Disclaimer: Can anyone give me the name of the creator of Avatar: the Last Airbender again? I always forget whose house I need to rob for the rights, since I don't have them.

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Content Warning: This chapter contains explicit adult content, as per my per-chapter warning system. Call it a Lemon, a Lime or a Sprite for all I care. I'm new to the terminology. Oh, and obey your thirst... for my story.

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Rated M: Mature Content. Blood. Guts. Sex. Drugs. All the good stuff.

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Author: Well, here we are again. Are you all ready for another installment?

Toph: Sure, as long as something good happens.

Author: Oh, something good should happen. A little insight is coming your way.

Sokka: Insight how? We have what appears to be a blind Jet dressed as a Blue Spirit on the floor being pinned down. What's there to insight?

Author: I don't think that was grammatically correct…

Sokka: So? You know what I mean.

Mai: Who is this Jet character? Anyone I should know?

Ty-Lee: Seriously Cute. Who is he?

Katara: We'll tell you in the story. Don't worry.

Aang: Let's get on with it! I want to know what's going on here!

Author: Alright, I will explain insight behind the scenes. On with the show!

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Chapter 8: A Friend Returns

"Jet…" Katara breathed. "We thought you were lost to us. What happened to you?!" she asked the still form on the floor before her. Suki and Ty-Lee held firm, just in case of any tricks.

Jet didn't make any attempt to stop Zuko from lowering the hood of the stealth suit he had once worn. In fact, Jet barely seemed to be alive. His milky white eyes stared ahead as if fixed on some special point in the ceiling. His body lay still as a statue. If not for the rising and falling of his rhythmic breathing, he wouldn't have looked alive at all.

"Something is wrong here." Aang told his friends. "Let go of him and back away." He added. Suki and Ty-Lee gave each other a look and then did as they were told. The group circled around Jet, but kept their distance. Aang went over to Jet and sat cross-legged above his head. Aang took his hands and placed the fingertips on the sides of Jet's temple. As he did so, his tattoos began to glow and his eyes as well. In his hands, Jet's eyes also began to glow.

Suddenly Aang found himself in an all white landscape that seemed to go on forever. Standing before him, a normal Jet had his arms crossed, tapping his foot in an irritated manner.

"Aang; good to see you. Now, get out of my head." Jet said. There was a slight edge to his voice. He was definitely irritated and a little upset.

"Jet, what's going on?" Aang asked. "Why are you disguised as the Blue Spirit? Why did you free Ozai? And why are you so unresponsive? What happened to you in Ba Sing Se?"

Jet grimaced and looked a little angry. Aang had seen that look before, and decided to keep his distance. "What happened? I died, that's what happened. You left us down there, and we were attacked by more Dai Li agents. I was too hurt to move, but my friends carried me as best they could. We were no match against trained earthbenders. They were just about to catch us when the whole place started to cave in. I told them to run, but they wouldn't. We were buried alive under Lake Laogai. I died from my wounds. I don't know what happened to the others; and it's your fault!" Jet screamed. He lunged for Aang, but Aang had been ready and managed to evade him.

"Jet, it wasn't my fault. You said you'd be okay. You told us to leave you!" Aang said, tears in his eyes. Jet caught his balance and turned again to Aang. "You didn't have to go. You could have saved us. Katara could have healed me. I died because you couldn't go without seeing your pet!" And he lunged again. Once again Aang managed to avoid him, but this time it was closer.

"If you're dead, than how are you alive and back in the Fire Nation palace!?" Aang retorted, trying to defend his position by discrediting Jet's.

"I was told to. I didn't have a choice!" Another lunge, and this time he managed to grab hold of Aang's clothing. Aang felt himself fall to the ground but managed to break free and roll clear. Jet stood where Aang had been a moment before, taking his time.

"You always have a choice, Jet. You realized that when I last saw you in the Dai Li headquarters. You made a choice to help your friends and do good in the world. You can make that choice again." Aang said carefully.

"I made the wrong choice. Look where it got me?" he retorted.

"It was not the wrong choice Jet. The world has been saved. The war is over, and you played a part in that. Your memory will live on forever." Aang told him.

"The war is over? I was told we lost the war because I wasn't there to help!" Jet exclaimed.

"What? That's not true at all. Right now all our friends are sitting in the palace in the Fire Nation. Zuko is Fire Lord now. Who told you all these lies?" Aang asked him.

"You wouldn't believe me if I told you. I just don't understand. What's happening to me?" Jet asked, obviously concerned.

"I don't know. Back in the real world, you're disguised as the Blue Spirit and you set Ozai free of his prison."

"Right; I was sent there to…" suddenly his face took on a look of horror. "I was sent to restart the war! I remember now! It was punishment for helping you!" Jet said, realization in his eyes. "I was sent here to free Ozai and Azula, and to try and kill any of your friends I could. My main goal was to kill you, though. He said…" Jet trailed off, lost in thought.

"Jet, who sent you to do these things, and how can you even be alive if you're supposed to be dead?" Aang asked.

"When I died, I found myself in the spirit world with all the other passed souls. I was in a great place Aang. There was perfect beauty and wonder, not at all like this endless white. Everything seemed so wonderful. Then, the King called me to a meeting." Jet said.

"The King? The King of what?" Aang asked, a shiver going down his spine at the thought of what the answer would be.

"The king of the Spirit World; the Spirit King."

--

The gang stood around the Avatar, watching as he lit the room with his unique glow. Jet never once moved, and now Aang was also a statue. No one dared drop their guard for fear of what might happen.

"I wonder what's going on in there." Suki asked, speaking mainly to Sokka.

"I'm not sure, Suki. When Aang goes all spirit medium on us, we are just as lost as you are." He replied.

"That's it!" Katara exclaimed. "Aang must be trying to seek help from the spirit world. That's what he's doing." She said.

Suddenly Jet began to jerk around a bit in Aang's frozen hands. His eyes continued to glow as his body appeared to struggle to free itself of Aang's grip.

"Whatever he's doing, he better hurry up. Otherwise, we may have a serious fight on our hands." Toph said.

--

"Spirit King? I thought that was just a myth." Aang said slowly.

"He's real alright. He summoned me to his palace, and told me that the war needed to continue. He told me you had ended the war and that it was disrupting his plans. He said that as punishment for helping you and going against his will, he would send me back to the world of the living to put right what I had done wrong. He wants you dead, Aang." Jet explained.

"But, I was always taught the Avatar is supposed to be the medium between the world of the living and the Spirit World. Why would the Spirit King say those things?" Aang asked, semi-rhetorically.

"I don't know. I don't know why he would do anything. I was in heaven, and he ripped me from it to go and do his dirty work. Something just isn't right. Before my visit with him, I was at peace with what I had done. I knew you were my friend. I'm sorry Aang. It seems everyone wants to control me." Jet apologized sadly.

"It isn't your fault Jet. We all know that. What I want to know is: why would the Spirit King send you to kill me and start the war that destroyed the balance all over again?" Aang asked.

"He didn't tell me, Aang, I swear. He did say that he needed the balance completely destroyed though; something about the 'joining' and facing forward. He kept talking about facing forward like it brought him some sort of perverse happiness, like it was an inside joke." Jet said.

"Jet, some other things are bothering me. Why didn't you tell us you were an earthbender?" Aang asked his friend.

"Me? Earthbend? Are you kidding? If I was an earthbender, don't you think I would have used my bending to destroy that damn that one time?" Jet asked sarcastically.

"Well then, how was it you were able to earthbend free of the cell we trapped you in? You even managed to get away from Toph." Aang pointed out.

"It's still hazy. I don't remember much since I saw the Spirit King. I remember arguing about what he told me to do and I refused to do it. And then suddenly I was being dragged out by armed guards. They took me to some weird place and did a few things to me. I remember they weren't pleasant. Then they shoved me through a weird gate or something. He next thing I knew, I was talking to you here in limbo." He said, a grimace on his face and his hands on the side of his head. "Nothing makes sense."

"Don't worry Jet. I think I can put you back in control of yourself. At least then we can talk it out and try to help you." Aang said, putting a hand on his shoulder. "Let's see if we can help you and fix whatever is wrong together, shall we?"

--

No one had moved for what seemed like hours, but was probably closer to about ten minutes. Suddenly Aang's glow died out and he opened his eyes, breaking contact with Jet. For his part, Jet suddenly blinked and sat upright. He looked around through those white eyes so reminiscent of Toph's. "I'm back, everyone; and I brought us back an old friend." Aang said, getting up off the floor. Jet took his Barings a moment and stood up as well.

"Hey everyone." he said simply, obviously uncomfortable. He looked down at his outfit and then over to Aang. "Can I get some real clothes by any chance?" he asked. Then he noticed Zuko for the first time. "Lee! You're the firebender I saw in Ba Sing Se! You're the reason I died!"

Zuko looked blankly at Jet a moment before he remembered who he was. "I remember you. You're that kid with the hooked swords that tried to get my Uncle and I arrested. The last time I saw you, the Dai Li were dragging you away." Zuko recalled.

"Calm down, both of you." Aang said stepping in between them, noticing they both had taken a battle stance. "Jet, this is Fire Lord Zuko. He's our friend. Zuko, this is Jet. We met him back when you were chasing us across the world and he tried to help us save Appa in Ba Sing Se."

The two looked each other up and down. Finally, Zuko stuck out his hand. "Welcome to the Fire Nation." He said.

Jet looked at the hand a moment, seeming to process what he had just heard. Then he took the offered hand and shook it. "Thank you. It's an honor to be here."

--

The gang sat together for a while as Jet told them an impossible story. Aang filled in many of the gaps, but it was still hard to swallow. Hearing about the afterlife, and how Jet had come back to life seemed a little much to swallow for everyone in the room. Only Aang seemed to take everything at face value. That is, of course, until Jet talked about the gate.

"Gate? What did the gate look like!?" Zuko asked quickly, catching Jet off guard since he had been silent the whole time.

"It's kind of fuzzy and hard to remember, but I think it looked king like a giant stone star. There was a ramp of some king leading up to a hole in the center. I remember a strange kind of heat, too, as if the star was really burning." Jet replied.

"Starfire Island." Zuko muttered to himself.

"What was that, dear?" Mai asked him curiously.

"Oh, nothing. Let him finish the story." Zuko said, dismissing the inquiry.

"There isn't much left to tell." Jet continued. I was forced to walk through the gate, and the next thing I know, I was talking to Aang on the spirit plane."

"Zuko, something about that gate has you sweating. What aren't you telling us?" Aang asked his friend. He was obviously not going to let it drop.

Zuko looked around to his friends' faces, noting each had that look in their eyes he had come to know as trust, loyalty and friendship. In Mai's eyes, there was also love. His heart melted a little. "Before all this recent, err… activity, I went to see my father. I demanded to know where my mother was." Zuko began.

"Fire Lady Ursa? I thought your father had killed her, along with your grandfather." Mai stated.

"My mother was not killed. She was banished. My father told me during the invasion on the day of black sun that he had banished me like he had banished her, and that maybe it wasn't good enough to just banish people. When I confronted him the first few times, he refused to talk. But then, I had this strange dream." Zuko continued.

"In the dream…" Suddenly, Zuko began to blush, furiously.

Everyone noticed but no one said anything. Mai took special note, however. She had a good guess what he was dreaming about, and she had shared those dreams. Maybe the time was coming when the dream should match the reality.

"The dream, uh, changed. My mother came to me and we were sitting by our favorite pond, feeding the turtle ducks when I was younger. We were talking and she was telling me how a mother acts when you hurt their chicks. I had hit one with some bread. Suddenly she grabbed me and turned me to face her. I was my normal age again and she looked worried about something. She said, "Zuko, you must listen to me. Time is running out for this world. There is danger in both worlds and the Star fire gate holds the key. Help me, Zuko. Starfire Island is my prison. Help save the world once again." Then I woke up." He finished.

"Wow… that's deep." Toph said. For once, she didn't sound like she was kidding.

"And you think it has relevance?" Mai asked.

Zuko nodded. "I went to see my father that morning and brought up Star Fire Island. He warned me not to seek it out and that it could doom the whole world. Then he admitted to sending my mother there." Zuko explained.

The room was quiet as everyone contemplated what the dream could mean.

Aang stood up and started pacing. "I had some strange dreams too." He began. "I kept seeing things from the past, from my eyes and from some of yours. At first I thought I was just having nightmares, but maybe they were something more."

Katara stood up and walked behind Aang, putting her arms around his torso. "Think, Aang. What else can you tell us?"

"Most of it was just jumbled scenes from the past, but I got a feeling that some were of the present and even the future." He continued.

"Like what?" Katara asked from behind him. "Well, it's hard to remember clearly, but I did write some down so I wouldn't forget. Be right back!" and Aang dashed from the room, leaving a breeze in his wake.

Everyone was silent as Aang came back into the room, a piece of parchment in his hands. He read off most of what he could remember, going into more detail as he recalled that part of the dream. When something came back to him that he hadn't written down, he filled in the blank as best he could. Everyone listened intently as Aang explained things in great detail. Some things were obvious and others only Aang would remember. Others things though, he hadn't been present for, and that gave the dreams more credit. Once he had finished the dreams, discussions began on the meaning.

Ty-Lee of all people asked one of the bigger questions. "Where is this Star Fire Island, anyway?"

"I'd never even heard of it." Aang said. He looked around to each of his friends, and n one seemed to know.

--

Mai took over the floor, "So, your mother is being held on an island somewhere and wants your help. We don't know where this island is. The king of the Spirit World wants to put your father back on your throne and let your crazy sister loose. The avatar is having a bunch of dreams and visions that make no apparent sense, and a friend from the dead has been brought back to like with strange new abilities we can't explain. All in all, a good day to have stayed in bed." She was twiddling a stiletto between her fingers. "I for one vote we adjourn for the night and get some sleep. We won't get anything accomplished unless we get some rest and take a fresh look at it in the morning."

Mai, of course, had her own reasons for calling it a night. It really wasn't that late, but a lot had happened. She wanted to make sure she took care of something specific before anything else could happen. She had decided that the time for that something had finally come.

"Agreed." Sokka said, suddenly yawning. It's been quite the day. But what are we going to do about him?" Sokka asked, pointing at Jet. "No offense, but you were sort of dead, and now that your back, how do we know you won't zombie out again?"

"It's fine Sokka. I don't know what to tell you though. I feel fine at the moment, just… a little off." Jet said.

"He can stay with me." Toph volunteered. "If he as much as moves, I will feel it. Besides, I am the best equipped to counter his bending." She added.

"You okay with that, Jet?" Katara asked him.

"Not a problem. Not sure I am ready for bed though. I will try not to keep you up, Toph." He told her.

"Eh, worst case I can knock you out with a rock to the head."

--

Hakoda had spent the better part of the day with Bato, a few of his men, and Chief Arnook going over their grand plans. He was quite proud of himself when he returned to the palace proper and went to see his children, Bato at his side.

"You really think this plan is going to work, don't you Hakoda?" Bato asked.

"Yes, I do. I know that forcing the men and women together isn't the greatest idea, but I am sure nature will take its course. Our tribes will be unified once again and waterbenders will be frequent in both tribes. We will be able to help each other thrive again." Hakoda replied, "Besides, all my ideas work out in the end." He added, patting himself on the back a little.

"I am not even going to try to start that argument. It could go on for days." Bato said with a grin. Then, he turned serious. "Hakoda, have you ever thought… well, have you ever considered getting remarried?" Bato asked his best friend.

Hakoda stopped walking and turned to face his friend of many, many years. "I have thought about it Bato, but I have never taken it seriously. My wife was more important to me than life itself, and I can't imagine tainting her memory by ever finding another woman."

Bato frowned. "That's not going to work, you know. I can get away with not having a wife, but you're the chief. It's your duty to produce an heir." Bato reminded him.

Hakoda laughed. "And I assume Sokka and Katara both are figments of our imaginations? I already have an heir, Bato. Sokka will make a great leader when he grows up." He stopped himself short. "Sokka is already a great leader. His leadership led the avatar to victory over Ozai. No, my friend; the water tribe is in good hands."

Bato stopped Hakoda as he began walking again and turned him so they were face to face. "Okay, I admit Sokka will make a fine chief someday. But that still doesn't mean you're off the hook. You're the chief now and the men want to see you happy, with a woman by your side. Don't tell me you haven't thought about being with a woman again." Bato chided.

Hakoda frowned and sighed. "It's not like I am not human anymore, Bato. It's just… I guess my heart is frozen. I think it was frozen the day Kya was killed. Maybe someday it will thaw, but as for now…"

"I understand, my friend." Bato said, putting his around Hakoda's shoulders. "I will try to make the men understand. But maybe, just maybe, your heart is not as frozen as you think. Maybe there is a lady waiting for you at the North Pole."

"Perhaps," Hakoda said quietly, "perhaps…"

--

Everyone retired for the night, and Zuko finally entered his room. A servant was there as usual; ready to be of service if required. "Go to bed, my man. I will be fine for the rest of the night." He told the manservant.

"Yes your highness." The man said, bowing his way out of the room.

Zuko, finally alone, contemplated everything that had been happening in his life. Between realizing his destiny, ending the war, taking the throne, finding his true love, and all the recent funny business in addition to dealing with the other nation's leaders, Zuko definitely needed a break. Being Fire Lord was much harder than he had originally thought. He'd get used to it he was sure; but he still thought his Uncle Iroh would have made a better choice.

Zuko got changed into his favorite scarlet bathrobe as he got ready for bed. He was tempted to use the hot bath drawn for him by his servants, but he was too tired to be bothered. Instead he sat on the side of his bed, going through some documents left him by some of his people. He had started it on the day of his coronation; having the people sending him personal correspondence regarding anything they liked. He promised he would do his best to read what he was sent, and meant to keep his word. Luckily, he only had three to read tonight.

The first was a letter from his Uncle. Though Iroh was actually in the palace, he had avoided dealing with Zuko directly, deciding to let him learn his role without interference. Zuko opened the letter and read, "Dear Nephew, I am just writing to tell you what a wonderful job you have been doing. As you know, I am only trying to let you learn to be a good Fire Lord on your own. If you need anything, your friends and colleagues should be more than sufficient to help you. Congratulations on your engagement. She is a wonderful girl and I am sure you will be very happy together. If you ever want to stop in for tea, I have set up shop in the city. We can play Pai Sho. I am sure you will even win a game this time." Zuko grinned at the thought. He hadn't talked to his uncle in over a week. A visit was definitely in order.

Opening the next letter, it was addressed to him from a little girl named Toya. He read, "Fire Lord, I am writing to you to beg for your forgiveness. My father was a soldier in your army and he worked very hard. He was sent overseas to the earth kingdom and never came back. I was feeling sad the other day and got so mad that I threw an egg at your palace. I'm sorry. I just want my daddy back. Could you forgive me, pretty please?" Zuko smiled at this one as well. He could indeed help this little girl get her father back. Zuko made sure to save this letter so he could take care of it tomorrow. Just imagining her smiling face when her daddy came home and she gave him a big hug; yeah, it was totally worth doing something about.

The last letter was from one of his subjects asking for a tax break. Zuko had been going over the taxes and knew they were too light as it was. His father had spared his people hardship by placing the burden on the other nations. This man would not be getting his wish; instead he would be getting heavier taxes. Zuko wasn't smiling after this one.

A knock on the door brought him up short. He was thinking about telling the writer of that last letter to his face just what he could do with his request for a tax break. It was late and he knew no servants would disturb him unless he called. His feet reveling in the plush carpet, Zuko stood up and went to answer the door. Before he opened it, he realized how strange it was for someone to be knocking this late. "Who is it?" he called through the door.

"It's Mai." came the reply. Zuko's heart started beating faster. Why would Mai be visiting him this late at night, after they had been together most of the day? For some reason Mai being there made him feel better, though; he forgot all about the last letter. Opening the door, Zuko moved aside and let Mai into his room. A servant was standing there as always, and he winked at his Fire Lord before Zuko's head disappeared from view.

Closing the door behind him, Zuko turned, and suddenly his breath caught. His eyes fell on Mai, and his heart beat faster still. Mai was wearing a sort of maroon silken robe with intricate designs. It made her appear very sultry. Zuko came to his senses as quickly as he could. "What's up, Mai? Is everything alright?" Zuko asked her, his voice betraying him as he tried to regain some composure.

"Everything is fine, Zuko. I just finally made an important decision and chose to come and share that decision with you." She said as she started messing with her robe tie. It came loose, and she shrugged her shoulders, the robe falling sensuously to the floor. Underneath the robe she had been wearing some form of lingerie nightgown. It went down to her lower calf and seemed to be made of some sort of black lacy pattern that left much less to the imagination than would be appropriate in public. It accentuated all the right curves in all the right places.

Zuko couldn't help but stare at the woman before him, as bare as he had ever seen and obviously dressed to kill. "Mai, what…" he started quietly but was silenced as my stepped over to him and wrapped her arms around his body, squeezing herself into him and silencing him with her lips. Breaking the kiss, Mai stared into Zuko's soul through his gaze. Looking into her eyes, Zuko saw something he hadn't seen before in any girl; lust. She leaned in again and continued to kiss him.

Then, Mai broke off the kiss and leaned in to his ear, "I decided that I love you and that we should always be together; And since I came to that decision and things seem to always get in the way, I decided to make sure that before anything else could get between us that I would do something I have wanted to do for a long time." She said, breathing heavily into his ear.

Zuko was totally at a loss. Mai was alone with him in his room and basically throwing herself at him. Zuko could feel his heart pounding and other areas stirring. He knew this was wrong, they weren't married yet, but his hormones had taken over and Mai obviously knew what she was doing. Zuko grabbed her head and pulled her back into a fiery kiss. Vaguely, Zuko realized that this was wrong and tried to stop himself; yet he could feel the heat between them and knew there was no stopping them now. He didn't care what people would say if they found out. Mai was his love, his fiancée, and he was the Fire Lord. He could do whatever he saw fit.

Mai for her part was attacking with gusto, kissing with a passion and not being too gentle. She had planned this and knew exactly where she wanted it to go. Breaking the kiss, Zuko began trailing liquid fire down her neck, savoring the sweet taste of her and enticing a moan from her lips. Zuko didn't have any experience with girls and was running almost totally on autopilot. He continued to trail kisses, sucking on her neck and then moving back to her lips. Without breaking the kiss, Mai began slowly pulling Zuko towards the large bed.

At the foot of the bed, Mai changed tactics and began tugging at Zuko's robe. He let her slide it off of him, leaving him shirtless and with just a pair of shorts on beneath. Zuko, who had been running his hands all over Mai's back though the nightie, began reaching under the flimsy material and began caressing her bare skin. It was so soft and smooth to the touch; Zuko couldn't help but revel in the new feeling. Mai was obviously enjoying his attentions, but broke off the lingering kiss and knelt to the floor, hooking her hands into Zuko's shorts as she did so and pulling them down with her. Zuko stood before her just as he was when he came into the world; the only difference being that he was fully grown and standing at attention. Zuko was blushing furiously as he stood stark naked before Mai.

Mai couldn't take her eyes away from Zuko's manhood. To her eyes, it was quite large, and she couldn't imagine how this was going to work. Regardless of her own doubts, she leaned forward and gently licked the tip, tasting her prince gone Fire Lord. Zuko shuddered at the contact. Mai took that as a sign of approval and took his manhood in her mouth as far as it would go. Using her tongue, she licked all over and around but took special care to focus mainly on the head. Zuko's eyes closed as he reveled in the new sensations he was feeling. He could barely keep his balance and it took all his willpower to just stay standing.

Mai had never done anything like this either, and was enjoying experimenting with what made Zuko whimper. She began playing with his sack as she continued to alternate licking and sucking on his rod. Zuko began to shudder as the pleasure built to the breaking point, and he exploded into Mai's mouth without warning. Mai took it in stride, milking him for all he had and swallowing every drop. Zuko nearly collapsed and barely managed to stay on his feel by leaning on the bed. He dropped to his knees and saw the smile on Mai's face. She had enjoyed what she had just done, and though the taste didn't do anything for her, she knew Zuko had really enjoyed himself.

Getting up, Mai pull Zuko up with her and once again began the fiery kiss; their tongues exploring each other's mouths and their hands groping everywhere. Zuko finally lifted the nightie up and over Mai, throwing it to the floor. Now she was as naked as he, and once again Zuko began springing to attention. Mai's bust was modestly sized but perfect for her frame. Zuko reached out and began to feel the pliant flesh, softer than anything he had ever felt. Mai had her eyes closed, savoring the kiss and the attention. When Zuko accidently brushed a nipple with his hands though, Mai arched her back and let out a loud moan, pushing her orbs deeper into his palms.

Zuko continued fondling her as their kiss went on, finally pulling away and pushing Mai back onto the bed. He jumped on top of her, carefully keeping himself raised so as not to crush her and began to trail kisses down her neck to her chest. Licking down the valley of her mountains, he began licking and kissing his way all around her breasts, finally settling on a nipple, which he took gently into his mouth and began to lick and suck on. Mai couldn't believe the intense feelings she was having and didn't know what to do with herself. She stroked Zuko's hair and closed her eyes, letting Zuko go to town on her. Zuko alternated from left to right, giving both orbs equal attention. Finally, he began moving south, trailing down her taut tummy and to her private nether regions.

Zuko had no idea what he was doing, but like Mai was interested in trying to make her happy. He trailed kisses all over her thighs, trailing a circle leading to the center. Inhaling her scent deeply, Zuko couldn't believe what he was doing, but continued his course. He thought the scent pleasant and dove in with gusto, tasting her excitement for the first time. Licking and sucking, Zuko managed to do a pretty decent job. Mai was writhing and moaning throughout, obviously getting more excited as time went on. Zuko kept at it, determined to give her the satisfaction she had given him before. Finally, Mai tensed up and began calling out as her own orgasm took her. Zuko stopped what he was doing and moved up, enjoying the view of his naked fiancé coming down from her own high.

"That was wonderful, my Fire Lord." Mai said as she regained her senses. Zuko smiled down at her and they once again began kissing each other, this time with more passion and less ferocity. They lay like that for a while, kissing and gently caressing each other. "You know, Zuko; there's still something we haven't done yet." She said seductively as she grabbed his rock hard rod and began playing with it.

"Are you sure, Mai?" Zuko asked his heart in his eyes.

"Yes, Zuko. I haven't been surer of anything in my life. You complete me and make me happy, and I don't ever plan on being with another. I want you." She told him.

Zuko nodded slowly and leaned in for a quick kiss on the cheek before positioning himself over her. Holding himself up as if about to do a push up, Zuko slowly lowered himself, angling so as to hit his mark. Mai was looking up at him with eyes he had never seen before. There was fear there, but also love and the lust he had seen in her since she came into his room. Zuko leaned in and felt his manhood against her opening. She whimpered as he began to slowly push himself into her. She was very wet and it was easy to slide in, but Zuko paced himself, afraid he might hurt her. A short way in he encountered some resistance that caused Mai to wince a little. "Keep going!" She begged, and Zuko complied, forcing through the barrier. Mai tensed up and groaned in pain, but managed to pant, "don't stop," before wincing again. Zuko moved in farther and Mai began to calm down a little. Once Zuko was most of the way in, he encountered another barrier and knew it was the end of the road, per se.

"Are you sure you're alright, Mai?" Zuko asked, his concern evident on his face.

"I will be. Keep going…" she trailed off as Zuko began sliding out of her. Mai had already begun to feel the pain dissipate as the pleasure overloaded her senses. Zuko pushed back in and started to find his rhythm as he began pumping in and out of her. Mai lay back and let the pain disappear before she began thrusting back, reveling in the feelings she was experiencing. Zuko's pace was steady, rhythmic and unforced. They were making love, and nothing could be better. Mai thrust to meet him and they continued that way for what seemed an eternity. Eventually though, Zuko felt himself getting closer and began moving faster, pumping with a bit more force. Mai felt herself begin to build as well, and began bucking with abandon. Finally Zuko felt himself explode once again, this time inside the woman he loved with all his heart. Mai followed suit, crying out in ecstasy as she climaxed with her love. They stayed there, frozen; riding a high they hoped would never end, finally falling asleep in each other's arms and dreaming of happy times to come.

--

Author: Well, wasn't that a great chapter, folks?

Toph: It wasn't all that. I mean, I only had a few lines. And seriously, why did I get saddled with Jet?

Jet: Hey! You offered!

Toph: Eh, we all make mistakes. I am just hoping you try something. I got my feet on you, buddy.

Jet: Your feet….?

Toph: I'm BLIND, remember? I see with my feet.

Author: Enough Toph. I get your point. Stop nudging.

Katara: So, Jet's back again. I wonder how he will betray us this time.

Aang: That's not really fair Katara. Jet was brainwashed in Ba Sing Se. It wasn't his fault, and he died because of it.

Katara: I suppose your right. Welcome aboard, Jet.

Ty-Lee: Absolutely. Welcome to the family. Let me know if you need anything!

Jet: Ah… thank you.

Sokka: (Looks at Ty-Lee) Riiiiiiiight….. So, moving on….

--

Author's Corner:

So, that was the first sex scene of my series, and it's one of the reasons I have disclaimers and ratings. I hope everyone enjoyed it. I certainly tried to keep it in context. Since neither of them had had any form of experience, I sort of winged it, imagining them being mostly hormone driven and a bit more aggressive. The chapter as a whole came out fairly well I think. They both had a good time, anyway.

Jet is back and a good guy again. No one EVER saw that coming I am guessing. No, I am not getting all weird or totally off topic. Jet is back for a reason, and it will become more understandable in time. Like I have said before, this story is designed to go epic full circle, and for all intents and purposes could be construed as Book 4: Air. Not that it needs that designation, but… bah, you'll understand eventually.

I have decided to go with the reviewers in the matter of the water tribe animal vote. Many people have asked me to leave it as is with Tui and La being the first waterbenders, and I see no reason to change it. Just cause they are spirits doesn't mean they aren't animals, and it fits the pattern in that light.

Things will start moving soon, and chapters will be either fully devoted to certain people, or be bouncing around between groups if necessary. I hope everyone can keep up.

The reference to the Spirit King is convoluted and very involved. More will be revealed as time goes on. Note that it is scraping at the edges of a major plot point. Any questions asked privately or in review will be answered as long as it will not compromise the storyline in any way. I will still respond, but if I refrain from answering I will explain why.

For Kira73, as promised, Bato and Hakoda had their piece. It wasn't huge, but then, it isn't their highlight yet. As I promised Toph I will promise you the same. They will have their spotlight, and trust me, it matters.

Thank you to Kira73, paintedbluerose, Phoenix Queen Crystal and Cold-Chaos for continuing to review my story and helping me out with any mistakes I might make. Please continue to review, as I look forward to them a lot, and try to reply to each one I get as soon as I get them. Thanks for catching my naming and other mistakes, and feel free to point out things or make suggestions as you think of them. It's all appreciated.

I know this chapter is much longer than any other I have posted. I hope that's okay. Now, I am off to start working on chapter 9. I love having my laptop at work!