Adult-FanFiction.org : Cartoons

The plum that blossoms in autumn	By : MaiLee Category: Avatar - The Last Airbender > Het - Male/Female Views: 16840 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
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.

Chapter List
- 7
- 8
- 9
To all the amazing people who read, review and enjoy my fanfiction. Thank You!

Some people say that the wind is a really powerful spirit, the messenger of change, but only a few can distinguish a soft breeze from the real surge of air, that carries a letter in it. Knowledge is open to those who thrive for it, although some wish they had never stumbled upon any. Like fools people neglect what is lying open in front of them, and search for hidden truths and notions, which often involves making them up.

There was a storm in the ocean: the lightning spread its white branches in the gray sky, each followed by the thunder, ripping the air apart. A Fire Nation ship rocked in the waves, like a toy in the hands of the mighty spirits.

Mai observed the stormy sea from the cabin’s window, her whole body shook with fear: she knew water possessed much power, but to think it could be so strong – the latest achievement of Fire Nation engineers swam at its mercy - was absurd.

The girl ran out, to find someone and ask how they were going to climb out. But there was no one on the ship. Mai ran out onto the deck, to witness an enormous wave coming at the ship. She froze, looking at how the lightning illuminated the green water. As the wave got higher, it pulled more water in, dragging the ship along with it. Mai stood gazing up, as the edge of the wave bent and poured down, crushing her body into the metal.

- Mai!

She jumped up, looking around. The sun was pouring into the window of her room. Zuko sat on the edge of the bed, holding her hand in his:

- You clenched your jaw so hard, I guessed you had a bad dream, - he stroked the girl’s cheek, pushing the black hair that covered her face, behind her ear.

- You were right, - she looked up at him, smiling shyly. – It was a nightmare.

She got off the bed, pulling on her shoes, and stretching her muscles. She was still in her traveling clothes.

- I don’t remember going home.

- You are a heavy sleeper, - he chuckled, standing up. – You fell asleep on the ferry, and I carried you home.

- Thanks, - Mai smiled, then put on her cloak and went towards the door. Zuko followed.

- Did you just sit here all the time? – she paused at the threshold, looking back at him.

- Well, your aunt said it would be all right. I’m sorry, if…

But she didn’t let him finish, covering his lips with her own. When the kiss ended, Mai looked up at him, and whispered:

- Thank you.

The wind pulled at the curtains on her window, making the candlelight flicker. Mai watched its dance, listening to the air’s soft murmur. Something was wrong, and she tried to understand what had happened. The thoughts in her head raced, speeding up her heartbeat, as memories drifted before her eyes.

Her “wonderful performance” on Ember Island impressed both Zuko and Ty Lee, yet Azula was well-informed about her peer’s mishaps. They both knew the truth and it surprised Mai, just how easy it was to pretend nothing had happened.

She closed her eyes, listening to the breeze play with the wind chimes.

She woke up on the Fire Lord’s bed, but Ozai wasn’t there. She pulled the blanket off and looked down, her gaze trailing along the bruises, blood and semen on her white skin. So it wasn’t a dream, she thought. At that very moment the sensations broke in, ripping her apart. Her whole body ached, her throat was sore from screaming. She hugged her knees, wishing the pain away.

In a few minutes a couple of maids entered the bedroom. Mai jumped up, trying to cover her naked body, but they didn’t look up, pulling the dirty blankets and covers from the bed. She stood up, letting them take her to the bathroom and wash her body.

When she came back, fresh bedclothes were laid onto the bed, and a doctor came into the room. The man was the family physician, with the Fire Lord’s order to take care of the girl. He tended to her wounds, examining her carefully. Mai drank the herbal brewing he prepared and lay down to sleep, just as told. The healer didn’t question her, from which she gathered it wasn’t the first time, so she could be sure, he would keep it secret. And she couldn’t complain – she felt great in a matter of hours.

She wanted to leave the room, but he insisted on the importance of good rest and made her stay and sleep there. Surprisingly enough, Ozai didn’t come back, neither during the day, nor the night. She was confused and relieved at the fact. When morning came, she left the Fire Lord’s personal chambers and walked back to her room in the palace.

There was a loud bang, as the curtain knocked the candle from the window-sill. Mai stood from her bed to make sure, the light went out. She came up to the window and sat on the floor, trailing her fingers along the soft warm wax. The wind kept blowing, messing with the young woman’s hair - it was loose again, and she pushed the long strands behind her ears, listening to the air pouring inside.

She told Azula that she slept with Ozai, just like she promised many years ago. And though Zula tried her best to conceal it, Mai noticed the Princess was somehow hurt by the fact. She couldn’t tell what exactly went through the royalty’s mind, but she could be sure – Azula wouldn’t tell.

Mai picked up a knife from the small table and started scraping the wax from the floor. There were scratches from the blade’s sharp edge on the wooden covering, but she kept rubbing. When all the wax was off in crumbs, she picked it up, pulled the curtain open and threw it out.

The wind blew at her face, tangling her hair. But she didn’t worry about it, looking at the Royal Palace right before her house. There was something in the wind, something that was too horrible to read.

It was like a wonderful ride, a flight on a dragon – being so high, so full of joy and hope. It was more than exhilarating, beyond stunning, and it was over. One somersault and she went falling down from a great height to the stone pavement.

She couldn’t quite put her finger on it, but there was a moment, when she knew clear enough: the end was looming over her small perfect world. Maybe it was the way he looked at her, or how he stared out her window. The tone of his voice, when he spoke about the all-day war meeting, and later of his place in the Fire Nation. Or the fact that he jerked out of her embrace, and didn’t kiss her.

Now she sat on the chair, looking at the scroll on her bed. It was made of the usual parchment Fire Nation used for letters, notes, messages. It had a Fire Nation Royal Family seal – she’s seen a lot of those, some were given to her Father, and some were delivered to her directly, ever since she was twelve years old.

But this one was wrong in all possible ways. It was a small note, which rather resembled a minor reminder, not a goodbye letter. It was short, cold and ruthless – incomparable to a soft voice, or a kiss. But more than that, it was written by someone Mai didn’t know.

She didn’t cry, when she read through the letter. She felt hurt, stabbed in the back – recalling all of the sacrifices she’s made for their future. But could she accuse him of betrayal, if he didn’t even know what he has done? Even if he knew, would he have stayed with her?

There was a dull pain tearing through her chest, but she couldn’t cry it out. She even frowned, wondering whether a tear would slip, but it seemed her eyes ran dry. So she just sat there, waiting for the call – an inevitable request of her presence.

Ozai was probably expecting a swollen, red face, sobbing and pleading – the typical reaction of a girl who was dumped. But now that she felt as if she was stripped of her senses, it could be easier to face him. Easier, yet not easy – it never was, and she had a gut feeling it would never get from now on.

She hurried to her bed, picked up the scroll and looked at it for a mere second. Then walked to her chest and put it there. She didn’t want it to haunt her, but she hoped later, when her feelings kick in, she would tear it to small pieces, enjoying every ripping sound the parchment made, and it was a good parchment.

She closed the lid of the chest, and remained on the floor, leaning her head against the warm wood. Nothing…. Maybe, she really was “a big blah”, like Zuko so kindly noticed. Now, she could as well just go and surrender to Ozai.

This time the Fire Lord walked down the stairs to her – and it was a bad sign. Her body tensed, curled up in a deep bow on the floor. She felt the ache in her chest pulling down, as his footsteps got louder.

- Prince Zuko left, - he bent down, taking hold of her chin and pulling the girl up. – He left his throne, his honor, his nation and he left you.

Mai tried hard not to look him in the eyes. Even if she couldn’t cry it didn’t mean she wasn’t hurt. The wound was still fresh, and Ozai knew how to cut it open.

- I heard he left you a note. Let me guess what it said… - Ozai pulled her up onto her knees, smirking, – Dear Mai. I’m sorry it turned out this way, but I have to leave the Fire Nation for the honor of my people. I love you…

- Stop! – she hissed, opening her eyes, her deep voice shook with anger. Ozai’s golden eyes widened with surprise:

- Oh, he never said he loved you? – at these words, the girl jerked out of his grip and tried to stand up and leave, but he grabbed on to her waist. – Shhh…. I’m sorry I said that.

He hugged her from behind, smiling at how strong she’s become. She didn’t disappoint him - didn’t cry. He held her close, feeling the warmth of the young girl’s body radiating through the clothes. For a moment he forgot everything, melting into their touch. The man buried his nose in the jet black hair at the back of her head, inhaling her scent.

Mai stood still, waiting for whatever came her way. She tensed, when he pulled at the ribbons holding her hair together, letting them fall loose. Ozai trailed his fingers along their length, kissing her head. After a second of hesitation, the girl leaned back into his embrace.

- So, what should I do now, Fire Lord Ozai? – he tugged at her waist, turning her around. The man looked down at her face,

- You still belong to me, Mai.

She lowered her head and exhaled, resting her forehead against his strong chest, feeling his heart beating inside.

Life returned to normal, as the Fire Nation army prepared for the final battle in the Earth Kingdom. Even more airships were built, as well as guns, battle units, armors. All skilled firebenders were recruited, as the Fire Lord and his generals planned the final blow.

It seemed Prince Zuko’s leave didn’t disturb the life of the Palace city, as if everything returned to the time before him. Mai often stayed at the Palace overnight, as Ozai’s hunger for her grew with each day.

The scroll remained hidden in her chest. The feelings didn’t come back, everything lost color, sound, and taste. Her aunt kept writing worried letters to her husband and Mai’s parents. Her Uncle even paid a visit, only to witness her mood even more grim than usual. Ty Lee stopped trying to make her laugh, and preferred hanging out with Azula.

Speaking of the Princess, she seemed angered by the fact, that her peer spent more time with her Father, than Zula herself. Whenever they met at night in the hall, the royal heir just coldly brushed shoulders with her “friend”.

But one night the young Princess decided to make an exception. Mai stayed home and was already getting ready for sleep, when Azula stormed into her bedroom. She wasn’t there for small talk, and eyeing the older teen, chose to be straight-forward:

- I’m concerned with whose side you are on, Mai.

- I follow the Royal Family’s orders, Princess Azula, - Mai bowed her head. – There is no other side I could take.

- Is that so? – Zula narrowed her eyes, sitting down on the couch. – What about Zuko?

- Zuko left and broke up with me - there is nothing between us anymore.

- Well, I hope you remember that, Mai. I need your full obedience, and not a second of hesitation. Otherwise, you know the consequences... – she stood up, coming closer to the other girl.

- Yes, Princess, - Mai bowed, hunching her shoulders.

- Settled then, - she eyed the tall girl with her amber eyes and smirked, - Hmm, strange thing I’ve noticed: ever since Zuko left us, everyone’s been pretty happy. Especially Father.

There was nothing Mai could say in return, so she just looked down.

When the door closed, she fell onto her knees, tugging at the belt of her robe. The girl breathed hard, pulling the clothes off of herself. Small sobs stuck in her throat, as she ripped her lower body bindings. After a small glance at the soft fabric, Mai bit her lip crushing the cloth in her fist.

She lowered her head, feeling the pain pulse through her core. She kept clutching the cotton strip in her hands, as her lean body rolled on the floor, shaking in hysteria. Mai squeezed her eyes shut, as tears ran down her cheeks, a scream breaking out of the chest through her gritted teeth. She pushed the long piece of fabric to herself, smearing red along her snow white skin.

__________________________________
Please read and review! Thank You!
- 7
- 8
- 9
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

The plum that blossoms in autumn