beneath his drunken exterior. His clothes disheveled and his face gaunt and sunken, Ravindra decided that he may as well put the man out of his misery. Before he could reach the edge of the corridor, the vampire crept behind him and snapped his neck in one quick, easy motion. He would not prolong his attacks, threading them with intimacy as he usually did, lest he give the man a greater chance of returning from the dead.

He dragged the body out of sight and dug his incisors into the soft flesh of the throat, coaxing the warm blood to his lips. When he had drained the corpse to his satisfaction, he withdrew a dagger from his cloak and stabbed the man to cover up the incisor wounds. He dug into the pockets and stole the money there, leaving a few coins sprinkled on the ground. Tossing the body aside, he wrapped his cloak around him to disguise the blood and continued to walk the streets as though nothing had happened. It was only one more man with a tragic past, and no future.

When he arrived underground, he knew that the vampires there could smell his kill on him, and hated him for it. Ravindra kept them in line with his sharp glare, daring them to give him a reason to strip away the gift he'd given them. A woman approached him, the bitter resentment unhidden in her voice. "Status report from the Firelord, sir. The firebenders should arrive at the volcano's peak in time for the operation. The troops believe that they are channeling the lava in order to shut down a dangerous mining shaft. He has a treaty ready for your signature once the attack on Setsuya's people has come to an end."

Ravindra nodded, dismissing the woman with a wave of the hand. It was almost humorous, how easy this was all turning out to be. One way or another, Setsuya's population would be out of the picture and he could forge a perfect world from the ashes that remained. He still couldn't help but shake off the sensation that something was missing, something important. He could not deny that he longed for the companionship of Ryuichi. No other vampire's desires coincided more closely than his, or so it once seemed. He could trust no one now, as a man of power. Though he despised his own mind for allowing such thoughts, he couldn't help but wonder what it took for Setsuya to maintain order the way he did.

xXxBloodlustxXx

You crazy idiot! Turn back before it's too late! You're walking into a deathtrap!

Setsuya ignored the sensible half of his mind, the half that convinced him over the years not to take chances. This was for Zuko, and Zuko alone. He inhaled deeply, displeased. He would have to get closer to find who he was searching for. He plucked the scent-inhibiting flowers out of his pocket and crumpled them, rubbing them across his exposed skin. This scenario is completely ridiculous. Nevertheless, he snuck into the very fortress a mere few hours ago he'd sought to escape from. To his ultimate surprise, the vampires roaming the hallways did not glance twice at him. All seemed a bit grumpy and tortured due to their inability to be sated, and could not be bothered with any problems but their own. Serves them right, anyhow.

It took Setsuya a good ten minutes to lock onto where Ryuichi's scent was the strongest. Not surprisingly, it led to an underground prison cell. Ravindra had locked him up after all. When he descended the stairwell and into the earthen chamber with his hands clenched and ready for battle against a guard, he was shocked to find that not a soul inhabited the room. He darted toward a cell with the door halfway open, stifling a gasp upon seeing Ryuichi's clothing torn and discarded in the corner. Could it be that Ravindra sentenced the man to death? He grieved at the thought, not only for his former friend's demise but for the wellbeing of his soul mate's broken heart.

After making sure the cell held the strongest concentration of Ryuichi's scent, he snuck out of the stronghold as easily as he'd come. He walked in sad silence, almost unable to fathom the idea that Ryuichi might be dead. He could remember the man in his innocent and carefree days, as though it was only yesterday. He silently swore that Ravindra would pay for poisoning Ryuichi for his own revenge. The bad guy never wins. The bad guy never wins. The bad guy never wins. Over and over, he repeated the words to himself. But it was never black and white. Each side was composed of both the good and the bad, the selfless and the selfish, the caring and the self-serving. All he could do was try his hardest to do what he believed to be right.

After having corrected his feet and scolding them for trying to return him back to his underground home, he reached the new hideout emotionally and mentally drained. This is too much to handle all at once, he decided as he trudged forward to find Hayate. Before he could take his final step down the stairwell, he found himself wrapped in Zuko's tight embrace. He blinked numbly, staring down at the boy in wonder before returning the gesture. "I was waiting for you," said the boy's muffled voice. Setsuya smiled half-heartedly, kissing him on the forehead. "Is there somewhere we can talk in private?"

Taken aback by the request, Setsuya fought to gather his thoughts before he responded, "Yes, but it's a room no bigger than a broom closet."

"That'll do," Zuko seemed oddly upbeat, serviced perhaps by a decent meal and a nap. "Can you spare the time?"

"No question about it. The population is calm and Hayate has managed the details well. I would much rather spend time with you than pace around anxiously, waiting for the dawn of battle." Setsuya led his soul mate down the corridor and into a small earthen closet, decorated only by a patched mat on the floor. How exciting, Zuko mused, squeezing into the room and settling himself down on the floor. Setsuya followed the suit, both seated comfortably if a little intimately.

"I found this and picked it for you," Zuko began, plucking a flower with violet petals tipped white from his robes. "It reminded me so much of you."

Setsuya did not consider himself a terribly shy person, but it had been an awful while since anyone had picked him a flower. If he was a mortal, he could not deny that he would have blushed a deep red. "Thank you. I've never seen this sort of plant in the wild before." Setsuya accepted the flower and stroked its petals, almost unable to tear his gaze away from it. "Shu is safe; he coiled himself up in a corner in the second chamber. Pretty damn smart snake you have there. Your sword is with him, just as you asked. How did your bending lessons go?"

"Alright. Yoshiro says I have the motions down. Now I just have to 'shape my understanding of lava's nature'."

"Lava's nature? Well, it burns things."

"That's about all I could come up with too." Zuko's cheeks flushed as Setsuya combed his hair back and slipped his flower behind the younger's ear.

"You look cute."

"Shut up!" Zuko playfully threw the flower at Setsuya, who caught it with a graceful hand. "I didn't shove myself into a closet for nothing. What did you find out about our bond?"

The vampire lord's smile faded a little, but not completely. "When one partner, for whatever reason, comes to realize such a terrifying truth as you did, their spiritual wellbeing suffers and goes into defense mode. It sends you into such shock that the bond becomes numb and undetectable. However, if the two companions can overcome the hardship, the bond itself remains unchanged. The flickering we've felt is a good sign. However, there is only one means of fully recovering our connection. To our fortune, it will also make it stronger than ever before."

"How?" Zuko intertwined their hands, pressing the flower between their palms.

"We need to spiritually bond. The third stage." Setsuya quickly pressed a kiss against the other's lips. "I know you probably aren't ready, and that's fine! We're in no hurry to-"

Zuko returned the kiss, effectively silencing the other. "The reason I asked… Setsuya, I'm about to undergo the most trying experience of my life, and I can't do this alone. You are my love and support. I want to bond with you and combine our strength." Kiss. "My beautiful." Kiss. "Eternal." Kiss. "Soul mate." Kiss.

Setsuya clasped a hand around his lover's neck and offered him a more passionate kiss, eliciting a whimper from the younger. Zuko melted in his arms at the whispered words, "There is no greater bliss than that which I feel upon hearing you say such things." They sat up and kept their hands entwined, closing their eyes and synchronizing their breath. With every passing moment, all else disintegrated. There was no war, no cramped closet, no other being that existed. No worries, no thoughts, no emotion. Just two presences melding into one. Zuko understood now- losing his identity was a ridiculous thing to fear. There was something much greater, more vital than being able to label yourself. Call it God, call it Spirit, call it love, call it whatever you like. They were one, underneath the differentiation of those physical bodies. Soul mates, bound in companionship not by fate, but by choice and endearment.

When they parted, they never truly parted. They shared a smile, dwelling in absolute Nirvana that could not be taken away from them. Their bond was uncovered, stronger and healthier than they could have imagined it. It was an eternal, unmistakable, impermeable union. Rejuvenated, their lips met once again, every movement laced with excelling passion.

"It seems we've forgotten about the side effect," Setsuya murmured against the others lips, groaning in frustration at his growing desires. This is neither the time nor the place for this to be happening.

Don't care. Zuko squirmed against the wall, parting his legs to allow the vampire to press flush against him. "It will pass," he whispered, cupping the man's face with affection. "Take my blood and it will pass."

Setsuya consented, leaning down and easing his lover's robes open down to his waist. The teenager shivered as the cold hands tilted his chin upward, exposing his slender throat pulsing with sweet blood. "Relax, my love. I don't want to cut anything important." Zuko grunted in acknowledgement, resting his weight against the wall before the sharp incisors descended and carefully pierced the flesh. The younger's heartbeat sounded in their ears, as Setsuya groaned with content as he drew sustenance from the younger. He withdrew quickly, not wanting to leech the other's strength during such an imperative time. Zuko couldn't help but chuckle as their foreheads rested together, noticing a small stream of blood trickling down the other's chin. Playfully he licked at the substance, wrinkling his nose and sticking out his tongue.

"It's foul."

"You'll find it much more appealing once you become a vampire."

The words resonated with Zuko immediately, and his lips split into a sweet smile. "Oh, Setsuya!" The teenager's embrace shoved the man into the other side of the closet in a fit of joy. "Do you mean it?!"

"I want you to have adequate time to relish your mortality, yet I want you to be pleased with your eternal form. I will transform you on the eve of your seventeenth birthday."

"Forever sixteen, hmm? I like it," Zuko whispered between kisses administered to Setsuya's throat.

The vampire pressed his sleeve up to the other's wound to ensure that it clotted quickly. The couple felt another wave of desire wash over their hearts, stronger than the last. "You lied!" Setsuya accused, his lips parted in awe as Zuko pressed a teasing hand to his forming arousal. "You said that it would pass!"

"I didn't lie. I made an incorrect guess. Are you really complaining?" Zuko demanded, pressing their needy bodies up against each other, earning a soft murmur. "You're about to get lucky. What kind of man are you?"

"Zuko, we're in a closet."

"So?"

Well, when you put it like that…

Zuko chuckled, blindly loosening every sash and knot that held the man's apparel in place as though he'd done it a million times, his tongue never leaving the comfort of the older man's mouth. Soon, the unaccommodating setting was forgotten and their own roaming touch was all that mattered, all that gave them a sense of the world. Propped sluggishly up against the wall, the vampire could do little else but submit as Zuko demanded the attention of his lips and hands. The teenager's touch traveled the course of his chest, petal-soft entities leaving kisses in its wake. "You're teasing," he whispered, as a finger ran across the underside of his sensitive member.

"I'm sorry, love. I was under the impression that you li-like- uh." Setsuya hid a smug grin when he heard the other's breath catch in his throat as he began toying with the young man's naval at the edge of his pants.

"Oh, but I do. Pray tell, how much do you like it?"

Zuko bit Setsuya's shoulder to stifle a cry as a warmed hand slipped into his robes and skillfully caressed his throbbing erection. He shuddered, his hips jerking up to meet the gratifying pleasure. Right away the remainder of the clothes was thrown either to the side or beneath them, freeing the two passion-crazed lovers to join in physical union. The teenager, wrapping his arms around his lover, laid back with elevated knees across the ragged mat and stroked the man's hair. "I'm ready, Setsuya," he whispered. "Wash away all other traces. You are my love, my soul mate. Please…" Zuko shuddered, his expression terribly pale. The teenager's voice was laced with something beyond passion, undertones of craving and longing for something greater than what could be given to him.

For a brief moment, the vampire would have liked nothing better than to take his beautiful, welcoming companion. Nevertheless, there was something he needed to straighten out first, in light of the other's desperation. "Zuko, if there's anything I've learned during my years… making love is not meant to erase memories or experiences." He winced at the bewildered and somewhat hurt expression of the other. "I don't want you to be disappointed, that's all. I'll always love you, no matter what. But do you still love and respect yourself, Zuko? Do you feel as though I expect this from you?"

"I…" The teenager shook his head, biting his lip as he cupped the other's face with affection. "I want to be with you, Setsuya. Even so, I'll admit… I feel as though I can't offer you what I could before."

The vampire considered the matter, stroking the other's hair absently as he spoke. "I think I know of a way to solve this problem. Prove to yourself that you are as pure as ever, my beloved." He wrapped his arms around the other's neck and eased them backward so that Zuko was atop him. "Why don't you take me?"

"But I've… I've never done such a thing before." The teenager was not a fool. He knew he had more masculine desires that would ache for fulfillment if he let them. But who was he to dominate over such a beautiful creature? He could sense that Setsuya's intent was to ensure the equality of their relationship but when it came down to it, Zuko had difficulty seeing himself as equal to this man.

"It's alright, Zuko. Let your instincts take over. I'm honored to be your first."

"I don't want to hurt you!"

Setsuya shook his head in amused exasperation. "Really, you're about to get lucky. What kind of man are you?" Zuko paled, shuddering as a gentle hand snaked between them and stroked his manhood. The vampire would just have to try a different approach. He lowered his voice, letting soft whispers float from his lips. "Please, Zuko. I want to feel you inside of me! My body is so warm with your blood coursing through me. Please, I need to be taken by you!" Setsuya coaxed Zuko's three foremost fingers into his mouth and sucked on them with half-lidded eyes.

The teenager let out a helpless moan, his cheeks flushing. "You… You're cheating. Dirty talk is cheating."

"That was hardly dirty. Unless such foreplay would convince you?"

"I assure you, no such convincing is necessary," Zuko purred, turning the tables on his lover. He trailed his free hand down to the others thighs, tracing abstract patterns against the flesh. "I trust you." Setsuya nodded, brushing the other's hair from his face. The older parted his legs further and eased himself down so that he lay on his back, making himself accessible to the other. His eyes fluttered shut as tender hands caressed his abdomen and throat, releasing Zuko's fingers from his mouth.

"I'll be gentle," the teenager promised, before bestowing a kiss upon his companion's forehead. Setsuya seemed as though he could not be more relaxed, in direct contrast to the tension in Zuko's movements. What if it was uncomfortable for Setsuya? What if he wasn't good with the basic mechanics? What if he couldn't find Setsuya's hot spots? What if-? He cried out as his lover's bare crotch rubbed teasingly against his own.

"You worry too much," Setsuya murmured, wrapping his arms around the slender figure of his lover. Coaxed by the other's patience, Zuko began stretching the man just as the vampire had done for him. It was odd, and he kept his gaze fixed onto Setsuya's expression to make sure he wasn't in pain. His heart pounded in his chest, and he knew his anxiety was plainly visible on his face let alone their bond. He angled his fingers…. "Ah!" Zuko winced, easing his touch.

"I'm sorry Setsuya! Are you okay?"

"A-Again," the vampire whispered, squirming his hips with need. It had been long since he had felt such an electrifying sensation. Zuko consented, pressuring the spot once more. He massaged the inner walls, relieved as the man writhed in pleasure. The muscles loosened quickly, leaving Zuko to believe that the other had a high degree of control over them. Setsuya moaned beneath him, nodding his head vigorously. "I'm ready, Zuko." Setsuya let out a sigh of gratitude as the other folded his robes with trembling fingers, sliding them beneath the vampire's head to serve as a pillow.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. Go at your own pace; whatever makes you comfortable."

The teenager hissed as Setsuya's thigh brushed against his member. "My beautiful vampire…" Zuko slowly adjusted his position and threaded his fingers through the older's hair, kissing him tenderly. With a braced breath he entered the man, choking out a moan as he was immersed by the other. He let out a shaky breath, trying to control the trembling hand cupping his lover's face. Never, never, had he imagined it would be anything like this. Tight warmth encompassed him, causing his legs to quiver as he explored the body further. This absolute fulfillment was familiar, yet so different from what he'd previously experienced. He went slowly, as Setsuya seemed so delicate beneath him that he might shatter from one careless touch. "A-Are you okay?"

Setsuya could barely pull himself together to respond. "Yes," he finally breathed, though 'okay' was an understatement, to be sure. "You can move, it's alright."

"You're trembling. Are you in pain?"

"Zuko…" Setsuya sighed, placing a finger to the other's lips. His expression turned hard and meaningful as he uttered a single word: "Move."

The teenager relaxed, understanding washing over him from a combination of Setsuya's tone and the acknowledgement of their bond. Setsuya could not be treated as the porcelain flower he took the shape of. His needs stretched far beyond that, his desire to be whole beneath layers of thrill and passion. Zuko consented to their will, creating a rhythm to their somewhat haphazardly planned love-making. To the younger's shock, the reverent silence the vampire lord usually held disintegrated. Zuko had never heard the vampire allow such deep moans to pass through his lips, moans of pleasure he prayed. His own labored breathing and relentless groans were quickly overshadowed, liberating him from his self-consciousness.

One hand continued to caress Setsuya, descending to his throat where it ran a gentle thumb across his parted lips. The other maintained balance, tracing the vampire's hips, abdomen, and thighs on occasion. Zuko avoided attending to the begging arousal, elongating Setsuya's desire only to build upon the final pleasure. Every thrust took away his breath and gave it to Setsuya, who could only plead and moan in wonder as these long abandoned sensations coursed through his body with every motion. He cried out in bliss and his vision turned pure white- his lover had found the perfect angle.

"Setsuya," Zuko whispered the name as though it was a sacred offering. He could sense the other's desire to move, but their cramped quarters kept Setsuya as still as chains might. The teenager vowed to compensate, employing his strength to lunge deeply into his lover. The resulting reaction from Setsuya was undeniably bliss, as he convulsed against the wall and released moans of pure ecstasy. People nearby might have heard them by now, though their personal life need not be made too widely known- the compact earth around them absorbed the scent of their union.

Within minutes, both lovers came to realize the time for completion was drawing near. Zuko's hand descended to stroke Setsuya's erection, relieving only a fraction of the pressure in his body. The vampire jerked forward, silent pleas for relief coursing through his mind and into the other's. Zuko adhered to their desires, hastening his thrusts into the older's body while using his hand to massage the tip of his manhood. "Ah...Ah!" Setsuya's back arched in maddening pleasure as his climax, clenching his lower muscles to allow Zuko to feel his satisfaction. The teenager stifled a moan against the other's throat, releasing his seed into the vampire's body. The waves of his orgasm receding, he collapsed atop a welcoming figure.

Feeling a bit sluggish to form words, Zuko managed to whisper, "That was amazing." He sighed with contentment as two cool arms wrapped around his body caked with a thin film of sweat. Setsuya emitted an audible gasp, pulling back his hands to reveal traces of blood on the teenager's back. It seemed he'd dug his fingernails into the other with excessive zeal.

"I'm sorry, Zuko. I made you bleed."

"I hadn't noticed. How rude of me… Help yourself." Setsuya chuckled as Zuko eased out of him and onto his side, lying on his stomach so that the blood was accessible. The vampire lazily licked up the fluid, purring with enjoyment as a domestic leopard-cat might. "What's it like?" Zuko whispered, yawning as a cool tongue washed him free of blood. "Being a vampire, I mean?"

"What a strange question. Are you expecting a simple answer?"

"I'm not expecting. Explain whatever my mortal mind can understand." Zuko smiled, turning over so that Setsuya could spread his robe over them as a blanket. He snuggled into the man's arms, like a child awaiting a precious fairytale. Laying his head on the man's chest, he listened hard and could only hear the pulse of his own ears.

"Psychologically? It's devastating. But we'll focus on the basics for now." Setsuya winked, earning a soft bought of laughter. "Our eyesight… I think you'll like it. If I truly wanted to, I could focus my eyes in order to differentiate every hair that adorns your head. Colors are more vivid during the daytime and objects more easily seen in the nighttime. Everything, it seems, radiates its own natural beauty that could take minutes to lifetimes to analyze. Your skin has an undeniable glow of snow white. The color of purity," he added, causing the younger to blush. "It makes you more beautiful than mortal eyes can comprehend. When I touch something…" He ran a finger down Zuko's chest. "The texture is enhanced and more pronounced. I can hear voices from across the room if I choose to, as clear as a bell. Every vampire and mortal alike has a particular scent that you can differentiate if you spend enough time with them. These alterations allow me to be particularly sensitive to changes in my environment. Survival techniques, you understand. Pain never lingers, nor do injuries. It can give one a false sense of absolute invincibility, if you let it go to your head.

"Anytime you are aware of your body, you feel cold and tense. Only blood or the touch of a mortal can remove this strain." He kissed Zuko's shoulder. "I will miss your warmth. Now blood, blood is what keeps us sane. If we are denied it, we feel hunger pangs that elevate and drive us to insanity. It's starvation without death. But when we indulge in it, it's the sweetest, most flavorful thing you've ever tasted. Oxygenated blood is the best, healthy and warm. It has a taste I cannot compare to anything I remember tasting as a mortal."

"Does every creature's blood taste differently?"

"Vaguely, only because you inhale their individual scent as you drink. Human blood of divine or royal origins often tends to be sweeter and more fulfilling." Zuko sighed as the other's hand stroked his chest. "The more carefully bred the family, the more flavorful the blood."

"Interesting." Zuko put a hand to his heart, wondering if he'd notice if it stopped beating altogether. "An eternity… is a really long time."

"It is," Setsuya agreed, pressing kisses against the other's flesh. "Time to learn and thrive, or time to deteriorate and suffer. Regrets are always with you, but you eventually find something to live for. I found that people would trust me and follow me should I lead them. And now, I've found you." They shared a deep kiss, before Setsuya parted them and whispered against the other's lips, "But before I forget, what's this about you promising Khai freedom?" Setsuya could have explored the teenager's mind to find the answer just as easily, but found conversation a clearer, fairer way of communicating.

Zuko expression immediately turned into one of guilt. "I-I just… I really needed a question answered and I thought the only way he would take me seriously was if I offered him the single thing he cares about."

"I'm just not quite sure you should have been promising such things without consulting me first. Who knows what you'll be using my authority to get next!" Setsuya's tone was playful, but Zuko's eyes flickered with shame.

"I'm sorry, Setsuya. I figured you would release him after Ravindra's forces were destroyed anyway. Forgive me?"

"Of course. Care to tell me what question you wanted answered so dearly?"

"I asked him how Ravindra… I suppose, how Ravindra turns good people bad."

Setsuya was quiet for a long while. He wrapped an arm around his lover, bringing their bodies flesh-to-flesh before whispering into the other's ear, "I understand." He considered telling Zuko about his findings at Ravindra's stronghold, but he decided against it. Ryuichi may very well be alive, and he didn't want to taint the air with despair. Time will tell.

Zuko dozed off in his arms after only a few minutes, sleeping with the face of an angel. Setsuya's angel... He kissed the young man on the forehead, before squirming out of his arms and dressing silently. He used the remainder of the concealing plant he had in his cloak to mask to scent of their time together. They would no doubt be teased by all if it was found that they'd been desperate enough to commit such acts in a closet.

xXxBloodlustxXx

The following day, as much as Zuko had tried to avoid it being so, was one of moral conflict. After Yoshiro had grudgingly deemed him ready to face the lava, he'd sat in the familiar closet and meditated for hours upon hours. His efforts may steal away many lives. Zuko had never had the need to kill a man before. Now, he was being asked to kill men, women, and possibly children younger than himself. An eternity of meditation couldn't prepare him for this. Over and over he reminded himself of how many people may die if he did not carry out his plan. Over and over again he wondered if that was a mere justification for what he was being asked to do. Perhaps fate would decide - he would do his job, and if Ravindra's people received the aftereffects of the blow, so be it.

Still, the terror he felt could not be described when Setsuya knocked on the door and whispered, "It's time." Zuko did not allow the fear to seep into his aura, not until he was relieved of the population's silent stare of mixed pity, fear, and wonder. Their walk through the forest was a tense one, and neither had any words to comfort the other. Setsuya settled for wrapping a secure arm around the other's waist. The boy's stride was oddly confident for someone in his position. Their restored bond was one of great strength, serving as their conviction. One's emotions, thoughts, and intentions were read with ease by the other. They shared their greatest fears and their deepest hopes without so much as uttering a word, sharing seemingly spontaneous gestures of affection and support.

"It may take some time for the lava to show up," the vampire lord began. "I'm not sure when they plan to erupt the volcano." Setsuya stroked the young man's hair in an attempt to ease his worry, but to little avail.

"Alright." Zuko bit his lower lip, his heart racing. Sitting and waiting for hours until lava rushed down the hallway to greet them? That didn't sound like a very agreeable plan at all. "If they desire to flood the underground city… There's going to be a lot of lava to bend, isn't there?"

"I'm afraid so. But don't be scared. You have the endurance; I've witnessed it." Setsuya winked, nudging the rock forward that revealed the hidden stairs descending beneath the ground. Zuko blushed, punching the man in the arm before following him down into the cavern. It was eerily silent, and Setsuya inhaled deeply every few steps to ensure that there were no enemy forces lurking about. It was obvious when they'd reached the tunnel they were searching for- in the distance it seemed to reach a dead end, before which multiple passageways were closed off to direct Zuko as to which channel to guide the lava through.

"I'm nervous," he confessed aloud, staring into the darkness from which a deadly element could emerge at any time.

"I know." Setsuya took Zuko by surprise by kissing his hand and seating himself down on the floor. "You have reason to be."

The teenager followed the suit, his voice soft as he murmured, "You mean to stay with me, don't you?"

"I'm not going to leave you." Setsuya's tone was so simple, almost carefree. He leaned against the wall, allowing Zuko to crawl between his spread legs and rest against his chest.

"You could be hurt."

"I won't be."

"What if I can't bend the lava?"

"You will."

"What if something goes wrong?"

"It won't."

"How can you be so sure?"

"I have absolute faith in you."

"You're frustrating me!" Zuko cried, shaking his head as Setsuya's arms tightened around him. "I could screw this up! You have a population to lead! If I fail-"

"You won't fail." Setsuya cupped the boy's face from behind, leaning forward to whisper into his ear, "You can do this. You will do this."

Zuko had to cast away his fear to understand what it was Setsuya meant by his words. He didn't mean to put pressure on him, or pretend to hope for the best. The vampire lord truly believed that he could prevail. No, he didn't 'believe'. He knew. The teenager's heart, filled with worry and disbelief, melted into one of confidence and determination. Setsuya was right. He was meant to do this. He was a firebender for a reason, and this was it. They continued to wait, both more at ease now. The younger focused on Setsuya's fingers twirling around the roots of his hair, which were beginning to grow out into his natural dark brown.

"When I met you, I didn't really like you." Setsuya glanced down, the sudden words leaving him speechless. Zuko continued to speak, as though talking to himself. "You read me too easily, and I hated that. You could tell me things about myself that even I hadn't realized. It's not a good feeling, finding out that you don't know as much about yourself as you thought you did." The teenager stared at the ground, his palms resting on the other's thigh. "It took me a little while to realize that I didn't know myself at all. I'd let people define me for so long, I lost my identity. I was so focused on the person I was supposed to be, I lost sight of who I am. This bond… It's helped me understand that sometimes it takes another person to help you come to grips with yourself." Zuko turned around and knelt before the other, delivering a tender kiss to his forehead. "I love you, Setsuya."

The vampire lord was shocked among all other emotions. Finally he managed to whisper, "You speak of me as though I've done some great deed. You are the one who brought radiance back into my life- I am a better person because of you. You have washed the bitterness and resentment of my past away, and history no longer stands between me and the future. The Setsuya I was when I was a mortal, the one who could smile at will and express love with ease… I thought he was dead. But you, Zuko, have shown me that he was alive and well, only in a different form. Beloved, you are my miracle."

Miracle…

They shared another kiss, only to be interrupted by the rushing sound of dirt as the entrance to the underground cavern opened. Zuko leapt to his feet, departing his lover only after a gentle squeeze of the hand. Setsuya stood a few feet behind him, glaring at the tunnel as though daring it to emit any dangerous elements. Sure enough, fiery orange streams of lava gushed into the tunnel and made its way toward the two, moving far too quickly to be of a natural flow.

Command the lava, and it will defy me. Fear the lava, and it will overtake me. I am an equal to the lava, neither weaker nor stronger than it. My will is righteous, my heart is strong. The elements exist not to serve, but provide.

"Setsuya?" Zuko glanced back at his soul mate, whose unwavering bravery held no boundaries.

"Yes, my love?"

"Help me breathe."

The vampire nodded, understanding of the request. The teenager relinquished control of his breath to the other, who closed his eyes and focused on maintaining a steady flow of oxygen in and out of their lungs. The support supplied by their bond allowed Zuko to focus solely on his struggle. As the thick stream of lava approached them, the younger held out an arm.

If this is your will, Spirits, I carry it out for the sake of the world.

And their will it must have been. The moment Zuko saw the element curve to the guidance of his hands, he praised every spiritual being he could think of. Setsuya never moved an inch, his entire self devoted to supporting his soul mate. An hour passed, an hour of diligence and control. His arms should have been aching by then, yet he continued to channel the lava with consistency. One wrong move would have had the fiery blood of the volcano dousing them, yet they stood strong. When the flow finally diminished and the last ounce of lava was steered into the tunnel, Zuko fell to his knees in utter relief, his entire body trembling. Setsuya embraced him from behind whispering over and over again, "Thank you, thank you so much." They shared a deep kiss, and the vampire murmured against his lips, "Will you be alright?"

Zuko wordlessly nodded, relishing the cool touch of his lover. "Yes, I'll be fine. You can run ahead to where the population is situated. I'll catch up."

Setsuya gave him another thankful, tender kiss. "Factors such as what remains of Ravindra's people and whether or not they approach us will determine our position. If you can't find us, lock yourself up and wait. Don't go anywhere near a vampire you don't recognize." With this the man sprinted off in the other direction, disappearing out of sight within a few moments. Zuko rested his body against the earthen wall as his exhaustion caught up with him. He'd done it. He'd bended lava, strengthened by the bond of spiritual love. He wouldn't think about the possible lives he may have taken. It was too much to bear all at once. Instead, he stumbled to his feet and began limping toward the exit without much haste. Almost immediately he desired to sit back down- his arms cramped and his legs ached. Nevertheless he trekked on, every step bringing him closer and closer to uncertainty.

xXxBloodlustxXx

Setsuya would always remember the way they stared at him. He had burned Master to a pile of ashes and stood up against the malicious Ravindra. Every population needs a leader, especially those with massive capability to destroy. He couldn't protest. He couldn't accept. All he could do was suffer under the stare of the fifteen or so vampires around him. What did they expect him to do? He couldn't lead anyone! He could barely meet the gaze of another person. Perhaps it was not Setsuya they believed in so much as what his actions stood for: Righteousness in the center of pure evil.

Within minutes Setsuya found himself occupying his Master's desk, making changes left and right. Feeding schedules, blood policies, patrols… Deep within himself, whether it had been forced or coaxed out, was a man who could take charge if only for the sake of the wellbeing of others. He created laws others were glad to follow. He ensured the living quarters were livable and free of corpses. He discovered their weakness against fire, methods of suppressing insanity, and how to feed off of animals. He led the Kyuuketsuki, bidding with the Firelord and sacrificing everything to keep their presence hidden and safe from mortals.

And now they stared at him again, two factors altered. There were more pairs of eyes, and failure was no option. He and his followers reached the edge of the forest, having yet to catch a single scent of Ravindra or a foreign vampire. There didn't seem to be any chaos or upheaval occurring in the town, leaving them to wonder if Zuko's efforts had sufficiently wiped out their forces.

"We'll split up into the two designated troops, twenty each," Setsuya ordered his assembly, each successfully concealed atop or behind a tree. The rest of the vampires had been relocated not far into the forest, should their help be needed. "I will lead the troops approaching head-on into the city, and Hayate will lead those heading around to the opposite side. Do not let yourselves be seen by mortals." They sprinted forward silently, Setsuya fingering the flower that lay deep in his pocket. Something doesn't feel right.

xXxBloodlustxXx

Zuko trudged toward the hideaway, noting that it was abandoned. Vampires were authoritative and demanded a certain presence about them. It was obvious when it had disappeared. They probably went toward the city. He called out to Setsuya, who responded immediately, much to his delight.

Where can I find you?

We're headed into the city right now. There are no signs of Ravindra or his people yet. Take a rest- you needn't join us yet.

You seem troubled.

We're going to have to be careful to avoid mortal eyes.

Don't worry. If they aren't aware of your presence by now, chances are they'll never be.

Zuko sighed, curling his arms around his legs and resting his head on his knees. Perhaps a small nap would serve him well…

"Isn't there a lot going on for you to be snoozing?"

Zuko jerked back awake at the sound of a familiar voice. He glanced up in disbelief to see Ryuichi leaning against the tree, staring down at him with the faintest trace of a smile. His shock surrendered to joy as he leapt up and embraced the man around the middle. "Ryuichi! You're alive!"

The scarlet-eyed vampire smiled, shaking his head at the younger. "Of course I'm alive. It helps to be on the other side of the door when your fortress is being overrun by lava." Zuko's questioning look prodded him to explain, "Ravindra imprisoned me when I didn't bring you back. I escaped with the help of a friend and found out what you and Setsuya planned to do. So, I headed back this morning and blockaded a few of the secret entrances Setsuya's guards never found. I was on the scene only a few minutes ago. Only five vampires escaped alive, Ravindra being one of them."

Zuko felt an odd mixture of relief, sadness, and worry. "I see." He kept Ryuichi in a tight embrace, as though he feared the man might disappear. "Thank you," he murmured, causing the man's eyes to flicker to the ground.

"Oh, Zuko…"

How can you possibly still show me kindness?

"Will you accompany me out of the woods?" Zuko asked, his eyes glistening with a renewed determination. "I'm sure they can retain the vampires easily, but I want to be there if they need me."

"Of course. We should hurry if we want to get there by the time Setsuya intercepts them." In accordance to Ryuichi's suggestion, they walked swiftly through the forest with the vampire's sense of smell and Zuko's bond as their guide.

"Does this mean you'll be remaining with the population?" Zuko asked hopefully, receiving a sad smile in return.

"You know that's not possible. I'm in exile. Besides, I couldn't trouble you or Setsuya, not after the ways I've hurt you."

"Setsuya came looking for you." This caught Ryuichi's attention. "I found out while we were reestablishing our bond. He went to search for you yesterday, because he knew how much it meant to me that you were safe. He couldn't find you, and thought the worst just as I had. There was so much pain in his heart, Ryuichi."

"I thought… I thought he hated me."

"Love is not meant to eliminate compassion. He wants you safe and sound as much as I do. Please, Ryu. Come back with us."

The vampire was silent for a long while. He understood now, why he had fallen in love with each of the men in turn. They had levels of understanding and love that many could hardly fathom. Both were beautiful, inside and out. "If I can speak two words to Setsuya without being suffocated… I may beg for his forgiveness and see where it takes me. Granted, I still have to make it up to you."

"Make it up to me? Well, I just want my sparring partner back. Then we'll call it even." Zuko cast the man a smile as they fell silent, the edge of the forest coming into view.

Ryuichi's breath hitched. "There's a group of vampires up ahead. I recognize them, they're of Setsuya's coven. I'll go around them and meet you on the gravel path leading into town." Zuko nodded, clearing his throat meaningfully.

When the vampires saw him, their expressions were ones of relief and joy. "Setsuya informed us of the good news!" one of them called out. "You were able to channel the lava!"

Zuko nodded, forcing a smile onto his face. Though it really wasn't their fault, he was somewhat resentful toward these people for intimidating Ryuichi to such an extent. There, there. It's only because they are fond of Setsuya. "It's true. I'm going forward to meet up with the group in the ci-… in the city." Zuko felt a terrible sinking in his chest. Setsuya was in trouble. He closed his eyes and allowed Setsuya's vision to become his own. Once overcoming the shock of the clarity and definition of the man's sight, he saw what had made his lover's heart twist- Ravindra, furious and heaving, surrounded by four equally fuming vampires. Out of the corner of his eye, Zuko noticed Setsuya's followers snarling, daring them to come any closer.

"Do you need us to accompany you?"

Zuko was already running ahead, glancing back to shout, "No thanks!" Ryuichi was waiting for him near the walls surrounding the town, reading Zuko's expression clearly.

"What's wrong?"

"They've met Ravindra's forces," Zuko called, dashing forward. "In the underground bunker. We need to hurry." Ryuichi nodded, drawing his hood over his eyes. The vampire guided him through the city on the fastest route. After only a minute, Zuko hissed to the other man, "This is taking too long! Can you carry me?"

Ryuichi nodded, sweeping the teenager into his arms and warning him, "We'll go pretty fast." Before the younger could answer, he felt a whoosh of air and saw a stream of flying colors. They came to a sudden stop, and his stomach lurched.

"…Shit." Ryuichi let him down slowly, and the teenager stumbled back into the man's arms. "You weren't kidding," Zuko breathed. He shuddered, blinking several times to adjust his sight. They both turned to the direction of the alleyway, presumably toward the hidden entrance into the enemy's fortress. "Wait out here," Zuko instructed the vampire. He knew Ryuichi would try to brave the ridicule and accompany him, but there was really no cause for it.

"I'll be able to hear what's going on, so call for me if you need me."

Zuko nodded, rushing into the corridor where there was a mess of broken stones and disheveled dirt leading into the ground. He jumped into the underground cavern without a second thought, landing hard on his feet. Ravindra's bunker was layered with steel that reverberated ominously beneath his feet. The vampires were engaged in a battle almost too quick for the eyes to see, every motion a mere blur to his eyes. The status of the encounter was relayed into his head by Setsuya. Two of Ravindra's followers, a man and a woman, were already restrained by two people each, leaving their enemies clearly outnumbered three to five, now six.

Setsuya was currently engaged with Ravindra further down the hall, leaving four vampires to corner the final two adversaries. Zuko lunged forward, looking to drive one back with firebending. The vampire sneered, dodging the fire and dashing toward him. The distraction proved adequate for two allies to catch him by the arms and pin him to the floor. Zuko leapt toward his second opponent from behind, letting forth a stream of fire that imprinted harsh burns on her back. The woman let out a shrill cry of pain, indisposed along with the rest of her companions. The teenager sprinted down the hall to assist Setsuya, who was being fixed to the wall by a hand clutching at his throat. Even knowing that no such physical contact would harm his lover, Zuko would not have his soul mate treated in such a manner.

Ravindra saw him and withdrew, distraught upon finding that his followers were all thoroughly restrained. His eyes narrowed, flickering between Setsuya and Zuko as they took their stances on either side of him.

"It's time to let go, Ravindra," Setsuya said slowly, tilting his head at the man expectantly. "It's over."

"You will regret this! The Firelord will eradicate you no matter what! Even if he has to make your presence known to the entire world!" Ravindra's eyes sifted rapidly as he sought out a solution to his dilemma.

"We are innocent!" Setsuya growled. "Does the Firelord know how many deaths you have caused? He will not cause chaos for the sake of murdering a harmless people! This ends here."

Slowly, Ravindra's expression of terrible malice split into a sick smile. "Zuko… I smell Ryuichi on you." The teenager froze, his lips trembling. He could feel Setsuya's undivided attention turn to him. "Could it be that you've embraced the man, even after everything he's done to you? Do you love the man who so spitefully stripped you of your fidelity?"

"You have no idea what you're talking about," Zuko growled, his heart sinking in his chest. "You don't know what love is, you bastard!"

"Sounds familiar, doesn't it Setsuya? Being undeniably attached to a man who raped you, ravished you. I fear Zuko is undergoing the same sort of attraction."

Zuko pondered the man's words. The truth was, the teenager didn't know how he felt. Ryuichi was his friend, his companion. It was love that opened his arms for the man time after time. Love of a kindhearted nature, he'd thought. But what if Ravindra was right? What if it was a desperate, sick desire?

Ignore him, Beloved. He speaks poisonous lies. Your forgiving nature arises from your compassion. You are too strong to be twisted around anyone's finger.

Zuko nodded, the words cementing his determination. "I've had enough of your talk!" he hissed, clenching his hands in fury. "Surrender or I'll burn you to ashes."

Ravindra's eyes turned deathly cold as he surveyed the teenager, though the smile never left his face. "You'll soon meet your rightful end, you pathetic mortal."

A furious cry was heard, causing all three to glance back as one of the vampires once held captive lunged toward Setsuya. The vampire lord intercepted his attack with ease, locked hand-to-hand with the man. Before he could blink, Zuko felt the sensation of cold steel pressed up against his throat. Ravindra's free arm wrapped around his torso, pinning his arms to his sides. Setsuya twisted his attacker's arm behind his back and shoved him into the floor, glancing up in horror to witness his lover perilous state.

"You've hindered me for the last time," came a whisper carried by a frosty breath near Zuko's ear. "Release my subjects!" Ravindra snarled, angling the blade so that a trickle of blood descended down Zuko's throat. "I have no qualms about killing him. He means nothing to me!" Setsuya wordlessly nodded, releasing the man he confined. His people followed the suit, all looking between Ravindra and Setsuya in terror. Zuko shuddered, stricken by fear and uncertainty. He wasn't worth anything to Ravindra now; he could be murdered in a heartbeat. Oddly, the first thought that came into his head was the pain Setsuya would endure should Zuko die. What was it, to be so deeply in love that you think of another's heartbreak before your own life? The released vampires flocked behind their leader, while Setsuya kept completely still. "Good. Now, Setsuya, you're going to do as I command if you want this young man to live to see tomorrow. Make any sudden unwanted movements and you'll be soaking in your darling's blood. That goes for you too, Ryuichi!" he called toward the entrance of the cavern. "I know you're listening in, you traitorous snake. I'll make you pay if it's the last thing I ever do!"

Don't do what he says, Zuko pleaded with his mate. Please, don't do it. Who knows what he'll make you do! At the same time he pondered to himself, Do you have an immediate death wish?

Setsuya could not speak, frozen in dread and waiting for his instructions. "Onto your knees!" Ravindra commanded, and so the vampire complied. "You!" He glanced over his head to address one of Setsuya's followers. "Use these-" He tossed a pair of manacles from his robes onto the floor near the vampire lord. "And lock him up."

"No! Stay where you are!" Zuko cried, ignoring the increasing pressure of the knife to his throat. "Don't listen to him!"

The woman looked hopelessly to Setsuya, who nodded his head abruptly. She conceded, handcuffing her lord with pain etched across her face. Ravindra pushed Zuko forward, keeping the weapon flush against his skin. "Now, make sure they're tight," he muttered, prodding the boy forward.

Not to be ironic, but… "Bite me."

Do as he says, Zuko. Everything will be alright. I can escape captivity; there is no coming back from death. Zuko felt his throat close and tears threaten his vision. He knew Setsuya was right, but there was no telling what they'd do to his soul mate. He could only feel reassurance radiating from the vampire lord, leading him to believe there were hidden emotions beneath the surface. Trust me, Zuko. Do whatever Ravindra wants. Please…

Zuko reached out a hand and gave the chains a tug. "Happy now?"

"Not quite." Ravindra smirked, inhaling deeply into the boy's neck. Setsuya shot the man a blood-freezing glare. "Kiss him." Zuko could only stare. "Go on, kiss him."

The teenager leaned forward, giving Setsuya a swift, tender kiss to the lips. The vampire lord seemed reluctant to let him part, prying open his mouth and engaging his tongue in a gentle dance. Zuko blushed in the view of so many, but returned the gesture with equal affection. "Setsuya…"

Ravindra yanked him back by his hair, keeping the dagger poised as he spoke. "I hope you enjoyed your kiss with your soul mate, young mortal. Because it was your last." He withdrew the weapon and threw Zuko to the floor, snatching Setsuya by the collar in his place. "You and I have a date with the Firelord," he muttered, dragging the man toward the entrance, shielded by his devotees. "Be content with this outcome!" he called to those who remained in the room. "Only one man must die now, in place of a whole civilization." Setsuya glared silently at his subjects, ordering them to remain where they were. His expression did not betray his fear of what was to come.

When Zuko regained his bearings, he stumbled upward and dashed after their enemies only to come across an empty alleyway. Within seconds Ryuichi was at his side, embracing him with a whisper, "He can't get away with this. We'll go after him, don't worry." Zuko's mind barely registered the words of comfort.

He took Setsuya to the Firelord… He took away my Setsuya…He'll be killed…

"Ryuichi." Hayate's cold voice penetrated the air. It was apparent that all that kept him from lunging at Ryuichi and throttling him was the teenager in his arms. Somewhere in the back of his mind Zuko desired to defend the vampire, but his mouth could not form the words necessary. His heart was heavy in his chest with hopelessness, leeching away the last ounces of strength.

"Let's not get into a dispute here," Ryuichi said harshly, holding the young man close to his chest. "Our priority is finding Setsuya, no? I'll seek them out and report back to you. Rally the population. We'll storm the damned palace if we have to." Hayate obviously did not enjoy being ordered around, but one look into Zuko's eyes had him nodding.

"Of course. We'll be ready and waiting."

"I'm coming with you, Ryuichi." Zuko left no room for argument or further delays. Ryuichi could only nod, conceding to carry the teenager throughout the city once again. He did not overlook the silent word spoken by his lips:

'Hurry'.

Zuko could feel his companion's fear and despair, but there was an overwhelming degree of bravery and endurance in his aura that it caused his heart to ache. He understood that sensation now- it was the willingness to suffer and die to protect that which you love. Zuko had experienced it when he had faced the blood of the volcano, and now Setsuya held the same virtue. At the same time, there was a serious risk that accompanied this merit. It meant that Setsuya was ready to pass from this world in order to satiate the forces that threatened his people and beloved. Zuko, on the other hand, wasn't willing to stand by and let that happen.