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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 39 – Pieces of the Puzzle
Ying-ying means 'clear reflection', and I felt it was a nice name for the character that's introduced in this chapter. Thanks to Inkheart17 for her super beta job! As always, enjoy, and don't forget to review, feedback keeps me going!
o0o0o0o
Kuzon
When I woke up, it was Father who was sitting at the side of my bed. It was such a nice surprise that I smiled.
“Good morning.” I said as I sat up, rubbing my eyes. I noticed that it was still dark outside, but not quite as dark as night usually was.
“Is something wrong?”
“No, Kuzon. I just thought that the three of us might enjoy a walk and watch the sunrise.” Father said as he smiled back at me. “Sounds good?”
“Yeah!” It sounded like such a fun idea.
“You have five minutes to use the washroom and get ready. Meet us downstairs for breakfast.”
It didn't even take me four minutes to get ready. I quickly got dressed and met my parents for breakfast. I was so excited that Mama had to remind me to eat or I would be hungry later.
We stood outside on the steps, and I could see just a bit of reddish light over the waves. It looked pretty.
“Would you like me to hold your hand, or do you want to be with your father?” Mama asked, offering her hand. I looked at it for a moment before I grabbed it, and then I reached out for Father's hand and grabbed it too, pulling them along. I heard Mama's pretty laugh and Father's quiet chuckle as we walked down to the beach.
Seeing the sun rise over the ocean was pretty awesome. And I was with my mama and father, and everything was great. I could live here forever!
We walked along the beach for a while as the sun kept getting higher. It was nice living in a home that wasn't surrounded by a great big wall. When we got back, Father looked down at me. “I have a surprise for you and your mother. In a while, we will sit together and have our portrait painted outside.”
Mama clapped her hands in delight. I had my picture painted once last year, but it was one of just me. It'd be nice to have one of all of us. So we went in the house and changed. Father already had an outfit picked for me, a nice red and gold one. Mama had a pretty robe of red silk with a gold fire design on it like my shirt did. And Father had a red and gold robe too. Servants brought a sofa outside and we sat down. Father set me in the middle and took my left while Mama took my right. After a while I got bored and squirmed a little, but I wasn't scolded.
“Don't worry, it's almost over.” Mama whispered. Her hand was on my back, and she was rubbing it a bit. I wondered if all the Fire Lords I had seen in the portrait hall were ever as bored as I was when they were being painted. After another while, the painter announced that he was done. I squirmed from my seat before my parents got to their feet, and I went to the painter, wanting to see the painting. He had even painted the background, so behind my parents he had painted the ocean and a couple of palm trees.
“Oh, how lovely!” Mama praised him, and he grinned at her. Father nodded.
“That will go in the front room.” Father said. Wow! It meant that everyone who came to the summer-house would see it!
“How do you do that?” I asked, pointing to the trees. I had tried to paint them a couple of times before, but my paintings just never came out the way I liked.
“Well, you take a brush, and you keep flicking your brush in a certain pattern. If you like, I could show you on a piece of paper. Would that suit you, young master?” he asked. His face was all wrinkly when he smiled, and I knew he had been a court painter for a long time and had even painted portraits of Fire Lord Azulon.
“I have an idea, why don't we leave Kuzon with him for a hour or two. He's never had any formal lessons, he said to me the other day that he wished he had someone teach him how to be like the painters who make these fancy scrolls with all these beautiful details.” Mama asked. I looked up at Father as he stroked his chin.
“Please, my lord.” I pleaded respectfully.
“Since you asked so nicely, go ahead and enjoy yourself. Hsian, I trust there are a few things you can teach the Prince.”
“But of course, my lord. It would be an honor.” He looked down at me. “You like to paint?”
“Yes, very much.:” I replied.
“Wonderful, why don't you show me a few of your paintings and I'll see how far along you are?” he suggested. I nodded and went inside, followed by my new teacher and a guard.
o0o0o0o
Zuko
I had been to the circus as a boy, and was no less awed now as we approached the tent. It was smaller than the first one I had gone to, but I had heard that the group was excellent, and there were no animals – all stunts were performed by people.
We were immediately recognized and led over to seats that had been set aside for us. Kuzon sat between us, and guards surrounded us, some in plainclothes and others fully armored. Fireflakes were brought for us to enjoy, and the ringmaster himself was very solicitous, checking on us periodically to make sure that we were all comfortable and entertained. There was a good amount of tricks – juggling, throwing knives, and gymnastics, before Ty Lee made her appearance above our heads on a tightrope. I could never imagine making a living out of a balancing act, but Ty Lee did it with style and grace, something that I had always admired in her.
It was quite an enjoyable night and I was glad that Ty Lee had extended this invitation. She was as dazzling as ever, and I never got tired of seeing her performances. Just when I thought she couldn't be more impressive, she actually did a cartwheel and a flip on the tightrope, causing us all to gasp and murmur. When she stood on the platform and did a flourish, we all applauded.
The entertainment went on for a couple of hours, with Ty Lee coming back for another performer after the sword-juggler did his routine, even swallowing one of his own weapons. After the performances, a table had been set up in another tent with snacks and drinks so that my family could have some food and mingle with the performers. I noticed with some amusement that the actors from the theatre-house were also there.
“So glad you could make it!” Ty :Lee beamed as she approached us, a little lookalike in tow. I heard that she had had an daughter, but I had never seen the girl.
“Well, you did invite us.” I shot back dryly. She giggled and shrugged as she eyed us.
“I knew your performance would be wonderful, but I didn't imagine it'd be so exciting.” Katara said. She received a big smile.
“Living in the circus is fun.” the mini-Ty Lee said she looked up at us. Her wavy, brown hair was pulled back in a bun, and she had no bangs. She had the button nose and big gray eyes of her mother, though she was dressed in dark red and purple whereas her mother had on red pants and a light pink top.
“Your Majesties, this is my daughter, Ying-ying. Ying-ying, this is Fire Lord Zuko and his wife, Lady Miumi, and their son, Prince Kuzon.”
Ty Lee's daughter did a graceful bow, and I nodded.
“I see life has treated you well since I last saw you.” I stated politely. The last time I had seen her was a couple of years before she had become with child. And it was clear that Ying-ying had the carefree childhood denied her mother.
“I could say the same about you. Your wife is a delight to be around and you have such a handsome son!”
I smirked faintly at this praise but merely nodded.
o0o0o0o
Kuzon
I wandered around with a guard following me while my parents talked with Ty Lee and other people. I was a little bored too. Being Prince meant I had a lot of nice things, and two parents who loved me very much. But sometimes I'd see other kids play and feel a little bad because I didn't have anyone to play with. Sure, sometimes I might get to play with some of the children that sometimes came with their parents while their moms and dads worked in the Palace, or on the grounds. But it was different. I was the Prince, so they treated me differently, like the courtiers and servants who worked for my parents. They'd let me win at games just because of what I was and it was no fun because the game would end so quickly.
“Hi!” I heard a cheery voice, and jumped a little before I spun around. I saw a girl and remembered that she was Ty Lee's daughter. She looked like her mom only smaller, and she had a big smile on her face.
“I bet you're bored.” she said. I nodded.
“It sucks being the only kid around and nobody else to play with.”
“You're the only kid in the circus?”
“Well, there's a couple of teens, but they think they're too old to hang with me.”
“Yeah. When the servant's kids play with me, they let me win just because I'm a Prince.”
“What if you played with me? I wouldn't let you win just because you're the son of the Fire Lord. If you win against me, it'd be fair and square.” She smiled prettily and held out her hand. I smiled back and took it.
o0o0o0o
Katara
Outside, I heard delighted shrieks, and looked around.
“Kuzon is playing with Ying-ying. There are two guards watching them.” one of my own guards whispered, and I relaxed.
“Our kids playing together, isn't that adorable!” Ty Lee exclaimed softly. I wasn't sure if she had directed that at me or Zuko, so I simply nodded. Zuko and I had listened to a couple of amusing anecdotes about life in the circus, and the evening was generally pleasant, Zuko and I having a good time amongst these circus performers and actors. He was in such a good mood that he even listened with an open mind to an idea about a play about the two of us.
It would have the Fire Lord going to Omashu, which would be portrayed as a dark and rocky land, and seeing a beautiful Water Maiden that captivated him, she was a water lily amidst the roughness of the Earth Lands. The Fire lord rescued her from King Enki, who would of course be depicted as boorish and uncouth – not too far from the truth, really – and whisked her away to become his Fire Lady and his most precious treasure. The scorned King of course came after her, but the valiant, heroic Fire Lord would rescue her. A very, very simplistic summary of our complex – and for the most part private – relationship, but it worked well.
My husband smirked softly and nodded, giving the playwright in question permission to go ahead and write a script. I couldn't help but be curious as to see how such a play would turn out. Doubtless things would be exaggerated or fabricated – what play didn't have at least a bit of a stretch in it – but I was certain it'd be enjoyable.
The night drew on and I yawned. Nobody would leave until the Fire Lord and Lady did – so I decided to make the call to leave when I saw how tired everyone was getting. I glanced at Zuko, and he nodded.
The childish laughter and shrieks had stopped a good while ago, and when I stepped outside, I saw my son and Ty Lee's daughter slumped together, their heads against one another as they played a sleepy game of earth-water-fire. Kuzon's hand fisted into the rock while Ying-ying's hand flattened out into the symbol of water, and she giggled softly.
“That makes us even. Want one more?”
“Mm. Yeah.” They went again, and this time Kuzon won with fire. He looked up, and so did Ying-ying when I approached.
“It's very late now. Time to go home.”
“Mmm.” Kuzon yawned before he frowned a little.
“What's wrong?” I asked as I bent down to help him to his feet.
“I had a lot of fun with Ying-ying.” he said. The girl in question climbed to her feet before I could offer my hand, and she grinned. I saw Ty Lee glance at us, and I gazed back at her calmly for a moment, remembering the feeling of familiarity I had around her, and the fact that she had once known Zuko. I would not waste this opportunity.
“Perhaps Ying-ying would like to come over and play tomorrow?” I asked, and despite the fatigue I saw on their little faces, they immediately brightened up. I looked back at Ying-ying's mother. “And perhaps Ty Lee would enjoy having some lunch with me.”
“I would be honored.” Ty Lee gave me a soft smile.
o0o0o0o
Zuko
I watched as my wife gently scooped up our son.
“Mmh! You're getting big.” she whispered as he placed his head on her shoulder.
“Go to the sedan. I'll be with you in a few moments.” I replied. I beckoned to Ty Lee as my wife and son disappeared into the vehicle, the drape falling down behind them.
“You don't have a problem with me coming to your house tomorrow?” she asked softly. I shook my head.
“If you enjoy one another's company, I see no reason why my wife shouldn't choose her friends. But I want to make sure that you are a friend.” I whispered, staring at her levelly.
“... Of course, of course! You don't think I'd hurt her?”
“No. You're not that kind of person. But...”
“My lord... it is her, isn't it?” she replied. I was silent.
“I had nothing to do with what Azula -”
“Do not say her name. And I know.”
“She doesn't know...”
“Which is why I want you to be careful with your words tomorrow. If she asks questions about the past...”
“Mum's the word.” She studied me for several long moments. “You love each other. I can see that. I'm happy for you both. And I promise... I will be a good friend, if she will let me.”
“That's what I needed to know. Good night.”
“Good night, my lord.” she replied with a bow.
o0o0o0o
Katara
I had never seen Kuzon so delighted when he played with other children. Ying-ying gave him a challenge that other children were afraid to due to his position. And the guards were barely able to keep up with them!
We were alone on the balcony, the servants having just retired after laying out our lunch and tea. Now I could start asking her some serious questions. First, I took a few bites, acting relaxed so not as to look too eager or desperate.
“I grew up in the Northlands and Omashu. I wonder, what was it like being raised so close to the Palace? What was it like, court life for a child?” I asked in a friendly tone.
“Well, it could be boring at times. But back then, it was all I had known, till I ran away to join the circus.” She smiled. “Sitting around all day while grownups talk and have visits and all that and acting like prim and proper children...” She wrinkled her nose. I nodded. I always tried to make sure that Kuzon – and Zuko and myself – had enough time to romp and relax, so we could handle the rigors of Palace life better.
“What was it like back then? Before the war ended?” I asked.
“Why do you want to know?” She shrugged and gave me a cheerful smile. Was she trying to distract me?
“I heard so many things about the War from Earth and Water people. But you knew the royal family back then, apparently.” I knew that my husband had a tumultuous teenagehood, what with his exile, 'betrayal' of the Fire Nation, and assuming the throne at such an young age. Her grin froze for a moment, but I chose to not comment.
“Oh. Well, yes. My family wasn't really involved much into the military effort. Mainly, they were in agriculture and shipping, though we did ship food to the army. I... was really more of an acquaintance. Heh.”
Acquaintance? I had a flash of her side-by-side with Princess Azula. Wait a minute, what? I had never met Azula!
“Really? I was almost certain that you were more than just that.” I replied casually before I sipped my tea. We stared at one another for several long moments before I heard a loud laugh from Ying-ying outside.
“Oh well, your husband and I had certainly met a few times before he was exiled. But it wasn't until after the War that we became more of allies than acquaintances.” I sensed it was true. But it also wasn't what I was looking for. I hadn't missed her avoidance of the subject of Azula.
“What about the Princess?” I asked. I saw a definite flash of apprehension in her eyes.
“She was not a friend.” Aha. Now, this was closer to the truth I was looking for.
“Why?”
“She was not a good person.” Ty Lee quickly bit into a large dumpling, apparently to avoid saying anything further on that subject. My suspicions were confirmed when she changed the subject to something else entirely once she had swallowed her food.
“I was excited when I heard that playwright suggested the idea for that play last night. It sounds neat. But when it really happened, I mean, Enki kidnapping you and Kuzon, I'm sure that was scary for you!”
Well played, Ty Lee. Put the spotlight on me, I thought dryly as I sipped a spoonful of my soup.
“Oh, it was. I was afraid I might never see my husband or son. I am happy here. And the thought of being Enki's concubine...” I shuddered violently. “But I knew the Fire Lord would come for us. And he did.” I smiled. Speaking of my husband...
He had been a couple of minutes later joining Kuzon and myself in the sedan before we went home. And he had been talking to Ty Lee. I felt my stomach suddenly twist into a sharp knot. Had my husband given Ty Lee a gag order where the past was concerned?
“Whenever I ask you a question, I can always count on your honesty?” I said.
“Of course, my lady.”
“What did Azula do that made her so terrible?” I asked, point-blank. Might as well. Now we were locked in a battle of wills. She knew that I knew.
“She tried to kill Iroh. Your husband's uncle.”
“I know.”
“She was responsible for the abuse of Suki and her Kyoshians and the death of two of them.”
“That I know too.”
“She tried to kill your husband.”
“That's a given.” I replied calmly. I stared at her across the small table in silent challenge.
“She tried to kill the Avatar. For over two months, she thought she had succeeded.”
“And?”
“And what?” she shot back.
“There was someone else.” I replied. Her eyes widened slightly.
“Who?” I pressed. This was the one thing I did not know.
“How could I know? Nobody was privy to all of Azula's machinations. Please, don't speak of her. She was a bad person. She threatened my life. She did not hesitate to send me to the Boiling Rock. She hurt so many people!” She was vehement, placing her hand over her heart.
“Very well.” I murmured. Zuko, you bastard. Every time my husband stood in the way of me uncovering this... secret, the more determined I became to figure it out.
o0o0o0o
That evening, the Fire Lord sat on a plush stool in front of the mirror in the washroom, taking the fire-comb out of his hair. I had already taken a shower, and was in there, pulling my hair back in a loose bun.
“Will you braid my hair for me, love?” Zuko asked as he looked at me. Though I was still upset about what had happened with Ty Lee, I smiled and nodded, picking up a brush and running it through his silky hair. Doing little things like this increased the intimacy of our relationship, and neither of us enjoyed the use of servants during our private times.
When I finished brushing his hair, I quickly separated it into three coils and quickly plaited them together before tying it off with a black band. Lightly, I ran my fingers along the sides of his face as we looked in the mirror. We were both dressed in soft silk robes – mine of blue, his black with red embroidery. I smiled gently as I realized how natural we looked together, and rested my chin on the top of his head as he reached up to touch my hands, which were now resting on his shoulders.
I blinked, and when I opened my eyes, I saw a considerably younger Zuko, shaggy-haired, standing in front of this mirror, albeit it had been a bit tarnished from years of disuse. He was wearing silk pajama pants, and I had on a nightie and shorts which were too big for my slightly smaller form – how old was I? 14, 15?
What had happened? We were on Ember Island, this was the washroom that belonged to the master suite, but when I looked around, all the lush little accessories we had – the combs, the stool, the robes, wall hangings, and towels and oils and all the other things were gone. The mirror was tarnished. There was dust in the corners. And Zuko and I were younger – Zuko more so than I.
“The mark looks great.” He idly fingered the curved mark on his hip, his pants lowered slightly. “I just wish you had been my nurse when this happened to my face.” he murmured. Doubtless the scar wouldn't be as visible had I been there to soothe away his pain. I stood on my tiptoes to place a gentle kiss on his scar.
“You look great, no matter what.” I whispered. He smiled.
“I love you so much, K...”
I gasped softly and blinked again. The Fire Lord turned around.
“Is something the matter?” he asked. I was silent for a moment.
“Oh, I just thought I felt an insect land on my cheek.” I raised my hand, touching it. “Oh, it appears to just be a loose strand of hair.” I smiled. Inwardly, my mind raced. Oh, my gods! Had I been the one to place that curious mark on his hip? Oh, oh! My mind raced. As soon as Zuko took his shower, I'd write it all in my journal! Oh! My hands nearly shook with excitement.
Now that Zuko's hair was braided, he could take his shower.
“I'll leave you alone to enjoy your shower. I'll be waiting in bed for you, my love.” I pressed my lips to his temple before I slid out of the room, closing the door quietly.
First Ty Lee's behavior and now this... I was so excited that I had to be careful with the brush, already making a couple of mistakes as I tried to put my thoughts into coherent form. I blotted them out and continued writing. I had just barely put the journal back in my jewelry case and gotten into the bed when my husband came out of the washroom. I did not stir, and stared out the window calmly, feeling the mattress shift as he lay down.
I'm gonna figure it out, and you can't stop me, I thought smugly. I'd figure out whatever the hell it was and finally have some peace of mind. Why was Zuko so intent on not talking about it, or letting others talk about it?
o0o0o0o
Zuko
I knew she was awake, and let a hand slide along her hip under the blanket. She wiggled her bottom lazily, and I smiled.
“Tomorrow there's a performance at the theater. Would you like to go?” I asked. The play sounded promising, and after the quality of the last one, I was looking forward to another one.
“I would love to.” she murmured. I nodded. Ty Lee had told me what happened, and I was glad that her little performance of nearly crying in front of Katara had made my wife back off.
Part of me wanted her to know, so that there would be no more secrets between us. In a way, it would be a relief. But how would she react? I was afraid of the negative consequences. Would she be angry with me, even though I had wanted to protect her from the pain of remembering her own death? Could remembering the way she had died cause her to go crazy? I had done everything I could to provide her with an happy life. I had won her love and trust again, and it felt good.
But the fact that she had that little journal nagged at me. I knew I should leave it alone, everyone had their private thoughts. But something told me that this wasn't the kind of journal you would find in the ownership of any other typical noblewoman.
I cuddled closer, loosely wrapping my arm around her and banishing the journal from my thoughts for the night.
“Good night.” I murmured as I kissed her temple.
“I love you, Zuko.”
“Mmm. Love you too.” I murmured as I nestled my head against a pillow, basking in her presence and warmth.
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Kiss of Fire