Sorry for the delay, but a lot is going on in my life. First of all, today is my birthday which rocks! I'm almost a quarter of a century. I have to admit, I'm feeling old. I hope to enjoy the next year and grow as a writer, more in my original work. I also received a writing promotion at work and have a summer internship and likely will work myself to the bone, trying to cover all my obligations, including a very special project which may make my career much better. I'd like to dedicate this chapter both to Avocado Love, my dear friend and my friend D, who passed away last week. Sometimes, you realize life is complicated but it's very beautiful none the less.
So poor Lu Ten and Zuko continue their journey home, and Ozai continues to be an evil evil person. I think this chapter made me cry, I never imagined anyone could be so cruel and then I wrote him. So this explains why the story has not ended. But don't worry, help is on the way.
Searching rumors with my hollow plans
when all I wanted is what's mine
I'm lost and lonely in this foreign land
I'm left too far behind the lines
Still a thousand miles lies between us
and we're waking up alone
what if I could cross a hundred borders
there's no going home
no going home
-Kate Rusby
Exile
Prince Ozai had never liked his nephew. Lu Ten was the perfect prince, handsome, brilliant, responsible and good hearted, the perfect future Fire Lord. When that squalling bundle had been presented to the world, Ozai had been forced to coo over it and not plunge the brat into the nearest lake and rid himself of this childish plague.
It had only gotten worse as the little mongrel had gotten older, further cementing him as the heir to the throne, stealing Ozai's rightful place. "Play with me, Uncle," the brat had demanded, his imperious little voice considered so charming by others grated on Ozai's ears. What a little bother, always getting underfoot.
It only worsened in the last few years, as Lu Ten surpassed his fellow students in firebending and schooling. "He had the entire prayer service for the royal family memorized and could recite history as well as any court historian," said one courtier last week, after being granted with the little brat. "He's more like an adult than a child of twelve."
"He can do mathematics in his head, long numbers," his tutors had gushed, astounded at his brilliance. "And he is so mature, so conscious of royal politics. His essays are brilliant."
"He is our best rider, he has animals at his command," reported the stable master. "He can tame the most angry Komodo rhino with ease. Such patience and sensibleness in one so young!"
He was four years ahead of his fellow students and would achieve mastery at the age of thirteen. He would have achieved it earlier, but thankfully, Iroh had insisted that Lu Ten proceed slowly and practice his skills thoroughly. Ozai couldn't have lived down the shame of having a nephew who would have achieved mastery at age eleven, as his father had.
Ozai tried to forget that he had been more than seventeen when he had his ceremony of masterhood! Father had made sure to remind him how it had taken him an extra six years. "I suppose the blood has run thin." The painful lashing he had received for the remark he had made in retorting had been a reminder of proceeding openly against the line of Iroh.
Little Lulu could do no wrong. He played tricks on everyone in the palace, and enjoyed making his betters suffer. From throwing tutors off the foot bridges, lighting clothing on fire and untying saddle ties, the little bleeder seemed to enjoy causing problems to anyone around him, and making the palace staff miserable. Ozai keenly remembered flour falling on his head and Lu Ten's peals of laughter. Had Ozai behaved in such a manner, he'd have breathed his last, but Lulu was held up as as the perfect heir to the throne.
To make matters worse, even harsh, cruel Father had adored the little pest. Of course, Father's adoration was terrifying and abusive, but he had been pleased with the pustule. Ozai had not understood why. His own children were far superior. Zuko and Azula were his perfect heirs.
At least, they would be if given the chance. It didn't seem right that they would be shunted to the side when they were older, ignored in favor of this little upstart whose only claim to the throne was having the luck to be born first.
He had happily prevented his sister in law, Lien from producing another heir to Iroh's thin-blooded line. Some hemlock in her tea when she had been given birth and the little princess from the house of Hsu had choked her last, killing her and the baby inside her. Ursa had been plunged into depression over the loss of her sister, but Ozai had gained one more place in his game with the throne.
It had been even worse. Iroh had not succumbed to depression but had vowed to take down the city as an everlasting monument to Lien's memory. This had only increased his esteem in Father's eyes, who had loudly crowed about his brave and wonderful son.
Ozai had watched jealously from the side. Iroh had always been the center of attention, the one who received the cheers and the adulation. Iroh had been a prodigy, a genius at his studies and in the combat field. Iroh had been popular with the ladies, while Ozai had been forced to watch from the side.
Ozai had been the failure. Queen Ilah had died having him and Father had never forgiven him for taking her life. "You were lucky to be born," Azulon had hissed at every mistake. Ozai had never known Mother to miss her, but he regretted her passage with every stroke of the cane for his mistakes.
His whole life had been mapped out for him. He had to be content to serve the selfish tea drinking kook. A most unfair and disgusting idea. If he only had the chance, he would have been the pride of any family. Yet, being born second had damned him to a life of shame and sadness.
Nevertheless, today, second born Ozai would eliminate a main threat to his ambitions. Poor innocent Lu Ten would go out boating and would never return. It was ironic, really. The eager little puppy would go out to sea, with his uncle's blessing and with dreams of glory. Ozai had made sure it would be eternal glory. The little prince would not know what hit him.
He poured himself a stiff wine as he waited for the news that poor little Lu Ten's ship had exploded, taking the Fire Lord's eldest grandson back to Agni's firm embrace. He would assume the white garments of mourning and comfort poor Ursa, who was too weak and feminine to hate her own children's rival. He would comfort his poor brother, who would be shattered by the loss. He would nobly assume all duties and responsibilities for the throne while everyone else mourned. So really, he was being quite responsible.
It would be tiresome to hear Zuko weep over the loss of his cousin. The boy was far too attached to his competition and was displaying some tendencies that worried Ozai. He would have to be harder on him and beat out the champion that must be inside. A good sound lashing would be helpful to Zuko's growth as a prince. Pain was an excellent incentive to improvement.
He had debated watching the sea to wait for the great explosion but had decided that would be too guilty looking. He had to maintain a semblance of normalcy and decided to work on his calligraphy. He was enjoying himself considerably, writing words like "Fire Lord," and "victory."
As he worked, he hummed a song happily. "The lilies of Sozin are rejoicing, as they see the golden crown of Ozai, He is their salvation, greatest of his line and Let the names of his servants forever shine," he sang, a new song he had composed today. A proper warrior had to know every skill, including composing songs of victory. And today would be a glorious day.
He imagined his little nephew lying on the boat, enjoying himself, sailing away far from shore and rescue. Little Lulu would be so carefree, so proud of himself as he ventured beyond the cove, so sure of himself. Ozai had never liked cockiness in others, a most loathsome trait and one he was glad to see bred out of family.
Soon, Lu Ten would blink, as he smelled something funny. Before he would figure out what happened, he would suddenly feel a surge of heat and then…hopefully nothing at all. Ozai supposed that poor little Lulu would be in excruciating pain, but he had loaded up the ship with enough blasting jelly to ensure that the prince had a swift and merciful demise. Only a few scraps of the little prince would be found to seal Ozai's place in history forever.
The news should be here already, someone must have seen the explosion. What was taking the discovery so long? He had to concentrate on his calligraphy, or lose his mind from anticipation.
To quell his nervousness, Ozai imagined his brother bent in grief, completely destroyed and desolate. No longer the proud and perfect prince, merely a tree with no branches and trees, bent in eternal winter. His precious little Lu Ten was his life and Iroh would likely end his life without him. Ozai had vowed to build both of them elegant marble memorials, as befitted fallen princes.
Then he would work his magic on his father, slowly. A few drops of poison in drinks, administered over a long time would speed Ozai's ascension to the throne. In less than a year, he would be all-powerful Fire Lord, crushing everything in his path. Every knee would bow before him.
Fire Lord Ozai, living incarnation of the God Agni, master all that the sun touched….his name would go down in history. Cities would be named for him, centuries would be known for him, the age of Ozai, greatest of all Fire Lord!
Ursa ran into the room, tears streaming down her lovely face. "Oh Ozai," she wept. "Terrible news." It all began now! Today was the first day to complete those golden plans.
"What is it, my love?" Ozai asked softly, folding his pretty wife into his arms. "What makes your beautiful eyes cry?" He would have to prepare a look of sadness and depression. Couldn't allow the court to think he rejoiced in the death of his beloved only nephew, that would raise too much suspicions.
"Lu Ten's boat, no, this can't be happening. It was blown up…" Ursa sobbed, hysterically. "It can't be true. They're only children, who could have done this to them?"
"They?" Ozai asked. The ship was only supposed to hold him, who had also been on the boat. Surely his soft hearted wife wasn't weeping over some worthless servant. That would be tiresome! "Slowly, I can barely understand you. What happened to my dear nephew? Is he all right?"
Ursa made a valiant effort to compose herself. "Lu Ten's boat…it blew up. We have to find him and now we can't find Zuko. I've had the servants look everywhere…We think…I told him to stay in his room, but I had to check on the party tonight and…I'll have that nurse's head for this," she babbled, clearly panic-stricken beyond reason.
Ozai would not have to pretend the news was devastating. His son, his heir, his child was not supposed to be on that boat. Zuko was supposed to be safe in his bed, as his father plotted to make him heir to the throne. "How could Zuko be on that boat? He was supposed to be with you," he whispered, terror striking at the marrow of his bones. With only a half grown toddler as his heir, he was completely vulnerable. The royal family was in serious danger.
"He must have snuck out. The navy is looking for them, but they found nothing. I warned that boy to stay within Fire Nation waters," Ursa wept, as she buried her head in Ozai's shoulders. "What could have made him leave? Why?"
Ozai had no answer for that. Or….anything else for the matter. "This can't be happening," he whispered, burying his head in his wife's hair. He had killed his own son…how could this be possible? Zuko was supposed to be his legacy, his future. Why did Agni torment him like that?
"I should have been watching him, I should have been more careful, this is my fault," Ursa shrieked, getting hysterical. She trembled, falling into his arms. "I am so sorry, Ozai."
"You should have been more careful," Ozai said harshly, happy to blame someone else for his miserable mistake. He had not slain his precious little boy; it was Ursa's fault for not watching him properly. She was to blame. He was innocent! "But you could not have known Zuko would sneak off."
Ursa choked on her sobs. "He can't be dead," she wept. "I carried him in my body, I held him, and he is a part of me. I would know if he was gone and my son is alive. I am so sorry; Ozai, but you must find him. Please, you must go out and search for him."
Ozai nodded numbly. He had just destroyed his royal line and would have to get Ursa pregnant soon to have a viable heir. Azula was only three years old and although her firebending skills were advanced, she could not be relied upon to carry the dynasty, women died in childbirth all the time. No, he needed a son and soon! "I'll go," he whispered. "I'll fix this."
He had to.
The sun warmed Lu Ten as he lay, trying to recover from the injuries. It had been two days since they were freed from the hands of the Earth kingdom. The ship was too slow but it would have to do. The two of them were injured, and they did not have the strength to keep piloting it more than a few hours a day. The rest of the time, the two princes decided to rest and recover their strength. They had lowered the Earth Kingdom flag and hoped no one would notice them.
Happily, there was plenty of food on board and the two princes had plenty of time to recover and tell each other stories, to allow the terrible memories to fade from their minds. They would be home soon and then they would finally have a chance truly to forget what had happened.
That morning, Zuko had been in a worried mood. "How far are we from home?" he asked as he prepared breakfast.
"I think we're about four hours away, if we keep on our current schedule. We can stop to rest at Yu-Shin Island," Lu Ten asked, glad Teradion had packed enough food. Was his friend even alive? Had that lunatic killed his own son? He was afraid to find out the truth. "Excited?" he asked. Yu-Shin Island was a market island, where Fire nation and savages mingled to get the best bargains. Many high ranking officers went there, he was sure someone would recognize him.
"I'm not sure I want to. We're going to be in trouble when we get home," Zuko whispered as he twisted a dark lock of hair.
Lu Ten had to admit, he was not looking forward to what would happen when they arrived home. Hopefully, Uncle and Grandfather would see the livid bruises and think he had been punished enough. If not…at least it could not be worse than what he had just endured. "Yes, we are. We are going to be confined to the palace for months. But everyone will stop being mad at us and hug us and kiss us and be happy." He would kowtow at Uncle's feet and beg absolution for risking Zuko's life and he only hoped he would be forgiven for his crimes. He had been foolish not to check the boat, what would his beloved Uncle say? He had a lot to face when he came home. "You're just a kid, no one is going to blame you." They would blame him quite readily and he deserved it.
"I got you into trouble, didn't I?" Zuko whispered suddenly, taking Lu Ten's hand. "You're going to be in trouble because of me."
Lu Ten debated lying to his cousin before bending down to Zuko. It was true, he would have fought a lot harder had Zuko not been there as a liability, and he knew that he would get it for not taking proper care of him. Why should he burden poor Zuko about it? "You're my cousin. I'd do anything for you. Don't worry, I am sure it won't go too badly on me," he said, flashing Zuko a gleaming smile. "I'll be fine. We'll be in and through the tunnels of Surya soon," he explained. He had already considered how to get past the Gates of Azulon in an Earth kingdom ship and had decided to go through a secret path. "Your cousin thinks of everything."
"Look, a ship," Zuko said. "They have a Fire Nation flags!" Before Lu Ten could stop him, Zuko bent fire into the air, sending up the distress signal. "They'll find us!"
Lu Ten knocked his hands away. "Are you crazy? Anyone can raise a flag," he snapped, wondering if keeping Zuko drugged would have been smarter. He watched an enormous ship warily, as it approached. Something about this ship made him very nervous.
His suspicions were confirmed when the ship started firing on them. "Agni's beard," Lu Ten swore, realizing they must have thought they were Earth Nation. Grabbing Zuko again, he leapt off the ship, seconds before a huge fireball crashed into the ship. Didn't they see the flares? Why would the ship fire on them?
"Lulu," Zuko whimpered, as they returned to the bracing cold water. "Why didn't they find us?"
Lu Ten didn't know but he planned to have their heads when he returned to power. "Hold on to me, I'm going to swim to shore," he gasped. He thanked his father for insisting he learn how to swim, it had saved his life a number of times already on this voyage.
Of course, studying in the cove was a lot different from in the wavy ocean. He had managed to swim away from the ship once, but Lu Ten was injured now and Zuko was heavy. He took a deep breath and ignored the pain in his ribs, vowing that he would get to the island. Zuko was relying on him and he would be damned if he allowed his precious little cousin to end up at the bottom of the sea.
As he held his cousin above the water, Lu Ten pondered how easy it would be to go back into the darkness, just to give up. His muscles screamed with pain and abuse as he pushed them past endurance. "I am Lu Ten," he told himself. He was the future Fire Lord; he was the savior of the Fire Nation. Zuko was his cousin, his best friend and deserved a chance to live. He had to be stronger. As the salt water stung his eyes and stopped his nose, Lu Ten focused on the victory he would receive when he would get home, safe with his cousin under his wing. He would not let them down.
The shore was getting closer. He just had to keep pushing himself, just a few more feet. He was of Sozin's bloodline, he had to prove himself. No mere ocean could be allowed to claim victory over him.
Zuko was holding to him protectively, trusting in him. He would not betray that trust with weakness. He imagined Uncle, Father, and Aunt Ursa cheering him on, knowing he was strong enough to surpass any obstacle in his way. His legs felt like they were coming off, his ribs ached, but he was strong and the world was weak. He would exceed anything the gods threw in his path.
After an eternity, Lu Ten managed to collapse on the shore, laying Zuko behind him. "When we get home, I plan to never leave bed for a month," he gasped.
The two boys lay in the hot sun, too exhausted to move. They only stirred when they felt some shadows loom over them. "What do we have here?" a voice asked, belonging to a man with a strange hat.
"Two humble travelers," Lu Ten said, trying to move his exhausted limbs. He should have hidden better; he was a complete failure as a tactician. "And you are?"
"The crew of the Loki, young man," the man said, bowing mockingly. "You'll be under our protection from now on, unless we plan to throw you back to the belly of the sea." Pirates…the princes of the Fire nation were in the hands of pirates. This was a national disaster of an only slightly lower nature.
"I can only rely on your mercy," Lu Ten whimpered as Zuko was picked up, too frightened to even speak. "My brother and I gratefully ask you spare us. We pose no threat to you."
The pirate captain laughed. "Well, we're in the presence of a little gentleman," he noted, as he snapped his fingers. A pirate grabbed Lu Ten and yanked him to his feet. "But, we're high risk traders, we don't do charity. Why should we keep you alive?"
"If you return us to our parents, they will pay you handsomely," Lu Ten pleaded, holding his cousin close. "Ransom us, and you'll never need to trade again. They're merchants and they love us much more than money."
"And who are your parents?" the pirate demanded, looking skeptical at the claims. Zuko and Lu Ten had been dressed properly, but he had made sure their fine clothing look like rags. They did not look like royalty anymore.
If Lu Ten named himself, the pirates might not believe him and then they would kill them both for lying. But what if they did believe him and then decide to sell him back to Ba Sing Se as a hostage? Zuko would never survive a mistake. But perhaps, he could outwit the brutes and be returned to the Fire Nation without revealing himself to pirates, but to his people themselves. "Lord and Lady Hsu of Khan," Lu Ten named. They were nobles who would know them on sight and would buy them back. "Our names are Shaya and my brother, Hanzo. Just bring us to them and let them see us. They will pay anything for us. The Earth kingdom was holding us hostage."
"You better be dealing the truth, kid or I will take the reward out of your hide," the pirate snapped, but motioned for one of his men to approach. "Go send a hawk to the Hsu estate, and tell them their kids are with us and that if they want to see them alive again, they better send two hundred gold pieces for each of them. Take them to the ship in the meanwhile."
"You won't regret it, sir. We are nobles and we are grateful for your kindness and will see to it you are rewarded handsomely," Lu Ten said with some dignity. "Now, some water for my little brother?"
"Of course, young bird. Nothing but the best for a nobleman," the captain sneered, taking out a flask and throwing the contents on Zuko's quivering form. Lu Ten's eyes flashed with anger, but he managed to control his temper. He would be away from those brutes soon and then he would have them crucified for their insolence. They were docked at shore, with the gangplank heavily guarded; there was no point in making a run for it. He would wait to be rescued. "But I think it's best we make sure you don't get any bright ideas. Bind his hands."
Lu Ten pulled away and held out two balls of fire, his hands shaking with exhaustion. "Anyone wishes to tempt their luck?" he hissed, allowing the fireballs to erupt into ribbons of flames. "Touch me and it will be the last thing you do."
"Who's going to protect the kid?" the captain said, patting Zuko on the head. "You can't defend him and yourself. Give up and we might let you two live."
Lu Ten lowered his hands resignedly. He could not risk his cousin. Even though his heart pounded in terror, he held out his hands. "Gentlemen, I throw myself on your hospitality," he said dryly as his hands were yanked behind his back and roughly chained.
"You're a cheeky little fish, aren't you?" the captain said with a laugh, as Lu Ten was steered to a bench. "But if you fail to catch me a good price, I will sell you for parts." Zuko was being kept on the other side of the room, obviously to prevent him from bolting. They were a clever bunch for lowlife pirates.
The two princes were marched across the beach and into a junk ship, giving Lu Ten the feeling that the Gods had begun to hate him. He sailed away from an Earth kingdom ship to end up prisoners of the pirates. Why had the ship fired on him? Zuko had sent up distress signals. Even from an Earth Kingdom ship, they could have investigated. It just didn't make any sense why they would willy nilly fire.
Still, he would be rescued. He and Zuko would have been noted as absent. Every soldier in the capital would be searching for them, Grandfather and Aunt Ursa would not rest until they were returned. Everything would be all right. He and Zuko were alive and that was all that mattered.
Zuko was on the other side of the ship, obviously to make sure Lu Ten didn't bolt with him. It would have been so much easier if the little one wasn't around, he could take the pirates alone with a few fire blasts. Zuko had no place in danger; he was too young and innocent. A good cousin would have returned him to shore and then they would not be in this terrible adventure. Agni…Lord of Heaven…please…please give me one more miracle, and save your children.
His prayers seemed to be answered. "Oh, some foreign traders?" a woman asked, boarding the ship. Lu Ten's eyes lit up as he noticed who was now on the ship. Lady Ume was a friend of his aunt's; she would surely know who he was and rescue him. "You have a chance to have a good commission. I need to bring a present to Princess Ursa." His heart rose at the sound of his aunt's name. Ume had to recognize him. He debated how he would attract attention without revealing his true identity. Agni, blessings on your name!
"Of course. We carry some of the finest jewelry, straight from the mines," the pirate said, bowing to her. "It's an honor to have you with us, lady."
Lu Ten looked up at her. "Lady Ume, don't you recognize me?" he finally said, trying to give her a smile. "I believe you know my family very well." This nightmare was almost over, he would be home before supper and no one would need to know
The kindly woman who had given him sweets looked at him as if he were the dirt beneath her slippers. "These creatures have no right to speak to me," she sniffed. "Can't you control your wares?" Her nose was in the air, as if he was…a peasant.
"He claims to be one of the children of the Hsu family," the pirate said. "Fire Nation, to be sure, but he says he and his brother are nobility. He's a little beat up, are you sure you don't recognize him?"
"I don't need to look at him to know he's a liar. The Hsu family's only child was Lady Lien, wife of Prince Iroh. Everyone knows that Lady Lien is dead. Those are most likely runaway slaves," Lady Ume sneered. "I'd give them a good whipping for their lies and then throw them overboard. The Hsus won't want them anymore; children who run away turn into adults who rebel."
Lu Ten felt tears come to his eyes. "Don't you know me? Look at me," he pleaded. "Please, look at me. I am the last member of the Hsu family. Please, you have a daughter Mai who likes to play with my cousins."
"So that is who he is, an escaped royal slave! That is how he would know about my family. It's disgusting, pretending to be nobility in order to escape," Lady Hsu said, her nose in the air. "And on such a day like this. With the death of Prince Lu Ten, the Hsu family is finished. That poor dear, dying so young."
Lu Ten choked. His family must have seen the ship explode and assume the worst of him. They had not yet discovered Zuko was missing, but that would come swiftly. That meant no one would be looking for them. They were doomed, abandoned with no way of getting home.
"The Fire Nation prince is dead?" the captain said, looking interested. "Murdered?" Lu Ten wondered if anyone would make the connection. Two boys rescued from an exploding ship…prince is missing, possible connection!
"His ship exploded just a few days ago. I imagine much of the crew must have gone down with the poor child. My husband is a close friend of Prince Ozai and just hawk-ed me a message, saying I should come from the colonies with my daughter Mai. I am just trying to find a gift for his poor aunt and cousin. They will be so distraught," Lady Hsu explained. "Lu Ten was a dear boy, and a fine young man. He was taken far too young. And for those disgusting brats to pretend to be cousins to him..."
"I apologize, my lady. These slaves won't be bothering you anymore. Throw them inside and tie them up," the pirate snapped, shoving Lu Ten to the floor at Lady Ume's feet, in the dust at the feet of a woman who should have bowed and cringed before him. "We can sell them."
"Who'd want them?" another asked, looking at them. "A baby and a surly liar."
" As far as I'm concerned, if they aren't sold, they can both be used for bait," the captain snarled, as Zuko and Lu Ten were dragged away. "Worthless little brats!"
How could she not recognize them? He had brought Zuko to visit her daughter Mai all the time; she had known them very well. It seemed impossible to think that she would just ignore them, that she wouldn't even consider Lu Ten realized something terrible. He didn't know the faces of his slaves either, he had never looked them in the eye.
Of course, hearing the news of his own death may have impaired her insight. In the eyes of the world, Prince Lu Ten was dead. His family must be mourning his death, not knowing he was helpless but alive. Two princes, lost in the dawn of life, they'd whisper in tears. The searches would be called off. They were doomed.
He didn't know who he was, if he wasn't a prince. That was why the Earth Kingdom had let him go. In the eyes of the world, he didn't even exist. No one would be looking for him. No one would care; no one would even think to find him.
He was doomed and he had damned Zuko alongside him. If he tried to escape, his cousin would weigh him down. Even carrying him on his back, Zuko was too heavy to be lifted for long distances. And he would never leave him behind. They could not be separated.
How could everyone think he was dead? How could a ship have fired on a distress signal? What was happening?
The search for the two princes of the Fire Nation had been fruitless. Only scraps of the ship had been recovered, as well as some blood and ripped clothing. Hardened members of his crew had openly wept as they brought back the remains, conveying their condolences on the loss of the future of the Fire Nation.
Ozai had shut himself in his rooms, furious with the price the Gods had forced him to pay for his throne. How much more would he be expected to sacrifice? A son, a brother and a nephew seemed like a steep cost, considering he would soon have to shed himself of a father as well?
He remembered Zuko, his bright eyes, his soft limbs and his sweet grin. Did his son suffer much before he died? Ozai hoped not, he hoped Zuko had closed his eyes and woke up in a better world.
It would be a far better world now that his poor son was no longer an obstacle. His death would spur on the troops; they would fight in his name, vowing vengeance for their fallen prince. What a wonderful son! Even in death, he served his father's purpose. Ozai was very proud of him, and knew his son's spirit must know that. It gave him tremendous comfort to know that his son was still useful in the grave. He only wished Ursa could take the same pride and contentment in the tragedy.
Of course, it would be annoying to convince Ursa of the same facts. Blessings on her pretty little head, she would never understand what he had been forced to do. The kindest thing he could do was hide it from her and get her pregnant as quickly as possible. A new child would take away her depression and make her much happier.
Still, the thought of coming back empty handed was not something he would look forward to. It seemed hopeless, but Ozai had decided to be thorough and search a radius of ships. Perhaps he could find some eye witnesses to the event, confirm their deaths.
It had not been hard to find an Earth Kingdom ship, dangerously close to Fire Nation waters. The crew was deathly ill, and had taken anchor in hopes of recovering. The soldiers had taken it easily and taken all of the crew as prisoner. It would be a small glow of happiness that a spy ship had been discovered and eliminated.
A soldier walked in and bent to his knees, forehead on the floor, waiting to be acknowledged. Ozai had no interest in discussing the matter; he was still mourning the loss of his son and the happiness of his family. "Speak," he finally spat, after allowing the unfortunate soul to stew for a few moments. If he was miserable, everyone should be.
"One of the prisoners begs leave for an audience, he says he knows of the princes," Captain Zhao said, rising to his knees. "I don't know if I should believe him, but I thought it should be brought to your attention, your highness."
Ozai nodded, curious. He doubted he had much information but it was worth destroying any rumors. "Bring him in," he directed. "I'll hear him." This might actually be a welcome break from his grief.
A heavily chained youth in his twenties was brought in, looking badly beat up. A strange hope burned in his muddy eyes, as he was forced to his knees. There was something about him that made Ozai nervous. "Lian would spare me," he whispered, looking up with obvious terror mixed with some relief. "Lian would care for me."
Ozai's heart nearly stopped in his chest. Only one person would deliver a message like that, someone who should be dead and had no right to harass him from beyond the grave. "Bind him and leave us. I must hear this alone," he commanded. He could not allow this to go further without damage control. Could that little flea have survived a ship being blown up?
The guards wordlessly left, as the boy looked up at him. "Thank you. I knew you would believe me. I know you think they are gone. We did capture them, but I saved your nephew and son," he whispered, his eyes bright. "I gave them food and medicine and a ship, they just sailed away a few hours ago," he explained. "If you search for them, you'll find them. They were children, I couldn't let them die! "
A swell of joy burst in Ozai's chest. His son was alive; his baby boy had managed to survive everything. He was so strong, just like his father. He could not wait to bring him back to Ursa and make her happy again. "They are alive?" he gasped. The Gods had answered his prayers.
"Yes. Prince Lu Ten and Prince Zuko are sailing back," the Earth savage said happily. Of course, Lu Ten was alive as well. If he failed to kill him this time, the little bug would be protected and another attack against him would be unwise, people would notice another attack so soon. Ozai would be forced back to being a second son, lucky to be born, grateful to live in the shadows. He could not allow that happen, he had to preserve his place. Besides…too many questions would be asked about the exploding ship, and it would be a shame to waste such a wonderful scapegoat. Ursa would have many more children, Zuko was replaceable. What better act of love for a son that allowing him to die for his father? "I'm afraid that is impossible, boy. My son and nephew are dead, because you killed them."
"Sire, what are you talking about?" the boy said, looking confused. "They're a few hours away, alive and well. My father roughed up your older son but I healed him quite well. They are most certainly not dead. Please, do a search and you will easily find them!"
"I will not listen to your lies," Ozai hissed. "You will pay for your treachery with your head and your crew will row the galleys as my personal slaves," Ozai commanded, pulling a bell pull to alert his crew. "And if you dare repeat these lies, I will personally burn you to a crisp."
As the idiot squawked his protest, two soldiers ran into, and dropped to their knees. "I just questioned the prisoner and found out their plan. They sent out an enemy ship," Ozai ordered. "A small Earth nation one, with two children in it. Send out hawks to all wardens to destroy the ship on sight." A son could be replaced, but a throne and a legacy was forever. His child would forgive him for what he would have to do. He had already come to peace with Zuko's death, there was no point in saving him now. "And get this garbage out of my sight."
Lu Ten had been so close to freedom. He had almost made it back home and now he had failed again. They were dragged inside and tied to a pole, with a harsh cuff to be silent.
"Hush, I'm fine. But you must listen to me. We have been captured by pirates, and they don't know who we are. If we want to be safe, we must keep it this way. We need to stay silent and stay together. Never tell anyone who we are, or they will sell us to the Earth kingdom. I don't want to scare you, but you must understand that from now on, my name is Shaya and your name is Hanzo. You mustn't use our real names," Lu Ten whispered gently. "Do you understand?"
Zuko nodded fearfully. "I will not speak to anyone," he vowed, his voice shaking. He was so confused and helpless. But at least they were together and far away from Fong. Someone had heard his prayers and placed them into the hands of the pirates. It was better than death, they could survive slavery before escaping back home and proving their identities.
Of course, what if they were sold to two different owners? Lu Ten would fight till they broke every bone in his body, but he couldn't defeat all of the pirates. Tears ran down his cheeks, as he pondered that horrible fate. How would he ever find his precious cousin again? He could never return home if he had lost Zuko. His honor would be tainted forever; he could never face his family.
He had to be calm. Someone would recognize him. He was near enough to the Fire Nation, many nobles came here to do business. He would be fine; he just had to hope for the best. He was safe from the gallows, he just had to remember that he was a son of the Gods, he was destined to rule.
No one seemed to notice him. Red clad nobles walked around, but none even paused by him and he was afraid to speak up too much and risk Zuko's safety. He tried to make noise, but no one seemed to notice or care about him. Everyone had always noticed him, had always bowed before him, had always made him the center of attention. He didn't know how to exist as someone invisible who didn't matter. How did peasants live so worthlessly?
"Yes, we do have some fresh wares today," the captain said, beckoning a cruel man inside. "Two slaves, just purchased today. Excellent stock, their parents were fine workers who are as healthy as komodo rhinos."
Lu Ten was used to being stared at, but always with fear and respect. "How much for the bigger one?" the cruel looking man asked. "My mistress is looking for a healthy young slave to serve in her home?"
"An excellent choice, sir. He's healthy and educated. He can read and write, and he's so good looking. Look at those big golden eyes, you'll have the most fashionable serving slave in the city," the pirate said. Lu Ten clutched his cousin so hard that Zuko cried out in pain. He was going to be torn away from him! "He's a spirited one, but you'll break him down quickly. The Bei-Fong estate will not regret this purchase. Will you take them both?"
"What would I do with the other one? The little one is worthless, you could just throw him over board," the cruel looking man snapped. "Unless you have some brothel interested in such young meat?" Lu Ten was sick at those words. This was the prince of the Fire Nation, this could not be happening to them! Surely, Agni himself would defend his children, he wouldn't allow such terrible thigns to happen.
"No! Please, don't separate us. My little brother won't be much trouble, I promise. He's healthy and smart," Lu Ten pleaded, feeling himself being sick. He had to protect his cousin, he wouldn't let anyone hurt him. If he had to fight, he would. "I'll do his chores for him. Even if he's too young, I'm strong enough to do both. You won't have to feed us both, we can share meals and a bed, but please take him too." He could feel himself sick, cold hard reality set in.
"Silence," snapped the pirate barker, giving Lu Ten a harsh cuff to the ear. "He just has too much spirit, I'm sure you'll break them quickly, all he needs is a firm hand."
"Please don't let them kill my brother," Lu Ten begged, earning himself another slap as blood poured from his nose. A frightened Zuko clutched him, sobbing. He wanted to cry as well, but a lump was choking him.
"I'll definitely have some work with this one, the whip will teach him to hold his tongue," the cruel looking man said, grabbed Lu Ten's shirt and shaking him. "There's too much fire in his eyes." Lu Ten winced and clutched his cousin even tighter. They would have to break his hands to get him to let go. He would never abandon Zuko. "Perhaps I should buy another boy?"
"Impudent boy, I'll teach you respect," the pirate snapped, slapping Lu Ten to the floor. Zuko screamed as the pirate raised his hand again. "I know how to deal with insolent slaves."
This was going to hurt.
AN-I told you something would make sure they wouldn't get home and now you know why. But don't worry, a major change is about to come and I waited a long time for this moment, where a canon character is coming. This will be an amazing plot arc!