Sorry for the long delay, I had a period of intense amount of work and a lot going on personally, but I am back and better than ever, with a new computer. Thank you for all the wonderful messages of support and incredible reviews. Also, a special thanks to my new Beta Rua who is the most fantastic young lady and an authoress of incredible ability herself. Her work has immensely improved this chapter and I thank her for it. This story is as always in honor of the wonderful and hardworking Avocado who always takes on far too much and does it beautifully. So yes, now you get to find out who reduced Lu Ten to tears and finally broke him down. Many of you commented that Lu Ten is an unreliable narrator and a brat, and you're right. He has a warped sense of reality, due to growing up as a prince, where his every whim is law. He has never had to earn affection or respect, or even interact on an equal basis with anyone in his peer group. In many ways, he's been nursed on being violent and angry and cruel and he doesn't know any other way. What saves him is his love for his cousin which keeps him grounded and less hateful than other members of his family. It's incredible to write him and get to show the fantastic leader he might have become.
Also, if anyone knows the song that is the original version of Lu Ten's song and can name it in their review, they get the chapter early. Happy reading!
Break Me
I never thought I'd change my opinion again
But you moved me in a way that I've never known
But straight away you just moved into position again
You abused me in a way that I've never known
So you're the kind that deals with the games in the mind
Well you confuse me in a way that I've never known
-Savage Garden
The hour had come for him to die.
The guards wordlessly rock shackled Lu Ten's hands behind his back. They were coming to kill him. He was in a dark cell, hungry and cold. Zuko lay next to him, bleeding profusely from a cut on his forehead. His poor cousin was going to die in exile, helpless and alone. Why had Agni abandoned them?
It was all his fault, he had left the safety of the Fire Nation and now he was suffering the consequences. If he hadn't been so stupid, he would be back home in the Fire Nation. He would be a prince again, instead of a sacrifice to savage triumph. Punishment had been swift and severe.
Zuko was picked up and carried, his limbs helplessly hanging out. He mewled helplessly, as tears pricked Lu Ten's eyes. They had beaten him, and Zuko's suffering had only begun. What would they do to him without his cousin to protect him, to take his blows for him? He wished he could fall to his knees and apologize to his cousin for robbing him of his life, for being such a terrible leader. He could hear his cousin sobbing, the agony beating into every fiber of his body.
He blinked as he walked up the steps, plunging him back into warm sunlight. He could see where he was going to die, a noose had been hung from the main mast. A pile of stones had been created under it, to facilitate rising and dropping. Hopefully, he was heavy enough for his neck to break immediately. Otherwise, he would slowly choke to death slowly. "Will someone shut that kid up? He's just going to squall the whole time," one guard snapped.
"Don't look at me. I spent all night building that gallows," one said bitterly. "Why couldn't we have tossed them both overboard?" If only Zuko could die with him, instead of facing a life alone and helpless, beaten down and hated. Without warning he could feel his knees grow weak. He fought to stand tall, he was going to faint and disgrace his people in his final moments. To his shock, he was trembling.
The men were assembled, in ranks. Fong had wanted everyone to see his victory, it was pathetic. Did he think this would stop the glorious dynasty of Sozin? Lu Ten took comfort that Dad would gut him for this. This was not the end, this was only the beginning. He found his stomach starting to get queasy. He didn't want pain, he just wanted this to be over quickly.
No, he was scared. He wanted to live so badly, he wanted to have a life, to get married, to rule as the Fire Nation and to die an old man in his sleep. He didn't want to die young on the battlefield. He would never see his father again, never hug Aunt Ursa and Uncle behind. He would be dead, to never breathe warm air again or see another sunset. He was only twelve, it just didn't seem fair. His knees finally collapsed under him, and he sprawled to the floor.
"What happened? Did the little prince feel a bit weak? Pathetic," one guard snarled, yanking him to his feet. "No wonder your people are so weak." No, he wasn't weak. He was strong. He was a warrior. He should show no fear. He would die the way his father would want him to die, with pride and honor. He was a son of Agni.
"We have all felt the cruel hand of the Fire Nation. We have lost our land, our freedom and our families to their desire for power. But we have not lost our freedom," Fong said in a louder tone, addressing the troops. "Today, we will strike a blow against them, that they will never forget. When people remember the war, they will remember us, what we today did," he said, as Lu Ten was pushed forward to the block of stone.
Lu Ten looked upon the last sights of the world, and the soldiers looked blank, dumb as stone. They had no idea the repercussions of their act. The sun beat down on Lu Ten, giving him the strength to hold his head high. He was strong and they were weak. He wished had the strength to push every single body overboard and let them fall into the ocean, return them to the watery hell. Zuko was staring in horror and there was nothing Lu Ten could for him.
"Any last words?" Fong asked, with a note of mockery in his voice. No, this would not be his last words. This would be his final triumph. He would not show fear in the face of death. Zuko was watching him tearfully and he needed to be comforted.
Lu Ten forced himself to smile at his cousin. "Long live Azulon, long live the Fire nation and long live the Dragon of the West, who will crush all of you under foot," he wanted to say defiantly. He could feel his strength flowing through him. He was a Dragon's son. They would not rob him of his life. He would be taken into Agni's embrace. But all that come out was sobs.
No, he had started crying. In his final moments, he had proved himself a coward and had made his cousin's suffering worse. But he just wanted to live so badly, how could he not cry? He would never feel the sun again, never grow up to be a man. He was scared, shamefully scared. The rope was going to chock him and break his neck and make him die and he didn't want to die!
"Don't cry, little boy. It will be over very soon," Fong mocked. "And I have plans for your little cousin. Such a pretty little boy, would make a fine slave in the Earth King's home. Of course, we'll have to break him a bit, but soon he won't even remember he was a prince. Or perhaps I'll have him publicly disposed off on a torture stake. You've doomed your nation, little boy. When the Fire Nation sees your corpses, they will lose all hope. Then we will occupy your home and turn your people into slaves. Your aunt Ursa's a famous beauty, perhaps I'll take her as a concubine."
Lu Ten tried to lunge at him, but the shackles just made him fall to the floor. He could hear the snickers of the crew as he was humiliated. "Bowing, begging for mercy?" Fong mocked. "Hoping I'll spare your miserable little life?" Zuko was sobbing in confusion. "What a tale I will have, that the crown prince of the Fire Nation, the living son of Agni begged me for his life like a slave. You aren't some special leader, graced by the Gods. You're just a frightened child who pretended and now we see the truth." He wasn't worthless. He was a prince.
"I am the prince of the Fire Nation, I am the heir to the throne," Lu Ten whispered, trying to be defiant. It was hollow now, he was nothing now. He was the dust beneath their feat and the only end to his digrace would be at the edge of the noose. Rough hands dragged him up and he could feel the harsh hemp dig into his neck as the noose held him. The knot under his left ear dug into his neck. He was going to die…he could feel his stomach drop…no!
"MAMA!"
Lu Ten gasped and opened his eyes, choking on his terror as he screamed. He opened his eyes and saw two blue ones staring back at him, along with the sounds of sobbing. "Wake up, you're dreaming," Hakoda said, shaking him gently. "You're safe, no one is going to hurt you."
Lu Ten tried to squirm out of his grip. "I'm fine," he whispered, but he could feel himself blinking back tears. Zuko was sobbing next to him, clearly confused. "It was only a dream. I'm fine, no one is going to hurt me. Hush, don't cry. Everything is fine." He could still feel the tears running down his cheeks, as he shook with terror. That had seemed too real. He forced himself to try and forget what he had just saw. It wasn't true. No one was going to hurt him. He was safe for now. There was nothing for him to worry about, he had to calm down.
"They hurt you again," Zuko wept, saying far more than he should in the heat of the moment. Lu Ten enveloped him into his arms and tried to hush him as best as he could. His crying reminded him too much of the dream, he couldn't stand to hear his poor cousin suffer. "I heard you crying but you wouldn't wake up."
"No one is hurting me, little brother. I'm fine, it was a nightmare. I can understand you got scared, but you know that I'm all right," Lu Ten soothed gently. He could feel his body shaking but he decided against any further comment. "I didn't intend to wake you, Hakoda. That was an unintentional and will not be repeated." It was
"I don't mind waking up to help you, you two are my kids now and I didn't expect to sleep through the night anymore than I did at home," Hakoda said, patting his back. Lu Ten shuddered, still feeling the bruises. They reminded him far too well. Never get close to a savage; they would only gut you if they could. "What did you dream, Shaya? You're still shaking, it must have been horrible," he continued, trying to be soothing.
"I just had a bad dream. You could have just left me alone," Lu Ten said. He had nightmares when his mother died. Slaves had merely learned to stand guard and play soothing music throughout the night. Of course, on a ship of savages that was not possible. They did not take his needs into account at all. He was just another boy to them.
"You were screaming so loud, the whole ship could hear you. I was quite worried. I don't need the crew losing sleep just because I'm not taking good care of you," Hakoda said soothingly. "I'm a good father, you know and I won't let you two shrimp-crabs ruin my reputation." He was trying to be funny. It did not work. Proper fathers didn't comfort their children at night, they had more important things to do like running an army. Only savages could waste time like that.
"I told you, it was a bad dream. All about monsters and demons and men with big swords," Lu Ten lied smoothly. "They were going to eat me. I was scared. But I am an adult and I'm too old to indulge in such childish fears and it will not happen again." He was ashamed to hear the entire ship had heard his terror. He was weak, like the dream said. His father would never had nightmares and cry like a baby. He was beneath contempt.
"You're as pale as death. Come on Shaya, there has to be something you aren't telling me," Hakoda said, smoothing back Zuko's hair. "Look how worried your brother is about you. Why don't you help yourself by telling me what happened?" He was trying to trick him, just as any outlander would trick him. He had to be a strong prince. "There is nothing to be ashamed of if you're afraid of something."
"You bought my brother and myself as slaves. Don't you think something terrible happened to get me to such a helpless position?" Lu Ten snapped angrily. "What it's like to be reduced to property, to be chained up like an animal? Yes, they hurt us when they captured us. I don't want to discuss it, it's something I wish never happened."
"I don't recall gallows being part of what you told me," Hakoda said quietly. "Or that something you left out?" Lu Ten lowered his eyes and cuddled Zuko close to his chest. "Did the pirates hang someone in front of you?" he said, studying Zuko's face instead of his own. The savage was more intelligent than Lu Ten thought possible.
"No. I saw a hanging when I was young. I dreamed about it. My brother was too young and didn't see it," Lu Ten said coldly, stroking his cousin's hair. "I'll go back to sleep now. Don't worry, everything is fine. Please, just let me go back to sleep. I am so exhausted."
"You know a lot about death and suffering for someone so young, Shaya. Tell me, why are you so afraid to tell me your dreams?" Hakoda asked quietly. "Is there something in them that you fear confiding? Whatever you tell me, it will be okay. I want to be able to help you and I can't do that when you won't tell me anything about you. I'm your friend, my boy."
Lu Ten shrugged angrily, hating this man's pity. He had been willing to die in his dream to keep his dignity. He gave him his most dignified look, and backed away. "You did not buy my thoughts, Hakoda. Pray leave them private and allow me my dignity," he said, before watching Hakoda's eyes widened. That may have been too many syllables for such a savage. "Don't you read? It's from the Romance of Two Dragons."
Hakoda took Lu Ten's shoulder and held it firmly, ignoring attempts to move away. "And I suppose slaves read a great deal?" he asked archly. "You weren't always a slave, you were gently born. That much is obvious. You know what else is obvious? You lie a great deal, Shaya. And I am patient with it, but my tolerance will come to an end when I think I have done enough to earn your trust. It would be easier if you attempted to show me the courtesy of not lying to me at every possible moment."
Lu Ten was ashamed to admit he flinched at the implied threat. "I see," he said softly, still haunted by the dream. He was not strong. He had crumbled under pressure when tortured. Perhaps he didn't deserve to be Fire Lord. Maybe he was weak. "Then I shall stop speaking at all."
"I was afraid you would say that. I wish you would just let me help you. Would you like to me to sleep here tonight?" Hakoda asked. "My daughter said I am good at chasing nightmares away." He looked like he wanted to, but Lu Ten would not allow that breach of privacy. This was his one sanctuary from these savages and he would never surrender it.
"I will be fine, Hakoda. You can go," Lu Ten said softly. Zuko hadn't spoken a single word and he knew something was wrong. Hakoda seemed to agree, as he wordlessly left. "Everything is all right, Zu. I promise, I am fine." Even if he didn't believe it, Zuko had to believe it. "I'm going to be Fire Lord and make everything all right," he whispered more to himself.
"Of course," Zuko whispered back, setting on Lu Ten's chest and finally finding some comfort. "And you're going to be a great one. Everyone says so. You were born to rule." His childish faith in him was comforting. "When you cry, it scares me."
"Then I will not cry anymore, my dear Zu. I will act properly," Lu Ten vowed. He would have to grow up and start choking down his weakness. Zuko could not be burdened with it, he was too young and too weak to undergo such suffering. That is why Lu Ten had been born to rule. It was his duty to take on the powerlessness and make the situation right. "I will protect you. I swear it on my honor."
Lu Ten hugged his cousin close and forced himself to relax. It would be a long night unless he had some rest. He needed to preserve his strength so he could properly take care of his cousin. It was his duty. "Sing to me," Zuko pleaded. Poor thing was so scared. Lu Ten wished he had that luxury.
"They have devised schemes but they have been foiled, they have made declarations against us, but they will not be fulfilled, because Agni is with us!" Lu Ten sang softly, a favorite war song. "They have sworn our defeat, but they shall fall, they plot evil but they shall be destroyed, for Agni is with us." And he was. They had to keep believing Agni was watching over them. "We're going to get back home." No matter what.
The days were fading into endless blurs of work and sleep. Lu Ten was forced to work on the ship like an ordinary peasant boy. The food was still terrible. And at night, he was still plagued with nightmares. Sometimes, he wondered if he was still a prince, or if his dreams of the palace were just fantasies. It was only late at night when Lu Ten would make the candles flicker around, that he could control them with a mere breath that he was reminded who he was. Lu Ten, son of Prince Iroh and Princess Lien, Prince of the Fire Nation and heir to the throne.
Today had been actually pleasant so far. Kesuk had been so impressed with Lu Ten's abacus ability that he had allowed him to manage the accounts. It was honorable work, even if it was rather tedious. How stupid these Water savages were, their handwriting was so ugly. His beautiful calligraphy and elegant characters really made their records look far nicer. "Your spelling is atrocious," Lu Ten snapped, as he finished the work. "Didn't you even learn to read?" It was disgusting how little culture this putrid group of savages had.
"Well, it's lucky we have you, seal pup," Kesuk said with a patronizing laugh. "There's not much time for writing in the South Pole. Perhaps I'll have you join my family when we're back home. I have a daughter around your age. You aren't too young to start thinking of a match, are you?" he asked.
Lu Ten almost spat. He was going to marry his cousin Azula when she came of age, a princess of the royal blood and not some disgusting savage. "Have you seen my brother?" he asked, changing the subject. Zuko was supposed to stay close, where was the little mite? "He was supposed to take a walk and then come back to me." A silent walk, one where he did not speak to anyone.
"Maybe he's playing with Shinta on the crow's nest," Kesuk responded. Seeing the look of horror, the idiot laughed and waved his hand. "Don't worry, he's good with kids. He is the one who babysits Hakoda's brood. It will be good for your brother to talk to other people. Why don't we go to lunch? Your brother will be down soon. I'm starving, and Bato is making his famous stewed sea prunes and seaweed soup. It'll help you grow up big and strong."
Lu Ten shook his head. He didn't want that criminal anywhere near his little cousin and he definitely planned on growing big and strong, he was a future Fire Lord. "I should go get him," he said softly. If Shinta had damaged one hair on Zuko's head, Lu Ten would gut him. Without even asking for permission to leave, he ran from the room. "Little brother," he called out desperately. What could have happened to Zuko? He had told that boy to stay still, to stay near him.
As he reached the crow's nest, he looked around desperately. "Zu.." he hissed, looking around. "Come out immediately." What if Zuko was hurt? He was so delicate, so helpless, Lu Ten sometimes wished he could keep him on a leash, far away from harm. Images of his cousin's face filled his mind as he stepped forward. "Little brother!"
"He's here," a voice called out. Lu Ten stepped forward unconsciously and yelped as a net ensnared him, leaving him dangling midair. A trap, damn this ship! "Hello, Fire slave," Shinta said, walking out from around a corner and looking satisfied. He was dragging a pale bedraggled Zuko next to him, his hand over his cousin's mouth. Lu Ten gasped as he tried to fight the ropes. He could burn himself out in a moment, but then his secret would be exposed. "I thought we could have a nice heart to heart while everyone's having a meal. You know, get to know each other."
Lu Ten gulped, wondering what he should do. "And that involves putting me in a trap?" he snapped. "Afraid to face me on my own?" He had to keep taunting him, and hope Zuko bit his hand and got away from the brute.
"Of course I'm afraid of a Fire Nation savage. I've seen what your people have done, you rape and murder and destroy. You're a monster and I'm going to make sure you can't hurt anyone. Even if I have to play dirty," Shinta said, giving Zuko a hard shake. "And keep quiet or you'll get another smack!" Zuko whimpered, looking terrified as he tried to squirm away.
"What's my brother got to do with this, you stupid barbarian? Let me down or else!" Lu Ten commanded, his voice shaking. Zuko looked terrified, he wasn't sure what to do. Lu Ten had sworn him not to firebend but that was his only hope in getting away from him.
Shinta easily picked up Zuko and held him over the side of the ship. "You tell the truth or else I'll do this," he hissed with a smirk. "The current's going strong and it's cold open ocean. You won't be able to jump in and save him. All you have to do is prove you're our enemy and I'll let him go!"
Lu Ten felt rage course through him. "You drop him and I'll kill you," he hissed, wishing he could get closer. It would only take a second to drop him into the depths. The ship wouldn't be able to turn to save them. No one would be able to save them. "What do you want from me?"
"To prove you're Fire nation. Your hands are too warm for normal people. Come on, firebend, you little monster," Shinta challenged. "Unless you want him going to the deep." The currents would take them out of range of any help. And as fast as he was, he was not fast enough. He could never reach Zuko on time, and he would be responsible for the death of his cousin.
"Please, let him go, I'll do what you want," Lu Ten pleaded, all the bravery gone. "Just put him down and you can hold me hostage instead. Please don't hurt him." The terror in Zuko's eyes was painful. Zuko was expecting his cousin to save him and he couldn't even do a single thing for him.
"Admit you're Fire Nation," Shinta hissed. "You wouldn't do it in the fight, but you'll do it now. I made sure you wouldn't be able to weasel out of it this time. You're the people who killed my family, you aren't going to get the chance to kill everyone else I care about it. This time, I am going to stop you." His head was pounding, he was going to be sick. He had trained in martial arts since birth, but now he had no idea what he should do. One mistake and it was all over for Zuko!
"Lulu," Zuko wept, forgetting to use the codenames. "Make him stop." Zuko believed Lu Ten could do anything. He was wrong. His beloved older cousin and protector was trapped in a net, completely helpless and a useless leader. He felt his chest ache as he gasped for air. He had sworn to protect Zuko, and yet he was powerless to save him. He reached out his hands helplessly, but nothing came to mind. If he tried to attack, Shinta would drop him. If he revealed himself, they'd be given over to the Earth Kingdom. It would be merciful to let Zuko drown quickly rather than die at the hands of the Earth kingdom. He should know what to do, but all he could do was hang there uselessly.
"Come on, just admit you want us all dead, that you are some Fire Demon," Shinta snapped. "I'm not going to wait much longer, you know. Are you willing to let your brother die just so you can get the chance to kill us?" Lu Ten's vision was clouding up with tears. He was supposed to be prince. He was supposed to know what to do. "In fact, I'm tired of this. You made your choice." He smiled. Zuko dropped beneath the rail. He was gone. "I made mine."
Lu Ten should have attacked and immediately avenged Zuko's death. He should have firebended and destroyed the entire ship. He screamed violently, tears streaming down his face. But as he tried to move, he could feel his stomach churn in extreme agony, completely nauseous. His precious cousin was dead. He had failed to protect him. His cousin was dead because of him. "Why?" he sobbed hysterically, completely bereft. Zuko was five years old, Lu Ten was supposed to be a Lord. He had failed his own family. Zuko was gone. "Why did you kill him?"
"What is going on here?" Bato demanded, appearing suddenly from behind a bunch of barrels. "I was wondering where you were and thought you might be up to trouble. Why is Shaya in a net?"
Shinta paled. "Dad…I," he mumbled, but he was caught. It was too late for Zuko. There was no sound of splashing. He had gone down straight to the bottom. He had to go over, to try and save him. Lu Ten felt the rope give as a knife cut open the net. Bato had lifted Lu Ten and holding him like a baby. "Why is he crying?"
"My brother, you have to let me go," Lu Ten pleaded, trying to fight. His body was so heavy, he couldn't even resist one man. He should bend fire. He should avenge his cousin. He should kill everyone on the ship. "Please, he's only five," sure that there was no hope. In open ocean, the water was icy cold and Zuko was so fragile and delicate.
"What is he talking about?" Bato demanded angrily, holding Lu Ten tightly. "And I expect the truth, my son!" Lu Ten just sobbed, knowing that there was nothing he could do. He was helpless, worthless, completely unworthy of being a cousin. Zuko was already dead, he'd never survive the choppy ocean. Did he suffer?
"Murderer!" Lu Ten shouted, unable to hold back his sobs. "Tell him what you did!" He wanted to throw himself overboard..he was a honorless prince, a failure to his people. He wanted to move, but he felt too hollow to even know what to do when he did.
"I…don't know," Shinta said, his voice trembling. He was a murderer. Zuko had been five years old, defenseless. Lu Ten should have bent fire, he should have told Zuko to fight back. He was a murderer too.
"He's survived slavery and hasn't cried yet. What have you done to him?" Bato demanded, holding Lu Ten close. "Answer me!" How could they explain what happened? Murder had happened, Zuko's innocent blood had been spilled. He couldn't go back. He sobbed pitifully, wishing he had died instead. "Shaya?"
It all came out in an angry babble. "He killed my brother," Lu Ten howled miserably. "He threw him overboard, you have to let me go, I have to save him, he can't swim well," he babbled, knowing it was hopeless. He just wanted to die trying.
"What is he talking about?" Bato snapped, looking dangerously angry. "I know he has to be lying because you could not have thrown a little boy overboard. That is not my son. Where is Hanzo?"
"Right here, in the fishing nets," Shinta babbled, yanking on a cord. "He's fine. It was just a little joke." With a long pull, a long net was brought to the deck and dragged a squirming bundle out. "You see?"
As soon as the net opened, Zuko bounded out and threw himself at Lu Ten, holding him for dear life. He was sobbing as well and Lu Ten didn't have the heart to correct him. his cousin was alive. Zuko was all right and everything was all right. Lu Ten was released from Bato's grasp and knelt down, his knees giving out. His tears continued to fall as he clutched his weeping cousin close and tried to forget how close he had come to losing him. "Hush, I'm here, I won't let him hurt you," he whispered, stroking Zuko's hair. "Everything is all right now. No more crying, everything is fine." He couldn't hide his own trembling. What if that scoundrel's hands had slipped?
"I'm scared," Zuko wept pitifully, shaking with fear as well. "Why did he want to kill me?" He was so forlorn and confused. Lu Ten cradled him and kissed the top of his head. "What is happening?" He was alive and safe in his arms. No one would ever hurt him again, Lu Ten swore it. In exile, Zuko was his people and a Lord was ready to die to protect his people. He would kill to protect his fragile cousin.
"That's a very good question, Hanzo. Shinta, do you have an answer for him?" Bato snapped. "Because it's something I would love to know myself." Lu Ten glared up hatefully at the bastard who almost killed his Zuko. His days were numbered. If it cost him anything, Lu Ten would personally see to it that Shinta was gutted for his crimes.
Shinta paled as his father stood over him. "Dad…I was just having some fun," he mumbled, his hands shaking. "There was a net, he was in no danger. It was just a silly bit of fun, no one was in any danger. See for yourself, he was completely safe."
"I don't think Hanzo found this funny. He didn't know about the net and neither did Shaya. Would you be all right if someone did this to Sokka or Katara?" Bato thundered angrily. "You tormented two innocent children and have shamed yourself and your family. You could have killed Hanzo, had you missed the net!"
Shinta paled and hung his head. "I wouldn't have missed the net. I just wanted to…It was…" he whispered, looking like he wished he could bolt from the scene. His father had him by the shirt. He was trapped like the rat he was. "Dad, forgive me."
"Forgive you? What do you wish me to forgive?" Bato thundered, over his trembling son. "That you bullied a helpless child? That you've spent the last few days making two innocent children suffer? That you disobeyed every order we gave you to behave properly?" Zuko's sobs only added to the fury. "So, did you at least enjoy making two children cry and beg for their lives?"
Shinta looked younger and less terrifying in that moment. He cowered under his father's glare as he held out his hands. "Dad…" he could only sputter, his eyes filled with tears. "You don't understand. They…" he began, at a clear loss for words. "They didn't…"
"Tell me, what did they do to deserve this?" Bato demanded, giving his son a shake. "They're half your size, they're helpless. So what did they do for you to decide that they deserve to be scared half to death?"
Shinta opened his mouth, before closing it. "Father, please forgive me. It was a moment of idiocy," he pleaded, tears in his eyes. "I was wrong." For a moment, Lu Ten pondered if he could claim self defense and kill him right now. Zuko clutched him and the plan was abandoned. He needed to soothe his little cousin before thoughts of vengeance. Zuko was too delicate to witness justice; he had endured too much and needed to be kept calm.
"It's not me you should apologize to, it's Shaya and Hanzo. They needed you to protect them and you failed to heed your duty. You're their new elder brother; you're supposed to be the one who makes them feel safe. Think about what is expected of a Water Tribe warrior," Bato said sternly. "They are the ones you hurt."
Shinta nodded. "I'm so sorry," he whispered. "I thought…" he trailed off but then shook his head. "I'm sorry." He didn't sound sorry. A knife in his ribs would make him a good deal sorrier. He was going to kill him for this. There would be no mercy. He was going to kill everyone on this miserable savage boat.
Bato's normally cheery visage was almost as frightening as Grandfather. "Don't worry, you will be even sorrier when I'm through with you. I could never believe my own son would act this way, to threaten two little children. It's not me you should apologize to, it's them," he snapped, as his son wilted under his gaze.
Shinta bowed slightly before him. "I'm very sorry for what I did to you," he said softly. "I will repay my debt to you for the pain I caused." He didn't sound sorry enough. He was still alive. That had to be remedied.
Bato grabbed Lu Ten before he could lunge at him and proper vengeance could be wrecked. "The only way you could repay your debt to me is to die painfully, you disgusting piece of seaweed. You almost killed my brother, my five year old brother who couldn't even defend himself," he shouted, shaking with rage. "You are a monster, and the best thing I could do is kill you as slowly and excruciatingly as possible."
Shinta didn't say anything, as he looked to Bato. "I think you have every right to be angry, Shaya. If anyone has a right to be angry, it's you. You will need time to cool down and accept this apology, but it will never happen again. You and Hanzo are under my personal protection. I swear to you, you are safe," Bato said softly.
Lu Ten glared at him. "I will never accept this apology. This wretch tried to kill my little brother, the only family I have left in the world? He's sorry? I'd have been a lot sorrier had my brother drowned. There is a vendetta against him and it will be paid in just measure. I would advise him to sleep with one eye open. Vengeance is a bloody affair." He was breathing heavily,
Bato knelt down. "Blood brings more blood, vengeance brings more suffering. Shinta will learn his lesson. Forgiving him doesn't mean you accept what he did but rising above it," he said, patting Lu Ten's shoulder, before rounding on his son. "As for you, get below at once, and think of your actions. I shall deal with you when I can speak without anger. Do not show your face on deck until I come for you," he snapped in disgust. "You can go without dinner while you wait." Shinta slunk off, his head bowed. Lu Ten wished he was Prince again, he'd make that blaggard hold his head in a basket.
Hakoda was on the scene a few seconds later. "Are they all right?" he asked, his voice shaking. "I just heard what happened, Shaya, Hanzo. I'm so sorry, I didn't realize things would get so bad. I know Shinta's hot tempered but…" he trained off. "I promised to keep you safe."
"I apologize for my son," Bato said, patting Zuko's head. "I promise you, he will be punished for this. You are a valuable member of our tribe and just like a son and brother to all of us. What he did was wrong and it will never happen again. I'm sorry, Hanzo."
Lu Ten rose to his feet, but dizziness forced him back down. The entire world had spun around him as he stumbled about. "Easy there," Hakoda said, scooping him up. "That was a bit too much for you. I'll take you downstairs for some rest."
"I'm fine," Lu Ten mumbled, but he was shaking like a leaf. That awful moment of watching his cousin disappear beneath the railing, his world going dark before his eyes. He was exhausted emotionally and he just wanted to go home to the Fire Nation where everything made snese and Shinta would be more than deprived of dinner, but all of his limbs. A civilized, normal place where he would be safe.
"Can he stay with me?" Lu Ten pleaded, still feeling his cousin's hands in his. He couldn't be separated from him. He had almost lost him. he needed to comfort him, to keep him safe. He was Zuko's only hope. That bastard had almost killed his cousin, Lu Ten wanted to keep an eye on him before someone else got some bright idea.
"I think you both need a good rest," Hakoda said, as Zuko mewled pitifully, still holding onto Lu Ten's hand. "Hanzo, we're going to go down and have some nice yak's milk and your brother is going to take a bit of a nap. Would that be all right?" Why did they bother asking? When one was fainting and another one was five years old, one did not get much of a choice.
The sick bay was quiet and boring. Zuko was sleeping soundly, product of a funny smelling liquid that Hakoda had administered. He had tried to give him a sleeping potion too but Lu Ten had tipped it out surreptitiously. His mind was the only thing he had left, and he wanted to keep it clear. He managed to fool everyone into thinking he was sleeping. He needed the rest; he was exhausted.
He had almost lost his little cousin. His heart was still beating in his ears, he had almost lost Zuko. He was a terrible cousin. He was a terrible Lord. Such failure could never be tolerated. He would never forget the sight of Zuko disappearing beneath the railing. He had been so worked up; he hadn't even noticed the lack of a splash. He should not have lost his head like that, but he had been so afraid. He had been weak at that moment, because his cousin was…all he had in the world. He enjoyed the feeling of being cuddled up to his little cousin. As he covered him with the furs, he noticed how small and helpless Zuko was. If Lu Ten wanted to run away…he couldn't take him with him. He would have to leave him behind.
"A Fire Lord should have no attachments, but the good of the people," he mouthed, his back to the wall. His worry for Zuko was unseemly. People died. Royalty was no exception, Zuko would one day have to go into battle. He couldn't coddle and protect him forever. Zuko would have to stand on his own, and Lu Ten would have to think of the good of the kingdom. Staying here was doing the empire no good. He should have jumped overboard and rescued himself from captivity and left Zuko behind. He was the Crown Prince, the true heir to the throne. He had a duty to return to his people, to wisely and justly lead them. If something happened to his father and grandfather, it was his duty to guide the people.
Lu Ten was second in line, Zuko was fourth and replaceable. Zuko should be proud to remain in captivity for him. Maybe he should run away and get help. He wouldn't leave Zuko in captivity long, but staying here was only making things worse. He couldn't just wait to be rescued, he would have to do something to prevent this from happening again. But how could he leave his cousin now? Zuko was traumatized by the cruelty shown to him and without him, would likely die. No, he would have to wait a little longer until he had a better plan that would allow both of them to get home.
Before he could decide, he could hear the door open. He hide his eyes with his hand and waited to hear who was invading his space. "So, I thought this would be a good place for us to talk," a voice said. "I wanted you to see what you did. Poor Hanzo is sobbing his eyes out with Kesuk and Shaya was so overcome, he was drugged to get some rest. I want you to understand how terrible it is to hurt them." It was Bato.
"Dad, I understand," Shinta hissed, sounding miserable. What was he doing here? Had he come to finish the job? If need be, Lu Ten would firebend now and kill them both. "I was wrong and I admit it. Why are you torturing me?" He didn't know what torture was, but Lu Ten was going to be happy to introduce him to the royal interrogators once they were returned home.
"Because you don't get what you have done and it's something you must learn. They were slaves, they endured horrors you can't even imagine. It's likely they are orphans, with no one to help them. They were adopted into the tribe to give them a safe place to live," Bato said softly, his voice rich with disappointment. "We were all working so hard to get them to trust us, to become part of the tribe, to give them a home. In a moment, you destroyed everything. It will be months before they feel safe with us again. You have stolen so much from them." Lu Ten kept his arm over his eyes, but it allowed him to see everything without them knowing. It was a delicious feeling to see Shinta get what he deserved. "So, what should I do with you, my son?" Lu Ten had some ideas but he had to remain hidden or he'd lose all the fun of seeing this criminal humiliated. He wanted him to suffer.
"I'm sorry, Dad. I don't know what came over me. I just...I saw the fire in their eyes. I thought they were Fire benders, that they would take everyone away from me again," Shinta whispered miserably. "I kept seeing their golden eyes and thinking of the people who killed Mama. I couldn't let them kill you too. I had to do something, I just couldn't let it happen again." His voice shook. Lu Ten was glad the army had taken his mother. He was evil and deserved to suffer.
"Losing your mother has been hard on all of us. I miss her every single moment of the day. But it is no excuse for what you did today. It is Hakoda's judgment that we care for the children, and it is not for you to question him, he is our leader," Bato reminded him, making Shinta squirm. "Besides, they are children. No matter what nation they are from, they have hurt no one. Look at them sleeping there. They have done nothing to deserve your hate."
"But they will. If you raise a baby lion-viper, eventually it will grow fangs and bite you in the blubber. We should dump them both overboard," Shinta said bitterly, but his voice was choked with tears.
"And you would be the one to do it, my son. You would send a five year old child to his death, throw him overboard like garbage. Hanzo hasn't done anything to you, but you'd happily drown him to punish him? Have you seen someone drown, Shin? It's not a pretty sight to see them thrash for life?" Bato asked coldly. "Is that what you wanted to do? If so, I have to wonder what kind of son I have raised. Can you really say you'd slay him? Be like the Fire Nation, kill the innocent for who they are, and not what they have done."
Shinta's tears broke into sobs. "No, Dad..-I wanted to...but ...I'm sorry," he wept, completely broken down. "I...am not like them. I swear, I'm like you."
"Then prove it," Bato said. "You know what you must do." Ohhh, did the Water savages have Agni Kai? For such disrespect to a father, a son could be justly punished.
Shinta nodded, but he was still sobbing. "I was wrong, Dad. I will admit it to all the warriors. I have shown cowardice and cruelty, I have forsaken my vows as a Water Tribe warrior." He sounded so broken there. Lu Ten had to admit, it was soothing to see him suffer.
"What have you done?" Bato asked in a stern tone. "I know this hurts, but I need to know you understand what you have done."
"I threatened the lives of two innocent children. I showed them cruelty instead of kindness. I have disobeyed and therefore disgraced both my chief and my father and I ask your forgiveness. I fully admit what I did was wrong." Each word was choked with sobs. "And I ask to be shown the way to make amends for my crime against the tribe."
"You committed two crimes. You disobeyed the tribal chief and broke unity. For that, you must seek amends and apologize to every member of the tribe, one by one. You will conduct yourself meekly and obediently on this ship, and learn your place. Because…for your second crime, for threatening the life of a child, you must be strictly punished. You are my son and I want to forgive you. I see the regret in you, and if the sin was against me, all would be forgiven. But you have disgraced your name and that is something that must be earned back. I'm sorry, Shinta. I have discussed the punishment with Hakoda and we both feel that severe measures are needed. Do you accept our judgment?" Bato asked, his voice low.
"Yes, Dad. I accept your judgment entirely," Shinta said, his voice shaking. He still cowered under every word. All this for two slaves? Lu Ten had never threatened a child but he had joyfully tormented slaves without a hint of regret. What strange people these savages were. "Am…I to be shunned?" His voice shook at the last word.
"It was discussed, but we decided that such a punishment is for an adult," Bato explained. "Therefore, it will not be used." Lu Ten was confused. He knew Shinta was considered an adult by tribal standards. And what did being shunned mean? He'd have to ask Hakoda sometime, it sounded like a cruel and creative punished that could be used to keep the slaves in line.
"I don't understand," Shinta whispered, his face regaining some of the color. So the bastard was not to receive the ultimate punishment. Pity. "But…I thank you for your mercy."
"I don't know if you will thank me after you hear your punishment. You ice-dodged two years ago and proven yourself worthy of the Mark of the Brave. For the last two years, you have been given the status of an adult. I was so proud of you," Bato said softly. "You have shown no bravery today and have disgraced your mark. You have shown cruelty to a helpless child and have shown cowardice before your tribe. Therefore, your status is revoked. You are restored to the status of a child again, subject to child's punishment and rules. When we return to the village, Hakoda will judge if you have learned your lesson. If so, you may try again," Bato said, closing his eyes. "I'm sorry, Shinta." Lu Ten bit his lip to hide his gasp. The blaggard had his honor stripped from him, all for insulting slaves?
Shinta flinched and his hands clenched into fists, but he bowed his head. "Thank you for judgment," he said softly, but the tears were still streaming down his face. It was enough to make Lu Ten sick to his stomach, as Bato hugged him tightly. "I will earn back your trust. I swear it."
"I know you will, my son. I know you will learn to control your temper and think before you act and you will make a fine chief someday," Bato said, hugging his son. Lu Ten had been punished by his grandfather and had never been hugged. Shinta was a disgusting pustule of evil, how could he be comforted when he deserved to be flayed alive? This culture was barbaric!
"I will make you proud," Shinta vowed as his father lead him out, leaving Lu Ten alone and very confused. What kind of people had captured him?
AN-Yeah, Shinta was an arse, but he caught on to who the two boys are and he got scared. In many ways, I pity Shinta, I don't know how I'd react in his place. Though he has a deadly enemy now. I am wondering if he knows just how deadly Lu Ten can be. I look forward to what happens next, it's going to be big. But the next chapter is nearly done and here is a preview.
Lu Ten blinked rapidly. "Don't question me. It is my verdict as Crown Prince of the Nation that you stay here," he said harshly. Obedience was the proper way to take it. "Do you understand me?" he snapped.
Zuko tried to nod dutifully but his body was shuddering with sobs. "I.." he tried to say, before collapsing to his knees in tears. "I understand," he wept, completely in hysterics. 'I will obey." His shoulders shuddered as he continued to sob forlornly.