Sorry for the long delay, but some personal stuff came up which have made it harder for me to be able to write. Law school has worked a number on me and I need a B to get into a special program, something I must do! And also, my writing career has taken off, so I will have to be more careful with my free time. I feel horrible, but some amazing stuff is awaiting you and I will not be abandoning this story, it means so much to me and I know you guys will love what happens next. In two chapters, a canon character will make an appearance and change everything.
So there will be monthly updates till May 14th, and then bi monthly updates throughout the summer where my new job will allow me globs of free time. I have a lot of this pre-written and I am hoping to use my weekends effectively. As always, best wishes to Avocado love, and all my reviewers. I hope you keep reading!
Tell my father that his son didn't run, or surrender
That I bore his name with pride as I tried to remember
You are judged by what you do while passing through
-John Barrowman
Tell My Father
"Lulu," Zuko's soft voice wailed. "Please get up, I'm scared." Lu Ten opened his eyes to see his cousin sitting over him, looking terrified. "You have to get up." They were still in the prison cell, still doomed. But these were his last moments on earth, there would be plenty of time to sleep soon enough. He didn't know why he wasn't more afraid. He just couldn't believe they would execute him. "Don't be dead!"
"I'm up," Lu Ten whispered, barely able to move. The bruises hurt every inch of his body, breathing felt excruciating. "Thanks for getting me up. I just needed a break to close my eyes. I'm fine." He was getting very good at lying to his cousin. "I need to talk to you, Zuzu."
Zuko curled up against him. "You're hurt," he whispered, stroking his check. "Those monsters hurt you! Why didn't you fight back?" he begged. "You're a prodigy, you're the best fighter in the palace." He was so confused, he had never left the palace before. "Why are you letting them hurt us?"
"They are too many," Lu Ten whispered, hugging him close. He took Zuko's hand and squeezed it tightly. "Zuko, I want you to promise me something. It's very important," he said, trying to breathe in the last memories he would have on earth. If it couldn't be with his father, Zuko was the person he would want to spend his last moments.
"I'm listening," Zuko whispered, stroking Lu Ten's hands in his feebly adorable way of trying to make him more comfortable. "I can't even warm your hands. I can't even bend anymore, it's too cold. My hands hurt!" They had bruised Lu Ten's ribs, making it nearly impossible to bend without horrific pain and possible rib cracks. "I'm sorry."
"It's all right, Zuzu. It's not your fault, just hold my hands." How could he break this to him? Lu Ten decided to start slowly, trying to ignore the pain in his body. "Tomorrow, something terrible is going to happen and they are going to try to make you watch. When they tell you to look, I need you to close your eyes. No matter what they say, close your eyes." He didn't want his cousin to see what would happen. It would destroy him.
Zuko nodded, completely confused. "What's going to happen?" he whispered fearfully. His precious cousin, the sibling he always wanted, how could Lu Ten be forced to abandon him? May the Gods curse this bastards from here to eternity!
If only there was a way to escape, a way that would allow them to return to their people. Still, there was no point in sparing him, they only had a few hours of time and Lu Ten couldn't; hide the truth much longer. "They're going to kill me," he whispered, taking the direct route. "But they're keeping you alive. You'll get rescued," he continued, trying to soften a blow that he knew would shatter Zuko. "I'm not afraid and you shouldn't be either."
Zuko was nestled in his arms so Lu Ten was spared the agony on his face. "No! You can't die," he ordered, sobbing hysterically. "You're the prince, you're supposed to be able to do anything. Why can't you stop them?" he wept.
Lu Ten bit back his own tears, trying to be strong. "Because they are evil, and they captured us. This is all my fault. I left the cove, and I didn't; return you. This is my punishment," he explained. He thought he would be terrified, but he found himself only empty and cold. The news had mercifully not sunk in, living him in a blessedly numb state of surprise. He was going to die. The cold in the cell no longer bothered him, he was too shocked to even feel it.
"This isn't your fault. We just need to get home," Zuko wept. "Please don't give up! Uncle and Dad and Grandfather will find us, you know." He was so innocent, and Lu Ten was not going to be there to protect him. How would he survive in the world alone? "Dad and Uncle will find us, we just have to wait for them!"
They would never be found in time. He had to make Zuko see reality. "I'm sorry I failed you. But I need you to promise me something. I need you to promise that you will go on and you will find your way back to our people. No matter what is done to you, I want you to never forget who you are. You are my cousin, you are a prince of the Fire Nation and you are amazing. You are strong and smart and you will be a great Fire Lord," Lu Ten whispered, trying to hold back his tears as he rubbed Zuko's shoulders. The floor was so dirty and cold, Zuko was already looking gray. How much longer could he survive here?
"I don't want to be Fire Lord, I want to stay with you," Zuko wept, completely losing his composure. "You're my cousin, you can't leave me."
Lu Ten forced himself to smile as he hugged him tightly, as best he could shackled. "I'll never leave you, Zuzu. Whenever you are scared, just close your eyes and I'll find some way to comfort you. I swear it," he said, hugging Zuko close. "But I need your promise. Don't look." He couldn't die knowing he was hurting his cousin even more.
Zuko just sobbed into Lu Ten's chest. "I promise, I won't," he wept, completely broken. "But don't leave me. I need you!"
"Hush, we still have much to talk about. When you get rescued, please tell my father I'm sorry," Lu Ten whispered, stroking Zuko's hair. "Please tell him how much I loved him, how much I loved Aunt Ursa and Uncle. Please, don't let them cry much over me. I'll be with Mama, I'll be fine." He was able to stop being scared, as long as he could keep comforting Zuko.
Zuko cried, still so confused. "We have to escape," he whispered. "You can do anything, you can make a plan for us to escape." He was so good, so trusting. Even when Lu Ten was at the bottom, Zuko always believed in him. It was terrible letting him down.
Lu Ten cuddled him close and tried to breathe in what little comfort he could from his beloved cousin. "We're chained up, on a ship," he said softly. "Zuko, it's over."
Zuko sobbed pitifully. "No," he whimpered. "It can't over." He clutched Lu Ten, shaking like a leaf. "I'm scared." He coughed on his tears, unable to control his distress. "Don't leave me."
"Don't be scared. I know you are going to get rescued. You need to be strong," Lu Ten urged him. "You will live and you will be Fire Lord. You will lead our country well, you will do good and you will be remembered well. Treat the people kindly, and never betray their trust. Lead them with honor, with goodness, and remember to sacrifice yourself before you would sacrifice them." He gulped back hot tears, refusing to show weakness. Zuko had to learn his duty, it was now or never. "Be good to your little sister and make sure she marries someone kind to her, who will treat her well. Make sure the people always have enough food to eat," he said, trying to think of the things he had decided to do when he had been Fire Lord. "And remember, you are the best. You can do anything."
Zuko just sobbed some more. "I don't want to be alone," he whimpered. "I want to go with you." Poor boy wasn't talking sense. He had to die, but Zuko still had a destiny in front of him. He was young, he had a chance of surviving this.
"No. Promise me, no matter how dark things seem to be, you will never give up. I'm still your prince and I'm giving you this order. You are not allowed to lose hope, I am ordering you to become Fire Lord someday," Lu Ten instructed, rubbing his back. "Do you hear me? I'm ordering you and I expect you to obey." His final order…he was going to die. His teeth chattered in terror. He was too young to die.
Zuko nodded and pressed his head into his chest. 'I'm scared," he whispered. "I'm so scared." He was shaking, cold and hungry and barely able to keep his head up. He needed food and a fire, but there was no way to give it to him now. "Don't leave me alone with them!"
Lu Ten nodded, just as terrified. Somehow, having Zuko made it easier, it didn't let him dwell on his own impending demise. "It's all right to be scared, but you must not let anyone else now. You must be proud, you are a Prince. You are the son of Gods, you should know that." He sighed and stroked his head. "I love you so much, Zuzu."
Zuko nodded. "I love you too," he whispered. "You have to get rescued. How can I go back without you?" He coughed wearily on his tears, too exhausted to move. "Mama will never forgive me!"
Lu Ten nodded, trying not to envy him the chance for freedom. "Remember what Fire Lord Azariah wrote. Even if a sharp sword is poised upon one's neck, he should not despair from mercy from Agni," he said softly.
"Will Agni save us?" Zuko whimpered. "We're his children, he has to come and break open the ship and bring us home where we will be safe!"
If only that would happen but Lu Ten couldn't rely on miracles. He had to prepare Zuko for the truth. "Remember the festival of lights? When the Battle against the Airbenders was going on and we were forced to fight for eight nights, but each night, the Fire of Sozin burned on. Imagine if they would have given up? We would have never conquered them and our nation would remain being under their deadly rule." They had exterminated them to make sure that no one would ever be hurt again. Lu Ten had dreamed of defending his country and now he would never get the chance. "So when you're scared, imagine you're watching Grandpa light the Sacred flame. And we're all singing together, Auntie and Uncle and you and me and Azula, we're all together. Everyone is happy." It all seemed so far away, when they had all been happy.
There was a low tap on the grate. A guard was standing at the grate. It was Teradion, looking darker and angrier than usual. "Stay towards the back, I want to speak to him alone," Lu Ten instructed. Zuko wearily obeyed and huddled in the corner, still choking on his sobs.
"I tried to help you," Teradion whispered. "I'm sorry I couldn't do more for you." He looked pale and haggard, almost like his father. "But I can make it easier. Take this medicine," he whispered, passing a small satchel through the bars. "You'll feel nothing, no pain at all. It numbs your body and makes you strong," he explained. "I'd give you poison but Father would wreck vengeance on the little one."
Lu Ten bowed his head. "Thank you," he whispered, taking it. "I can never repay your kindness," he began darkly. A day ago, he could have given this kind man the world. "Can I beg one more favor? My cousin needs food, and something warm. If it's not too much trouble," he asked. He didn't want him to suffer for them, he had done so much already. "He'll die if he doesn't get something to eat."
"Of course. I understand," Teradion said, with a sad smile and removing a package from his pocket. "It's all I have, but I hope it will be enough." He leaned closer. "Give the little one the milk. It's drugged, he won't have to see tomorrow. They won't be able to wake him up unless they pinch his nose shut."
"You are a guardian spirit." Lu Ten offered his hand through the bars. "If you ever meet my father in battle, tell him that Lien would care for you. You will be spared," he said, shaking his benefactor's hand. "I owe you everything. "
"It's nothing. My father is wrong and I will not allow you to suffer for his hatred of your family," Teradion explained in a low whisper. "If I could save you, I would. You're just a kid. I don't want you hurt. We're not even a Navy fleet, we're not mobilized for war. We're just taking back information from Ba Sing Se back to our home base when we found you."
Lu Ten nodded. "So you swear you will you look after my cousin? Make sure he gets food," he pleaded. "I have nothing to offer you, but…" he trailed off. "Please. I beg you."
Teradion nodded. "I promise, I will make sure he has food and do what I can for him," he said softly, giving Lu Ten a sad look. "This isn't for you, but for my sister. She was good and gentle. The Fire nation burned down our village and killed her, and my mother."
Lu Ten bit his lip. "I'm sorry," he said, not knowing anything else to say. Bad things happened in war and he couldn't say he regretted what happened. But he knew he should. "So why are you so willing to risk your life for us?"
"I don't need your apologies. I just need to make sure that I do what they would have done. They were good and kind and valued justice. I will not be a blight on their memory because your nation isn't worth me losing my spirit," Teradion said harshly, before softening. "That wasn't fair. You have enough to deal with without listening to my problems."
Lu Ten nodded. "You better go. If your father finds you here, you'll be in here with me," he said sadly. "And thank you."
Teradion nodded and disappeared down the hall. "Look, Zuzu, we have food," Lu Ten said softly, trying to be cheery. At least, he had something to comfort his poor cousin.
Zuko smiled through his tears. "I knew you could do it," he said, holding out his hands. Lu Ten gave him the flask of milk first, knowing that it was drugged. He'd hide the rest of the food around, so Zuko would have something to comfort him when he got up. "You can do anything, Lulu." What a delightful fool he was.
"I can," Lu Ten said bitterly. Including drug his cousin to make their parting easier. For Zuko, no sacrifice was too great, no injustice too costly. He had done right. If he told himself that long enough, he might actually believe it.
As his cousin sipped the milk, Lu Ten noticed bitterly that Zuko's eyes were glassy. Soon, he would be alone. He didn't know if he could hold himself together without his cousin. He bit into his own herb satchel and tried to relax. "What's happening?" Zuko asked sleepily. "I don't feel well."
"It's fine. Just relax," Lu Ten soothed, trying to keep his own voice from quivering. He would not have a tearful goodbye with his cousin. He would not force more suffering on this innocent child. He would do the honorable thing. Still, he couldn't help the tears falling down his cheeks. "Here, let me hold you." He wanted to say goodbye, but he didn't know how. "I'm holding you. I won't let anyone hurt you for as long as I live."
As Zuko's breathing deepened, Lu Ten hummed his favorite lullaby. "Leaves from the vine," Zuko sang along, his voice drowsy and comfortable. A feeling of calm passed over him, as Teradion's drugs began to work. He could feel his thoughts drifting elsewhere, to another time…to a time where everything had been so simple. "Little soldier boy, come marching home."
As he sang, his eyes drifted away, into the memories of the past.
He was home, with his mother. She was sitting by his bed, checking his forehead, which had broken out with red spots. "Just as your aunt thought, you have dragon pox, young man," she said, clucking her tongue. "My poor boy. I know every child goes through this, but why this time?" Lu Ten scratched an itchy sore before getting his hand swatted away. "And you keep your hands free of the lesions. I won't have a member of the family scarred up."
Dad walked in. "So how is the patient?" he asked, sweeping in and kissing Mom on the cheek. "Better, I hope?" He quickly sneaked a sweetmeat to Lu Ten, who gobbled it down greedily before Mama found out.
"Dragon pox, my sweet husband. No fever, but he has the spots. I suppose we'll have to cancel our trip to Ember Island," Mama said in what she was pretending was sadly. "I suppose we'll just have to have the palace to ourselves."
"I'm sure that there are plenty of enjoyable activities to keep us amused," Dad said with a wink. "We have the hot springs and so many other activities just to…remind ourselves of the old days." Mama giggled and turned red. "Excellent. So what do you say, my son? Can we make the palace a good place for our vacation?"
Lu Ten nodded, happy his dad was home. Anywhere would be amazing if he was there. "You can read to me, and we can paint together and you can play music for me."
"It sounds like our son is enjoying his sick bed," Mama said with a smirk. "I'm sure he will therefore cooperate with the doctor!" Her beautiful gold eyes sparkled with mischief.
Lu Ten scowled. "No leeches and no blood letting," he mumbled, but he couldn't keep his bad mood long. He sneaked in an extra scratch before getting a glare from his mother. "And you have to bring me spiced mead if they come."
"Agreed, you little scoundrel. He drives a harder bargain than you, Iroh," Mama said, poking Dad in the ribs. "I pity him when he starts noticing girls. He is going to break all of my ladies' hearts and I will blame you entirely."
"I pity the girls more," Dad said with a laugh. "So, turn over and I will rub your back. It won't take the itch away, but it will help." As Lu Ten obeyed, he heard Dad laugh. "And what are you doing here, nephew?" he asked.
Little Zuko had walked into the room and was standing in the corner, looking worried. "Is Lulu all right?" he lisped adorably. "Mama said he might have a dragon rock!" He was barely four, but he was already developing into a delightful young warrior.
"Zuzu, you are supposed to be napping," Mama said, gathering him up in her arms. "You should be here, dragon pox is very catchy." Her golden eyes sparkled with merriment as she kissed the top of Zuko's fluffy head. "You are going to drive poor Ursa to distraction."
"But I have to protect him from the dragon," Zuko protested, his big eyes still wide. "He needs me to save him!" What a brave little boy, he was just so wonderful to have around.
Lu Ten sighed. "Can he stay a few minutes? He's going to get the pox anyway, he might as well get it from me," he said, proud of his faulty logic. He loved his little cousin, Zuko was like a perfect pet that could talk and always worshipped him.
"All right, I suppose you're right, but just a few minutes for you to catch it," Mama said, dumping Zuko into the bed with Lu Ten and making him giggle. "Then you're going back to your Mama and back to bed!"
"I'm in bed," Zuko squealed, cuddling up to Lu Ten. "You look funny. I think I am going to call you Spotty," he said softly. "Because you have spots on your face." Lu Ten groaned and rolled his eyes.
"Your bed, silly," Mama said. "Though Prince Spot isn't a bad name. Fire Lord Spot. I like it, Iroh. Shall we call the court counsel and change your name, my son?" she asked.
Lu Ten groaned. "You are all evil. I'm a sick person, I need rest and constant nurturing. You musn't tease me. Right, Zuko?" he asked, as Zuko nodded and amused himself by tracing the dots on Lu Ten's shoulders.
"Don't you dare scratch," Mama warned Zuko. "Make nice and gentle, like a good boy." Zuko nodded, but happily, his sharp little finger nails did the work for him. Ohhh, that felt good!
"Can I sleep here tonight?" Zuko asked. "I can keep Lulu company and it will be so much fun."
"I'll send a page to Ursa," Dad said. "If Lu Ten's going to be itchy, he might as well have company. This does mean you won't be able to go to Ember Island with your family."
Zuko shrugged. "Dad isn't going and Mama's too busy with the baby. I want to stay with you!" he said happily. "We'll have fun."
"He's such a good boy," Mama said, kissing Zuko's fluffy hair. "I hope our next one is as adorable as you. Now, both of you need to rest up," she said. "Bedtime, now."
"He's the best. Can you sing to him, Dad," Lu Ten begged, needing something to take his mind off the itch.
"Not you?" Dad asked, looking amused. "Are you too old for my songs?" he continued patting Zuko's head. "I hope not."
"Of course, I'm almst an adult, but if Zuzu is here, I guess I can listen to you as well," Lu Ten said, getting his hand swatted as he tried to scatch a particularly sore point on his nose. "Mama!"
"All right, but just for Zuko, since you're such a big boy and don't need to be sung to anymore. Leaves from the vine, falling so slow, like fragile tiny shells, drifting in the foam," Dad sang, rubbing Lu Ten's itchy shoulders. "Little soldier boy, come marching home. Brave soldier boy, comes marching home."
Zuko cuddled up next to him, his parents surrounding him, it was the perfect night, even with lots of itchy spots begging to be scratched. "I love you, Lu Ten." Mama whispered. "You're the fire of my heart."
---
He didn't know how long he had dreamed of. All he knew that it was a wonderful, comfortable feeling. He was going to die in a few hours, he had been tortured but he had only a glorious feeling of relaxation, something he hadn't felt since he had been in a hot spring. Everything was all right, the room was bathed in a golden light.
It had been months since he had dreamed of his mother. He missed her so terribly. Soon, he would never be parted from her again. Zuko was snoring peacefully in his lap, his small face relaxed and happy. Lu Ten stroked his face and smiled. "Goodbye my darling cousin. I love you so much. You are so special, my dear friend, my dear little brother. You're going to be amazing someday, Zuko. I swear it, I will see you someday become Fire Lord if I have to find the Emperor of Heaven to do it," he whispered, as he pondered nothing and everything. "I will watch over you from the spirit world and you will never be alone. I will never let you be alone."
Zuko would make a good Fire Lord. He would be good and kind and brave, the kind of leader his nation deserved. He was leaving his home in good hands. Uncle and Zuko would take good care of Father. They would comfort him when Father fell into depression, Zuko would tell him goodbye for him.
He should feel sad. He would never see his homeland again or say goodbye to his family. He would die alone, in enemy territory with only a single family member to mourn his death. He should be hysterically weeping, but the drugs had only left him with a warm feeling of joy, like having too much rhino milk. He felt nothing but happiness, he was going to be reunited with his mother very soon. Everything would be all right, he knew it. He would be fine.
The dawn streamed through the high window, a beautiful pink dawn that made him feel much better. He was glad to see the sunlight, it always made him feel better. He only wished Zuko could see it. Of course, Zuko was sleeping and not worrying about the last few moments of life, so perhaps it was a fair trade off. He breathed in the little amounts of warmth and quickly bent a fire in his hand. It was a cold cell, it should be excruciating for him to breathe deeply and bend. Yet, he felt nothing, it was so easy to make the fire dance. How pretty it was.
He heard noises from outside his cell and knew what that meant. He was ready for them, he was tired of waiting. The drugs were working wonderfully, but they wouldn't last forever. The prince smiled sadly and patted Zuko's hand. "I love you," he whispered, giving his cousin's forehead a kiss. "More than the sun." Zuko would be saved, one way or another. If he had to storm every spirit in the spirit world, he would make sure of it.
Of course, when Zuko awoke, he would be alone. Lu Ten was almost glad he would be dead and would not have to see it. No, he was going to a place where he would never be in pain. He would be with his mother and grandmother and Zuko would be safe. He should not be afraid. Everything was going to be all right for him.
In a few days, the Fire Nation would be plunged into permanent mourning. They would tear their sleeves and dress in white and mourn the loss of their beloved prince. Father would be devastated but know he died proudly. Poor Uncle, he would try and hide the pain but he would be devastated as well. As for Aunt Ursa, he wasn't sure her poor heart could take it. As he trudged along, he wished he could tell them goodbye, that he loved them, that he had tried to keep Zuko safe.
"Come on, it's time," one guard said, in a cold tone. "On your feet." Lu Ten expected to tremble, but found himself completely calm. The potion had worked, he had no fear anymore. And Zuko was sound asleep, his breath barely more than a whisper. "I'll pick the other one up."
Lu Ten shakily watched the soldier unchain him, trying not to flinch. The fear had begun to fill him, he didn't want to die. A moment later, a sleeping Zuko was picked up with surprising gentleness. "I'm not afraid of you," he whispered, trying to sound defient.
"Come on," the soldier repeated, his helmut pulled low. Lu Ten followed along, shaking like a leaf. "Be quiet or else." From an Earth Kingdom soldier, that should have sounded harsh and been assisted with a harsh cuff. But the voice was gentle…familiar…
"Teradion?" Lu Ten whispered, recognizing the guard. He had to admit, this was not something he expected.
"Hush, young prince. Yes, it is me, but you must be silent. The drugs will keep you calm, but you must not make too much noise. I can't let you die…" Teradion whispered, and Lu Ten's spirits rose considerably as he nodded quickly. "Good. I've gathered supplies are on board and then you're taking the patrol ship and sailing home. Now, follow me."
There was hope. Lu Ten ducked his hand and followed his friend to the deck of the ship, where a small patrol ship indeed waited to be lowered, tied to the ship. No one was around to be seen, the ship seemed abandoned. His heart beat in his ears, when would the Earth benders find them and kill them? He looked around and noticed a noose had been hung from the mast.
Despite the fact that Lu Ten had been drugged, he could still feel himself shudder. They had planned to hang him…today would have been his final day on Earth. It finally sunk in how close he had truly come to…he tried to hold in his stomach contents…he had to be strong for Zuko.
"Don't worry, I drugged the crew," Teradion said bitterly as he placed Zuko on the deck. "It didn't take much to make them sleep. Father whipped them up into a bloodthirsty fervor and a few drops into the mead took care of the rest."
Lu Ten bit his lip. "Why are you doing this?" he asked. "Why would you risk your life for me? The medicine, I understand, but why are you freeing your enemy? I am grateful....but please tell me why?" he whispered.
Teradion looked up for a long moment. "Because watching you tend your cousin made me realize that there was goodness in you, and if you are restored to the throne, you will be a kind ruler."
Lu Ten bowed. "Thank you," he whispered as he helped him prepare the boat. "You are truly a tribute to your nation."
Teradion shook his head. "You don't get it, do you? I just betrayed my nation, destroyed my entire life. Giving you back your lives has taken my own. No amount of gold will replace the fact that the name of Teradion, son of Fong will be synonymous with traitor. I allowed two enemies of my nation to go free," he said softly.
"You saved our lives," Lu Ten said, as he picked up a sleeping Zuko's hand and held it close. 'You saved the future Fire Lord. You should be rejoicing, you are a hero, not a traitor."
"Somehow, I doubt my family will see things the same way," Teradion said softly, as he continued to loosen the ropes, keeping a sharp eye out for soldiers. "I drugged them well, but it's best we hurry."
Lu Ten nodded and bowed his head. The drugs had numbed his pain, but his feet were feeling sore. "I'm sorry," he whispered. "I know how much this must be hurting you." It had to be hard to do the right thing when all your life you had been taught to be a savage.
"No, you don't. And I hope you never will," Teradion murmured. "And please, save your strength. I still need to bind your chest and check on your feet," he said softly. "I put some more medical supplies."
"Thank, you," Lu ten said, giddy that he would not die, that he would go home with a story to tell (and sadly, facing the thrashing of a lifetime) that would paint him as a hero.
"Well, I'm sure you'll be heading back to the Fire Nation. As for me…I am an orphan now, I have no family, no friends, no one in the world. I could be hunted down forever, banished from my home. If I ever am found out….I'll take your place on the gallows." He motioned for Lu Ten to take off his shirt. " But I am at peace, knowing you and your cousin are safe."
"But you won't be safe if you are found out," Lu Ten whispered, obeying and removing his outer garments. He gasped at the livid bruises on his ribs. He knew they had hurt him, but he hadn't realized the damage.
"Don't worry. I'll lower the boat down and then get drunk in my room," Teradion said, and Lu Ten realized he was shaking. "Please, sail away as fast as you can and don't look back."
"How can I repay you?" Lu Ten asked as Teradion began wrapping his ribs. "Please, anything, I owe you my life."
"Just go and have a long life and convince your family to stop massacaring my home," Teradion said softly as he worked on Lu Ten's body. "And pray to the Gods for me."
Lu Ten couldn't allow such a loyal and good person to live in misery. He deserved a happy life after all he had done. "That doesn't have to be your life, Teradion. You don't have to live with these monsters. Come back with me, be my personal doctor, we have a fine medical school. You can study and teach there. Take a wife, I'll give you any of my aunt's maidens to marry, they're all beautiful and wealthy." He didn't know what else to offer, but he couldn't allow this man to suffer. "I'm sure one of them will marry you." He was Earth Nation scum but perhaps she'd make an exception as he was such a favored person.
"And have them whisper behind my back that they are married to a traitor. I would each day betray my nation and be more alone among the people who killed my family," Teradion spat as he checked for any other injuries. 'That's no life. Even if it costs me my life, I must stay among my people."
"Teradion…you can come back as my friend," Lu Ten said as the bandages were wrapped. "I'm…going to live a lonely life too. Besides Zuko and my father, there is no one else I have as my confidants. My mother is dead, and…you are a good person who could teach me. I would enjoy having you at my side. I know you'll be lonely, but great people are lonely. If…if you come back with me, you can help me become a good lord. I am going to rule your people someday and with you by my side…perhaps I will be a good lord to them too. Besides, you have nowhere else to go ! Your father is a monster!" He couldn't allow this debt to go unpaid!
"Don't worry. The boat is ready and so are you," Teradion said, avoiding the topic as he bent down and wiped Zuko's brow. "Now, let's get your cousin up," he continied, before applying points of pressure on his forehead.
A second later, Zuko's golden eyes fluttered open. "Lulu," he whispered groggily. "I feel asleep. You aren't dead!" He smiled happily as he tried to touch Lu Ten's face. 'They didn't kill you!"
Lu Ten smiled and grabbed Zuko, hugging him as tightly as he could without care of injury. "I decided I couldn't leave you, and well…it's a long story. But I'm back and we're going home," he said softly.
Zuko cheered and kissed his cheek. "I knew you'd save me," he said with a squeal of joy. "I knew it. You will always come save me."
Lu Ten nodded, breathing in his cousin's smelly scent. They would have quite a story to tell when they returned home. "This is my friend Teradion," he said softly. "Hero of the Fire Nation, he saved our lives."
Zuko looked up at him bewilderedly. "Thank you," he whispered, before cuddling into Lu Ten's arms, still terrified of him.
Teradion nodded. "You're a lucky little boy," he said, motioning for them to go inside the book. "Make sure to put salve on your feet and your wrists and may the Spirits watch over you and keep you safe."
"I will not forget you," Lu Ten said as he helped Zuko into the boat and bowed again to Teradion. "Someday, I will repay you." He could not believe how kind the Earth kingdom savages could be. Perhaps with culture, they could be normal someday.
"Hunker down and then jet the engines," Teradion said as he bent a slab of stone in the ship to form a rank. "Hold on."
Lu Ten smiled as they sat down on the floor and felt the boat travel down the ramp. "I told you everything would be all right," he whispered.
Zuko nodded, and took Lu Ten's hand securely. "I knew you would come," he repeated, looking up at him with trusting golden eyes. "We're going home."
Lu Ten smiled and squeezed his hand. "I said I'd always be there for you," he said, kissing his forehead. "And I always will be." They were going home. There, Lu Ten would be a child again and could lay aside his guilt for letting this happen. Till now, he just closed his eyes and felt Zuko's hand in his.
He would figure it out later. The sun was rising high in the sky and they had to soak up the rays of Agni before they would make their way home and decide what to do next. "Spirits speed you!" Teradion called as they landed with a splash.
Lu Ten got to his feet and grabbed the steering wheel. "We're going home," he echoed happily.
AN-This is not the end of the story, I have 30K words written and I can promise you, Lu Ten and Zuko will not be seeing the Fire nation for at least four months! But where they end up will be the big mystery? And it's going to get a lot less dark in the next few chapters, no more torture and a lot more humor!