A Better Life Chapter 34: Breaking Point, an avatar: last airbender fanfic

Review. Faster updates for this and other stories if this and other stories get more reviews. Would love to see art work of this or any of my other work. Faster reviews for my other less popular stories means that more updates at a faster pace. Or just more stories like this one.

Also any requests in reviews will probably be ignored.

Also just to be clear. I do not do pedophilia, all characters are aged up in this stuff or aged down depending on the character, no loli, no yaoi, no shota, I don't do watersports (Shit/Piss/fart fetish shit)I don't do stuff like vore or entire bodies getting shoved into places (Shrink play) I don't do blood play or torture (Ball/cock crushing etc) or certain old people, (Yes I am a fucking hypocrite) . Also if you ask for something in reviews that normally means I won't do it. So anyone who asks for that will be disappointed. If you have questions/requests/suggestions PM me instead.

Also have an ao3 account under the same name. and same titles.

Editors Note: This is a lot. Even for you.
Creeply: Yep

Editors Note: Any one of these scenes could be its own chapter. Why didn't you break them up more?
Creeply: I didn't want to.

Editor's Note: I've been meaning to ask. Are you going through something? This is sort of morbidly dark compared to your other stories.
Creeply: Yep.

Editor's Note: Well just wanted to clear that up. When can we expect more smut?
Creeply: Soon soon.

Marble went crack and chips of the wall went flying. The next weight went through a pillar. The third one was meant for the bar. And that she grabbed with both hands, spun around rapidly, and finally let it fly. It flew like a disc and embedded itself next to the doorway.

Kya let out an animalistic shrill scream. She grabbed a thick heavy metal bar and began to slam it into the ground and walls. Her hair was a messy sweaty tangle. Her eyes were streaming with tears. Her face was a contortion of anger. The exercise room was a royal disaster. What hadn't been broken was torn to shreds. What hadn't been flung around had been bent.

Kya wasn't sure where the strength had come from. She had been working out for months….but this much improvement in such a short amount of time? She was panting and standing in the middle of the room. Her bare chest heaving. Her bare feet slick with sweat. Her eyes were closed. She held her head up and let out a giant wail. The wail of a mother torn from their child. The wail of a parent who was scared. The wail of a snow goose looking for its flock.

"I know that you're angry." Ursa said as she entered the room. Kya turned on the woman in an instant. She was beside Ursa in a single bound. Kya's hands wrapped around Ursa's throat. Ursa continued to stand stiffly. Staring sorrowfully into Kya's eyes.

"I will ask this once. And then maybe you get to live. Where is my daughter?" Kya bite out with a growl. Her arms were shaking. Ursa reached out, her fingers gently brushed Kya's face. Like she was calming a wild animal. That was more dangerous then she had ever imagined. And yet, softer then she had ever hoped. Kya did not react to the touch.

But her heartbeat did begin to lower. And she loosened her grip just a hint.

"She is in the royal wings. The bedrooms reserved exclusively for the Fire Lord and his servants. You have been living in the lesser palace rooms. The one's closest to the surface. This is old volcanic land. The empty caverns beneath us stretch unspeakably deep down there." Kya's brow began to relax. She brought her arms down. And Ursa settled back onto the balls of her feet. Kya had left her on tip toes for too long. Ursa took a deep breath and smiled cheerfully.

"Now! Is that little tantrum all over with?"

"Yes."

"Yes what?"

"Yes Mistress."

"Good." Ursa leaned forward and gave Kya's cute lips a long smooch. The two women stood there. Ursa's hands resting on Kya's hips. Kya's hands hanging limply from her sides. When Ursa finally broke the kiss she was frowning.

"You're still crying?"

"Katara-" Kya said in a broken voice. Ursa smiled and took Kya's hand. Leading the other woman to a red and brown leather bench that wasn't completely destroyed. The two sat on it. It was at an angle from where Kya had broken it. Ursa slid into Kya's side. She cuddled comfortably against the other woman.

The two women faced each other. Kya nude, Ursa in full regalia. Kya toyed with the distance again. If she struck hard and fast she could break the other woman's neck. If she took the crown from Ursa's head then she could probably use it as a weapon against Zuko and Azula. Get the two children before they had time to plan anything. Before they suspected that she was more then furious.

"If you are thinking of harming our children think again. I've sent them off for playdates with friends outside of the palace." Ursa said with a benevolent smile.

"Those two don't have any friends." Kya snapped. Ursa's grin appeared a little sad. A little strained.

"That's not true. I know that they consider Katara a very close friend. In fact I would say they consider her a sister by now. And would you believe me if I told you they were at the opera? Or the zoo? Or perhaps a museum? For your purposes they are out of the palace. So the best you could hope to do is maybe kill me, and induce a miscarriage. Maybe harm yourself or your daughter. But you would need to find her first. And do you have time for all of that?" Kya blinked slowly and carefully at Ursa.

Talking to her was like walking across snow snakes during hibernation season. One false move and you were dead. Ursa reached up and fiddled around Kya's neck. There was a click and then the collar came right off. Kya's head felt lighter. She gasped and touched her throat. Then blushed when Ursa rose and disrobed in front of her. She was nude beneath the multiple layers of red spider moth silk. She only had on a thin layer of perfume.

"There. Now we are equals. No trappings, no finery, nothing but you and me. And our bodies. And our love for those three." Ursa sat down on Kya's lap. Her legs straddling the other woman. Their bare breasts pressed together. Kya let out a gasp. Their nipples rubbed together. Kya's longer thicker darker ones across Ursa's cute little pink nubs.

"Miss-Mistress." Kya protested. Attempting to keep her head about her. Ursa raised a wagging finger and smiled.

"Ah. Ah! AH! Not Mistress. Not now. Ursa. Call me Ursa."

"Miss-Ursa….Someone might come in. They might see us." Kya protested weakly. Ursa grinned brightly, her face turning the red of a fresh flame.

"I know! Doesn't that make it all the more fun?"

"Please…Ursa….Katara…My daughter—"

"Has to learn her place. You both threaten and bluster and blow like fool hardy winds. But no matter what you do you cannot extinguish our flames. Katara must learn that she cannot disobey the Fire Lord like that. His will is the will of the nation. His will is the will of Fire itself. To go against it….She might get burned…."

"I promised you….If my daughter got hurt. If she got hurt beyond the norm. That there would be consequences." Kya's hands finally moved. They rested easily against Ursa's throat. The thumbs found the voice box. She pressed downwards. A quick snap. An easy fling. And then she would just need to find those two Fire Nation brats and take care of them.

"You did." Ursa said flatly. She pressed her forehead against Kya's. The two women were leaning back and soon gently slid onto the floor. Kya's fingers reluctantly parted, slowly tracing their way across Ursa's collar bone.

Ursa mounted Kya. Their sex mounds pressed together. Ursa gripped Kya's ankles and pulled them apart. Ursa's sex was already dripping wet. And her eyes were like two golden balls, harsh and flickering. But not unkind, never unkind. But very matter of fact.

"And I believed you. That's why I sent my children away. For their own safety. And for your own. And not for long. Just long enough for me to try and convince you out of it."

"OUT OF IT?!" Kya said. Ursa pressed a finger to the other milf's lips and shushed her.

"Yes. You have every right to be upset. You have every right to be furious. But if you act on that fury now….Then you will just be hurting your daughter in the long run. And yourself too of course. The best course of action is to sit back and wait. I will make sure that Katara is not broken by this experience. I will find ways to protect her. And you will continue to serve the family, you will not harm that little life growing inside of your belly. That too is Fire Nation property. You are still Fire Nation property….do this and…and….and I will convince Ozai to never touch Katara the way he touches you."

Kya balked at the suggestion. She sat up, furious again.

"Katara is far too young for that!" She thundered. Ursa smiled sadly.

"I know. But she won't always be. Do you trust him to not try and take advantage of her the first chance that she grows up?" Kya felt a loss for words. Her fury was still raging inside of her like a burning inferno. Just desperate for some sort of release to vent away the complete and utter helplessness that arched around her back and shoulders.

"You would—"

"Katara is MINE. And she is Zuko's. And Azula's. And then she is yours. But I will make sure that she is never Ozai's. You and I are his cum dumps. I will do everything in my power to make sure that Katara's year apart from you is safe. That they are not doing anything to harm her. And you in turn will continue to serve the family."

"Why should I trust you?" Kya spat back. Her teeth clicking in her rage. Ursa looked genuinely surprised.

"I assumed that you didn't already. You really should. After all…I can't trick you. I have no need to."

"Who would trick a pet right?" Kya said, her heart rate was starting to go down. But the anger was still thrumming deep inside of her. Ursa rolled off of Kya. A long drippy sweet smelling line of pre cum connected the two of them. Nice and sticky at the crotches. Ursa lay on her side. She pressed her palm to Kya's face.

"No. Because I would never trick someone I love. Someone like you." She leaned forward and pressed her lips to Kya's. The two women lay there on the floor of the training dojo. Kya screwed up her eyes and pressed her lips harder against Ursa's. She then ran her finger tips up and down Ursa's sides.

Kya would briefly cup those breasts, she would heft a butt cheek. She would squeezed a side. She would press as tightly as she could against the other woman. And Ursa began to kiss along Kya's bare neck. The skin was slightly paler. Probably from the collar blocking all of the sun.

Ursa began to make her way down Kya's body. Getting lower and lower. Until finally she found herself between Kya's gloriously waxed legs. The clean hairless pussy was dripping before her. Ursa licked her lips and leaned forwards. Her tongue and lips began to carefully probe and press against the glorious sex. Her taste buds were soon assaulted by the sickeningly sweet syrup that was Kya's pussy juices.

Kya let out a whine. A pitiful little thing. She didn't even know why…But she couldn't hurt this woman. She couldn't defend herself against her. She didn't know if it was because Ursa had spoken so sweetly to her, or if it was from the light that she still had to sit in front of. Or maybe it was just the training that she went through all day. Perhaps it was a mixture of all of those things.

Maybe it was because Kya knew the truth. If she hurt Zuko and Azula then Katara's life was forfeit. If Kya harmed Ursa then she would never see her daughter again. If she instead leaned back and took this…then they would be reunited again…right?

"Y-Y-You promise? Ozai will not use Katara…the way he uses me?" Kya said gently. Ursa pulled out of Kya's crotch. Her face was a bright red. Her breath was coming wildly. Both women blinked in surprise. Kya had never seen the Fire Nation queen look so filthy and degenerate before. She had always been a proper lady, a mistress, a queen, borderline a dominatrix. Definitely not someone who cleaned the pink off of pussies with just her tongue!

And Ursa was staring at Kya in amazement and confusion.

"I promised you didn't I? I will do everything in my power to keep Katara safe. I will do everything in my power to make sure she is not harmed. By anyone." Ursa leaned forwards and kissed down Kya's belly. From belly button all the way to her thighs. Kya's thick as a dragon drumstick's legs rubbed together anxiously. More of her excitement was dribbling down her body.

"I promise. I promise. I promise." Ursa left a kiss at Kya's entrance with every swear. Then she dove back in. The taboo nature of the meeting made it all the sweeter. The fact that she was comforting a mere pet made it all the sweeter. And the fact that Kya was groaning, gasping, moaning, cumming, all for her….that made it sweetest of all!

"You are mine. And I would never hurt you."

And Kya found in those words….she could never hurt Ursa either.

Someone was shouting in irritation. The dice and domino game was starting to get heated. The scent of stewed oats, boiled cabbages, and thick slabs of gray meat wafted over everything. There was laughter, chatting, excited gesturing, and slamming bowls and clinking spoons and plates.

Katara stood nervously in the middle of the cafeteria. She pulled at the hem of her rough uncomfortable, shapeless, scratchy, brown and gray outfit. It was a sack. A literal sack that potatoes came in. They had torn holes for the head and arms. It made her look like a runaway piece of produce.

Katara glanced around the room nervously. She didn't see anyone she knew. There were dozens of servants in this section of the palace. Each one with their own opinions, thoughts, and places in the hierarchy.

Going to the wrong table could very well spell her doom. She had not been offered a place to eat. Or a plate of food. All she had been given was her sack. Her other clothes and her very sandals had been stripped away too.

Katara adjusted her outfit as best she could. She was determined to make a good first impression on these people! Just because she was away from her mom, her owners, her pet bed, and scared out of her wits didn't mean she should put forth a bad first impression.

A small flapping cape caught her eye. It was a tiny thing, it didn't even go past the teenagers elbows. There was a black outline of a wheel on the back. Katara had seen the royal coachmen drivers and their proteges wear them. That meant the boy worked in the stables. He did look young. Maybe twelve or so. He was seated on a long cafeteria bench with around half a dozen other teenagers. They were the youngest ones in the room. Sitting among the throng were a few kids closer to her age.

All the other tables were full. But she was sure that they could make room. Her stomach did a pitter patter out of nervousness. She was too wired up to be hungry. And hadn't really wanted any breakfast anyway. The food that was being served didn't look too appetizing. But this was still a good time to get to know people.

She walked across the stone floor, ignoring the weird stains and the sticky places. She stood at the head of the table and cleared her throat. At first politely, then a little louder, then nervously once everyone actually turned to look at her.

Katara still smiled widely, showing off her perfect teeth proudly. She shifted from foot to foot with an excited energy.

"Hello! My name is Katara. I am new to the palace. Is it alright if I sit here?" She asked politely yet firmly. The coachmen in training glanced at Katara. Then over at the short broad faced girl across from him. A maid with simple manicure and sturdy practical make up on.

"I just…don't know where else I'm supposed to sit….I used to be with Zuko and Azula and Ursa…and we never ate like this before." The giant hollowed out black walled cafeteria felt very hot all of a sudden. The volcanic walls seemed to beam the lantern and torch light directly onto her head.

Katara nervously rubbed at her elbow. Trying to figure out if she had said something wrong.

"And well…I'm a little hungry and was hoping someone would help me…find a place…to….sit down?" She felt her voice getting quieter and quieter. The other members of the table were all now staring at her. Glancing up and down her critically. As if picking out every little flaw in her.

She felt small and weak and nervous all at once. Katara's big blue eyes glanced downwards respectfully.

"Or…maybe…I should….ask somewhere else?"

"Why bother? They're just going to tell you the same thing." The boy snapped. Katara looked at him nervously. He was much bigger and much older then her. He leaned forward menacingly.

"Who would want to eat next to something like you?" He sneered. Katara pressed her fingertips together nervously. He leaned back and snorted. "Just get out of here. Your Master Azulon probably needs you."

"Okay." Katara said softly. She turned on her bare heel in dejection and started walking towards one of the hallways leading off of the cafeteria. Her head bowed. Her brown hair falling over her forehead. Fingers clutching each other in an attempt at comfort.

"That was mean Lee." The girl said purposefully. He sighed and rubbed his face in humiliation.

"You heard what the bosses said. No one is allowed to give her any kind word. No comfort, no compassion, that's what they said. I don't like it. But better her then us right?" The maid shook her head. Her mom and aunts had gotten her this job. It was between that and contributing to the war effort. And this was a lot cushier. Still she couldn't help but feel bad for the little girl. Most of the other's at the table clearly looked uncomfortable with what had just happened.

"Poor thing looked like she needed a hug and some kind words." Someone spoke from down the table again.

"Better her then us." Lee repeated himself. He shoveled a quivering spoonful of oatmeal into his mouth and began to chew. Still he looked rather glum and humiliated.

Katara stood at attention next to Fire Lord Azulon. He was kneeling beside a low table. His back straight as an arrow. If the wooden shaft had began to warp and bend a little at the tips. His fingers moved around smartly. He was moving small wooden figures around boards. The boards had pictures of large sweeping mountains and rolling rivers. Farms were marked with tiny huts, towns by groupings of huts, and cities by huts within a small ring representing a wall.

Fire Lord Azulon frowned, moved a few more of the toys around and then wrote some symbols, numbers, and figures down on a piece of parchment paper. Katara remained perfectly still. That's what he had ordered her to do. Stand by his side and not move a muscle. She had complied. Even when her legs had gotten sore, even when the soles of her feet stung, even when the pins and needles had turned into knives and razors….She had stood still.

She actually found it fascinating to watch the old man at work. He was completely engrossed by his project. As if the rest of the world had fallen away and it was just him working on countless little expeditions.

A chime came from behind a doorway. Fire Lord Azulon stood regally and waved at Katara to follow him. He was a man of few words. And each word he spoke was said with intense care and forethought. Katara followed after him. Staying at a respectful distance.

The dining room was as big as a banquet hall. With a single long table made out of a single slab of giant white wood. It was unadorned. The chair before it was tall and straight backed, gold silk was draped against it. Fire Lord Azulon sat down wearily.

He did not wait long.

A trio of women came bounding in. Their long legs carrying in easy strides. Although they were all definitely in their forties, they carried themselves like teenagers. Their thighs were thick and fat, their legs long and shapely like dancers, their ankles thin, their toes pointed, their stomachs toned with abs like stones, their arms darted and flicked out, smart and coiling as snakes. Their breasts were nothing to scoff at either, full and lovely, not a hint of sag. Their eyes were wide yet strangely slanted, almond shaped and gray as swirling seas. Their jet black hair was piled on top of their heads in buns, with long bangs framing their faces. Their eyelashes were long as fingers and looked like they could beat the color off of a butterflies wing.

"Fire Lord Azulon." One bowed as she placed a bone porcelain tea pot and a single bone porcelain cup beside it.

"We bring you your favorites." Said another as she placed a single bowl of white rice with chopsticks stabbed gaudily on top.

"And humbly thank you for this opportunity to serve you." The final one spoke with a slight lisp. She tucked a napkin around his neck. Outside of the lisp Katara could not tell any of them apart. Even the few gray hairs in their manes seemed to fall and dance in the exact same weave. They vaguely reminded her of those twins that Azula was trained by. Except much younger, much bouncier, and much prettier. Then it dawned on her and she stiffened, triplets….same sex triplets!

Katara felt her core and fingers tremble in fear. Her Gran Grans stories of triplets echoed through her head. How they would live out in the frozen glaciers, how they would gobble up little girls. How you had to toss away their evil eye if they put it on you. Although she didn't know what an evil eye looked like, or where she could toss one if it was placed upon her.

One turned to her, glanced her up and down and let out a sniff. She nudged her triplet, who nudged the lipser. They all turned towards Katara with matching grins. Their canine teeth and the ones on either side had been filed to needle points. The red lipstick they had on made them seem all the more demonic.

The trio flounced around Katara, she didn't even come up to their belly buttons. Those were on full display. They wore pinkish dancers uniforms with golden arm and leg bands. Their black high heels pushed upwards and gave them an even more unnatural height compared to her.

One leaned way over and wrapped her fingers around Katara's face. Giving the full featured cheeks a firm squeeze.

"Leave it be." Fire Lord Azulon ordered. The three women instantly jumped back and marched to stand at his side. He slowly and mechanically shoveled rice into his mouth. He chewed, he sipped his tea, he rubbed his forehead. He did not move comfortably. Katara stared at him in frank curiosity. She didn't have much else to look at. And she was still mad at him for the way that he had treated his grandchildren. She did not have a lot of patience for someone who was that rude. If it was between staring at a mean old man and staring at something as unnatural as triplets….she would choose the mean old man.

Katara could feel the triplets eyes on her. They were studying her as much as she was studying him. Eyes darting from her head to her toes to her shoulders. She ignored them. How important could they be? They were just slaves like her, maybe closer to her mom.

"Give her food." Azulon ordered. One of the women strutted off back through the doorway. She was back within moments. She was holding a silver tray in her hands. Her smile was big and full of swarm and harm. Her make up was slightly smudged around the edges of her lips.

She towered over Katara, and then upended the tray. A thick white round root vegetable plopped onto Katara's head then bounced to the floor. Joining it's veggie cousins. Turnips fell off of the tray. Thick raw white turnips. Thick raw rotten turnips. They crashed to the ground with dull thunks and one or two wet splats. Katara gazed at the turnips on the floor. The ripe smell of them wafted around her head. Her eyes watered. She looked at them in confusion, then at the woman. Then back at Fire Lord Azulon.

He continued to eat robotically. Katara's frown deepened. She spun towards him, about to give him a piece of her mind.

"That's the only food you are getting today. Eat it or not, I do not care." He grumbled deep in his chest. Katara stared down at the food on the floor. Her tummy growled. She hadn't eaten much in the last few days. She was starting to grow ravenous.

She got to her knees, she picked up a turnip. She took a deep breath. And she viciously bit into it. She screwed her eyes up and she chewed. With as much passion and venom as she could muster. She chewed. She choked on the thick terrible taste. She gagged, she gasped, and still she chewed.

He was standing at attention. Only wearing his underthings. His eyes staring out at nothing. His arms limp by his side. The flames in the corner of the room were low. Katara finished making the bed and stood awkwardly to one side.

It was difficult to move around with such a thick heavy chain around her collar. It slowed her down. It clinked with every step that she took. She could hardly stand it. She felt like an abandoned pet at the edge of a village. The chain was uncomfortable and humiliating.

And still she was forced to bear it.

She walked up to the elderly man. He had liver spots on his back. His long fingernails were a bright gold. As if they were painted. He was breathing slowly and carefully through his nose. His eyes were completely unfocused. And his lips were moving at a rapid pace. He whispered to himself. Katara studied him some more. He didn't even seem to know that she was there.

"Master Azulon?" She asked carefully. His hand shot out and grabbed her chain. Katara didn't even have time to yelp. He was holding the chain up above his head. The thick metal links clicking and clacking together. His lips were moving faster and faster. His eyes beginning to burn with a grim passion behind them.

Katara coughed and choked as she spun in the air. Her tip toes placed to the ice cold marble. Her bare feet kicking helplessly. Her fingers shoved into her collar. Attempting to keep the pressure off of her neck. She croaked and groaned. Her eyes wide and spit starting to foam at her lips.

"M-M-Master!" She managed to get out. He still didn't move. A small door opened in the side of his room. It was partially hidden by a rice paper privacy screen. Then the three women came marching out.

"Oh no no no."

"That won't do Lord Azulon."

"That won't do at all." The women scolded him playfully. They roped around him. Prancing and moving. Shaking their hips and rolling their hips. They had put oil on. A rose scented oil. The lisper carried small brass cymbals on her fingers, as small as a fishs eye. She clicked them together. Another joined her, and then another.

Fire Lord Azulon's arms relaxed. His lips stopped quivering. He slowly placed Katara back to the ground. She fell and curled up. She skittered until her back was against his bed. Her chest heaved and she stared in surreal surprise as he began to wander back to bed. His arms held out in confusion. The triplets clicked their cymbals and lead him to his sheets. Katara turned and kneeled, watching the proceedings with confused eyes. Her nostrils pressed to the overly exquisite black bed sheets.

One tucked him in, patted his hair, kissed his forehead. The other two remained kneeling on either side of his head. Clicking their little brass cymbals and shushing him. His forehead stopped creasing. His shivering's stopped. And he lay still and began to breathe easily. His eyes closed and he seemed to drowse. Maybe not sleep, but no longer awake.

Two of the triplets remained on either side of him. They continued to play their little instruments without a care in the world. The lisper oozed to the floor like greased shadows and crawled to lounge beside a wide eyed Katara.

"You are a strange little thing." The woman said playfully. Katara flushed and backed off. The woman chuckled and crawled after her. Her hand briefly shooting under the bed and then chasing Katara some more. Soon Katara hit a bedpost and paused. Afraid to run away and further.

"Calm down. I don't bite. Po and Pi though? They just might."

"Leave her alone Pe. Fire Lord Azulon said she is for training not for fun." One of the other women had snuck up on Katara. She let out a little yelp of surprise as she soon found herself surrounded by the smirking trio.

The last one popped her face out above Katara and chuckled at the Water Tribe girls nervousness.

"I heard that your people drink raw blood to gain its powers." Pe said pinching Katara's side.

"I heard your people eat every third infant inn times of famine." Po tapped Katara's head.

"I heard that your people never see the sun and worship tentacled abominations from the deep." Pi teased Katara and flicked her ear.

"I heard that triplets bring bad luck." Katara snapped back. Only for her tongue to get snatched by a pair of long sharp fingernails. Katara's eyes widened, she hadn't even seen that women move!

"I also heard from my Great aunt Li that you people only eat blubber and meat. And that's why you are as fat as the penguin otters you ride. Is that true? Are all the children in your village like you?"

"Well fatty?" Pe said with a sing song voice and pulled on Katara's ears. Katara's eyes widened, her composure broke. And her chin began to quiver.

"Too far." Pi scolded.

"Way too far." Po complained.

"Hmmm very much too far. Don't you dare cry." Pe said with a scowl. "Also it was Great Aunt Lo who told us that about the south pole."

"No no no. Great Aunt Lo told us about the north. Great Aunt Li told us about the South." The triplets began to argue good naturedly. Katara curled up surrounded by their sparrow lizard like arguing. Her eyes downcast. The three then shot up without saying a word to her.

Katara glanced up in confusion.

"W-Where do I sleep?" She asked sounding very confused. The triplets smirked and leaned over her again.

"Right."

"At the base."

"Of his bed."

"Here." They pointed at a spot of marble. Katara whimpered, but the cruel women just turned with a chuckle and flounced right out. Katara stared at the weird witchy like women. She curled up on her side and pillowed her head with her hands. She stared at the underside of the bed. Even the floors were dusted to a shine.

A bright blue shell winked out at Katara. It was no ordinary shell though. It was her shell. The gift that Lu Ten had left her before he had….

She reached out and took it. Did Pe leave it here? Or Po? Or Pi? They all seemed to jumble together in her head. Why would she have left it there? Was it a warning? A gift? A threat? Katara glanced up at the now snoring old man. What sort of trick did they use on him to get him to sleep? He seemed so calm now. Did that happen every night? Did losing the sun make him lose his mind?

Katara's own mind was reeling with questions and no answers. She took her shell and she hugged it tight to her bosom. It was Lu Ten. But more then that it was a connection to her mother. To her family. Even to Zuko and Azula in a strange way. Katara smiled and fingered the shell lovingly. She quickly tucked it against her hair, she began to roll it through the hair. And soon she had a small braid with the tiny shell hidden away within.

Katara placed her head back to the marble. This was not her bed. And this was not her room. But she would play their games. She would sleep there. She had her shell. What could possibly go wrong?

"Move it! Faster!" A woman Katara didn't know cracked her hard against the knees. She was getting used to the physical abuse. Or if not use to it at least numb to it. Just like how she was numb to the ostracization from the other servants. The snide remarks and the dismissive side eyes. She was not one of them. Nor would she ever be one of them. Which gave them free reign to hit and punch and kick and pinch and give her the worst jobs. And all she could do was take it. Just like how she had been taking it for who knew how long. Weeks at least. Maybe a few months.

Katara winced but sprinted with the tray piled high with food. She burst through the door and attended to the waiting royal trio. She quickly set the table. Attempting vainly to catch Azula's eye. Or Zuko's. Or Ursa's. Anyone's. But all three were staring at their tea. Azula's bangs were longer, and Zuko's eyes a bit older, but still it seemed like no time had past.

Zuko's hands were burnt and scarred, with thick soot covering the knuckles. He had been training with Lord Ozai. And clearly the training had not been going well. Where he was not singed or covered in soot he was starting to bruise. His training was relentless. Katara wished to heal him, to reach out and spread cooling water over his wounds.

But how could she do that when he didn't even look at her? When he didn't even acknowledge that she was right there in front of him? She might as well just be a part of the scenery. Azula would give her quick little glances. As if taking inventory of her. Katara layered a thick bed of rice into Azula's bowl. On the left hand side just like the little girl liked it. And then poured the days turkey duck stew over the top.

"Took you long enough." Ursa said purposefully. Her eyes were hard. Her chin sharp. Her lips tight. Katara looked down sorrowfully. She missed Kya. She wanted to see her mother. But still they kept this charade going on.

Then someone walked in and plopped her lunch onto the ground. It was different from her breakfast. There was a potato mixed in with the turnips and beets. Katara got onto the floor. She picked up the softest piece. She bit into it. And she chewed. The scents of finer dining rolling across her. She closed her eyes and she forced herself to swallow.

Katara didn't notice her. But Ursa watched the little girl keenly.

And still the months passed.

The first month.

Azulon poured a pile of coffee beans in front of her face. Along with a pile of half rotten ultra spicy peppers. She ate all of them. Her throat closing and stomach rebelling. Po, Pi and Pe kept her up all night by singing terrible words into her ear in shifts.

The second month.

Katara had gotten maybe three hours of sleep in the past week. After spilling some soup she was hit until she was purple and blue with bruises. Pe, Po and Pi rubbed a salve onto her. It would heal, but not soothe. However they did give some soothing words at least.

The third month.

Zuko didn't make eye contact with her. His knuckles were bruised. He did not smile whenever he went past her. He did not smile often these days. The training with Ozai made him look haggard, drawn out, exhausted. And just downright unhappy. She wished that she could comfort him. But she could only hand him towels.

The fourth month.

Rotten cabbage leaves. And blackened burnt potatoes.

The fifth month.

All Katara had was her small shell. The one that she kept hidden in her hair in a small bun.

The sixth month.

There were giant black bags under her eyes. She swayed back and forth. Her stomach growled in hunger. She had not eaten anything since yesterday. Her bare feet rubbed against each other. She was exhausted from the cold marble. She was starved from the poor food. And she was frightened out of her mind by the one handed man sitting across from Ozai.

She gave him as wide of a berth as possible. But she could still feel his eyes on her knobby knees and fragile ankles. She felt weak and scrawny. And he was roped with muscles. She quietly bit her lip and provided the refreshments for the two men.

The tea was poured expertly. The practice had been beaten into her between her knife fighting lessons and other training.

Katara was staring down at her knuckles. She could count each bony one. And each cut and bruise upon them. Even though how thin and small they looked, still Pi, Pe and Po, Fire Lord Azulon's royal bedwarmers would call the people of the South Pole gluttonous fools. She didn't know why. Those three had their own big butts and drumstick like thighs. It felt cruel and hypocritical. Like most things in the Fire Nation.

Katara stared at the fine meal placed between the two men. The thick slabs of rice balls. The melted butter over the cooling greens. The spiced beaver grouse steaks. So thick that she could hold three fingers against the side and still need to include her pinkie. The green tea, as fine as powdered gold sat enticingly in the cups.

Katara had stopped counting the days. She just lived for the minute. If she could live through this minute she could live through the next. If she could live through the one after that then eventually she could curl up on her favorite spot on the floor again. The one that gave her a bit more warmth. It wasn't much. But it gave her something comforting to look forward to.

Katara didn't dare look up at the two men. She felt the very air in the room vibrating with warmth. Lord Ozai cut a huge generous chunk of his meat. He breathed in the fine marinated flavors. And he bit into the juicy bloody chunk of animal with a relish reserved for love making and wedding nights.

Zhao had more difficulty with his food. It was tough to cut fine meat one handed. His one arm ended in a stump at the wrist. An infection brought on by an Earth Bender's rock. He had apparently lost the hand in the same battle that Lu Ten had fallen.

Katara heard all of the latest gossip. Even if it was not directed at her she heard. She was a serving girl. Which meant that everything was dissected over around her. She was a part of the background. As important as a fly on the wall. Or a piece of furniture. So naturally she was first to know about everything.

The commander grunted and awkwardly shifted his steak around on his plate. He bowed his head and bit a corner and stabbed it fiercely with his knife. He had attacked the rice with gusto. But this battle was defeating him. His bronze arm cap flashed and danced in the flames. A rising phoenix soared on the base where his fingers used to play.

Katara had noticed Zhao when she first entered the room. But Ozai had never left. Katara absentmindedly hoped that still made it okay. She absentmindedly hoped that she was not breaking any of the rules that Ursa had given to her. Katara could only think absentmindedly now. She didn't have enough stamina to think of anything deeper.

But still she could not stand even the idea of Ursa being upset with her. That would be too much. That would be too overwhelming.

The two men droned on and on. About battle tactics. About sieges and their benefits. About striking gold when the iron was hot. And the dissatisfaction about being second born sons. Katara only half listened. Mostly she watched their teacups. And every time they began to lower she refilled them.

"Come here girl." Ozai said purposefully. Katara's head snapped up. She had been studying her toes with some interest. She didn't know why…But they seemed to hold her attention more and more these days. She gripped her chain awkwardly between her two hands. She wrapped it around her shoulders to better carry the long uncomfortable burden. She grabbed the pale white tea pot.

Ozai held his hand up.

"That is not necessary."

"My Lord?"

"I said. Come. Here." Ozai said very forcefully. Katara gulped and then shuffled forward. Her hands going self consciously to her neck. She fiddled with the chain and stood at attention in front of the young lord. His hair was dark, his eyes sharp, and his back straight. Zhao also sat up straighter. As if he too felt the electricity in the air.

"I'm sorry master Ozai." Katara apologized. Her legs shivering in fear. She had bruises across them from where Pi had taken to her with a silk wash cloth.

"For what?" Ozai asked coolly. Awaiting the answer with the dissatisfied patience of a busy man.

"I dunno." Katara responded. Her fiddling had turned into outright nervous squirming. Her lips pressed tightly together, her chin trembling. So much had happened. The stress was weighing on her chest like a dead spiny abomination.

"You're sorry because 'you dunno?' What sort of an answer is that?" Ozai said with his characteristic rage brewing. Katara glanced at Zhao nervously. The man was watching the proceedings with a smug appreciation. As if all was right with the world. Katara gulped, she could still taste his thumb in her mouth. All these months later and the foul feeling still lingered.

"I-I dunno." Katara said again just as nervously. Ozai sighed in disappointment. He gestured for her to step forwards. She did, wincing in preparation for a slap. Eyes screwing tightly shut in fear. Fingers digging into her cheap uncomfortable itchy potato cloth sack. Most of the time pre wincing could get her out of an especially vicious backhand. And she knew from experience just how hard he could hit if the mood took him.

A crackling flourish filled the air. The whistle of air across her nose. The tug of smart fingers around her neck. There was a final move before her eyelids.

"Alright open them up. See your present." Katara let out a gasp of delight and surprise. Around her collar was a bright blue ribbon. A little jet of darker blue running through the center. Her eyes danced over the simple little gift. It looked so much prettier then her plain heavy black leather and iron collar.

Her fingers went trembling to it and touched the bow at the very top. It was a lovely little gift. She hadn't even known they had anything this blue in the Fire Nation. Ozai grinned smugly at her and then turned back to Zhao.

"Th-Thank you Master Ozai." Katara said tremblingly. Ozai drained his tea cup with a quick swig. Not even tasting the bottom of his cup.

"For what?" He asked. He stood like a dramatic pillar of flame and headed towards the door. Zhao smirked at Katara. His hand tightening on his knee. She didn't like the way that he looked at her. The billowing hunger, the smug smirk, the strange glint in his eyes. The candleflame reflecting on his bronze stump….there were white predatory teeth embedded flat in the curved front. She felt like he was going to reach out and grab her at any moment.

"For…for the gift." Katara walked rapidly after the retreating Lord. Ozai frowned at her, his golden eyes flashing warningly at her. She came up short. Just near the entrance. Her chain clinked to the floor.

"That is just the wrapping. You are the gift. Enjoy her Zhao. Excellent work at the siege of Ba Sing Se. You've earned her."

"My Fire Lord it was a pleasure." Zhao shifted behind her. She heard his metal stump crunch against the table. Ozai grinned at her and slowly closed the door in her face. The shifting behind her grew closer. And Katara's heart froze. A thick familiar hand pressed against her shoulder.

"Shall we begin?"

The steam from her tea wafted across her nose. Ursa breathed in deeply. Just like Iroh taught her. Only fools gulped tea down. A true artesian would sip, sniff, and enjoy the color as well. Tea was a multi sensory experience. The last six months had gone faster then she thought. Maybe it was just because of Kya and her developing pregnancy, but somehow the year just seemed to be clipping past. Ursa smiled to herself. Her heart beat a little faster every time that she reflected on where she had been. And what was going to be sliding out of Kya very soon.

The soft footsteps in the hallway caught her attention. Ozai went past in his billowing robes. He was whistling a jaunty little sailor tune to himself. He paused in the doorway and backtracked. He then sat cross legged across from her and helped himself to a cup of tea. He gulped down two before helping himself to a third.

"Someone is in a chipper mood." Ursa said in surprise. Outside of occasional meals and lovemaking the two didn't often hang out one on one. While the two of them were married and had two children they had few things in common. Outside of maybe love making and theater. Ozai grinned and raised his own cup in salute.

"I have just had a very eventful meeting. And a very eventful training exercise with that boy of ours. Hopefully he will finally made his way past those rudimentary idiotic basics and learnt the more difficult moves."

"Your brother was a firm believer in mastering the basics. In fact I believe that one of his favorite sayings was 'when you master the basics, you basically become a master.'" Ursa said in her best impression of a fat old man. Ozai rolled his eyes. He always became a little put out when discussing his brother.

"He also had a list of his favorite sandwiches in his bedroom. I doubt that he had the best grasp on fighting. Especially after that debacle at Ba Sing Se." Ozai sipped some more tea. Ursa frowned. He looked like the cat that ate the canary finch. He was far too smug for her liking. Whenever Ozai was this happy, it normally meant something was very very wrong.

"Where is Zhao? I thought you were entertaining him all day." Ursa did not enjoy having that man in her palace. It made her skin crawl. He had always given her a bad feeling. Catching him sniffing after Katara merely cemented how she felt about the man.

"He is busy. Being entertained." Ozai responded. Something else hit Ursa. He was alone. He was supposed to be….

"And where is Katara?"

"Being entertaining."

The chain went clattering and clicking and cracking behind her. Her hair was a wild mess behind her. Her eyes were wide and terrified. The table was overturned. The tea cups were shattered, tea was dripping out of the tea pot. The meat was sliding down the wall.

Zhao's shirt was torn open. He was panting after her. His eyes alight with the hunt.

"No no no no! Leave me alone!" Katara begged, howling, pleading, running. Her bare feet pattered against the floor. His legs were twice the length of hers. His reach was further. And he had better reflexes. But she was faster. Which didn't mean much when she was trapped in such a small room.

He grabbed her chain and yanked sharply. Katara stumbled and fell onto her stomach. He yanked her back. Katara kicked and battered her heels against the floor. She hit impotently at his shoulders and stomach. Zhao just smirked and flipped her onto her back.

He lorded over her with a grim smile. His lips were wet with spit.

"Let me go!" Katara shouted in terror. He pressed his stump to her neck and pushed firmly. Katara let out a grunting disgust. Trying to catch her breath.

"No. You are my gift. So I'm going to enjoy it. And you."

"Please….." Katara pleaded. She could feel his sweat, his spit, the spilled tea. But she couldn't move her fingers or legs. She couldn't water bend. She knew that he was going to do something….something terrible to her.

"How about this….How about I enjoy your mother instead. Would you like that? Instead of you it's her?"

For a moment Katara wanted to say yes. And for the rest of her life she hated herself for thinking like that.

"Please….please just be nice." Katara closed her eyes and looked away. Showing him her cheek, her neck, her jugular. Squirming deeper against the floor. Maybe if she stopped fighting, maybe if she just gave up…Maybe then it would be alright. Or at least not as terrible.

"Oh…It will be nice. This will be so nice." Zhao's grin was like a demons. His teeth thick and large. He put his palm to her shoulder. He gathered up a thick handful of her cloth sack clothing. He tore it from her shoulder to her knees.

The door slammed open and then closed.

"Father! I do not want to learn the more intense moves! The basics are difficult enough and I wish to master them first. I also want to learn more intense sword fighting techniques and spears and other modes of combat. Whips make sense, spears make sense, swords make sense. I want to—What's going on?" Zuko came to a stumbling halt in the small room. Zhao's bare back was towards the little prince. He glared over his shoulder at the young boy.

Zhao attempted to cover Katara and actually talk to the boy standing in the doorway. The interruption clearly raking at the career solider.

"L-Lord Zuko!" Katara cried out in desperation. Face red, eyes pleading. The young boy's eyes widened in terror. At what was being, at what had been done, at what Zhao was doing to his Katara.

"Get off of her." Zuko said forcefully. He took a few steps forward. His hands balling into fists.

"This doesn't involve you boy." Zhao said forcefully. He began to push himself upwards. Katara gagged, he was pushing down on her throat. She couldn't move, she couldn't breathe, she couldn't escape. She was at Zhao's mercy.

"I said get off of her." Zuko said threateningly. He strode forward. Zhao raised a fist and backhanded a ball of fire towards the boy. Zuko ducked, brought his own hand up and deflected the ball. Just like Iroh had taught him. The fire petered out into nothing.

Zuko ran and jumped, landing on Zhao's back and scratching at the older bigger mans neck. Zhao let out a bellow of irritation and reached over his shoulder to grab the boy's shoulder. Trying desperately to yank him off.

Katara kicked desperately. She got a bronze colored crack to the face for her trouble. Her head lolled. Her thoughts shattered.

"Nice…just be nice…"She said softly. Her mind reeling.

The rapid sound of bare running feet filled the hallway. Followed by the swishing of billowing robes rounding the corners. The door slammed across the room and cracked into the far wall.

Ursa stood in the doorway. Her robes were flowing around her like massive phoenix wings. Her teeth were grinding. Her eyes like twin infernos.

"Zhao!" Ursa shouted, beyond fury. He got his hands up. Katara huddled on the floor behind him. One hand pressed to her small chest. Trying to hold her ragged clothing against her.

"She was a gift from your husband to deny—"

Ursa let out an animalistic bellow. And was across the room within a breath. Zhao didn't even have a chance to protest.

Steam from her hot chocolate wafted in front of her nose. There were little spiced fire flakes swirling around the surface. They were meant to make the chocolate all the tastier. She only had a few sips so far. And everything tasted bland and hopeless to her.

Katara was laid out on the over stuffed sofa. She was staring into space. She was staring through space. She was staring at nothing. She had a single sip. Then had laid down. Just content to watch the overly sweet confection. Afraid that if she took any more it would be snatched away from her.

Ursa had wrapped the little girl in a massive turkey goose down comforter. It was warm and soft and felt finer then butterfly milk against her sore skin. Katara had not touched anything this comfortable in months. The sound of arguing faded behind her. She didn't even focus on it. All she could focus on was her steam.

"She is skin and bones Ozai! What has she been eating? I thought that the rotten food was only for extreme domestication situations. Has that been her only food? I thought that your father had more—"

"I had nothing to do with her diet. That was entirely at my father's discretion. I thought you would have checked on her." Ursa winced at that. He had a point, she should have been taking better care to see how far the process would have gone.

"And what about what you did to Zhao? You popped the man's eye right out!" Ozai attempted to change the subject.

"I punched it right back in." Ursa said with a little pout. Ozai blinked and then he chuckled, then he sensibly laughed. He walked to a small sitting table, shaking his head in delight, and pulled out a chair for her before he sat down himself.

"That you did. You certainly did. I must say I never expected you to be such a scrapper. Zhao is a trained warrior. And you actually managed to bring him down in a fight. I am surprised." He did not seem perturbed that she had fought the man, or had possibly ruined Zhao's eyesight. More amused that she would do so.

"Never underestimate a mother when her offspring are in danger." Ursa responded coldly. She sat down across from Ozai and folded her hands. The two stared at each other. As if they were dignitaries meeting at an important summit.

"I will keep that in mind." He said with a cold smile. A schemeing look came to his face. As if he was taking notes for something. Squirreling away information for later.

"Have you seen her side? Her back? Her legs? She is coated in bruises. They are purple. Green. Blue. She isn't a rainbow."

"In my defense I never hit her once. That was just the help. They were getting too deep into their roles." Which was true. He had never once laid a finger on her. But the maids and the bed warmers and the young workers….they did not get many chances to punish the higher ups. Them getting opportunities to lash out at the Fire Lord's pet with no repercussions must have been too good an opportunity to resist.

"And her diet?"

"I told you I wasn't the one choosing her meals. That was again at the discretion of Fire Lord Azulon and the servants. I had nothing to do with that." Ozai smirked knowingly. She didn't have anything to stand on.

"I could forgive that. I could forgive almost all of it. But what you did with Zhao…" Ozai seemed to take a bit of offense at that. He crossed his arms and leaned back.

"Zhao is a war hero. Admittedly a war hero with unusual tastes. But we are at war. Our nation cannot afford to pick and choose which of our warriors is worthy of praise and which ones of ridicule. If he has won glory then I am comfortable looking the other way for some of his more…singular tastes."

"Singular tastes? She is a little girl! Not a-a-a…a sweet treat!" Ursa shouted in Ozai's face. Katara winced on her little sofa. Her mistress was angry. And Katara was too young to realize that Ursa wasn't angry at her.

Ursa's chest was heaving. Ozai was studying her intently. His eyes roaming across her red face, her full breasts, the scratches on her normally perfect cheek. He grinned knowingly. It had taken him a long time to understand it. But he finally put it all together.

"Ah. So that's how it is." Ursa stood up stiffly. She raised a finger and pointed it squarely in his face.

"Her punishment ends today. Six months is more then enough. Her domestication is complete."

"You don't get to choose that." Ozai said warningly.

"I don't care. It's done." She snapped "Katara and Kya are going back together. She will return to the children. She will return to her duties serving us. And we will not have a repeat of this…this…this…"

"Discipline?" Ozai stood and towered over her. His broad shoulders and thick neck made him resemble some sort of dragon horse. A beast of burden. A proud dangerous animal. "Would you demand any more of the next in line for the throne?"

"Zuko's training ends today. Katara and Kya are reunited. And Katara is to not be pushed this far ever again. And you are to not use them in your deceptions."

"You ask too much." Ozai warned. He held up his fingers and ticked them down. "I will speak to my father and cut her punishment down. I will permit the mother and daughter to reunite. Zuko remains under my tutelage, but he will receive other training in addition to it. As for my 'deceptions' as you put it. That I will never promise."

He was holding a fist up under her chin now. He was grinning at her with a spark in his eye.

"I will do all of this. But you will owe me." Ursa frowned and nodded, once, slowly. Ozai slapped his palms together with a broad grin.

"Excellent. Well I will go and haggle with my father. Perhaps something can be reached." He stalked past the sofa and looked down at the girl wordlessly. He shook his head in disgust. If only she hadn't acted so selfish. Zhao would have finished soon enough. Now she had gone and complicated matters immensely for him.

Ursa squatted next to Katara and tucked some stray hairs behind the little girls ear. Katara stared transfixed on her treat. She was scared to move. She was scared to breath. She was scared to do anything, anything but lay there.

A golden bowl filled with water clinked next to her mug. Katara raised a head to look at it nervously. Clear cool water. Just sitting right in front of her.

"Go ahead. It's alright." The soothing voice of Ursa wormed into Katara's ear. Katara squeezed her eyes shut. Her breath hitching. She slowly curled up into a little more comfortable position. Then she raised her hands and willed the water to her. She pressed it to the plate sized bruise on her side. To the thick red lashes on her legs. To the mark on her forehead. And to the fingerprint sized bruises on her arms. She shivered as the pain and soreness and hurt all was sucked away. Drawn off, like sand before the tide.

Katara put the water back into the bowl and stared at her now blemish free skin. Her arms went back into her comfortable cotton cocoon and she fiddled her fingers together.

"How long have you known?" Katara asked softly. Ursa kissed the crown of Katara's head and pressed her cheek there.

"I had my suspicions. I am so sorry darling." Ursa said softly. Katara felt her cheeks. They were dry. They were so dry. As if she couldn't cry anymore. As if this experience had made her too big to cry.

"We will get you your new clothes. And some soft slippers. And a nice hot meal. I should have been there. I should have protected you." Ursa whispered softly. Katara stared downwards mutely. She wanted to apologize. But she didn't know what for.

Ursa stood up and rubbed the top of the little girls head.

"It's over now. I will tell no one about your gifts. Your secret is safe with me." Katara nodded in response. Her tongue felt too small and weak to actually make sounds.

Ursa walked to the door and slid it open. Zuko was fidgeting in the doorway. He looked up at his mom with a thousand questions in his eyes. She just shook her head. She had to go and find Kya. She had to beg the woman's forgiveness. Forgiveness for her failure. Forgiveness for letting her down. Forgiveness for breaking her promise.

"Bring her to bed. I will send Hama in with something for her to eat. Do not ask her questions."

"What was Zhao doing to-"

"Zuko." She warned.

"Yes mother."

The young prince walked in. Katara was holding her warm mug and sipping the thick drink down. She had never eaten anything like this before. And her belly was grumbling. She was so hungry. And so not hungry. And so weak.

Zuko stood beside her. She did not acknowledge him. She sipped the drink. And tried to keep from screaming. Zuko leaned down. His small hand resting on her small shoulder. He pressed his lips to her forehead comfortingly. Attempting to put all of his feelings behind it. Attempting to let her know how much she meant to him. Attempting to let her know that he would always be there to protect her. Attempting to kiss all of the pain out of her little forehead.

She closed her eyes and rested her lips on the rim of the mug. Zuko moved awkwardly and got his arms beneath her. Katara let out a surprised squeak as he picked her up bridal style. Blanket, mug and all. He turned on his heel and walked out of his parents bedroom. Katara cradled comfortingly to his chest.

They were in his bed before she knew it. A dozen thick pillows behind her. Pushing her up into a sitting position. A tray sat before her. A bowl of warmed milk mixed with soothing honey sat next to her hot chocolate. A thick fresh roll dripping with butter on a tiny plate. Zuko was seated beside her. More blankets had been piled up on top of her.

Hama had been in for a brief moment. Just to deliver the food and check on Katara. She had left quickly afterwards. Katara sipped her foods. She nibbled on her bun. Zuko was beside her. His arm around her shoulder's comforting her just a little.

The door to his bedroom slid open. Azula marched in. A frown across her face. Her hair was longer and her face was leaner. She had gotten a new shade of red lipstick. It was a little pinker. She marched forward and crawled onto the bed. She lay beside Katara and wrapped an arm firmly around the other little girls waist.

"I'm happy you're back." Azula said sharply. Katara glanced from one heir to the other.

"So am I." Katara said softly. She finished her meal. Curled up and went to sleep. She did not wake up until midmorning the next day.

The three children walked through the hallways. Katara's hands firmly held by Zuko and Azula. They lead her forward intently. She shuffled along behind them. Her late breakfast had consisted of steamed fresh vegetables, root and leafy greens. Fruit glazed with sweet sauces. A bowl of mixed brown, black and white rice. Two large eggs scrambled with garlic and onions. And another large mug of heated milk sweetened with honey. The food was plain, filling, comforting, and not overwhelming.

The three had visited the bath houses and Azula had washed Katara's hair with a sweet scented lavender based shampoo. And when they came out new clothes had been waiting for them. Katara had never realized just how comfortable her red and black maid outfit could be. Especially when lined with soft white furs around the chest and hem.

The morning had been one filled with lounging and relaxation. Very little talking had actually happened. The Fire Nation siblings just seemed content to have her back. Although she had been gone half a year they didn't look too different. Longer hair, new colors on Azula's nails, Zuko's chest might have broadened out a bit. But otherwise they were both the same.

The trio rounded a corner and there was Kya.

Katara paused, did a double take, shook their hands off and went sprinting forward.

"Mom!" She shouted. Kya dropped to her knees and embraced her running child.

"Katara. Oh my Katara. I'm so…It's been…You aren't…." Words escaped the grieving woman. She squeezed Katara tightly. Actions finally replacing worthless sentiment. Katara's grin was out in full force. Her teeth nearly grinding with delight. Then she pulled back in shock and got a good long look at her mom.

"M-Mom? You're huge!" Katara said gesturing to Kya's belly. Six months had sprinted by. And the Water Tribe woman had slowly bloomed into her pregnancy. Now six months along she was full figured, round stomached, and her boobs had jumped up a couple of cup sizes.

Kya let out a little chuckle and rubbed Katara's shoulders.

"No, just pregnant darling." Katara's eyes were locked on her moms midsection it utter amazement.

"There's a baby in there?" Kya took one of Katara's hands and placed it on the bulge. Katara blinked at the warm softness.

"Yes darling. Your little sibling."

"Are you sure there's only one?" Katara asked critically. "There looks like there's room for two."

Kya chuckled and kissed her daughter's forehead lovingly. Her breasts jiggled a little with the movement. She had retained her muscles through careful working out. Her hair was in a long braid down to her ankles now. And she wore a little bit of make up on her lips.

"Yes. I'm sure. And give it a few more months. Then you'll see huge." Kya awkwardly stood back up. Her loin cloth was changed with an all orange maternity robe. A black and yellow sun rising right where her stomach ballooned outwards. The robe just went past her knees. She was walking around barefoot, but seemingly comfortable.

"I missed you mom." Katara said mournfully. Kya took her daughter's hand with a small sad smile.

"And I missed you. But we're back together now. And we are never going to be apart again." Kya said firmly. She looked at the massive black iron doors to the throne room. She squeezed Katara's hand purposefully.

"No matter what."

Katara kneeled before the steps leading to the throne. Fire Lord Azulon sat at attention before her. Katara could not help but remember what he did in the evenings. His nonsensical ramblings. His helpless talking and cooing to himself. His deteroriating mental state.

Katara did not stare at him. That would be far too impolite. And the familiar feeling….of being cold, tired, ignored, broken down and beaten were too fresh. Far too fresh to do something as bold as look at him directly.

Fire Lord Azulon held up his hand.

"Bark on all fours like a pet." He ordered.

"Raf! Raf! Raf!" Katara got onto her hands and knees. Head still bowed. Her barking was small and echoed in the massive throne room.

"Louder. Deeper."

"Borf! Borf! Borf!" Katara let out. She tossed her head up. Eyes wide, tongue out, panting. She ran from one side to the other. Still on her palms and knees. She scittered, she scrambled. She paused and wagged her hips sort of like what her mom had done. She copied Kya to the best of her ability.

When he said jump she jumped as high as possible.

When he said roll over she went half way across the room.

When he said beg she begged and pouted and made her eyes so big and wide and pleading that they almost fell out.

Katara finally collapsed panting onto her side. Head on the cool marble. Eyes wide, sweat wobbling down her face.

Only then did Fire Lord Azulon smile.

"THAT is how you domesticate a pet." He said forcefully towards the family of four kneeling at attention.

"You did so good today Katara!" Zuko praised his friend. The five of them were seated at the lunch table. A massive spread of food before them. Katara bowed her head and smiled into her tofu and miso soup. A thick seaweed leaf was scooped up and she chewed on it reflectively.

The thick smell of freshly slaughtered lamb cow cooking came through the doorway. That was to be the next course. Azula plopped another handful of prepitted cherry's onto her fruit bowl. And then dished a few more onto Katara's.

"Thank you master. Mistress." Katara said respectfully. Kya paused in serving up Ursa's wine and waddled over to Katara. She pressed their foreheads together and performed the close kiss. Katara shivered in delight. Human contact that didn't involve a punch, a bite, a kick, a slap….actual comforting contact. Her body CRAVED it.

Once Kya was done serving her mistress, she went back to her chair and settled herself down carefully on her cushion. Her own meal involved pickled onion and cabbage along with a thick yogurt and curds dish sprinkled with chocolate glazed steak. She had a craving. No matter how often the others teased her about it.

"We are all very impressed with what you did Katara. Now that everything is back to normal hopefully we can—" Ursa cut herself off. The door opened and Ozai walked in. He glanced at the eating family with a small satisfied smile.

"Good afternoon." He said moving to the head of the table. Kya grabbed her plate and began to shift onto the floor.

"What are you doing?" He asked in confusion.

"What are you doing?" Ursa snapped back. One hand wrapped tightly around her chopsticks. He smirked and sat down on the now empty seat.

"Having a meal with my family. It truly has been too long since I spent time with you all. I wish to change that going forward. Now get off of the floor. You're pregnant. It's unseemly. And can't be very comfortable." Ozai reached down and picked up Kya's plate. He made some room next to Ursa and set it down there. Kya awkwardly got up from her kneeling position and walked to the new location.

"Hmmm not enough seats." Ozai rubbed his chin and then grinned. He reached across the table and placed Katara's plate next to his own. He then patted his lap purposefully. "Please. Sit."

Katara glanced nervously at Ursa, then Azula, then her own mother and then got to her feet. She walked with a bowed head and sat on Ozai's lap. Only then did he commence to eat. Katara did as well. But her appetite had left her again.

Her eyes popped open. She resisted the urge to sit up. She was too cozy. And the terrible nightmare was rapidly fading. It had been so….strange…

She had been on an ice flow. Drifting further and further from home. But it was not her small village of igloo's and yerts. It was the Fire Nation palace. And no matter how fast she ran on her ice flow….she just stayed in place. Slowly drifting off into the ocean. It was a strange nightmare. But she just couldn't seem to understand it.

The warmth of the four arms wrapped around her comforted Katara. She glanced between Zuko and Azula. The trio were laid out in Zuko's bed. She was firmly in the middle. A small doll had been pressed into her hands by Azula before she had fallen asleep. Zuko had tucked the two girls in and kissed their foreheads.

Katara raised her head and stared at the doorway. There was a small crack in the door. And two mothers were staring in at their children. Small matching smiles on their faces. Katara blinked slowly. Sleepily. She leaned her head back. It had only been a dream. Just a dream. This. Right here. Pillowed between her two owners.

This was her reality.

She shut her eyes. And she tried to sleep.

Also any requests in reviews will probably be ignored.

Also have an ao3 account under the same name. and same titles.