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Kiss of Fire	By : Spleef Category: Avatar - The Last Airbender > General Views: 75165 -:- Recommendations : 2 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

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Kiss of Fire
Chapter Twenty-Six – Surprise
Sorry for the delay in updates, I have been busy with other things in life. Sometimes real life just grabs a hold of you and won't let go. Hah! I am also pleased to announce that my book has been published. You can go to my profile for information and links. As always, enjoy, and all feedback is greatly appreciated!
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Katara
The heat of summer beat on, and my husband seemed to not be getting any satisfaction from negotiations with the King of Omashu. It had been almost a week since Enki had arrived, and I longed for him to go away. My guards were ever vigilant, and I found myself welcoming their presence. When I was in Court or among the noblewomen or such, I felt safer with my guards closer at hand. Over the last couple of days, Enki had sought me out a few more times, even going so far as to formally ask for my private audience.
I had turned it down with a polite excuse, that I had not been feeling well. This morning, I was on a rare excursion beyond the Palace walls. I spent most of my time within it, and there was so much space and luxurious grounds within the walls, that I did not feel bored or confined. But it was nice to get out sometimes. Usually, I was accompanied by my husband, to go to the Imperial Theatre, the Fire Temple, or to go to the bay. On occasion, my husband might be invited to dine at someone's house. I'd been to Kamas and Peony's house, as well as Miharaki's.
I had received an invitation for a tea ceremony, to be followed by a performance. I decided to accept it. It had been issued by Miharaki, and it would get me away from Enki. Seeing that I would be going to the house of an ally of his, my husband had given me permission to leave the volcano. I had also secured permission for Kuzon to come with me. The invitation had said that the Prince was welcome, and that there would be a few other children to play with. I thought it would be nice for him, and a break from the meetings – and arguments – the boy had to sit through.
Most of the noble families lived in palatial apartments or villas within Sozun, and many owned estates outside of the city or on neighboring islands, properties that were run for profit, such as sugarcane, tea, or fruit fields, silkworm houses, and such. It was easier to own or rent apartments in the city and have bigger properties elsewhere, as there was no room in the city for plantations and farms. It was not uncommon for nobles to retire to the country for any period of time from a week to a year, to enjoy their countryside estates. I considered myself lucky that the palace grounds were so plentiful.
The tea ceremony was held at a villa owned by the Yehe clan, near the oceanfront. The location was highly desirable, and the guards and the wall surrounding this area confirmed the fact. I saw all of this by peeking through the drapes of my well-guarded sedan. It gave me a bit of comfort to know that I was going into a secure neighborhood, and the honored guest of a family that had proven themselves to me..I'd been here twice before with Zuko and the Yehe family were good hosts. My guards and son followed the servant that greeted us at the door. We were led to the inner garden.
But as soon as I saw who else was at the ceremony, ice formed in my stomach, and I was unable to ignore the sensation. All the ladies bowed to me, as was the standard for my exalted position, and I could almost swear that Hau had smirked at me before she bowed. I had not known she was going to be there. There was a modest amount of women there –about a dozen – and I took my seat, feeling a bit of panic flutter in my heart.
I saw no danger; there were guards everywhere outside, and my own at hand, near me. Nonetheless, I did not feel the warm sun on my face, or smell the flowers and the ocean breeze. I found myself unable to enjoy the treats or tea, despite the fact that they were good and everyone else seemed to be enjoying them. Lady Hau had no barbs to offer me, and when she spoke to me, it was in a gentle and respectful manner. I should have been delighted at this. But it only added to my paranoia. I glanced over at Miharaki, and she smiled at me pleasantly, asking me if the food was to my liking.
I managed a nod, as I glanced around at the women. The conversation was what I would expect – gossip, family news, and the like. I made appropriate comments, unable to shake off the ominous feeling. Why should I be feeling like this, at a pleasant tea ceremony, on a lovely day, under guard in a good neighborhood?
I leaned over to Miharaki and excused myself. She gave me quick directions to where I could ‘freshen up’. I had one of my maids with me, to carry my makeup and other accessories, as well as serving me and making sure I had everything at hand. She accompanied me, along with several of my guards. I sat in the washroom by myself for a few minutes, trying to collect my thoughts. An Mei said that a woman should never ignore her intuition.
When I exited the washroom, I quickly motioned to Jian, the guard who had ‘saved’ me from Enki when I was in the library. He was the unofficial head of my personal guard, and I trusted him most of all. Being here a year, had given me ample time to form my staff of servants and guards that served me well and that I could trust.
“Is something wrong, my lady?” he asked as he leaned down, so that we could have a private conversation, in case one of the other ladies’ servants or guards heard.
“I have a funny feeling. There’s something wrong here. I don’t know why… perhaps I am just being paranoid.” I murmured. He frowned in concern.
“Get Kuzon. Bring him to me.” I added. Kuzon was playing with the other children on the other side of the garden, within sight of the tea party. The children were mostly those of the Yehe family, though a few of the other noblewomen had also brought along their own children or younger siblings.
One of my guards hastened to follow my order, striding down the hall.
“Am I overreacting?” I asked Jian. He shook his head.
“If you have a bad feeling, my lady, then better safe than sorry. Do you wish to leave now?”
“I… yes. I do. As soon as Kuzon’s brought back to me, of course.” I knew it would be rude to duck out in the middle of the gathering, but Jian’s advice was sound. Better safe than sorry. Kuzon approached us with my guard and his own, looking confused.
“We’re leaving.” I said briskly.
“I want to play with the other children.” he said softly.
“Not today.” I said sharply, fixing my eyes at him sternly. Usually, I would have been happy to let him play until he tired out. He blinked at my stern tone. I grabbed his hand.
My sedan sat to one side of the entrance, waiting for me.
“My lady?” I heard someone call out. It was Miharaki, her voice filled with concern.
“I do not feel well.” I said shortly. She flinched.
“Is there anything I can offer you? You need not leave. There are rooms where you can retire, and rest. My cook will prepare anything for you. Have I offended you at the ceremony?” she asked.
“No, you have not. But I am leaving.” I would send her a gift later, or invite her to the Palace. Right now, I had no time to explain, or exchange pleasantries.
Before she could respond, the earth shook. I had once felt a slight tremor when I was outside in my garden, and had been frightened. But Hana had explained to me that it was nothing to be afraid of, and that it was normal on this island, and the tremor passed. I learned that it was due to the islands being volcanic.
But this was more than a tremor. I shrieked as the ground opened, and several Earthbenders emerged.
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Kuzon
I saw the Earthbenders and I heard Mama scream. My father didn’t like Enki and his men, and Mama didn’t seem to like them either. I was taught to not judge other people just because they were not Fire Nation. Mama was a Waterbender and I loved her. I knew that Father loved her too. Kamas was half Earth Kingdom, and he was one of my father's most trusted men. I liked him. But Enki and his men were different. They wanted to take Fire Nation land and money and Enki was very rude. Did someone not teach him manners when he was little?
Mama pulled me close. Our guards shot out fire at them. But they brought up slabs of earth and then we were grabbed. I saw guards coming towards us, to help us. But it was too late. I heard one of the Earthbenders yell when Jian hit him with fire, but then he disappeared.
We were surrounded by darkness. I heard the Earthbenders shout at one another. I clung to Mama, and I felt her wrap her arms around me tightly. What was happening? Why was it happening?
The sunlight hurt my eyes and I blinked. I saw the ocean and a ship. It wasn’t a Fire Nation ship. Mama screamed and tried to run. She raised one arm, and I saw the water in the ocean move. But one of the Earthbenders grabbed her arm and pulled it down. She refused to stop fighting. She tried to kick them, and hit them. She refused to let me go though, and kept one arm around me. I wrapped my arms around her neck.
We were forced onto the ship and pushed into a room. Mama was yelling at the men.
“Why are you doing this? We didn’t do anything!” she screamed. One of the men came forward. I think he was the leader. I looked at him. He was the leader of Enki's guards. I had seen him a couple of times at the Palace.
“His Majesty wishes for you to stay here.”
“You will all pay for this!”
“His Highness is simply doing what is right for the honor of the Earth Kingdom. You need not be afraid. Now, give us the boy, if you please.”
“He’s my son! You can’t have him!” she said. I hugged her more tightly. Mama, keep me safe!
“His highness requires that the boy be placed under custody as well. Away from you. You need not worry about his welfare. You are not his mother.”
“I am not allowing you to take him!” she yelled. She glared at them. The man stared back for a moment before he turned around and left, slamming the door. Mama went over to it to try to open it. It was locked.
She sat down in a chair, and held me close in her lap. I didn’t like the chair, and I didn’t like anything else in here. I preferred the soft red cushions and mahogany furniture in my room, or in my lord’s. Or Mama’s big chair with the white fur draped over it. I felt like crying. But I wasn’t going to. I was prince of the Fire Nation. Agni Incarnate. I had to be strong, for Mama.
o0o0o0o
Katara
Enki, you bonehead! Idiot! Scumbag! Shit for brains! I wanted to scream at him, choke him, slap him, and beat him around with water whips. Another war could be started from this. My husband would not take this lying down.
“Agni, Tui, La. Spirits, hear me. Keep Kuzon and myself safe.” I murmured, as I stroked his hair. His presence reassured me. His small body snuggled into mine, and I kissed his forehead. I rubbed his back, feeling him cling to me. I went to the window to try to open it – it would be little difficulty to jump in the water and Waterbend Kuzon and myself to the shore to safety. However, the window was just a porthole, and was riveted shut.
After what I estimated to be about fifteen minutes, the door opened, and I looked up to see the captain of Enki’s guard. I had glimpsed him a couple of times in Omashu, though never spoken to him before. He was a muscular yet slick-looking man, and he narrowed his eyes as he looked at the Prince.
“I’m not letting you take him from me!” I stated before he could even ask.
“Lady Miumi, this child is not yours. Hand him over. You will not be harmed, so do not fear.”
“He is mine!” I argued, refusing to allow him to say otherwise. He called me Mama, and the Fire Lord was pleased by it. We three were a family, and nothing would change that.
“What put the idea in your heads that it would be smart to take the Fire Lady and Prince?” I continued, refusing to be intimidated by his stare. He stroked his goatee for a moment.
“Because I instructed it, Miumi. After all, the Fire Nation has gone on long enough with its foolishness, and one can't leave someone as beautiful as you in the hands of that monster.”
I stiffened upon hearing that voice. The guards moved aside, and the King of Omashu strode into the room, dressed comfortably in regalia. He glanced down at me, his hands out in front of him, palms raised as if begging me to listen, to think. However, there was no kindness in his eyes despite the smile on his face. I simply glared back at him, holding my son more tightly.
“Now, now. There is no need for hostility here. You are among friends, and you will be kept safe.”
“You kidnapped us! The Fire Lord will not rest until he has both of us back, and you will pay!”
“He will agree to my demands.” Enki stated calmly. I eyed him warily.
“…What demands?”
“Quite a few, but you need not be concerned about them. Just know that you’re safe, and I will show Zuko who’s the better ruler here.” he smirked.
“What you speak of is madness. The war ended twenty years ago!”
“It never ended the way it should have ended.” Enki stated as he took a step towards me. He spoke to me almost as if he were trying to calm a child.
“What do you mean? All three nations are at peace and Avatar Aang watches over it all! There have been no battles in the last decade! What you are doing could set off another war!”
“I doubt it.” he replied. Was this man an idiot?
“Yes it will.” I said calmly, “Not only that but Zuko is allied with the Water Tribes, the Beifongs, and Ba Sing Se.”
“I have no desire for another war, Miumi. All the Fire Lord has to do is sign power over to me, and return all Fire Nation holdings taken in the Great War. It’s as simple as that.”
“The balance of power between all three nations is more even now. Not only do you risk the anger of the Fire Nation but my people as well.” I replied, trying to reason with him, “His wrath is not to be incurred.”
“What can he possibly do?” Enki asked with a snort as he crossed his arms.
“He is the Lord of the Fire Nation.” I replied in a deadpan tone.
“That remains to be seen.” he replied confidently.
“Please… your Highness. I have seen what he can do. He’s not to be trifled with.” I had seen the might of the Fire Nation. I had gone on tours with my husband to various places within the Fire Islands. Rather than be left behind at home, as most women usually would be, Zuko had asked me to come along. I had seen factories, shipyards, ore processing and scrap metal recycling plants, and weapons assembly warehouses, along with the research and development complex that was securely housed within the volcano city itself. I was thoroughly impressed with what I saw, it was not hard to see why the Fire Nation had been so mighty in the War.
“The brat on your lap is our insurance. The Fire Lord surely would not risk his own son, and I have you as well. Of course, the boy will be relocated.”
“He stays with me.”
“Be reasonable, Miumi.”
“He’s a child!”
“A Fire Nation child.”
I felt so much disgust for him at that moment that I would have vomited on him if I could.
“That does not make Kuzon or any other Fire Nation child a lesser being!” I hissed, as I stroked Kuzon’s hair. I couldn’t believe my ears. I rocked my son in an attempt to soothe him, knowing that he had understood what was going on, and what had just been said.
“Guards.” Enki stated calmly, motioning towards me. I looked up as several men advanced towards us. I ripped out of the chair and backed up against the wall, moving along it in a desperate attempt to put them off for as long as possible. I felt the Prince wrap his arms around my neck again, his face nestled against my throat.
Before I could move any further, the guards closed in. One of them placed his hands on the Prince’s sides, and he started screaming. I brought up one arm to hit the guards and claw at them. There was no water on hand for me to Bend, and I hit and kicked the best I could. When one of the guards tried to wrench my son away from me, he screamed and lifted one hand away from me, his small fist shooting out flame.
The guard yelled as the flame hit the side of his face. Another one reached out to grab the Prince’s hand, wrenching his arm back. He screamed again, a howl of anguish, and I clawed at that guard who would harm my son.
My arms were pulled down, and Kuzon was yanked away from me, his own arms firmly pinned down so that he could not Firebend. His wails were like that of a banshee, but moreso, a child in pain and fear. I screamed for him, struggling against my holders, trying to reach for my son as he was carried through the door and out of my sight.
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Kiss of Fire