All right, this is a new chapter and one that has the new twist, which will guide the rest of the story. I have waited for this for a bit, and this will be the main arc of the story. I am extremely excited about this plot line and I am so sad I could not bring Toph, but she is a toddler in this story and far too young. Still, this story is really interesting as a test of my writing and I am definitely enjoying it. I have a job interview on Wednesday so any wishes of good luck would be appreciated. Being a law student has killed any amount of free time I ever had. I'm just swamped, but I make sure to devote time to this story.
So here you go. As always, dedicated to Avocado Love, my dear friend. Thank you for being there for me, I am so very lucky to be your friend!
Endless Night
Home is an empty dream, lost to the night
Father, I feel so alone
You promised you'd be there whenever I needed you
Whenever I call your name, you're not anywhere
I'm trying to hold on, just waiting to hear your voice
One word, just a word will do to end this nightmare
When you were by my side, guiding my path
Father, I can't find the way
-Lion King
The blow never came. "Stop!" a voice rang out. "Strike this child and I will give you twice the pain." A tall dark man, dressed in furs stood over him, blocking Lu Ten from further abuse. Could this have been a creature of Agni, come to save him?
"Mind your own business, I was buying them," the cruel looking man snapped, before paling at who towered over him. "Sir." Obviously, it was someone important.
The man took another threatening step forward, blocking both boys with his body. "I was minding my own business when I heard you making those poor children cry. Now, a big man like you has to slap around two little mites?" he asked. "That doesn't seem very fair."
"Mind your own business," the pirate said disdainfully. "They are my property; I will treat them how I wish. They're just slaves." Zuko whimpered and hung on to his cousin for dear life. Lu Ten wished he could die of shame, to be unable to protect his precious cousin from such unworthies.
"They're people and children at that," the savage rumbled. "Helpless ones, who are tied up. Again, just doesn't seem fair. So I thought I should even the score a little. I could buy them or I could even the score in other ways." He didn't even have to sound menacing; anyone would be terrified of him. He was enormously tall and looked like a demon in the blue furs. "So, will you treat them properly?" he demanded to the wide-eyed princes.
"Sir, don't interfere between a man and his merchandise. The law says he can do what he pleases with them," the pirate said, trying to break in. "Perhaps I could interest you in some other property. We have something to please every customer."
"Well, I'll have to remedy that. I will buy them both. I could use two cabin boys," the tall man said. "I'll match his price and throw in some rare pelts. Would that change the situation?"
"With pleasure," the pirate said, handing the chains to them. "I doubt you want to raise the bargain?" he asked the Earth bender. He seemed keen on getting the furs.
"Not in the slightest. Those boys aren't worth a copper more," the servant sniffed. "My master prefers more submissive, trained types. The savage can take those savage boys. "
"Don't listen to him. They're bright boys, you'll get plenty of use out of them," the pirate said, stroking the pelts. "Anything you need, they'll do."
"You traffic in human misery. Cross my path again and I'll make sure it's your last," the savage growled, making the pirate step back as the chains were grabbed and the two boys were yanked past them and down the ship. Lu Ten was too shocked to even feel humiliated about being lead around like a slave…, which he was. He was property, to be bought and sold at whim.
"This way," the savage explained, dragging them forward and stopping into an alley. "I can't have you walking around like animals on leashes. It's making me sick. If you won't run away, I won't keep you tied up. Do you promise to remain with me? I will trust you at your word till you give me cause to doubt it."
Lu Ten nodded, vowing to bolt with Zuko the second he had freedom. He had no oath to a savage, even one who had served his purpose by saving him. He would repay him as soon as Lu Ten returned to civilization, but there would be no way he was remaining a moment longer in this terrible place where he and Zuko had almost been brutally ripped apart.
To his credit, the savage began untying him first, and then Zuko, careful to keep them apart. He motioned for Lu Ten to pick up his cousin and carry him on his back. Lu Ten was happy to obey; he wanted to hold his cousin tight. He couldn't believe how close he had come to losing Zuko. His breath was ragged at the terror still coursing through his body, making him shudder with fear. He tried to hide his shaking, but he could barely walk straight. How was he supposed to run?
The savage was not allowing much movement, putting a heavy hand on Lu Ten's shoulder and holding tight. "We're docked a few slats down, we can have you changed and ready to go by the next tide," he said, instantly cottoning on to the fact that they had no wish to stay.
"Yes sir," Lu Ten said, He debated trying still to bolt, but had a terrible feeling that might cost them both their lives. This man was terrifying!
"You're both lucky to be alive, I'm glad I was able to find you before those merchants did," the savage continued. "Are you all right? You need to sit down and rest?" he asked in a voice meant to sound tender.
Lu Ten shook his head. If he stopped focusing on the task at hand, he would burst into tears and he could never allow that. "Thank you for saving us," he whispered, feeling sickened by the entire experience.
"My pleasure, young man. You don't have to be afraid of me," the savage said gently. "I am not going to hurt you. I am your friend; I just want to help you." Only until he knew who they were. They were his enemy, they just didn't know it.
Lu Ten nodded quickly, trying to figure out what had just happened. The princes of the Fire Nation had been sold as slaves and had nearly been killed. They had been reduced to property and had no idea where they would be taken. This could destroy the entire country. "Thank you," he whispered, not sure what else to say.
"I can't believe those rich folk are so cruel. In my tribe, we may have little, but we would never throw a child overboard," the savage said, leading them to a rickety ship made of bone and wood and skin. Lu Ten's mind was still in shock, but he did ponder that Zuko's toy tugboat at home seemed more stable. Wonderful, they would all drown. "You sure you are okay? Though, after what you've been through, I can imagine you're shaken up. I promise, no one will ever hurt you again." Lu Ten nodded. They wouldn't be staying long enough to find out. "We're water tribe merchants and we have a long way to go before we go home and your help will be required for us to get home safely," the savage continued. "Welcome aboard our flagship, the Sedna. She's a beauty, right?"
Lu Ten had so many comments he could make, but managed to hold his tongue, too scared to antagonize the burly beast who now held them captive. "Yes," he managed to say to nothing and everything. He was so confused.
"You'll have plenty of chance to work on her, my boy. I'll make a sailor out of both of you," the savage said in a tone that must have seemed affectionate in his brutish culture. Zuko whimpered worriedly.
Lu Ten nodded, and gave Zuko a reassuring squeeze. "About our work, if it pleases my master, I'll do his chores for him," he mumbled, still shaking with fear. He was still in the hands of the enemy and he had a cousin to care for. He couldn't let them abuse Zuko as well. "He's too young; I'm strong enough to do both, my master." He tried not to spit the last words out. He, the son of Agni calling some peasant scum master, it was disgusting. Still, he was grateful to be alive. He had almost lost his precious cousin. How could this be happening to them?
"We may have bought you, but Water Tribe does not keep slaves. You'll work a man's work and your brother will stay in the sick bed and be watched to keep him out of trouble," the man said, patting Lu Ten's shoulders. "So, you have names? You don't have to call me Master, my name is Hakoda."
"Shaya, and this is my brother, Hanzo," Lu Ten said, with a silencing pat to his cousin, taking names of his long-dead uncles.
The savage gave them a wolfish smile. "Please to meet you. I've never seen such distinctive accents, where are you both from?" he asked.
"We're refugees. Our boat was capsized and the pirates fished us out of the water and took us as slaves. I managed to save Hanzo, but the crew drowned." It was best not to mention who had them before. It felt even better not to be called a slave, but he was still in enemy territory. They were only kind to him until they knew who he was.
"Poor child. You take good care of him, he's lucky to have you. And your family?" the savage asked, putting his hand on Lu Ten's shoulder. "Were they on the boat too?"
"No, they were back on land. They must think…" Lu Ten trailed off. He knew exactly what they thought, and he couldn't imagine their agony. "If you return us to the village of Sakura, my family will reward you. I have an aunt and uncle; they will give you everything they have."
"Sakura? That's a hundred miles from here. Is that where you're from?" the man asked, looking at their torn clothing. "You've been through a lot, I can see."
"Yes," Zuko piped up, obviously trying to help. "We are from Sakura." Lu Ten silenced him with another squeeze. "He looks nice!" If only he could slap his stupid cousin and get him to shut up before he got them all killed!
"Hanzo, you seem to be a good judge of character," the savage said with a laugh, patting Zuko's head. An act that would have cost him his head, back home where things made sense and people knew their places and he had been safe.
"In fact, if you just let us off near there, we could find our ways by ourselves. I know my family will pay you handsomely for rescuing us," Lu Ten explained, subserviently.
Hakoda sighed. "I don't know how to tell you boys this, but the Fire Nation took over Sakura. They built a base there. You won't be able to get near there without being stopped. You know what the Fire nation is like?" he trailed off ominously. "It's not pretty."
Lu Ten's eyes narrowed. "Of course," he said, lowering his eyes after a moment. He knew exactly what the Fire nation was like, the greatest nation under the Sun. Foolish savage! "But two boys could sneak past them without much trouble. They would never notice us," he said in a cold tone. How dare they speak ill discuss his people, who were so nobly bringing them culture? "My parents will be so worried for us; please let us go to them. We will repay you, we promise."
"I see. Perhaps you could give me their names so I could write them a letter. We'll arrange a meeting place and I will happily give you to them, all right?" the savage offered, damning both of them. Lu Ten gulped and turned his face away, trying to hide his tears of frustration. "I will not release you to anything but a proper home. If you go now, slavers or worse will recapture you. You will have to remain with us till then," the savage explained haughtily, pointing them to a small room. "This will be your quarters. We'll find you some old clothing and have our sewing master cut them down to size." Lu Ten nodded sullenly, furious at himself for not freeing his cousin from captivity.
"Send your brother in first, I want to talk to you, Shaya," the savage said firmly. Lu Ten's face drained of blood. "Put him down, he'll be fine. He's just going to get some clothing and make himself at home."
Lu Ten wanted to strike him, but complied sullenly. "Remember to mind your manners," he said, looking at his cousin's confused face. "Go in, it's all right."
"I know what you're trying to do, and I want you to know it won't work," the savage said softly, pulling Lu Ten gently away from the door.
"What do you mean?" Lu Ten asked, forgetting to mask his proper voice with an imitation of the servants.
"You're trying to figure out how to run away from us, with your brother. I can see you looking around, trying to find a way out," the savage said harshly. "It's not going to work. I don't want to have to tie you up, but you are not leaving this ship without my permission."
"Of course, sir," Lu Ten said bitterly. "I understand completely." He would never stay with this tribal trash willingly. They had to sleep sometimes and when they did…he would be gone with his cousin.
" Why are you trying to flee from us? We will be kind to you, give you a good home," the savage asked, patting his shoulder.
"My brother was nearly tossed overboard, sir. You'll forgive my worry for his safety," Lu Ten mumbled, trying to keep his insolence to a minimum. "I don't trust anyone's word to keep him safe."
"I know, you feel like you're the only one who will protect him. You're the bravest kid I've ever met. I can't even imagine what they put you through. Nevertheless, you must stop trying to be a hero, Shaya. You are young and haven't seen the horrors that the Fire Nation can do. I don't want to frighten you, but they will show children no pity. They will put you back into slavery and I can't allow that," the savage said in what he must have imagined was a kind tone.
"I'm not afraid of the Fire Nation," Lu Ten said honestly, but his heart sank. He was being protected from the people who would truly protect him. The gods hated him. "I can handle myself. I will make sure to bring my brother home safely."
"You should be afraid of the Fire Nation. They're ruthless and they won't spare anyone in their path. I'm serious, that is an order. They will kill you if they get the chance. I promise, we will find your parents but you must be patient. I can see you care a lot about your brother and you're planning to run away, no matter what I tell you. I'm just trying to tell you I won't let that happen." He paused for a minute and then took Lu Ten's shoulders. "And…your parents…they're dead too, aren't they?" he asked.
"What?" Lu Ten whispered, his eyes widening. How could this savage be so stupid? "Why would you say something like that?"
"Because I can see the despair in your face. You're holding out hope that you can find your own people, and you want to take care of your brother yourself, you want him to be safe. You don't want him to know that it's hopeless and that they are gone. I understand that, it speaks highly of you but you must understand you are very young and you can't be expected to live on your own with a small child to care for. You are my charge now and I will see to your safety. You are too young to make adult choices, let me worry about what the future holds. You just get used to life at sea."
Lu Ten nodded. "As you wish," he said, already vowing to run away at the first chance he got.
"Good, let's get you dressed," Hakoda said. "You're tall enough to fit into some of Shinta's old clothing. You'll meet him soon enough, I think you'll find him someone you'll enjoy spending time with."
A small room greeted him, with some fur rugs on the floor. A bunch of rags in various shades of blue were scattered on the floor, in smelly piles. It was better than the cell or execution, but it was not exactly the rescue he had dreamed of. "Pick things that fit, we'll make you shoes later tonight, and you can go barefoot for now."
" Hakoda, what have you brought back to us?" a tall savage asked, sitting on a chair and watching Hanzo with a confused expression. "I thought you were trading for supplies?"
"Fire nation despot, allows little half breed kids to serve as slaves," Hakoda spat in a low voice. "There aren't young enough to leave their mother and their own people don't even redeem them from slavery, Bato. Some pirates had them. It's enough to make someone sick; we wouldn't allow our brothers and sisters to remain like that." They hated the Fire nation as much as the Earth Kingdom, Lu Ten noted fearfully. At least they hadn't figured out their identities. Perhaps they would let him go.
"What kind of monster are they to let their own people serve as slaves?" the savage named Bato said angrily. "It's barbaric."
"I don't know, but I managed to get these two out," Hakoda said. "They were going to kill the little one and…well… the older looks like a hard worker and can really help us out. He won't be a burden, he looks smart."
"We all know your soft heart, Hakoda," Bato said with a laugh. "I'm sure Kya will appreciate two more boys to look after. They look adorable."
"She'll love them; she could use two extra hands around the house. The little one is almost the same age as Sokka and the older one could be useful around the camp. He's a strong boy and well, we could use the help. Anyway, they don't deserve a life of slavery." He paused and spoke in a louder tone. "Boys, come and introduce yourself. This is Bato, my second in command. Bato, this is Shaya and Hanzo."
Lu Ten and Zuko looked at him and linked hands automatically. "Sir," Lu Ten managed to stammer, before pulling his cousin towards him. He could see the bone club on the savage's belt; he could only imagine what cruel deeds the monster had done?
"It's a pleasure to meet you both. Don't' be shy, we're all family around here," Bato said pleasantly for a savage. "I'm sure once you settle in; you'll both be as mischievous as any kid back home."
Lu Ten nodded, keeping his eyes down. "Thank you," he whispered, reminding himself he was alive to run away from them at any point. He was no longer in the hands of the Earth Kingdom and Zuko was safe. He should be happy right now.
"Awful shy," Bato nodded, patting Zuko's head. "I have a feeling you'll brighten up soon. If there is anything I can do for you, please ask. I tell excellent spooky stories, you know."
Zuko flinched under the man's touch and hide behind his cousin. Lu Ten nodded. "My brother is very shy, sir. It's best if we stay together," he explained, trying to act like a servant.
"Of course. I wouldn't dream of separating you both. But you must meet the rest of the crew," Bato said. "We're your new family, after all. It's time for our meal. You must eat with us and then we'll take you back to your rooms to rest. You have had a long day, my boy."
If Zuko hadn't been there to be a liability, Lu Ten would have attacked him. He was not their boy, and they would never be his family. "Yes sir," he said quietly. "Thank you." It was horrible to be so servile! Zuko was still latched onto his belt as the two walked back outside. A bunch of savages was gathered about a blanket, as smelly as they were uncivilized. How could these people save him, they were barely human?
"Brothers, our good chief has brought us two new young warriors to train. I hope you will welcome them," Hakoda said, patting their heads. Lu Ten stared at the ground, still humiliated at being sold as a slave and now adopted into a tribe of animals. His poor cousin, how could he be subjected to this. "This is Shaya, and Hanzo, cabin boys and purveyors of mischief."
Lu Ten nodded, as Zuko held him tightly. "Thank you," he lied regally, bowing his head to them. "It is an honor to meet you all." How did poor people say hello?
A titter of laughter emerged from the crowd. Lu Ten had to remember that they likely lacked manners and would find displays of good breeding strange. "So, this is our family. You already know Bato, and if I am not around, he is my second in command and will assist you. This is Kesuk, one of our most senior warriors and this is his son, Shinta," Hakoda said, pointing to a sullen teenager. He continued to point to others of the bearded furred abominations of nature and mumble incoherent names. "We all wish to welcome you to our ship."
"Welcome," the men chorused, pounding the floor. Zuko whimpered and clutched Lu Ten even harder. "May the moon shine over you."
"Now, we eat," Hakoda said, motioning for them to sit down, and handing them bowls of rice and a smelly soup. "I hope you enjoy it. It's seaweed soup, my mother's own recipe."
Lu Ten and Zuko watched in horror as the savages dug into their foods like ravenous dog-wolves, without even using chopsticks. They didn't wait for their leader to begin, or even wipe their hands before gorging themselves. He had never seen such disgusting manners, they were beyond subhuman. Even servants ate with better decorum. "Why are you eating with your hands?" Zuko asked softly. "Don't you have chopsticks?"
Lu Ten glared at him. "Behave yourself," he hissed. They didn't need them figuring out much more. Why couldn't his cousin ever keep his mouth shut?
"I see we have the honor of dining with the finer folk," the young teenager said with a laugh. "What kind of slaves did you bring us, Uncle Hakoda? Never seen anyone who was sold like fruit act like little princes. Do they think they're better than us?" he demanded.
Lu Ten paled, wishing the yokel would stop dancing around the truth. "Shinta, be nice. They are not slaves, they are your family and unless you want to go without dinner, you'll behave yourself," Bato said harshly. Lu Ten was shocked that they would defend him, a slave against their own people. They were barbaric!
Shinta flushed, folding his arms. "Sorry, Dad," he said with a contrite look. "But they are so funny looking! Where do they come from anyway? Where did you purchase them?" he asked. "I hope they are at least worth the money you spent on them." At home, Lu Ten could have snapped his fingers and had the older boy flogged for insolence. Ahhh, home, where things were less barbaric.
"I'm not a slave, you're dumb!" Zuko piped up, before Lu Ten managed to squeeze his hand to shut him up. He could only imagine what the next words out of his mouth.
"What do you call someone who has been purchased?" Shinta sneered, giving him a haughty look. Lu Ten rose to his feet, ready to land a few punches but was pushed down by the person next to him.
"Shinta…final warning. Apologize to your new tribes brothers or leave the table immediately," Hakoda said quietly, giving him a harsh glare. "You know you should speak to them with respect." The other ones nodded, agreeing and defending a stranger against their own people. It was astonishing how strange they were, but Lu Ten was grateful.
"But Uncle Hakoda, they aren't my brothers. They're just a bunch of street rat slaves you took pity on and bought," Shinta began, making Lu Ten clench his fists in rage. "They should be serving us. Look at them with their noses in the air!"
Before Shinta could continue his rant, Bato had taken him by the shoulders. "I think someone needs a good long talk about manners. Your dinner will wait," he said, marching the boy outside. "And he will apologize to you once I finish explaining some rules to him."
Lu Ten glared at him, hoping the bastard fell off the ship and was eaten by cruel sea creatures. "I don't want his apology," he hissed. "I'll be happy to challenge him for my honor. I'll make him regret calling my brother a slave!" Had he not been protecting Zuko's safety, he would have gone for the savage's throat and removed it.
"There will be no fighting on board or the offender will be locked up. I know you're angry, and you have every right to be. However, I must maintain discipline on board and that means you'll have to excuse Shinta. He is going through that awkward stage of sixteen and seems to regard himself as above rules. He'll warm up to you, and you should know you aren't slaves. You're equal members of the crew and don't let him bully you," Hakoda said quietly. "His father will deal with him."
Zuko opened up his mouth to speak, but Lu Ten pinched him. "Yes, sir," he whispered before returning to his food. "My brother and I understand completely." He couldn't let Zuko run his mouth off like that.
"So, Shaya, how old are you?" another savage asked, with a scar down his cheek.
"Twelve," Lu Ten replied, averting his eyes as his servants did when they spoke to him. It was hard acting so humble, he wasn't used to speaking to strangers face to face. If only they were kneeling before him, this would be so much less uncomfortable. "I will be thirteen by the next summer harvest moon. And my brother is five."
"Wow, you're the quite the man of the family," another said approvingly. "Did you learn to fight? If not, you will have to become a quick study, there's no room for weakness in the tundra and challenging people four years your senior."
Lu Ten smiled. "If he accepted my challenge, I wager he would be the one to show weakness. Those who torment others rarely have the strength to back up their threats," he said primly, hoping he sounded sufficiently savage. Perhaps he should grunt a few times.
He was pleased to see that the table seemed amused by his words. Amusement was better than suspicion. Lu Ten went back to eating his food. "Come on, little brother, you must eat," he whispered, knowing his cousin was a fussy eater.
Zuko pouted, clinging to him. "I don't like the food, I want to go home," he whispered back. "I want Mama."
Lu Ten paled at the words, but happily, they were met with sympathy. "I'm sure your Mama misses you terribly," a savage said, handing him a piece of dried fish. "Here, it's delicious." Zuko chewed the food, but didn't look any happier. An eerie silence settled over the meal. Obviously, no one knew what to say on the matter.
"So, I think we'll be having some excellent weather," a man said, after slurping his soup like a wild dog. "We'll have to stay at port a few more days, but we should reach the next port in excellent time. Perhaps we could be back by winter." Lu Ten choked on the putrid substance. Back where? The Poles, where this savages dwelled, lands of ice and cold, a land that his poor cousin would never survive. They were staying at port, which meant they could get off the ship. Zuko and he could swim and get to a Fire Nation soldier. They would allow themselves to be arrested and then everything would be all right.
He had to figure out how to get alone with his cousin. Before he could say something, Shinta was dragged back in by his father. The teenager looked livid and venomous and Lu Ten knew he had a lifelong enemy. "I think my son has something to say," Bato said coldly.
Shinta glared. "I apologize, Shaya for my remarks to you. Please forgive my words, they were false and cruel. Is there anything I can do to repay you for my actions?" he seethed, bowing his head curtly.
Lu Ten debated asking him to jump off the ship or take poison, but understood he would lose face. No, this enemy would require a side attack. It was exactly like charming his aunt. "Thank you, brother Shinta. I forgive you entirely and I am so hoping we'll be good friends," he said, smiling and bowing deeply. From the corner of his eye, he saw Shinta's expression twist in further hatred.
"See? Everything is settled," Bato said, patting Lu Ten on the head. "What a kind boy you are, pursuing peace. I know you will get along splendidly with the crew."
"Thank you, we are so grateful to you," Lu Ten said, allowing the brutes to touch him. If he needed an escape, he needed them to trust him. "You saved our lives."
"All right, it's nearly sundown. I think you two should be in bed. I have a feeling you two will insist on sharing a room, so I will give you both in the supply room. There are plenty of blankets for you," Hakoda said, looking at him in a strange manner. "You can bring your food in there."
"Thank you," Lu Ten said, grateful to leave the table and be alone with his cousin. He rejoiced that he could sleep next to Zuko and protect him.
"Have a good night," the pack howled, making Zuko crush Lu Ten's hand in terror. "We'll see you in the morning." The three of them walked out, completely bemused with the situation.
Hakoda looked very worried. "Are you sure you all right? I know you've had a day that can't be imagined…but it's going to be all right," he said softly, as they walked along to the supply room. "You seem a bit strange."
Lu Ten would not allow this savage to pity him. He walked inside and pulled Zuko along with him. "My brother is just homesick. We have been through a great deal." That was an understatement. "Things I'd rather not have to repeat with him around."
"I understand completely. Is there anything I can do to help you?" Hakoda asked, trying to seem sympathetic.
"You have done so much .Your kindness is immeasurable, you saved our lives. We shall repay you." That is, after they got off this stinking tub and back to civilization. Dad would never believe Lu Ten was dead. He would go to the Spirit World to drag him back. "I swear it on the Gods themselves."
"It's fine. You don't have to worry about repayment. The spirits will find some way of making it better. Have a good rest, boys," Hakoda said, letting them inside and locking the door behind them. Damn it, he had figured out his plan. That savage was intelligent, and it was becoming irritating. Still, they were finally alone and safe. The two boys collapsed to the floor, completely exhausted. "I'll be around later with some light snacks but try and rest. We're up early," he said as the footsteps faded away.
Zuko immediately cuddled up to Lu Ten. "I thought…I thought I would never see you again," he whimpered, burying his face in Lu Ten's shirt. "They would have thrown me overboard and I can't swim that well." Poor child, didn't' realize they had intended to kill him. "If they had known we were princes, they would have been so scared. Father would have hung them by their toes for what they did."
Lu Ten stroked his cousin's hair, trying to hide his shaking. He couldn't be frightened, that would only make things worse for Zuko. He had almost found himself in some slave mines, to never see the light of day again, and a fate much worse than his own death. He couldn't have born the death of his beloved cousin. "Hush, you mustn't talk so loudly."
"Why? They seem nice," Zuko noted pertly. "I like them more than I like the Earth scum." He smiled as Lu Ten covered him with the furs. "I like furs too. When we go home, we should get some for the playroom." At least Zuko didn't seem too traumatized by the horrible events.
"I know they seem nice, but you must not trust them. Do not talk to them unless you have to, and do not tell them anything about who we are. They're still outlander scum and we can't turn their back on them," Lu Ten instructed, hugging him close. "We are going to run away as soon as possible, but for now, we're safe. As long as you keep quiet, we'll be all right."
"We're going to be all right," Zuko chirped, as simple as he was adorable. "You can do anything; you saved us from the Earth savages."
Lu Ten nodded. "Yes, I can. I can keep you safe from them, but you must not speak unless spoken to and you must never ever tell them who we are. Your name is Hanzo, my name is Shaya and we come from Sakura. We are the sons of a wealthy merchant from Ember Island," he explained. 'If they ask you any questions, just act shy and say you don't know. Do you understand me?"
Zuko nodded. "Of course," he whispered, taking Lu Ten's hand and warming it for him. "I'll protect you and won't say a word." His adorable little cousin...without him, Lu Ten would have lost hope.
"My hero," Lu Ten said softly. Zuko wasn't the most sensible child at times, but he was sweet and good. Lu Ten would teach him everything he needed and turn him into a perfect prince.
"Are we still princes?" Zuko asked softly. "Or are we slaves now like that mean boy said? No one is bowing to us or serving us or calling us your highness."
Lu Ten gulped at those cruel words. His cousin must be so confused at the change in circumstances, he didn't know how to explain it to him without crying. They weren't princes right now, princes had crowns and palaces and didn't get sold like fruit in a market. But surely, he was just a hidden prince, like the ones in the stories. As soon as he would be found, everything would be all right. "Of course, we are the children of Agni. We are the grandchildren of the Fire Lord himself, the heirs to the throne," he whispered. "No one can take that away from us." Nothing but losing his honor by getting himself and his helpless cousin sold as a slave. "But we're going to stay together. And then we're going to go home."
"I know you'll get us home," Zuko whispered. "You're still going to be Fire Lord and be really great and everyone will love you and cheer you and I'll help," he continued with a smile. "I promise to help you as much as possible."
Lu Ten nodded, charmed by his little cousin's devotion. Someday, when Dad would be Fire Lord, Lu Ten would make sure Zuko had the highest honors in the kingdom. "Yes. Now, no more bending or talking about life in the palace. Remember, we are poor and humble servants and we have to act that way. We'll talk more in the morning, but I think we need a good rest.
Zuko snuggled up to him. "Lu Ten, do you think we'll be home before my birthday?" he asked, sounding worried. "Mama and Dad will be really worried about us. We best get home soon."
Lu Ten closed his eyes. "I hope so," he finally said, choosing not to answer the question directly. He did not know when that would be. "I'll work on it, I promise. I'm the prince, I can do anything." If he repeated it often enough, he might start believing it. "I will get us home."
Lu Ten sighed and rubbed his cousin's back to help him calm down. He just hoped he would fall asleep soon, before the horrible events of the day broke his spirit entirely. He had been captured by pirates and nearly had his precious cousin killed in front of him. He had been sold as a piece of property. He was supposed to be Agni's Chosen. "I swear it on my honor. I will bring him home, I will protect him," he whispered. Whatever it took, he would not leave Zuko behind. "I, Prince Lu Ten, son of Prince Iroh, heir to the throne do swear it." Or die trying.
AN-I bet you didn't expect that! Yes, Bato and Hakoda will be the canon characters; it will be fascinating to see Lu Ten and Zuko, pampered palace princes educated by them. This is a canon story, it does fit into the timeline so sadly, and the future is set in stone. So how will being with their enemies change our young princes? This is a canon story, so yes, Lu Ten will still die at the battle of Ba Sing Se, but I wanted to explore more of the young prince's life before that terrible moment.