So, what did Zentauria do between the Probending Circuit and drowning in university papers?
Still seething about dropping a certain plotline! Does this wording look familiar? Congrats, you just remembered my A/N from chapter 26. Yep, still not over changing chapter 16. And since I'm not planning to carry this around for the next couple years, I decided to type it out.
For Judai is derived from Judas, Kami is an airbender, every coin has two sides and Zen is obsessed with psychology.
And because the Catgators are dethroning my team and I spent lots of time on this AU, I want points for it. Even though it feels weird, because I really didn't do this for the competition, but to shut up my mind. And so my readers don't miss me too much.
Team/Position: Laogai Lion Vultures/Firebender
Equipment: Weights
Word count: 4,047 (excluding A/N, natch)
Finally. Stupid door!
Returning to this dungeon-like cave makes me feel sick all over again. About time I get everyone out of here, but the kids are so scared.
"Come on! Nothing's gonna happen to you! The slavers are all unconscious!"
Three boys, two girls. All of them just stare at me like some sort of ghost. I sigh, I can't get stuck here. I've got five other cells to unlock.
"It's okay, you need some time to take it in. But it's safe, really."
I walk up to the neighboring cell – my cell. Judai is already at the door, completely shocked. "Kami, what... You were..."
I manage a tired smile. "Dead? No. It was a trick, don't worry. I'm as fit as a fish in a pond."
"I can't believe it."
"Well, you better."
Judai shakes his head. "You can't tell me you're fine, there is a blazing cut on your arm! From a blade!"
I examine the cut, more curious than unsettled. About five inches long and still bleeding, but that's what I have Katara for. "I barely feel it. Don't worry about me, worry about yourself. We need to get out of here before the slavers wake up."
"We won't make it."
I groan. "Not you too! Come on, Mister Defeatist, get a hold of yourself! We'll make it!"
No time to waste anymore. I unlock the cell, open the door and poke my head in, searching the cell mum's gaze. "You're reasonable, right? You're not going to give these kids up."
"I..." she replies uncertainly, eyes lowered at the girl in her lap. Then an arm enters my vision, barring the way.
"Don't." Is Judai... pleading? "It won't work. And I don't want anyone to be punished for an escape attempt."
"Of course it won't work if you're wasting all our time!" That guy is driving me crazy! First the hand-gag, and now this?! "If you want to stay and become some Earth Kingdom noble's toy, fine with me, but don't get everyone else involved."
That silences him. I turn my back, planning to unlock the rest of the cells, when Judai unexpectedly pushes past me and steps in my way. The torchlight is brighter out here, and my gaze is involuntarily drawn to Judai's bare arms. Or rather the lines on them I can't quite place. Judai tenses.
"I'm sorry."
And that's where everything goes wrong. A well-placed shoulder knocks the wind out of me, I stumble right back into the cell and take an involuntary seat in front of the cell mum. The door slams shut and the door clicks. The keys...
"What the fiery firecracker are you doing?!"
I push myself off the ground, too furious to care about anyone seeing me move like an airbender. I don't need a second to reach the bars and grab at Judai, but he's stepped away already. No chance!
"Get back here, you traitor!"
It's pretty much the worst insult one can come up with, and I see Judai grit his teeth. "Are you trying to get yourself killed?!"
"I'm trying to save a certain moron from certain misery. And now give those keys back!"
"No! I'm doing this for your own protection!"
"Well, news flash! I don't want your protection if this is your idea of it!"
Judai ignores my last statement and stalks off, out of my sight. The lock of the cell which I opened previously clicks, and I know what he's been up to. What's going on in that guy's head? I don't get it.
"Hey, you!"
The voice comes from the cell across. I turn to find myself facing another boy my age, standing behind the bars with crossed arms.
"If it's any consolation, I'm with you on this one."
"Don't be an idiot, Kiran."
"The only idiot here is you, Judai. That girl is obviously powerful, and you know you want to be out of here as much as everybody else. So will you please stop being a coward and act the part?"
"I'm not risking everyone's life on this ash-brained scheme."
"Well, I want to risk it."
"Cut it out."
Kiran roars in frustration and hits the bars hard enough for the vibrations to carry through the whole cave. Then he retreats into the darkness of his cell. Oh Agni... I should have opened it first. But I really didn't see this coming. Judai essentially fighting us? I mean, what the blazes?!
The Judai in question comes back into view, and he looks... tired? Defeated. Head hanging, shoulders sagging. It's... It's the way I must be looking after an encounter with Hide. And I suppose that's the problem. Judai isn't doing this because he wants to, but because he can't see another way.
His spirit has been broken.
"Hey, chin up," I say softly, barely believing that I'm trying to comfort the guy who just ruined my escape plan. No choice but to wait for the Avatar's gang after all. "We'll be out of here soon, just you wait."
Judai shakes his head dejectedly. "I told you not to make promises you can't keep."
"And I told you I mean it."
He sighs and waves a hand. "Step aside."
Aaand here we go again... "Nope, sorry pal. If you open this door to get back in, I'll be right here to get back out."
"Step. Aside," Judai orders through clenched teeth, and I can't help being impressed with how much authority he radiates, despite his scrawny body and filthy clothes. There's fire inside him alright. Pretty sure he'd be a strong ally if he didn't insist on channeling it into the wrong direction.
But that doesn't mean I'll let him in. I turn around and lean against the door to sit down. This will take a while, it can't hurt to get comfortable. And apparently, Judai likes the idea as well – I can hear him heave a sigh and slide down the bars on the other side, then there is the heat of his back. Not even the metal between us can block it.
"Looks like we've reached an impasse," I remark.
"How about 'deadlock'?"
He did not... "Really? Is that supposed to be a joke? Right now?"
There is no sound except for the clinking of metal on metal. Judai is fidgeting with the keys. Frayed nerves, I bet.
"Why don't you go lock yourself into another cell if it's so unbearable outside?"
"I won't leave you on your own."
"Wow, thanks for the confidence."
"Don't give me that. You don't know what these guys are capable of when they catch you running away."
Something about Judai's tone is decidedly off-putting. A sneaking suspicion takes hold of my mind, and it makes too much sense to ignore. "And you do?"
He takes his sweet time to answer, but he does: "You've seen the scars, right? I know you did."
Scars? Oh no... The lines on his arms! I couldn't see them well, but even so, they looked way too long for comfort. And way too symmetrical for fight wounds.
A furtive glance over my shoulders confirms my memory. Those marks... three each, from shoulder to wrist, completely straight. Too neat. No trace of resistance.
"Torture..." I whisper for no one but Judai to hear. It's become awfully quiet in here, and a quick glance around tells me that a lot of kids are holding their breath to see how this clash is going to play out. I'm not planning to lose here, every second I spend arguing with Judai is a second during which the girls are brought further and further away. But snapping this boy out of whatever state he's in will be far more trying than I expected. I guess I should tell him about the Avatar's gang coming for us. This is a bigger problem than anyone being judgemental. Plus, it's only a matter of time until...
"What are you doing out?"
Yeah, until that. Too late now. Startled, Judai leaps to his feet to face Earthbender Guy. Or, well, to cower in front of him. I guess I should climb to my feet myself.
"He did your job, that's what," I call out to save Judai the explanation. "Good job torturing him into thwarting escapes."
"Why would you... Argh!" Judai groans. I suspect he would have come at me with the hand again if I was in reach, but this time around, I'll talk. I'll be punished anyway, and so long as I can keep him out of it...
"He's only outside because I won't let him in, that spineless weasel snake."
"Ka-mi-na!" Judai growls, and I flash him a look. Don't like my protection? Well, tough for you. I don't like yours, either.
Earthbender Guy strides into view and gives me a quick once-over. I grit my teeth, we're moving into dangerous territory. Come on, Aang! Where are you?! I need to come up with stalling tactics, and better do it fast!
I heave a breath of relief when Earthbender Guy directs his attention at Judai for now. I observe with morbid fascination how the slaver smiles and pets Judai's head like a dog. "Good boy!"
I cringe in sympathy. The humiliation must be overwhelming, even in the dim firelight I can see Judai squeezing his eyes shut and clenching his hands into fists. He may be a mess, he may be completely twisted by fear, but he's not apathetic. There's still hope.
"I can't wait to see Chano's face when I tell him about this," Earthbender Guy continues, and I briefly wonder what in the name of Agni he could possibly be talking about. But then Judai bows, escaping Earthbender Guy's hand by doing so. Smart!
"Master, may I ask a favor?"
Huh? That's risky, where does that boldness suddenly come from? What's he aiming at?
Earthbender Guy seems to think about it for a moment, then nods. "I guess you earned it."
"Please lighten the girl's punishment. She didn't know what she was doing, and I'll make sure she's on her best behavior from now on."
What?
What?!
I need to bite my tongue to keep myself from screaming. He's just trying to help me, but the way he's doing it... Pull it together, Judai! Where is your pride?!
Earthbender Guy eyes me suspiciously, then turns back at Judai, who's still bowing. I notice on the side that he's not using the usual Fire Nation bow – his hands are folded in front of his thighs. Of course, only other Fire Nation people would pick up on this little act of rebellion, but it makes the whole scene only half as painful to watch. And he still has the keys...
I suppress a grin. Go, Judai!
Then Earthbender Guy asks "Why would you waste my kindness on this girl?", and my mood is back in the basement. Kindness, my foot!
"It won't be a waste. First off, damaged goods don't fetch a good prize. And second, I want her gratitude."
Okay... What the ashes? If you want my gratitude, you need to put a little more effort into it, buddy. I'm not going to forget that shoulder in my chest any time soon.
But it is kind of amazing. Something has changed in Judai just now. His voice is steadier, more confident, he's squared his shoulders and generally carries himself with more dignity than ever. Like someone who knows what he's doing. Merchant child? Very interesting...
Earthbender Guy's laughter rips me out of my musings. "Bright little spark, are you? Very well. I'll go easy on her if she cooperates."
Judai sends me a pleading look, and I'm not sure what to do. Stand my ground or play along? I really don't want to be tortured, but surrender just like that? Let Judai win? Let the slavers win?
"What do you want from me?" I ask carefully. Scout out enemy territory first, devise the plan of action then.
But my approach is not careful enough. The ground beneath my feet starts shaking and I stumble, hitting the bars headfirst. Ow...
"I ask the questions here, fire brat."
"Got it," I mumble with lowered eyes and rub my head. Could be worse, I guess. And if it's about questions, I think I'll be fine.
"Good girl." I almost jump at how near the voice suddenly sounds. When I look up, Judai has stepped aside and Earthbender Guy's face is only inches away from mine. "And now you will tell me your little secret."
"No!" I flinch back a step. No, no, no! I can't! I won't! Not in front of so many Fire Nation kids!
But do I have a choice? A stone slab pops up from behind and pushes me forward again, trapping me between it and the bars. Thankfully, nothing cracks inside me, but I'm not too far away from a broken rib or two, I'm sure.
"Kami!" the cell mum cries out, but Earthbender Guy shuts her up with a glare before directing his scowl back at me.
"I ask you again: What did you do?"
I would shake my head if I could. Keeping the panic at bay isn't easy either. "I didn't... It's a dangerous secret, please don't make me say it!"
The pressure increases. Before I can stop myself, a whimper has escaped my lips. I can't think, I can't breathe, it feels like my head is going to explode. One of the bars digs into the sword cut, driving tears to my eyes. Then the slab finally eases against my back, and the relief drains the strength from my body. I slump, trusting the stone to keep me upright. My arm burns, and for a moment, the pain overshadows every conscious thought.
"Well?"
"I'll die," I whisper, partly to Earthbender Guy, partly to myself to strengthen my resolve. "If I say it, I'll die. And my family will, too. Kill me if that is what you're gonna do, I won't say a word."
"Kami, please!" And that's Judai again. "Nobody here even knows your family. How horrible can that secret be?"
"You'd be surprised."
He doesn't probe any further, which is a little unexpected. He has a tormented expression on his face, and I raise my brows. You're hiding something, too.
He shakes his head vehemently, more desperate than denying. Then Earthbender Guy becomes aware of our wordless exchange and turns his head, but Judai doesn't even try to hide the pain. If anything, he goes out of his way to look as pathetic as possible. What's he up to now?
I find out when earthbender laughs. "You like that girl, don't you?" His amused eyes travel across my body, and I feel an overwhelming urge to wipe that grin off his face. With my knee. If I wasn't stuck like this... "Well, I guess she's pretty enough."
Judai has taken to examining his shoes in the meantime. Earthbender Guy can't see it, but the boy is smirking triumphantly. He's hatching a plan, though I'm not sure what kind of benefit he's expecting from pretending to like me.
The pressure disappears and I stumble, but a pair of hands against my shoulder blades breaks the fall. I turn around to smile at the cell mum.
"Thank you, uh..."
"Nila. My name is Nila. Can you stand?"
"I guess..." My knees are a bit wobbly, and I realize I'm holding my useless arm. The paralyzing pain has subsided somewhat, but I won't be moving it in the near future. I let go, but the mere sight of my blood-covered hand makes me dizzy. Or maybe it's the exhaustion catching up. I lean against the nearest wall and breathe deeply, but the dizziness refuses to fade.
"We need to get this cut treated, or..." Nila sends a nervous glance Judai's way, who shifts uncomfortably. Alarm bells ring in my head, but not loud enough to spare the exchange some thought. Or whatever Nila is implying.
Earthbender Guy nods at Judai and the boy steps up to unlock the cell. Looks like he gets his wish after all.
"Pet..." I mutter under my breath. He really does behave like a well-trained poodle monkey.
"Don't judge him," Nila replies gently. I'm surprised she heard me. "He went through more than the rest of us together."
I can imagine, but I choose not to comment. What would I even say? 'Sorry to hear that' doesn't exactly cut it. Besides, the next curiosity is already waiting: Judai makes his way toward us and pulls me into a hug, which I don't mind as much as I should. I absolutely cannot figure him out, but whatever he's doing, he's doing it to protect me. I'm relatively safe with him. So I hug him back to the best of my abilities, and I realize what an incredibly convenient position for a whispered conversation it is.
"Care to explain what the big idea is?"
"Later. Just play along."
"It better work, Pet Boy."
"Why am I even trying to help you?"
"I wonder."
"We shouldn't be fighting."
"Agreed. Sorry for the snark."
"Never mind. It only hurts because it's true."
Judai pulls away, a forced smile on his lips. The pain in his eyes would have been hard to look at even without my problem. I want to hug him again, just for the sake of providing comfort. Wait, what keeps me from doing so? If hugging is a plan, enthusiastic hugging can only be a better plan, right?
I pounce on Judai, and the twinge in my arm as well as the next dizziness spell tell me that rapid movements are a terrible idea. Plus, if Judai's stiffness is anything to go by, he's a little alarmed at the sudden display of affection. But I decide to ignore those issues for the time being and blink the dark spots away.
"I have friends coming for me, each of them immensely powerful. I already kicked some serious slaver-butt, and I'm by far the weakest member of the team. Don't give up."
"Stop it. I'm done fighting."
"That I don't buy. We're Fire Nation. We don't simply break, we burn."
"Come on, you two cuddly bunnies!" Nila cuts in and I feel her pull at my tunic. "That gash is not gonna treat itself!"
"Right..." I let go of Judai and take another look at the wound. It has finally stopped bleeding so profusely, thank Agni, and the dizziness is down to a bearable level.
"Can you walk?" Judai asks, and it's a good question. There's not much energy left in this body.
"Yeah," I decide and take an unsteady step forward. It's not ideal, but still better than relying on Judai for support. He's a little too unpredictable for comfort.
When I leave the cell, Judai falls in line, shamelessly following me outside and locking the cell by himself. He doesn't ask permission, but the way he acts looks so perfectly natural that it doesn't seem to occur to Earthbender Guy to question Judai's motives. It's hard to believe, but Earthbender Guy really trusts his slave not to do anything inconvenient, and I have no illusions about the opposite. Judai knows his place and he'll play by the rules. And yet...
Pet Boy indeed. Pets can get away with so much. In a twisted way, it's admirable how he manages to play his cards even in a situation where all odds are against him. While I'm stumbling along and bleeding out, he's still holding onto the friggin' keys!
The first of the other slavers we come across is Registry Guy tidying up my mess. Ink is spilled over the whole desk. The moment we walk in, he tries to sit down on his chair, and it breaks underneath him. Earthbender Guy laughs out loud. I try not to, and I notice even Judai pressing a hand over his mouth, eyes shining with mirth. And Agni, does the look suit him!
"You can smile?" I whisper, Earthbender Guy's laughter preventing the words from being heard by anyone except their recipient.
"Shut up!" Judai whispers back, struggling to put on a neutral expression. The exchange could almost be mistaken for playful banter. I wonder if, under different circumstances, I'd be able to actually enjoy his company.
I don't get to indulge in this moment of amusement for too long. By the time Registry Guy has stood up, he noticed me.
"I see you recaptured that little troublemaker. Good job, Guo Ping."
Earthbender Guy grins smugly. "Oh, I didn't. This one did." He points at Judai, who bows his head. Hard to tell if it's a gesture of surrender or plain and simply shame. "Told you he'd be worth it. He saved our whole stock."
Stock.
I want to hit something. So bad. Judai is gathering fistfuls of his tunic, as if afraid his hands might slip unless he holds onto something. He fixed the keys to his waistband at some point, removing them even further from Earthbender Guy's control. The observation makes me feel slightly better.
Unfortunately, all misgivings return full force when Registry Guy makes his way toward us. Judai gets a pat on the head and a little praise again, and me... Well, I guess this is no time to play courageous. I roughed the guy up real good, he has a bone to pick with me. I hunch my shoulders and cover my head with my arms as good as I can.
"Don't hurt me! Please! I'll tidy this up and rewrite all the ruined scrolls, but please, don't hurt me!"
A hand wraps around my left forearm, which would have been bad enough without the nails digging into the wound. An overpowering pain flashes through my arm like scorching hot needles, my vision goes black, I barely hear my own scream. Then the pressure is gone and I find myself on the ground, crying and cradling my burning arm to my chest.
"Looks like even fire spawn possesses protective instincts," Earthbender Guy's haughty voice drills through the haze, and then Judai is suddenly all over me, arms around my shoulders and whispering nonsense.
To a degree, it has a calming effect. The pain drops back to a tolerable level and I allow Judai to pull me to my feet. The very second my knees stop trembling, Registry Guy grabs Judai's collar from behind and twists. Judai gasps, from surprise, from pain, I don't know. It doesn't matter. New energy surges through my veins. Whatever is going on, I won't let it happen!
"How dare you attack your master?" Registry Guy hisses. It's the time I need to compose myself. My arm is useless, but as Judai aptly demonstrated before, a healthy shoulder is enough for a tackle. So that's what I do, or at least try. The dizziness doesn't agree, but as it turns out, it's not too much of a bother. Faceplanting into the guy's guts totally gets the job done.
"Let him go!"
Registry Guy grunts and Judai's collar slips from his grip. My fellow slave uses the chance to get some oxygen back into his lungs, but now Registry Guy is suitably enraged. He reaches into a shelf and pulls out a sheathed dagger. His eyes glitter dangerously. I flinch, not good, not good!
"I hope you brats don't need your ears. Guo Ping, restrain them! Wouldn't want to miss because they squirm so much."
Oh no... I press myself into Judai. He's trembling, or is it me? If Earthbender Guy decides to wrap us in stone, there is nothing we can do about it. Rock slabs shoot out of the ground and I close my eyes.
I don't want to see what's coming.
Evil cliffhanger!
This is the first half, I guess. Second is a little trickier to write, but I'll figure it out.