Yes, I am a horrible person for making you wait, but I did have to rewrite half of this, endure a long and grueling protest against a public official, represent my state in Washington and endure finals prep. That and not lose my mind. And for the next two weeks, nothing but finals to study for.

So yes, here is chapter two and I did intend to have it be the pirates, but one reviewer gave me a brilliant idea and well, I could not resist using it. So thank you so much, for the idea, Floranna.

Again, this fic is dedicated to Avocado Love, who is not only the bestest collaborator on her own gift possible but one of the best people to gab with. Check out her fan fiction, it is brilliant.

So yes, Lu Ten and Zuko are in terrible danger. In addition, things are only going to get worse! Now, on to the story.

Close Every Door to Me

Close every door to me, hide all the world from me
Bar all the windows and shut out the light
Do what you want with me, hate me and laugh at me
Darken my daytime, and torture my night

---Andrew Lloyd Weber

Lu Ten blinked and tried to make sense of where he was. He had been rescued, he did not know these men and he had a feeling they were not friends. He had to proceed with caution. As he tried to cough up the seawater, he wondered where he was. The sun was already descending into the horizon, how long had he been unconscious before they had found him?

Where was Zuko? Could he have drowned in the ocean? They had been tied together!

He looked around furtively the enormous ship, trying to figure out where he had ended up. Surrounding him were a bunch of armed men, dressed in green. As he blinked seawater out of his eyes, he caught their weapons. These men did not look like royal soldiers; surely, they would have addressed him properly. He was in the hands of the Earth kingdom, the cruelest and bitter enemy of his people. This had to be a nightmare, this could not be happening to him.

"Who are you?" Lu Ten whispered, finally seeing his unconscious cousin still on the floor. Thank Agni, he was still breathing. He longed to run to him, but the hands holding him were as strong as iron in his arms. "Sir," he added, hoping his voice was not shaking with terror.

He could not see behind him, but he could feel heavy hand on his arms, holding him up and still. He was so exhausted that he could barely stand. Had they let go, he would have collapsed to the ground. He calmed himself and forced himself to remember what his father had taught him about being in enemy territory. Be polite and act dumb.

"I'm not sure you should be asking questions," a harsh voice said from beyond Lu Ten's vision, away from the stone faced men. "You might not like the answers."

Lu Ten forced himself to keep calm and remember to behave like an ordinary boy. "We owe you our lives, good sir. Thank you very much," he said, bowing as much as he could, with his arms twisted behind his back. He could not go back out now. "How can we repay your kindness?" He was soaking wet and shivering, hopefully too pathetic to attract much notice. The long lines of angry men did not look friendly. His stomach knotted with terror as he breathed deeply. He was the son of the Dragon of the West, he could do this. Zuko was alive, that was all that mattered.

"The question remains will you continue to be grateful. I am Captain Fong, and this is the Fifth Division of the Earth Kingdom Defense force," a tall man said stepping forward from behind Lu Ten's sight line. "And you are the catch of the day."

Earth Kingdom Infantry division? A knot of terror formed in his stomach, but Lu Ten forced a laugh. He had to keep playing dumb and hope his deception worked. "How fortunate you found us! Otherwise, we would have drowned. I am afraid we would not make much of a meal, good sir. But if you let us off at the next port, we will be no more trouble for you," he said, as a wave of exhaustion swept over him, nearly collapsing him to his knees unto the dirty wooden floor.

"Trouble? You're nothing but trouble, and there is no way we will be taking you anywhere but to the brig," Fong said with a sadistic smile, as he towered over Lu Ten menacingly. "I have some plans for you, plans that will finally help my people win this war."

Lu Ten paled at the look of madness in his captor's eyes. What was going on? "For falling off a ship? We're not thieves, sir, we mean you no harm and only wish to return to our home," he said. "We can't pay you much for your kindness, but surely you can't imprison us for the crime of needing rescue?" He shivered again, and wished he could warm himself properly. Of course, that would mean his death!

"Such an excellent actor, you almost had us fooled. Of course, all common boys can make a courtly bow and can use words so elegantly," Fong said in a mocking tone, standing in front of him now and forcing his chin up. "Had you been a little wiser and checked your appearance, you might have escaped our grasps and made us believe you were simple peasants. Yet your clothing tells a different tale. You haven't even met a farm boy in your life."

"I am a merchant's son," Lu Ten explained, hanging his head to hide his terrified expression. "My father had me educated in proper manners so I could visit royal courts with him." It was as good of a lie as he could think of.

"You know, your lies are getting tiresome. You are not Earth kingdom. Fine red silks, and armbands of gold? I imagine I can guess your identity, your highness. The Gods smile on us." Fong rubbed his hands together happily, as he motioned for a guard to pick up Zuko. "And a bonus."

Lu Ten managed not to cower. "You're mistaken. We are just merchants of a noble household. You think the princes of the Fire Nation would be out here, without protection. We're just valets," he continued, looking around him furtively like a trapped rabbit-bird. "The real princes are safe in the palace. It's a ludicrous notion to think my brother and I are of royal blood." He noticed the soldiers did not seem to believe him.

"I somehow doubt that valets wear this type of clothing," one of the other soldiers said, yanking at Lu Ten's hair.

Lu Ten watched as the soldier opened his palm. A royal pendant had appeared in his hand. He had worn it so much; he had even forgotten that it was in his hair. A chill ran down his spine as he realized that his lies had come apart. "All boys in my village have those things. They are practically worthless. You can have it if you wish," he managed to stammer. "It's cheap."

"And this must be your little brother, your highness. So good to have you both as my guests," Fong said, ignoring Lu Ten's response. He towered over Lu Ten, so cruel and angry. If only he was strong enough to bend, he would have set him on fire! "I have to admit, you are rather foolish. Sailing into open waters, whatever did you think you would find among the ships of the other nations? Friendship?"

"You're making a mistake. We are just wearing ordinary clothing," Lu Ten whispered. "Why would princes be alone on a ship?" He was too exhausted to bend, and the ship was filled with wood. He would never be able to get Zuko off in time.

"You tell me." They knew who he was and they did not seem to believe his lies. Lu Ten had never actually known fear before. This was not a terror of his grandfather or a fear of heights. This was a sick feeling of complete numbness, a feeling that he was helpless and there was only going to be pain in his future. "I can't fathom the way your demented people think. Your people have ravaged our population, burned down our homes and terrorized our people. But now, the Gods have given you into our hands," Colonel Fong said. "Now justice can be done." The hands holding him up pressed hard manacles onto his hands, and Lu Ten found himself completely helpless, as the weight on his wrists grew heavy. He could not even move his arms anymore.

"I'm not the prince," Lu Ten kept repeating, but no one seemed to be listening to him. He gasped for air as terror made his chest contract. He could not breathe, he was going to faint. "You're making a terrible mistake."

"So, men, the Gods have blessed us today. You have been their victims, what do you say should be done to these spawns of evil spirits?" Fong asked, motioning for Lu Ten to be dragged forward. He could feel the hatred radiating off the green clad savages, who only craved his blood. His stomach twisted in terror as he faced them, wishing he could just go back to hiding at the palace, where he was safe.

"We could trade him for submitting to peace deals," one scarred woman snarled. "If they want their precious princes back, they'll withdraw from the Earth Kingdom immediately." They would be responsible for military losses. How could he ever face such shame? He still would welcome it if it just meant he could go home and be safe, away from this terrible outlander scum!

"Owing us his life isn't enough, we should make them beg for the brats back," another soldier said, with a sneer. "Let them grovel for their precious prince." His poor family, how they would suffer!

"I doubt they'll be willing to trade their victory for mere children. But the sight of the pride of that murderous royal family in chains will raise the spirits of the people," Captain Fong said happily. "The little one can be thrown into prison; he's too young to make much of a statement. But the prince must die for his family's crimes." Lu Ten's royal mask fell as he winced in terror. This could not be happening!

To his shock, one of the soldiers stepped forward, younger than the others. "They're children," he spoke up hesitantly. "If they were older and in the field, I'd strike them down without a second thought, but they're knee high to a pear blossom. Especially the little one, he is just a baby. He had no choice who he was born to. It wouldn't be honorable to touch them," he spoke up worriedly. "Can't we just hold the princes for a great treasure of money? It would feed hundreds of refugees and be the honorable thing."

Fong pointed a long figure at him. "I wonder if you are asking to join them, Doctor Teradion?" he demanded. "That can easily be arranged for Fire Nation collaborators."

"Would you truly kill me, sir?" Doctor Teradion looked away, obviously a decent person for an Earth Kingdom savage. "I have no sympathy for the royal family, but these are children. I won't become a monster like they are, I won't make myself into a child murderer," he said in a cold tone. "We are fighting for our homes. We are not fighting a war of genocide." Lu Ten was too frightened even to correct him. "Killing them would make us no better than them."

"You fool. Those children are our enemy. They are the sworn nightmare of our people. If we allow them to grow up, they will only help destroy our people." The lord and future Heir of the Fire Nation tried not to cry as he realized he was about to join his mother in the spirit world. He was too young to die. "Have you forgotten the Massacres of the Han Twi? Of the burning of the Shai-Nu province? It was this boy's family who did it? How could you have traitorous feelings of mercy to him?" he demanded. He softened slightly as he touched the soldier's arm. "You're a doctor, Teradion. You have no stomach for reality. Therefore, I shall forgive your treason this time. Do not repeat it again."

"Yes Colonel," Doctor Teradion said, bowing his head. "I understand completely." Lu Ten's last vestiges of hope faded away. This had to be a nightmare. He would wake up any moment in his warm bed, he would be safe, Zuko would not be unconscious, and he would not be facing his doom.

"Take them to the brig," Fong ordered. "Shackle them. I will deal with them later; I need to send a message to the Fire Nation." Zuko was picked up like a sack of potatoes and dragged over a shoulder into the belly of the ship, with Lu Ten being marched behind. "Finally, the tides have turned."

Lu Ten blinked in the darkness as he was brought down deep into the belly of the ship. He was still too exhausted to struggle, and he had no idea how he would be able to rescue his cousin. His only hope was that Uncle and Grandfather would find them. "You're making a mistake," he kept repeating.

"Silence," the guard snapped, giving Lu Ten a hard cuff to the ear. "Or I'll see what kind of mistakes can be made."

"Stupid brat," the other snapped. "Thinks he's still in charge. We'll teach him a lesson or two."

Teradion was carrying Zuko and was at least making an effort to be gentle. "Be careful with them, gentlemen, we still have the chance of trading them for more gold than we've ever seen in our lives," he said, his kind brown eyes looking worried.

"Shut up," the first one said. "Just because you're a soft hearted doctor who is only here because Daddy thinks you're special doesn't give you the right to give us orders and lord over us."

"Put them in here," the first one directed, as Lu Ten was dragged into the smelly cell. He forced to lie face down in the filthy straw as his feet were shackled together by some strange rock. A long rock chain tethered his ankles to the wall, and Lu Ten was effectively a chained animal. "Royal quarters for our new guests," the guard smirked as Lu Ten was allowed to finally sit upright. "Like it?"
Lu Ten glared at them. "I maintain I'm not a prince, but if you wish to believe it, you do know what the Dragon of the West will do when he finds out who manhandled the royal family? He will likely track you down personally and feed you your own entrails," he said softly.

He winced as one of the soldiers took hold of his long hair and yanked. "I would give you what you deserve, but I know what's going to happen to you. And believe me, kid, I would not trade places with you for all the gold in the world," he hissed, giving another yank. "So mind your manners or I might accidently slip and toss the little brat overboard."

A tiny, narrow hellhole with barely enough room to walk three paces. It was freezing in here, and Zuko was chained to the wall, still unconscious. Without sunlight or fire, he would freeze to death. "Please, don't have you anything you can cover him with?" Lu Ten forced himself to beg. "He's cold and shivering!"

"He won't be for long," the first soldier spat. "Compared to where he's going, this is a paradise." The bars slammed, leaving the two princes helpless. "Make a false move and we'll cut off your feet."

Lu Ten curled up into a ball of misery. The tiny barred window provided a glimpse of the sky. Somewhere, his father was camped, most likely unaware that his own son was about to be executed like a common criminal. Lu Ten clutched his sleeping cousin close and tried to close his eyes. He was doomed, and he knew it.

How foolish he had been! He had been told to stay in the cove where he would be safe. Aunt Ursa had warned him to behave himself. Like a fool, he had decided he knew better and rushed out into open waters. Worse, he had dragged his innocent cousin along to his early demise. He was the worst heir to the throne in the history of Agni's Kingdom. He did not deserve to be Fire Lord. Now, he would never become one.

His shoulders rocked with pain as he imagined his future fate.

Lu Ten had only seen a few executions. Aunt Ursa and Father had not approved of him attending, but Grandfather and Uncle had said it would make a man of him. "You're going to be doing it soon enough, you might as well know what must be done," Grandfather had ordered.

Lu Ten had prided himself on showing no fear. He never flinched when he saw the blood spurt and the body twitch in the throes of death.

Of course, he now knew that standing on a balcony required little fear. It was standing on the scaffold and facing the axe that required true courage, and Lu Ten knew he didn't have it.

He had spent days in prison. It had been hours since he had been warmed by the sun, his body had been completely broken. His beloved family had nobly sued for peace to return him, but the evil Earth Kingdom refused to see him safe. They would only be satisfied with his death and had judged him guilty of the crime of existing.

He was starving, and weak, tied up for hours in the public square, awaiting execution. His proud royal apparel were mere red rags now, like any common criminal. The sun was red and hot, beating down on his chest. He tried to think of his mother, to stop crying and accept his fate like a son of Sozin. He could feel the chains weigh down on him, the heavy metal tearing at his muscles. He could feel the hate in the eyes of the savages, who would condemn him to death for just being born. They glared at him like demons from a nightmare. It would not be long now.

He was going to leave Zuko behind to suffer alone, without comfort. He could see his frightened cousin in a cage, his golden eyes wide with terror. He looked half starved, completely broken. "Look away," Lu Ten wanted to tell him. Zuko should not have to see this; he was just an innocent child. These people were monsters; they have no mercy on little children.

"The Fire Nation thinks it brings culture to us, but we reject their evil ways. Now we will show them once and for all that they are not wanted in our lands," the crier said. "We will send them the broken body of their prince."

Lu Ten was dragged forward, barely able to move. He could feel the ropes binding him in place…No; this could not be happening to him…this had to be a dream! They were forcing him down on the block, forcing him down to take his final breaths, he was the Prince of the Nation, and it could not end this way!

Then there was a terrible silence…and…no, he wanted to live so badly, it could not end now! He could feel the shadow of the sword rising over his head and…

"Lu Ten, why are you crying?" Zuko asked sleepily, interrupting his terrified musings. "Are you hurt?" His bright gold eyes shined in the darkness, making Lu Ten panic more. How could he protect this little kid when he could not even protect himself? "Where are we? What happened?"

How was he supposed to break this news to his fragile little cousin? That he would die young and his poor helpless cousin exiled into the Earth Kingdom, with no hope of returning. "Everything is fine," he choked, forcing himself to smile. "I'm just tired. Some traders found us and thought we were thieves. So we got locked up for the night." He was a very good liar, when he needed to. "So we're in a prison ship." His stomach grumbled angrily.

"Oh no," Zuko whimpered. "Mama is going to be so furious with us." That was the least of their problems. They would most likely never see Aunt Ursa again, unless they were found quickly. "Why didn't you tell them who we are? Then they would apologize and send us home?" he demanded.

Lu Ten wracked his weary brains for an answer. "They don't recognize us, but that's all right. It will be fine. Remember I told you, I would never leave you. I will think of a plan to get us home, I swear it. Now go back to sleep, all right?" He was desperate to say something comforting. Why should both of them suffer?

"But when can we go home?" Zuko whispered, looking around the dark smelly cell, barely big enough for a bearded cat to inhabit. "I don't like this place. The chains hurt!" He held up his tiny wrists, which were already chapped and red from the rocks. "And why aren't the servants helping us?" Poor kid was not adjusting to the simple life of a prisoner of war. How would he adjust to…no, could not speak of it. "We're princes; we shouldn't have to stay here. It is dirty and smelly. Order them to let us go."

"I know, kiddo, but we just have to wait. Dad and Uncle are going to find us, I promise," Lu Ten lied smoothly. There was no way for the royal navy to search every ship in open water. They were doomed. Even if the navy found them, Fong would cut their throats before they had a chance to be rescued. There was no way this would end well, unless they were traded for concessions to terrorists.

"And bring us home," Zuko finished, laying his head on Lu Ten's chest and bursting into tears. "We are going to be in so much trouble when we get back. We should have stayed in the cove."

Lu Ten would have laughed if the situation had not been so terrible. He was too young for this, Grandfather, Father or Uncle should have taught him how to deal with impending death. "Everything is going to be all right. Now, come on, you need your sleep." He could not bear to tell Zuko of what lay in their future.

A chilling thought occurred to him. What if Grandfather refused to redeem them? Victory was very important and Dad was young enough to take another wife. Were they even worth saving?

No, his own grandfather would not let him wallow in misery forever! A terrible feeling of terror sunk into him, as he wondered what his future would contain. He comforted himself that Uncle would never allow them to remain outside the Fire nation, alone and defenseless.

"I'm hungry," Zuko whined. "When are they going to give us food?" His big eyes filled with tears. "When are we getting some food?"

Lu Ten sighed and stroked his cousin's head. It was a question his own stomach was wondering. "I know, but we're going to have to wait. I'm sure they'll feed us soon," he lied, trying to be comforting. He had always been able to command with a wave of his finger, and now he was helpless to even grant his cousin a bite of food. "We're Fire Nation, we can be strong and wait a little longer."

"I don't want to be strong, I'm scared," Zuko complained, burying his head in Lu Ten's shirt. He shuddered with tears. "I just want to go home."

"It's going to be all right. I promise, I won't let anything happen to you," Lu Ten said, continuing to lie. He would not allow his cousin to suffer the knowledge of his impending demise. "Now, just close your eyes and pretend you are home. We'll get there soon." Yes, they would soon be beyond pain and suffering.

"Do you think Mom is worried about us?" Zuko asked, adding another question Lu Ten couldn't answer. How would poor Aunt Ursa react to what would happen to them? It would destroy the royal family!

"She knows I'll bring you back. And I will, I swear it on my mother's soul," Lu Ten whispered, hoping he wouldn't be punished by the Gods for his lies. Of course, little more could happen to make the situation worse. "Now get to sleep. We need to be well rested for my plans." The plans to accept death bravely.

"I trust you. I know you will get me home," Zuko said, cuddling up to his cousin and quickly falling asleep. Poor trusting fool, how fortunate he was to be so innocent. Lu Ten waited a long time and watched his cousin's breathing even out into a perfect slumber. Zuko was so innocent and sweet, he deserved to be protected from all the world's cruelties. How could they hurt someone so adorable and helpless? And how could he stop them.

He bit his lip until he was sure Zuko was sleeping hard enough to be deaf to the world. He forced himself to close his eyes and not stare at the barred window, or the barred grate, or the filthy walls, which closed them in. He had to be strong for Zuko.

Only when Zuko began snoring then did Lu Ten allow himself a small sob of terror. He had no idea how he would live up to his cousin's wishes. He was the crown prince, the future heir to the throne. He was supposed to have all the answers.

He was supposed to be a hero. He was supposed to be a leader. Leaders weren't allowed to fail. He was supposed to be a future God, Agni Incarnate. Agni Incarnate did not belong in a prison cell, awaiting a terrible fate.

He was going to die. He would be taken out in front of a screaming mob and bound with heavy chain and shoved into a pit and…he began to sob. Lu Ten had dreamed of having a long life, a life full of adventure. He had hoped to finally ask Ty Wen to a ball and maybe even feel her bosom. He had woken up today the most powerful child in the world, how could it end now? Would he be brave enough to endure the torture without flinching?

He sobbed into his hands, muffling the sounds as best he could. How would Zuko go on without him? They would torture his poor cousin in captivity and Lu Ten would be helpless to help him. The great crux of his shame, he allowed his baby cousin to live in exile, all alone. He would be reincarnated into a mouse for this, if not the dust beneath his honorable aunt's feet.

His poor uncle and aunt, how would they go on without Zuko? He imagined the agony on Aunt Ursa's face as she waited at the window for them, clutching baby Azula close. Uncle Ozai, he would be shattered without them. Zuko was his first-born son, and the light of his life.

In addition, not to mention his poor father! His beloved Father, Lu Ten was all he had left. Father would be devastated if anything happened, he would not be able to go on without him! He would likely kill himself from grief.

Lu Ten had ruined everything, hadn't he? He had made mistakes before, but he had always been able to fix them. Dad or Uncle had always taken him in hand and showed him how to make things better. Now he was all alone.

He forced himself to stop crying and curled up with Zuko, trying to warm him with body heat. He would give his cousin as much comfort and kindness as he could. The floor was ice cold, hurting his body. This was a cooling chamber, built to contain Firebenders.

Steps thundered through the ship, forcing him to remain still. Two guards passed by, believing the two were sleeping. "They don't look like princes. They look like kids," one said, laughing slightly. "But we'll get richly rewarded for bringing them back."

"We'll be heroes when we came home," the other whispered. "We will be the great ones who ended the war. We'll make the royal family grovel at our feet," he said as their footsteps faded away. "And then, we will finally have peace."

He had brought shame to his nation. He deserved to be punished for what he had done. But Zuko was innocent! "Agni, please hear me," he silently prayed. "Please don't let this be the end. If I need to die young, take me. But don't let my cousin die, he's only a child. Please, don't let him suffer. It's all my fault. I'm the one who should be punished. Please, take me, but not him. He's innocent, it's me who disobeyed."

In spite of his brave prayers, he was afraid to die. He was afraid of the pain and the unknown. "Mama…" he whispered, rocking back and forth in terror. "Mama." He cradled a sleeping Zuko in his arms, trying to draw some comfort from the warmth of his family, while he still had it. "Don't let me die yet."

--

AN-And that is where I leave the cliffhanger. The next chapter will be December 26th for a holiday present but any theories to how the boys will get out of this one will be welcomed! I already have the next chapter pretty much written and you are definitely in for a treat!