Avatar does not belong to me, or else Episode 25 would have had a better ending. Okay, this chapter would have not been possible without Celticgoddess who has become my collaborator and dear friend, she is an amazing writer and if she had more time, she'd be winning awards for her writing. Many of the best lines are from her and she helps me write chapters quicker, without writer's block. Dedicated to Spleef, for her amazing Aiiro picture. Go check it out on Also, a dedication to Karen and Becky, my favorite new fans! Don't get used to all this nice stuff, Zuko has a big tragedy percolating from a direction he will not suspect. In this chapter, Aiiro makes a new friend and Hotaru finds out she's not the only one with a sadistic streak. Indiana Jones reference, blame Celtic. Also, this will be my last update for the next two weeks, I have finals. Then chapters will come faster.
Good and Evil
Good and evil -
And their merits -
Men have argued through history -
As well they should!
My philosophy
Any child can see -
"Good is evil -
And therefore
All evil is good"
-Jekyll and Hyde
Zuko bowed slightly as he tried to concentrate on his breakfast and ignore the beating in his heart. This was his first meeting alone with Lady Sakura, Admiral of the Fire Nation and his mother. Last night, he had exchanged formal greetings with her, but now he had to actually exchange actual conversation with her. A Fire Lord was never nervous, but Zuko was coming very close to feeling that emotion. "It is good to see you again," he mumbled, deciding to finally speak.
"I am pleased to see that you are well, my lord. The weather is beautiful," the Queen-Mother of the Fire Nation said, sipping tea. She looked far happier to be in her armor than in the elegant kimonos of her royal station.
"Oh yes. All this ice is absolutely delightful," Zuko muttered petulantly, hating this useless small talk. "What kind of people would want to live here?"
To his surprise, Mother chuckled. "Don't tell the crew, I have a few Water tribers among the Maidens, but I have the same thoughts entirely," she confided, her face softening.
"If man was meant to live in the ice, Agni would have given him a thick layer of fur," Zuko said, happy that the conversation was progressing so nicely. He wished he knew what to say to his mother. He loved her more then the sun and the stars, but he barely knew her.
"The first attack by the weapon you brought has turned the tide. I am most impressed. The new catapults are working splendidly and we should have the war balloons running by tomorrow morning."
Zuko nodded. He hated continuing the war but the Northern border had to be secured if there was to be any chance for peace. "Did you send the flares?" he asked, biting his lip worriedly.
"The moment they wish to surrender, all they need to do is light it and we'll send a boat over to receive their fealty. I give this siege another two weeks at the very most," Mother said softly, as she leaned back.
"And then you'll return to the palace?" Zuko asked hopefully, taking a piece of bread from the table and munching it.
"So I can be married off to suit your royal needs? Your sister can ruin her life listening to such commands from you because she's desperate to repay you, but I had my life ruined once, I won't do it again," Mother said archly, her tone growing cold.
"Hotaru made it clear she would consider a match only if she approved of the man and so far, I see no danger of that happening. This was her choice, Mother. I would never force her. Hopefully, this victory will convince them it's better if they accept our offer, without the marriage. No, I was hoping we could…that you could tour the Fire Nation, see the sights, enjoy seeing Uncle and Hotaru," Zuko said, his voice growing lower. He wanted to spend time with his mother again.
"I will return often for visits, but I prefer life on my ship with my Maidens around me. It's a good life, it is where I am happy," Mother said, her tone softening slightly.
"Your happiness concerns me. I can't have my mother living a life of crime when I am the supreme judge of Fire Nation. I can pardon you but only if you stop committing acts of high treason," Zuko demanded angrily, hating arguing with his mother. Yet he had to settle this point, there was enough grumbling about having pirate criminals serving as royalty.
"The supreme judge, sworn to keep laws that are wrong. Breaking such laws is no crime! You broke the law when you invaded the War Room. You broke the law by refusing to fight in the Agni Kai. Surely the spirit of the law is more important than the letter," Mother snapped, banging her hand on the table. "I suffered enough when I was forced to live with that sadist."
"Ozai isn't Fire Lord anymore, Mother. I won't allow anyone else to hurt you ever again," Zuko said through gritted teeth. "There is no need to support yourself through crime. You are the Mother of the Fire Lord!"
"I got away from my problems, but what about my Maidens? They need me. They are all women who are fugitives, with no home and no where to go. Most of them killed their husbands or fathers, you know," Mother said silkily, her eyes glinting.
Zuko was still disgusted with himself for killing the man he called Father, but he had done it under the Avatar's power. He could not believe anyone would want to commit such a horrible action willingly. "And you choose to lead such people?"
"I can see it in your eyes, my son. You consider them criminals for breaking the laws. Well, the laws give women no other choice. A man can take another wife, if he so pleases. If a woman takes another man, it is called adultery and she is stoned in the street. A husband can send his wife off to a convent, take away her children and do what he pleases. He can send them to an orphanage; he controls all the money in the estate, even the money the wife brings in from her dowry. He can reduce a wife to poverty, starve her and rape her. A husband beating his wife to death is just a token fine, but a woman killing her husband is treason. Not every woman was as lucky as I was to get away. Most of them die of grief, kill themselves or are murdered. All of them live miserable lives. That is the law. I want no part in such a society," Mother hissed. "My crew has freedom; we rely on no man to care for us. Under my care, they learned to fight back."
"So you take your own misery and spread it to others? Being a pirate and stealing from others won't make men better husbands," Zuko tried not to wilt under his mother's glare. "Stealing and killing people is wrong, Mother."
"I don't recall you having any moral objections to kidnapping a tribe of innocent people and holding them hostage. Currently, you are leading a war to conquer other people. I think you aren't one to talk," Mother sneered, further irking Zuko.
"I have no choice," he roared, wondering if she was trying to goad him to add matricide to his list of crimes. Zuko could never strike her down and he didn't think he could survive trying anyway.
"The laws give us no other choice," Mother snapped angrily, as she put down her cup of tea. Her eyes sparkled with anger.
"Well, what do you want me to do about these laws? Change them?" Zuko was sure this would go over fantastically with his all-male court, they were already wary of serving a sovereign young enough to be their sons.
"Well then, you are hosting a number of criminals under your roof, your Majesty. Will you sign our death warrants and have us executed, or just be merciful and imprison us for life," Mother demanded angrily. "You are twisting that law."
Zuko gritted his teeth. "You are being completely unreasonable! The only way women can get money is to inherit it. To change the law to make females able to inherit with their brothers won't be popular. Having many sons means dividing up the estate and decreasing its power. Including females as well would completely throw off inheritance. Women are supposed to be taken care of by their husbands."
"Like Ozai protected me? I don't think you need reminding of that," Mother snapped, her golden eyes glinting. "He destroyed my life; he made me leave you behind. Many of the women in my crew had to leave their children behind. They weep for them, because they will never be able to see them again."
"Well, I may be Fire Lord but I can't go against a thousand years of custom. I'd have my head cut off before I could blink. I can't make these laws just go away," Zuko retorted angrily, feeling completely helpless to bond with his mother.
"That is why the only way to be free is to leave society. You will always remain my son but my first responsibility is to my crew, who need me," Mother said, her tone softening slightly.
"By leaving society, you are letting the problem remain. I can't change them forever but I can do something to help these women. Maybe in a few generations, these laws can be abolished. Returning to piracy means you have given up on ever making matters better. Even when I was banished, I always sought a way to return home because I wanted to right these wrongs. I don't run from problems," Zuko hissed angrily.
Mother looked very dangerous indeed at that moment. "Are you calling me a coward, my son?" she demanded, flexing her fist.
"I'm saying I'm done running. I am going to make this world a better place and I could use your help. You will be a lot more help to these women if you are the Admiral of the Fire Nation than a criminal running from society."
These women should not have to live their lives on the run as criminals. No one should have to listen to their mother scream at night and cry into their pillow, or say goodbye forever to someone they care about. No one should have to live in exile," Zuko said, his voice rising angrily. "Especially not you."
Mother stared coldly for a long moment. Zuko wondered what his mother was thinking. Her eyes were so fathomless and icy. He supposed he had Uncle and Hotaru; he did not need his mother to care about him. Yet, he could not tolerate a criminal in his family.
Of course, being Fire Lord meant he had the distinct honor of having to choose between personal and political success. "I'm still not going to be a palace fixture to look pretty and fan myself while I idle away my time in gossip," she muttered angrily, but her tone softening considerably.
"But you are…?" Zuko asked, barely able to believe that he, who had always been called a poor speaker had managed to convince his mother to see things his way.
"For the time being, I'm going back to the palace after this campaign to serve as your Admiral. I will lead your navy to victory and assist you in ruling your nation. In exchange, I will have full pardons for all the women in my crew, who will work as my flagship crew so they can support themselves. When I have time, I will return to the palace for much needed rests. This arrangement can continue as long as it remains agreeable to me," the now-former pirate chief said, gracing Zuko with a small smile. It was all that the Fire Lord needed for now. He could deal with this for now.
"That will do," he said in a dignified tone, glad the argument was over. He could deal with this later.
"I suppose you do have some of me in you," Mother said, rising to her feet and allowing her fingers to brush against her son's shoulder. Her smile had gotten considerable warmer. "Come, my son; let's go conquer your kingdom. You have much to learn about the art of subjugation. I have much instruction for you."
Aiiro sighed sadly as he sat in his room. He had a beautiful toy palace to play with. It had everything in miniature, from tiny furniture to wax food. There was a beautiful throne room, with dolls representing the Fire Lord and the royal family, dressed in red and gold clothing. There were other dolls representing nobles and servants. There were gorgeous tapestries. There were rooms for sleeping, rooms for training, rooms for beautiful balls. There was even a dungeon with prisoners chained by tiny manacles.
Aiiro had toy swords, wooden blocks, tops, kites, paint sets, clay and a thousand other objects, but his favorite toy was the palace. It was as tall as he was and just as long, Princess Hotaru and Master used to play with it when they were little, but had given it to him as a present for being such a good boy.
Aiiro would reenact events in his little palace. He would make the Fire Lord declare wonderful decrees, like extra dessert and no more piracy. He would have wars to conquer people so that they too could have a nice master.
Sometimes, he would have the little figures have parties to celebrate the Moon festival, even if he knew the Fire nation had no moon festivals. He would have the scullery boy steal food from the kitchen and escape with his prize. He would have the various princes and princesses all play together.
Aiiro sighed. Sometimes, the palace reminded him of how lonely he was. Every doll had a family. The Fire Lord doll had a Fire Lady, with two princes and two princesses. The noble families all had a Mama and a Daddy. Even the scullery boy was the son of the cook. All of them had the tawny eyes of the Fire Nation, all of them belonged.
Only Aiiro, the blue-eyed orphan had no doll so he did not fit. There was no Water tribe doll, besides the ones in the dungeons. Those dolls were so ugly and malformed, compared to the beautiful Fire nation ones.
Aiiro had tried to poke out the eyes of the younger Fire Prince to put blue beads inside. The servants had scolded him for being so rough with a royal treasure. He had made himself a clay doll with blue eyes so he could be a part of the story. Yet he only needed to look at the ugly doll to know he would never fit in.
Aiiro never doubted he belonged when Master was around. When Aiiro saw his beloved guardian, he knew everything would be all right. Master had such a terrible scar, but his golden eyes were still so kind. When he would smile, Aiiro's nightmares would be chased away.
When he had lived in the South Pole, Aiiro had truly been alone. Every night, when he would watch mothers tuck their kids in, he would pray for a family of his own. "Please, send me someone to care for me," he had asked Sedna. Someone who would look after him and who needed a family too.
When he had seen how strong and powerful the Prince of the Fire Nation was, Aiiro had decided he would devote himself to serving him forever. He had seen the same loneliness in his eyes too; this was someone who could protect him. He had heard that slaves of powerful people got treated nicely and got protected. He had been so happy when Master had agreed to take him along.
Yes, Aiiro and Master had been through a lot together, but Aiiro had thought the hard times had past. Yet just a few days ago, Aiiro had waved as his master had sailed away. Now he was alone again with no one to hug him and play with him.
Worst of all, Miss Hyun had gone home today because her brother "had a new son" and she wanted to see her nephew. Even she had a family. It was only Aiiro who was alone. Everyone had left him, everything was more important than him! Aiiro wanted to be strong like Master so that everyone would stop leaving him. One day, he would be big and important, and then everyone would do what he said!
With a furious sniff, he grabbed the Fire Lord doll and shoved him in the dungeons, but in the nicest cell. He took the porcelain Lady Hyun and put her in the same room. "Now you can't leave me!" he whispered, tears trickling down his cheeks. "Now, you will stay with me forever. If you promise to be good, I'll let you out."
As Aiiro put some more of the dolls in the dungeons, he heard a terrible commotion outside. Aiiro rose to his feet to investigate but was knocked down by a flying pair of nervous limbs going through the window. "Hide me," pleaded a high voice. It was the voice of a boy his age. Remembering his early escapades in the South Pole, Aiiro immediately pointed under the divan.
The intruder hopped under the divan, just as heavy boots thumped through the door. Two guards, covered in honey stomped inside, looking furious, accompanied by a very amused Shigeru. "Where is he?" one shouted, towering over Aiiro angrily.
Aiiro looked at them, wondering what he should do. "Where is who?" he asked, looking up at them worriedly. What if the room was searched? Then the boy would be found and most likely punished!
Shigeru coughed and pointed to the crest that Aiiro wore. He then bowed his head slightly. "Your highness, apologies for disturbing you. May we ask you a question?" he said, giving both guards a cold glare.
"Allow me to restate that. Where is the little brat who ran this way, your highness?" the taller guard said in a far more respectful tone as both bowed low to the wearer of the crest. "He is in a lot of trouble."
"I am sorry; I did not see any boy come in here. The only person in here is me," Aiiro said softly. He knew lying was wrong but it was for a good cause, finding a new friend. "Have you anything else you wish to ask?" he asked, trying to act regal like his Master behaved.
"Are you sure?" the shorter guard asked, looking suspicious. "I saw him go into one of these windows."
"Are you calling the Ward of the Fire Lord a liar?" Shigeru asked sharply. "Haven't you been disrespectful enough, Hatake? The Fire Lord will not be pleased when he finds out how you treated his foster child!"
"A thousand apologies, your highness. I had no right to speak to you this way. He must have sneaked into another room," the taller guard said, bowing again before leaving. Shigeru rolled his eyes as he bowed himself out.
Aiiro closed the door after them, wondering who this strange child was. "You may come out now, the coast is clear," he said softly.
A tall dark haired boy was standing before him, large bronze eyes that had a definite mischievous sparkle. "Thank you for helping me. Some people just don't know how to take a joke," he said, laughing merrily. His eyes grow more serious as he took in Aiiro. "Are you really the Ward of the Fire Lord, your highness?" he asked, bowing deeply.
"Yes. The Fire Lord takes care of me," Aiiro answered shyly, completely unsure how to behave with his new friend. He finally decided to return the bow. "And you are?"
"My name is Shachrior of the clan Haman, heir to Shushan but everyone calls me Orli, your highness."
"You don't have to call me your highness. My friends call me Aiiro," Aiiro whispered, hiding the fact that he had no idea where all his friends were.
"A-what? That's a funny name, I never heard it before. It isn't a Fire Nation name. May I just call you Ary? It's so much easier," the boy asked, giving Aiiro a reassuring smile. Aiiro nodded, pleased for the camaraderie. "I've never seen such blue eyes before. Can you firebend?" he continued chattering.
Aiiro looked at his feet for a moment. "No, I can't. I'm not...well, no, I can't bend fire." He wanted this new boy to like him and he was not sure if Orli would mind playing with a boy from the Water Tribe.
Orli's bronze eyes widened curiously. "Really? You're missing out. I can fire-bend and someday I'll be a great Master like my father. Watch this!" he proclaimed proudly. Orli took a few steps back and with a snap of his fingers produced a flame in his hand.
Aiiro winced. He did not like fire very much. Even though it was the symbol of his Master's power, he still feared being burned. "Could you not do that?" he asked meekly, feeling very nervous. Fire was dangerous.
Orli did not stop the flame burning in his palm. "Why not?" he shrugged, transferring the glowing fire from hand to hand.
Aiiro was visibly sweating now. He just wanted Orli to put away the flame! "My parents died in a fire," he admitted softly, averting his eyes.
To his surprise, Orli extinguished the flame. "Oh. My mother's dead too. I don't like remembering that either. Were you born in the capital? I was born on the Island of Shushan."
Aiiro winced at the line of questioning. "No, I was born…in the south," he mumbled, trying to avoid the question.
Orli nodded. "Oh, from the province of Aditya? That is where my mother is from!" he said excitedly.
Aiiro shook his head. "No. I was born further south than that," he continued, wondering how he could continue to avoid this line of questioning.
Orli made a face. "The province of Tojiwa? Ugh, my father says that's a nasty place nothing but volcanoes. I pity you," he said sympathetically, as he sat down near Aiiro's toys and began fingering them.
Aiiro was starting to feel trapped. "No, I wasn't born there either," he murmured, debating if he should lie.
Orli shrugged. "Well the only thing further south is Komodo Island. I know for a fact that it's uninhabited. So where were you born?" he asked curiously as he began playing with the toy soldiers. "You have such flaming toys"
Aiiro decided one more chance at evasion. "I was born outside the kingdom. And what does flaming mean?" he asked, sitting down next to him.
Orli laughed as he tried out one of the spinning tops. "You really aren't from around here are you," he chuckled.
Aiiro worried now Orli would not like him anymore. "No, but if that means you like them you can have one if you want," he offered, hoping a gift would garner him friendship.
Orli smiled. "Sure!" he said happily, as he began looking around to select his new gift. "I think I'll take this and this," he said, picking out toys he liked.
Aiiro did not care; he could get new toys anytime he wished. Friends did not come along every day. "Do you live at the palace?" he asked hopefully.
Orli nodded. "Yes, I live in the Palace of the Councilors with my father and my stupid sister Tani. She's such a brat. She thinks she's my mother, and tries to act like one. It's really annoying, because she's only six years older than me." He turned to look out the window. "What kind of games do you like to play? I know how to play knucklebones and dice, but Tani never has time for me."
"I like all kinds of games. Whatever you want to play we can do," Aiiro offered, trying to be accommodating.
"Ary, let's play outside in the garden! We can drop pebbles on people and scare the maids," Orli said jubilantly, a wicked smile on his face. "Have you ever done that? It's so fun to make them scream."
Aiiro had played many pranks on Sokka when he was back in the village, but the worst Sokka had ever done was assign him extra chores. Hyun would have him confined to his room and then she would write to Master. Aiiro did not like having Master angry at him. "We'll get punished."
Orli laughed. "No, we won't," he said confidently. "As long as you keep wearing that crest, the most they can do is scold us."
Aiiro fingered his master's gift. "This?" he asked, quite confused. Master said it would protect him but he was not sure how it would spare him from getting into trouble.
Orli nodded. "You really aren't from around here. That pendant you wear is the crest of the fire lord. It basically means you can do anything and no one can do anything about it. You have the power to do whatever you wish," he explained.
Aiiro was definitely impressed with his new found power. "Wow, really?" he breathed. He never realized just how important he was. He knew Master loved him, but he now wanted everyone to obey him?
Orli grinned. "And it would be a shame to waste a chance for fun. Come on. It's what friends would do!" he urged, as he motioned for Aiiro to put on his shoes.
Aiiro's eyes lit up. "Are we friends?" he asked, overjoyed beyond belief. He would have someone to play with, someone who knew all about the Fire Nation.
Orli patted his shoulder. "Of course. Now come on before all the maids are gone!" he said excitedly.
Hotaru had been born into a world of glittering jewels and rigid etiquette. She had worn only the finest silks and jewelry lived in the most elegant of palaces and had dutifully memorized the myriad rules of protocol. She had known the difference between the addressing of a count and a baron, how to accept a curtsy with a nod of her head and how to be a true royal. It had not been a happy world, but it had been all she had known.
One night, she had been yanked out of that silken cocoon and the golden crown had been ripped from her head. A sword had been placed in her hand and she had been taught to fight and spit. Her kingdom was now a salty sea and her castle was a pirate ship. Her delicate manners had faded away as the perfume scented noblewoman had been baptized in blood. Her soft hands had become calloused; her pale skin had become tanned. The little princess had become a thief, a murderer and a peasant.
Hotaru looked at the diadem handed to her by her maidservant. Hotaru looked in the mirror as her hair was brushed and styled into the elegant bun required of ladies of her class.
Now she had returned to the life she had left. There would be no leaving a second time. Hotaru owed her brother to stay with him and serve as his family. Besides, she had no where to go. She was the sister of the Fire Lord; she could no longer afford to be a thief. She would not do anything to risk the safety of her brother's throne.
Besides, her crew wanted to settle down. Even though Mother had been talking about going back to the Moon Blade, the crew had mixed feelings. The night before they had left, a secret meeting had been held.
"I'm tired, Hotaru. Your brother now has the power and frankly, a life on the run does not mean as much to me anymore. I want to use the money I got to find my children again," Midori said, sighing sadly.
"The Water Tribe is going to fall. I have no more need for revenge," Dafna agreed, as she relaxed the grip on her dagger.
"The captain saved us, Hotaru. We owe her our lives. We will follow her into Death itself. But in our hearts, we don't want to steal anymore. We want to be able to live life as normal people again. We all have the money for it now, thanks to Zuko," Emi said, adjusting her new silk robes.
"We still want a life of adventure. Serving the Fire Lord is a happy medium between two worlds. Even if men can't be trusted, I think you and the captain will insure your brother will be a good leader. We'll still retain our independence but we'll have some normalcy back in our lives," Yesenia concluded, her pretty features looking worried. "Please talk to her."
Hotaru had decided to bring up the subject when her mother had returned. Yet, a darkness had been hovering over her ever since her brother had awoken. She had no idea who she was anymore. She wasn't a pirate anymore. That life was definitely over. Even though the Fire Lord had made her a royal Lady, it might take the actual Lord Agni to make her a proper lady.
She had no friends at the palace now. Although the court ladies were eager to ingratiate themselves to their lord's sister, Hotaru found them boring. It was true that Fire Nation women were trained in either bending or weaponry and unarmed combat. It was just that they were trained to manage estates and marry well, not pillage and loot. Her rough manners made her uncomfortable. She wanted to befriend them, but the refined and pale ladies of the court seemed worlds away from anything she remembered.
The worst part was how the men treated her. She was treated like a fragile porcelain doll. Noblemen spoke to her in low tones and set gifts to court her favor. They gently kissed her fingertips and flattered her beauty. The majority of the men suitable enough to be consorting with the heir to the throne were all old fat men who were eager for a chance to ingratiate themselves with the Fire Lord. They were all so boring.
Hotaru had been forced to sit through numerous dinner parties and listen to men boast about their wealth and battle achievements. She wondered if they spent all their time congratulating themselves for being masters of the universe. She could not bear to live her life this way.
Yet, where would she go? She had accepted the idea of an arranged marriage only because she hoped for a chance for a fresh start in life. She had no place here in the Fire Nation as some ornament and she had no place as a pirate anymore. Maybe she could do something great as a Queen. She had little affection for Prince Kalyan. She found him tiresome and conservative, but she did want a crown of her own. She could dominate most men; she had a feeling married life as the sister of the most powerful monarch in the world would be somewhat interesting.
Finally, Hotaru was neatly coifed and ready to spend another boring day wandering around the palace. She had no wish to train with the maids of honor, who spent their days scheming on how to attract the Fire Lord's attention, nor did she wish to sit with Uncle through cups of overly sweet hot tea and tedious matters of state.
The only thing that had perked her interest had been seeing Devdan walking out into the garden all alone. She had a feeling he was up to something and she wanted to know more about him. Something about him was very fascinating. Placing a dagger in her belt just in case, she decided to track the foreign prince. Men were always the most interesting animal to hunt.
Abandoning her maids wordlessly, she climbed out of the window on to the adjacent tree and descended down through the branches. She could easily see the trail Devdan's heavy boots had left. It would not be long before she found out what he was up to.
The path lead to a secluded area of the outer garden, one few people ever ventured into. Hotaru had actually never even been there, the trees here were mostly medicinal and not used for pleasure. Yet, Devdan had chosen this place to go and within a second, Hotaru had known why.
Prince Devdan had removed his shirt, allowing full view of his well-defined muscles. Hotaru had seen many men naked before, but none had pleased her as much as watching this man. Sweat poured off his muscles as he bent rocks in neatly defined patterns. Hotaru watched a few moments. She had always envied her parents for the ability to bend. It seemed so beautiful and ethereal, like a dance with the element.
Devdan turned around in a sudden spin and smiled. "Are you following me?" he asked lazily, emerald eyes shining with amusement. His arm moved in a circular motion as he launched into another bending set.
Hotaru folded her arms. "Just doing my duty to protect my kingdom. I could have you executed for that," she reminded him haughtily. According to agreement, the ambassadors were banned from bending or using weaponry.
"Yes, but then what would you do for fun, Princess?" Devdan asked, as he continued practicing defiantly.
Hotaru smirked. "Well, I could always tease your brother. He is too clean to play in the dirt. Though I doubt he could fight, even if he wanted to."
A strange look passed over Devdan's face. "Oh he can when he wants, Princess. Yet I doubt you would enjoy the company," Devdan said as he took a few steps towards Hotaru.
"Honestly now, Princess, would you really have me executed? Who would you spar with? Somehow has to be there to allow you a little fun. Your brother wants you kept behind closed doors till you are married off to my brother. After all, breeding stock needs to be in prime shape," Devdan derided, as he launched into a set of devastating kicks.
"When I am your Queen, I assure you I will remember your words and make you eat them, one by one," Hotaru said, narrowing her eyes. She was quickly losing her temper.
"Keep deluding yourself, little Princess. If you marry Kalyan, I can assure you will spend your days barefoot and pregnant, serving your royal husband's needs. Is that what you really want? To be someone's puppet? Well, that is what you are going to get. And I'm going to watch you remember these words and know that I was right," Devdan retorted, stopping finally to look down at her.
Hotaru felt the words grow too close to her heart. She would not end up like her mother, battered and bitter. She would not end up like her crew members, afraid and on the run. She was a princess and she would reign. "You are getting impertinent, you aren't making a good case for sparing your life," she spat angrily, wondering why this boy enjoyed irking her so!
Devdan dropped to his knees and bowed low to the ground. "My most humble apologies, your royal highness. Your beauty and grace has thrown me off my natural ways of charm and civility. Is that how you want people to talk you, milady? Flattering you away from the truth? Just say the word and I'll happily oblige with pretty little lies," he offered, with a sardonic smile.
Hotaru rolled her eyes and kicked him lightly. "Oh get up! Is that the way to talk to your future sister? Are you trying to chase me out of your family? Thinking a child of mine and your brother will replace you as heir? You are just some spare, who is going to be shunted aside. You have no pity from me," she sniffed, hoping she could wound him with words. She had always felt so coy around most men, knowing she could bend them at her will. This nut was hard to crack. He just was so damn cocky about life.
Devdan's gleaming smile had not dimmed as he rose to his feet, again towering over her. "I am sure your delicate ears would not be allowed to hear it, but I'll let you in on a secret, Princess. In the earth kingdom the king's wife is considered the property of the court. That means that my brother could give you to me every night if he so wished and you could do nothing about it," he said, as he lifted another clod of Earth carelessly and bent it in a graceful arch.
Hotaru took a few steps towards Devdan until she was standing inches from his face, eager to invade his space. She was so close that she could even smell his breath. He had recently eaten oranges, Hotaru's favorite fruit. "Oh, I'd enjoyed it. What better way to thin out the court then to seduce them and put a few daggers in ribs?" she said, trying to keep her composure. He was terrifying her. She knew how to navigate a ship in stormy seas but she knew nothing about being a dutiful wife. She also had no wish to learn.
"Oh, but you didn't hear me, my dear princess. I said my brother gives you out. You would have absolutely no say in the matter. Which means seduction is useless."
"I advise you not to struggle for your own sake. My brother has all the nobles terrified of him. I am sure a little girl like you will be nothing much to manage," he smirked, as he playfully whirled a few rocks around his fingers.
Hotaru shuddered. She would never be managed! "Then it will just give me less work. Ever seen what the herb of a Zayin plant does when put in a man's drink? Not pretty." It was a very effective way of preventing rape.
Devdan cracked an evil smile as each rock exploded under Hotaru's nose. "My dear dear innocent little princess, have you ever seen what the earth kingdom does to unruly women? Somehow, I would hate seeing you buried alive. Now that is not a pretty sight. Even your rituals here look decent in comparison. Kalyan says Fire Nation women are spoiled, they have it too good here," he informed her in a very satisfied tone.
Hotaru raised her chin. "I'm not afraid of your pathetic kingdom," she mocked. "Considering how easily my brother defeated you, I have little reason to fear. Omashu is going to be re-named Nusku by my brother after an incarnation of the Sun God. It's part of the Fire Nation now and soon, you will cower before me. Why should I be afraid of you?"
Devdan smiled and lowered a hand. Hotaru felt the earth beneath her feet grow soft. Before she could react, she found herself swallowed to her thighs. She pushed against the earth, her new captor. It was as hard as stone and nothing seemed to make it budge! "Are you afraid now?" he asked softly.
"If anything happens to me, you and your companions will be the first suspects!" she warned. She knew her uncle would spare no expense in finding her. "They'll make you talk!"
Devdan smiled cruelly, showing a strangely savage grin. "Let me worry about that. Now, tell me, are you afraid now? Just beg me to stop and I will," he lazily informed her.
"Death does not scare me sir. You would be hard pressed to find something that truly frightened me," Hotaru lied. She was scared. She did not realize how advanced Devdan's skills in Earth-bending were. She had fought Earth-benders before, but none of them had been able to attempt this maneuver.
Devdan winked and lowered his hand some more. "All right, how about now?" he enquired as Hotaru sunk up to her shoulders in the soil, completely at his mercy. "You know, this is how they stone people in my kingdom. They bury them up to their necks in soil and then a crowd pelts them with rocks. That's the punishment for most crimes. Just thought you would like some information about your new land."
The prince circled around her, with a satisfied smile on his face. "Still feeling brave, Princess? All you need to do is beg me to stop. Though I have to admit, I like having you at my feet."
Hotaru was spitting with fury. "If my uncle finds out about this, he'll have you tortured and burned at the stake," she reminded.
Devdan yawned. "Well, we all have to die sometime. Now must I leave you here like this? It is nearly time for lunch and I am sure you are as hungry as I am. Will you admit defeat or must I leave you here in the cold night at the mercy of insects and my scorn?" he asked in an amused tone.
"One scream from me and the guards will be here. Then who will be at the mercy of my scorn?" Hotaru retorted, still trying to escape her earth-corset. Her arms had been pressed against her sides, leaving her helpless to defend herself.
"You will be swallowed up by the Earth long before we are found. Point of interest, Princess, there are two ways to be buried alive. One is relatively short; your pretty body will be crushed to death in fifteen minutes. Brutal but less torture. Then I could imprison you in a pocket in the earth and let you suffocate. It could be hours, even days alone in the darkness. That's what happens to girls who don't behave in my kingdom. Which one would you prefer?"
Hotaru was starting to get scared now. She had no idea what to do now. She was slightly thrilled by the adrenaline coursing in her body, but she was not happy about being at the receiving end. "I'm still waiting for you to beg me to stop. Just say 'Your highness, I beg you to set me free' and I shall gallantly be at your service."
"Is this the only way you can get attention from women?" Hotaru sneered. She would not play the part of the helpless victim.
"Somehow, I think we both know garnering attention from women is not a problem for me. Anyway, you should thank me. I'm just giving you what would happen anyway once you were married. At least you have a chance to live now. So what is it to be? Your pride or your life?"
Hotaru decided to call on his bluff. "You wouldn't." All men were essentially cowards and Devdan would not want to risk overthrowing the fragile truce that Zuko and Ba Xing Xe had forged.
Devdan sat down so that they were nearly at eye level. "Oh, but I would. What have I got to lose? When the comet returns, your kingdom will overrun mine and enslave us all. I'll go down a hero if I kill you. Frankly, I don't care about being a hero, which is why I am generously allowing you to go free. I just want some humility, Princess. Is that so much to ask for?" he asked, stroking her cheek with his finger. He pulled his hand back before Hotaru could bite it off.
Hotaru considered it for a moment, her anger simmering. She enjoyed torturing others, but it was a very unsettling figure to be overpowered like this. Should she admit defeat? She could not. She was a former pirate and a princess, she bowed to no one. "Yes." She did not beg for mercy.
Devdan shrugged as his hand came down. "As you wish. Down you go," he sighed with exaggerated sadness. Hotaru had not expected that reaction. Before she could blink, she found herself falling into pitch darkness.
A hard landing quickly followed, bruising her knees. Hotaru blinked, trying to adjust herself to being rendered completely blind. She had never realized how much she relied on her vision till that moment.
Her terror beat in her ears, as she tried to acclimate herself. She groped around in the darkness, feeling gravelly walls around her and above her head. Her breath caught in her chest as she began to panic. He had buried her alive! She had to remain calm, she had to think! How could she think? She was going to die!
"Mother! Zuko! UNCLE!" she shrieked, wondering if anyone could hear her. She had utterly failed to defend herself, she was a miserable failure. She had no way of getting food, fresh air or water. Screaming was a waste of precious air but she had to try and get help.
She scraped at the layer above her frantically, trying to pierce her way back to freedom. The soil was hard packed; it refused to budge beneath her finger tips. She nearly tore out her finger nails trying to liberate herself. How deep was she in the center of the Earth?
No one would ever know what happened to her. By the time they found her body, it would be too late. She would never see her brother again; she would never see the sun again. How could she have been so stupid to track an Earth-bending master all alone and nearly unarmed?
She huddled into a small ball, shivering with terror. How long would she have to live like this before Death finally came to fetch her? She could feel the walls closing in her. She was not sure if it was her terror or that whoreson murderer Devdan was trying to end her life even faster. Either way, it didn't matter.
She had always taught herself that crying was weakness. She had only cried twice in her life, the day she had been pulled away from Zuko and the night that Zuko nearly died. She had tried to be strong, but she was completely worthless now. How could someone like her get caught so easily? As she sobbed, she wished the walls would just take her already and spare her the agony of waiting.
A warm hand suddenly touched her shoulder, making her tremble. "Hush," said a velvety smooth voice close to her ear. Strong arms had lifted her up like a bride. Hotaru could not help herself, she clutched onto her savior with shaking hands. "You were never alone down here. No need to fear, I'm here to rescue you. Now close your eyes and up again you come," the voice whispered.
A rushing feeling flew past Hotaru's ears as she felt herself rising. She clutched her rescuer, feeling his sweaty skin against her own. She just wanted to breathe air again. As she felt the warm sun on her body, an overwhelming sense of relief filled her. She blinked again, trying to adjust herself to the blessed sunlight. Above her, the sky was blue, the air was fresh and that miserable Devdan was laughing at her. "You!"
"We were only down there five minutes. I was sure you would be brave enough for at least triple that," he said, cradling her tenderly. "Shall you call the guards and show the world how the princess cowered like that?"
Hotaru jumped down from his arms and kicked him in the shins. "Keep your hands to yourself. I know what you Earthbenders do to women. My crew is made up of unruly women. Most of them killed their husbands. They taught me well. I didn't need you to rescue me!"
"Brave women, or perhaps foolhardy to follow one who will soon be tied down to a man like the ones they ran from," Devdan mocked, swirling some more rocks around them both mockingly. "And yes, you did. You only had a few hours of air in there. You should thank me."
Hotaru was prepared for that comment. "Thank you? You are lucky I don't have you executed. Don't think you are prepping me for what is to come. Your brother mistreats me and mine will invade and string him up. I'll ask that you be left to my amusement," she said, wishing she had the ability to light his hair on fire.
"Oh really? Do you honestly think that you could do anything to me in my own country?" Devdan mocked, stroking his chin. "You would be as helpless as I am here to do anything to you. Actually, that might be giving you too much credit," he sneered. "I seem to be working quite well on you right now despite the so called bending restraint. I am starting to think you aren't worth my time." He cracked a savage smile and moved closer to her.
Hotaru smiled as she moved her hand with well trained reflexes. A dagger was pointed in a very sensitive region. Mother would be very proud. "Ever considered the priesthood, my lord?" she asked sharply. That would teach him to torment her so!
"Everyday, my lady, everyday. Then I meet a lovely feisty woman like you and I know I could never keep my vows," Devdan said, putting his hands on the air. Hotaru somehow doubted anything could keep this man from behaving lecherously. "Perhaps there is some spirit in you after all?"
Hotaru smiled, but did not anticipate his next move. The Prince back stepped and then lashed out with his foot neatly sending the knife sailing across the yard. Hotaru had never seen a man move when his most precious possessions were in harm's way. She had never fought a man who was her equal before. It was a strange feeling, this fear.
"Now what, milady?" Devdan said smirking. "Spirit will only take you so far. You are all alone now, my lady. I could tie you down and take my pleasure with you. I could kill you, you know. Despite your little display of swordplay, you are losing your touch. Time in the palace has softened you, made you weak. I'm disappointed," he said, yawning rudely.
"You dare to insult me?" Hotaru demanded her nose millimeters from Devdan's chest as she glared up at him. She knew he would not touch her; the mischievous sparkle in his eyes took away any sting from his threats.
Devdan slid his hands up her arms to find a firm grasp upon her shoulders. He bent his head down and whispered, "Yes milady, I do dare. And what have you to say about it?" His voice was as smooth as silk, making her knees feel weak.
"I hate arrogant men," Hotaru said, deciding her best bet was to play her most valuable piece, her sensuality. She might not have the advantage of strength but she had the advantage all women had over men. Her lips crashed into his, her world slipped away as she enjoyed the feeling of kissing a man once again. Being a pirate, she had men at her fingertips out of fear. Yet, this kiss was different from them all. She had a feeling he wanted this as much as she did. She slowly broke the kiss and smirked as Devdan.
"Do you know what I hate, Princess? I hate fast women. They tend to go to my head." Hotaru was about to reply when she found her lips melded to Devdan's once again, only this time it was as if she was on fire. For once she knew what it must like to be a Fire bender, to have that innate heat inside. As the kiss deepened she felt herself feeling her entire body tingling. She was craving his hands on her body; she wanted him to hold her forever.
Within a second, Hotaru had regained control of herself. This man was her enemy! She immediately jabbed at Devdan's pressure points. She had to practice them further to master them but she had to try. Just as she hoped, Devdan paled and broke apart from the embrace. "You little minx!" he snapped, his emerald eyes darkening with anger.
"Now, we are even. Shall we try rhino racing as a way to break the tie?" Hotaru suggested with a laugh.
Devdan raised an eyebrow. "My pleasure, Princess. It's good to see fire in your eyes, though you are going to be sorry you ever met me," he murmured, as he rubbed his now sore shoulders.
Hotaru laughed. "Somehow I doubt that," she said. She still had no idea what to do about her marriage, but she had a feeling she could figure it out.
As the two walked back to the palace, Hotaru was feeling much better about life in general. That was, until a rush of ice cold water landed on her head. "Merciful Sedna, that's Master's sister! Run!" came a familiar high voice.
Hotaru turned around to see Devdan laughing. She was torn between irritation, revenge and delight. There was irritation at being humiliated like that, irritation of what she was going to do Zuko's little pet and revenge on Devdan getting a laugh at her expense. Yet there was delight in seeing Devdan smile. Something about his laughter made her feel happy too.
AN/Next chapter, Hotaru and Devdan get to know each other more, Aiiro and Orli have a reign of terror and some evil plotting is revealed. Speical thanks to Cala, for the pep talk. Next chapter is for you!