Lost in the Darkness
I'd apologize for the long delay but after the previous delay, this one was pretty simple. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart for sticking with me and leaving me such amazing feedback. I have thought a lot about my life, and you guys made me realize that I want to be a writer and I have some talent to do it. I keep hoping to improve but I am glad I am entertaining you. A special shout-out to Mooninthenight, this chapter is dedicated to you!
So, Lu Ten is nearly at rock bottom. I have a bit more pain in store for him but he's very close to the breaking point. I admit, I cried writing this chapter And yes, he is having the fever Zuko had in season II. He's at the cross roads.
As for the AU, I can tell you that Zuko and Lu Ten will meet Sokka and Katara. I never said the princes would never meet members of their family again. So determine of that what you will.
Lost in the darkness, silence surrounds you.
Once there was morning, now endless night.
If I could reach you, I'd guide you and teach you
To walk from the darkness back into the light.
Deep in your silence, please try to hear me;
I'll keep you near me till night passes by.
I will find the answer. I'll never desert you
I promise you this till the day that I die
-Frank Wildhorn
Lu Ten sprawled on the floor, his head too heavy to lift. The room spun miserably, as he looked around. He decided to just stay there and wait to die. The demons would get him quickly and he was tired of fighting.
"Shaya?" a voice asked. What did that even mean? What did it matter? "Spirits!" a voice cried, as strong hands took his shoulders. "You're burning up!"
"No, let me go! I don't want to burn!" Lu Ten pleaded, the world fading before his eyes.
"Hey, calm down," the voice said, grabbing Lu Ten's shoulders firmly. "It's going to be okay."
Lu Ten nodded, his heart beating loudly in his chest. "I can't," he whimpered, trying to obey, but his body was shaking too much. He felt his throat get hot and suddenly, his breakfast was on the floor. "I'm sorry!" A prince never apologized but he couldn't stop himself from sobbing like a child and hoping for a few more minutes of life. "I can't breathe." The demons were going to press him and break his ribs again.
"Come on," the voice said, picking up Lu Ten and throwing him over his shoulder like a sack of rice. "It's going to be all right."
"Stop…" Lu Ten begged, terrible images falling through his mind like hail. They were going to torture him again, make him scream, make him want to die. "Mama," he whimpered in spite of himself, curling up on his captor. He was going to faint, he could feel it. He was so weak and helpless; he was a shame to his own family. He had failed Zuko. Why wasn't he dead yet? Were they going to wait and do it publicly? "Who are you? I want my father!" Why would his father be at the execution?
"You need to calm down and rest." A soft voice. "It's me, Shinta. I know you don't like me much, but I'm not going to hurt you. I'm just taking you to Hakoda. He'll help you, kid."
Lu Ten wasn't sure who this person was, but he was too exhausted to do much but allow himself to be carried to be eaten by demons forever. He just wanted to be away from the pain.
"Merciful spirits, what did you do to him?" another voice asked, as the room got even colder.
"Nothing! I found him this way. He threw up, and he's delirious," the first voice said.
Lu Ten gasped for air as he was laid on the floor and examined. "There, that's better," the second voice said, patting his head. "Lie still, and don't make me tie you down. You don't want your brother seeing you like this. Now, let us see what seems to be the problem," he said.
Lu Ten shook his head. "My brother? I don't have a brother," he muttered, as he felt the seam of his pants rip. "My little brother died. Inform my grandfather I am ill, but don't alert anyone else. The people will panic. "
"Ignore him, he's just rambling," the second voice said. "Why didn't he mention this?" the voice demanded angrily, giving the wound a touch that burned every inch of his body. "His leg has an infected wound."
Lu Ten closed his eyes, trying to hold back his tears. "Leave me alone," he commanded. He wanted to be alone to wallow in his pain. "I'm your prince, how dare you treat me this way?"
"Poor thing is delirious. Thinks he's a prince," a voice said. It was disrespectful, but Lu Ten was too weak to strike him down.
"It's going to be okay, kid. I wish I could leave you alone, but you're ill and I am not going to leave until I know you're better," the voice said, putting a hand on Lu Ten's forehead. "He's clammy from fever. A few more days and he could have lost this leg or died. Again, why didn't he tell me he was ill?" He demanded. "Look at all this infection and pus, he'll have a nice scar from this."
Lu Ten shook his head and tried to wriggle away. "It doesn't matter," he begged, but he shivered from fever. "Don't touch me." He didn't want anymore pain, he just wanted everything to be quiet. "The demons…I'm unworthy…" he tried to explain.
"Don't worry, you're safe. I need to get this fever down," the voice said soothingly. "The demons aren't going to get you. I'll protect you…" he whispered. "This needs to be cleaned." Hard fingers pressed around the wound again. "It's spreading."
"Who are you?" Lu Ten whispered. "Where is my father?" he called. "Father? Please, tell him to come!"
"It's Za'ar infection, it's going to get worse unless we can get the poison out of his body. I would prefer to let it drain by itself but I don't think we have time to do this the nice way. "Clean your knife and give it to me," the voice said as Lu Ten weakly resisted. "Tie his hands above him, I'll need you to hold his legs down. I know this isn't going to be pleasant for any of us, but you must not let him go, no matter how much he begs. "
"No, please, don't do this to me," Lu Ten begged, feeling the weight pressed down on him. "I'll tell you what you want, just don't.." he sobbed, not sure he could last much longer. "Put the knife down." They would cut him into bits.
"Don't be afraid, little one. I know you are scared, but you are safe. I'll take care of you, and make sure you survive this. Yes, this is going to hurt. I'm sorry, but you will feel much better soon," he said soothingly. "I want you to bite down and scream as loud as you want, but you must not move at all. Now, close your eyes and try to relax. It will be over very soon."
Lu Ten's body arched with pain, as his vision mixed with black as the knife touched the wound. "No,' he managed to scream. His pain was mercifully ended by a swift show of darkness. "I'm so sorry," and a large hand in his own was the last thing he could remember.
Hakoda examined an unconscious Lu Ten in, and sighed. This was bad. This was actually life threateningly bad. "Poor kid thought I was a demon," Shinta said breathlessly. "Now he thinks he's a prince. Is he going to be okay?" Happily, he hadn't picked up on the truth in the kid's ramblings. All of it was coming out and he feared for the boy's safety. "He's going crazy."
"He injured his leg and the stupid child decided not to tell me. I think we have a problem," Hakoda said darkly. "His whole leg is red and infected." Lu Ten feverishly shivered in his pain as Hakoda gently poked at the wound. "And this is why you should tell me, before things get this badly. I'd punish him, but I think he's going to be punished enough. Start wrapping the wound lightly." The wound hadn't drained well. This was very bad.
"Yes," Shinta said softly. "He's so pale, Hakoda, he has to be okay. He's the type to become a vengeful spirit if he dies and he'd likely come after me first," he said nervously.
"Most likely, and you'd deserve it. But no, I don't plan to let our little friend here pass without a fight," Hakoda said. "He's shivering. When you're done, cover him with some furs."
Shinta sighed. "Should I give the order to go back to shore for a healer?" he asked. "We only left two days ago."
Hakoda shook his head; he couldn't answer how a little Fire Nation boy ended up in his care. "We can't turn back now. We'll be at port in another few days," he decided, in cold self-preservation.
Shinta nodded. "I'll bring his sleeping pallet here," he said softly. "Should we tell the little one?"
Hakoda began cleaning Lu Ten's wound. "Get more hot water, and some cold water as well. We'll need both," he decided. "No need to bother Hanzo until we have more information."
As he looked at the sleeping little prince, he wondered if it would be easier if Lu Ten died of natural causes. He had put aside the thought of murder, but the spirits were sending a gift. Why not let the little dragon fall into eternal sleep? Why keep him alive?
Hakoda had vowed to never let the boy return to the Fire Nation and/to tell of the Water Tribe, but he was beginning to doubt the ability to tame him. The cold blooded violence directed against Lu Ten's own brother made him wonder if a pampered little future Fire Lord could ever adjust to a new life. The hatred and violence in the boy's eyes had terrified him. That was the monster he had feared. Azulon's heir, the future mass murderer.
Hakoda knew Lu Ten could fight and could firebend. He knew that the boy was intelligent enough to plot against him. How could he take such a dangerous little dragon back to the South Pole? What if Lu Ten took revenge against another innocent child, like Katara or Sokka?
As he drenched Lu Ten's sweaty forehead, he realized how much easier it would be if the boy slipped away. He could raise Hanzo as his own, and he could keep his hands free of bloodshed. It was the perfect solution, but it was so wrong. He cared for the little dragon. He didn't want to bury him, no matter how much easier that would make life!
Lu Ten's tiny hand reached out to him, and Hakoda took it instinctively. "Father…" he whispered again. The kid was deliriously calling for his father, another monster in human form. "It hurts so much. Make it stop!" He was a murderous child, but a child all the same. He sighed to himself, his murderous thoughts chilling to pity. Lu Ten was gravely ill, and there was no point in speculation.
He sighed. There was no point but to wait and see what the spirits decided would be their fate. "I'm here," he whispered. "Father is here." He meant it.
"I'm home, everyone!" Lu Ten said happily. It had taken him days, but he had managed to find his way home. They could stop mourning now, the crown prince was home! "Everyone, I'm home. Where are you?" he called worriedly.
Lu Ten saw Auntie's tearful face, as she looked for her son. "You lost my son," she wept, collapsing to her knees. He was helpless to comfort her, he had shown cowardice and saved his own sorry skin over staying with his cousin. "I loved you and this is how you repaid me? I raised you after your mother died, cared for you, and you kill my son!"
Lu Ten knelt down before her. "I had to do it, so I could get help," he pleaded. "I'll track him down, he'll be found and returned to you. But they would have tortured me had they known who I was. They'll never suspect Zuko."
"What if they do find out who he is?" Uncle demanded, enveloping his wife into a comforting embrace. "How long do you think my son will survive their torture?" His own family, he had brought such suffering upon them!
Lu Ten hung his head. "I am sorry, Uncle. I will find him. But I had to get help and the only way was leaving him," he explained.
"You're the one who got him into danger, you selfish little brat," he heard his aunt say. Her voice was no longer comforting, but shrill and angry. "I told you to stay behind the cove. Had that happened, we could have easily saved you. But you had to be brave and go beyond the cove. Do you think your uncle giving you permission meant you could do as you please and risk the life of an innocent?" she demanded. "You are the one who nearly got him killed. Do you deny it?"
"I am guilty, my lady. I beg your forgiveness," he whispered, looking down, choking on his self-hatred. "I should not have taken him out. I take full responsibility for what happened, but I beg you to understand, I never intended any of this to happen."
"Never. Your mother would be ashamed of your failure. You are the weak link in the chain, the one who doesn't deserve to be Lord," Auntie sniffed. "I never want to see you again."
"I beg you to forgive me. I will spend my life making sure Zuko is home safe. Please do not be afraid," Lu Ten whimpered. "You know how much I love him. I would never let any harm come to him."
"Lulu…Lulu," a soft voice was saying. Lu Ten turned around and saw Zuko standing there, smiling. His skin was gray and his hair was matted, but it was his cousin!
"I found you! Aunt Ursa, Uncle Ozai, here he is!" Lu Ten said, pointing to his cousin. "He's safe! I told you he would be safe!"
"That isn't my son, who is that monster?" Aunt Ursa screamed, her voice shaking. "That is not Zuko!"
"Of course he is," Lu Ten asked, before turning around and seeing the boy in front of him. "My cousin, what is wrong? You look so pale," he asked, horrified. Something smelled terrible, his nose burned with the stench. He embraced Zuko and shuddered. "You are so cold. Why haven't you warmed your hands?"
"I can't warm my hands," Zuko said softly. "Why did you leave me?" He was so small, and the smell was getting worse. Hadn't he bathed without him?
"I had to leave to get help. I was only away from you a few days, I was just getting help. How did you escape?" Lu Ten asked.
"Escape comes to everyone," Zuko said with a painful giggle. "Even you."
"You smell like a butcher. What did they do to you?" Lu Ten gasped, trying to warm Zuko's clammy hands.
"Without you to protect me, they got angry," his cousin said innocently. "When they found out you left, they beat me. And then they beat me some more. They kept asking where you were. But I didn't tell them, so they beat me some more." He smiled and laughed. "They kept saying they would stop if I told them where you were. But you would be proud of me. I didn't tell them anything."
"I'm so sorry," Lu Ten whispered, wondering how he would ever live up to such bravery. His cousin was far too noble and special; Lu Ten was nothing compared to him. "I wouldn't have left you if I had known they would hurt me. But how did you escape?" he asked.
"I didn't. I just cried and hoped you would come save me." Zuko smiled sadly. "Then they gave me to the Earth Kingdom. They beat me some more, and put stones on my chest. It hurt so much… but then it stopped. It all stopped hurting. So everything is all right now."
Lu Ten had a terrible feeling. Putting stones on Zuko's chest…no way that his fragile little cousin could survive that! "Can you firebend?" he asked. "Come on, just a little spark for me, Zu. That's all I ask," he pleaded.
Zuko smiled as his eye popped out of his face, hanging down like a freakish decoration. "I can't, silly. Fire comes from the breath. The dead can't breathe. You killed me," he giggled, as his flesh began to rot on his own body.
"They killed you," Lu Ten gasped. How could this have happened? Zuko was a child, those savages couldn't have harmed him? "I'll slay them to a man to avenge you, my dear little cousin."
"Why would you care?" Zuko mocked. Lu Ten shuddered. "You're the murderer. You saved yourself and left me to die. I hate you." With that, Zuko fell to the floor in a pile of ashes.
Lu Ten screamed in agony as he combed through the ashes. This could not be happening. His cousin had to be alive. This was not real.
His grandfather's gnarled face appeared before him. "You left your own cousin to die in captivity and selfishly saved your own life?" he demanded, his golden eyes boring into Lu Ten's very soul. "You were supposed to protect him. You were his older cousin, the one he looked to for help. You should have been willing to give your life for him. Instead, you were a coward and have lost your honor. You are unworthy of being my heir."
"Please, Grandfather, I came back for help," Lu Ten pleaded. "I'm the Crown Prince; I couldn't stay in enemy hands. They would ransom me and force you to give cruel concessions. Please, understand that I only did what I thought right." Why didn't they believe him? Why didn't they realize that demon wasn't Zuko?
"What you thought is of no consequences? Your hands are stained with the blood of your helpless cousin. Do you deny it?" Grandfather thundered, as the heat rose to consume him.
He could not deny it. He was guilty. For a leader, there was no excuse for failure. It was his fault, everything. Lu Ten fell to his knees and bowed to the floor, pressing his forehead into the cool stone. "I beg you, my lord, have mercy on your most unworthy servant. I beg forgiveness for my mistakes," he choked through sobs that shuddered through his whole body. This was not supposed to happen. "Have mercy, don't expel me," he pleaded, as cruel hands dug into his arms.
"You left your own cousin behind. There can be no mercy," Grandfather thundered. "Get him out of my sight!"
"No," Lu Ten pleaded. He didn't want to die! "Please, have mercy, don't do this, Grandfather. I'm your humble servant, I didn't mean it," Lu Ten pleaded. "Please spare me!"
"You're having a nightmare. You're delirious from fever, none of what you are seeing is real," a voice whispered, drawing Lu Ten back to the hazy world of pain. He couldn't see, a damp cloth was covering his eyes. "You must wake up." Lu Ten tried to sit up, but even raising his chin made him weak. A large hand pushed him back gently. "But keep resting."
"Please, stop," Lu Ten begged, completely confused. "It hurts." He couldn't even open his eyes without feeling dizzy.
"I'm trying not to hurt you," the voice said again, stroking Lu Ten's hair. "Everything is all right. Just relax, lay your head back and rest. You are very ill, you must rest. What did those terrible people do to you?" said the warm voice, full of love. This couldn't be his enemy, such kindness. Was it Father?
Yes…Father had come back to him. "Father…" he whispered. "You found me." Soon he would be home and everything would be all right. "Is Zuko all right?"
"I'm here," the kind voice said. "I'm here and I won't let anything hurt you. Zuko is sleeping, he's just resting." Lu Ten reached out a shaking hand and felt a warm hand take it. "Just rest, my boy. I won't let any harm come to you."
"Father, I'm sorry, I'm so sorry I left the cove," Lu Ten whispered, so grateful Father had found him. "Please don't be angry." He was so sorry. It was his fault. Everything was his fault. "I'm so sorry." Tears dripped down his cheeks, as he allowed himself to cry. "How did you find me?"
"I'm not angry. Everything is going to be fine. I could never be angry with my son. You learned your lesson and you won't do it again. I know you're sorry. Don't worry about how I found you, I'm here, I have you and you are going to be fine. Your fever will pass," Father said, as a cool rag dampened Lu Ten's forehead. "You are going to wake up and be all right."
"You came home," Lu Ten whispered, his breathing calming. "You came back to me. I knew you would find me. Knew you will find me when I need you." He had missed him so terribly. He held the hand to his lips and kissed it. "You came for me."
"Of course," Father said softly, and stroked his hair. "You're my son. I'll always find you. But no more talking, you must drink. We'll talk later. You're very sick." Lu Ten was home, he was safe. His father's voice sounded so sad. "I'm right here."
Lu Ten whimpered as the spoon of hot liquid placed into his mouth. Swallowing took too much work. "No more," he pleaded, sickened to his stomach.
"A few more, my son. You must eat," the voice urged and Lu Ten dutifully downed a few more painful spoons. "Very good."
"I'm scared," Lu Ten whispered, as sobs leaked from his voice. "It hurts so much. Don't leave me alone. I was all alone and I needed you. I needed you so much and you weren't there. You're never there, you're always away. I needed you so much. Please, don't go away anymore."
"I am sorry I went away…Lulu," Father said, and his voice sounded so far away. "But don't worry, I am never going to let you be alone again. You are safe, my boy. You are safe and no one will hurt you again. I promise you."
"I love you, Father," Lu Ten whispered as he allowed himself to relax back into the world of dreams. "Please, don't leave till I fall asleep." He was safe now. Everything would be all right.
"I love you too, my boy. I really do. I hope you know that," Father said. "I'm staying right here by your side. And when you wake, I'll be waiting."
Lu Ten smiled. "I love you, Father. I knew you would find me." Falling back into darkness, he finally felt safe.
Lu Ten was doing badly. Hakoda had managed to coax some broth into his lips, but the boy was limp and burning with fever. He no longer knew where he was and was convinced he was home.
Hakoda's heart broke at the boy's feverish weeping. The Abomination had well earned his name; he inspired terror in even Lu Ten. He could only imagine the terrible nightmares. He only could imagine the tortures inflicted on the innocent children in his care.
He regretted to realize that Lu Ten might not suffer long. His glands were swollen, and his injury was still weeping with fluid. His fever refused to break. The spirits appeared to have granted Hakoda's misplaced wish. He cursed himself for tempting fate, he had no right to hope for such evil. The little prince of the Fire Nation was dying.
Watching the little boy waste away was heart breaking. Lu Ten deserved better than to die young and alone. He was a good kid, a fine young warrior. He didn't deserve this.
Hakoda held his hand, trying to comfort him as best he could. He only was grateful that Lu Ten was too sick to know how sick he was, that he was alone and far away from his beloved kingdom. He had pretended to be the boy's father and it seemed to have comforted him. That gave him some relief.
Perhaps… it would be best if he called in Hanzo and had the boy say his goodbyes. He didn't want his new child to live with regrets. Even if it would be traumatizing, it was the right thing to do.
So he gave the order to bring Hanzo to him, and tried to think of a way to explain death to a little child that was so far away from the rituals of the Hunt. On the verge of tears himself, he wasn't sure what else he could offer Hanzo but his own empathy and sympathy at the loss of Lu Ten.
A cheery Hanzo bounded in, but stopped when he saw his brother. "What happened to him?" he asked, eyes wide.
"He is very sick. I thought you might want to sit with him a little and talk to him. It would make him feel better," Hakoda urged, making space for him to sit down next to him.
Hanzo studied the situation. His eyes were grave as he sat down next to his brother but made no effort to touch him. "Is Lu Ten going to die?" he asked, his tone shaking.
Hakoda put his hand on the boy's shoulders. "I don't know," he lied, trying to be comforting. "He needs rest so his body can heal itself." If he could heal himself.
"I didn't mean to make him sick! I'm sorry!" Hanzo whispered, looking nervous. "Is he going to be okay?"
Hakoda patted the boy's hand. "It's not your fault. Your brother let an injury fester. This has nothing to do with you," he assured him.
Hanzo rocked back and forth. "He can't die," he pleaded. "He has to be the Fire Lord. He promised he wouldn't leave me again. This is all my fault!"
"This isn't your fault. Why are you blaming yourself?" he asked. Poor kid seemed so confused. "You're not in trouble."
Hanzo's lips trembled. "Mom and Dad are going to be upset," he said gravely. "Everyone is going to be upset. Lu Ten is the Crown Prince. He has to be kept safe because he's going to be Fire Lord. I should have protected him!"
Hakoda noticed a certain bitterness. "Why are you blaming yourself?" he asked again. He had expected Hanzo to burst into tears when confronted with the sight, but the kid seemed even more nervous for himself. Odd.
Hanzo bowed his head. "I was bad. Now Agni is punishing me," he whispered.
Hakoda hugged him close. "Your brother was very angry but you know he loves you," he soothed. If the kid was to be orphaned, he might as well part the relationship in a good way. "Hanzo, you must know that. Brothers can fight, but they still love each other. You aren't being punished. Things like this just happen. But nothing can break the bond of brothers."
"My name isn't Hanzo. It's Zuko. Lu Ten isn't my brother. He's my cousin," was the miserable answer. So why would a cousin protect another cousin so much? None of anything being said made sense. "I'm not his real brother."
"Zuko is a fine name. We just have to call you Hanzo outside, because…" He trailed off. How to explain to a five year old that ransom was an ever present threat. "We don't want the Earth Kingdom finding you."
Zuko nodded. "I don't like them," he agreed. He closed his eyes, and buried his head in Hakoda's chest, desperate for comfort from authority. "I like you."
"I like you too, kid. I want you to know you're part of my family. I know you want to go home, but I have a nice family waiting for you. You'll have a new brother and sister to play with. You'll have a new mom to take care of you. I know you want your family back…" Hakoda trailed off as Zuko shook his head.
"I don't want to go home," he confessed, leaning back and turning his face to look up at him. "I want to stay with you."
"Really?" Hakoda asked, a bit shocked at the frankness of the child, but grateful all the same. At least one of the boys was on program.
"If I go away, you can't protect me from the Earth scum. So I want to stay with you. And I can't go home. I made Lu Ten mad," Zuko babbled.
"What are you talking about?" Hakoda asked. He had a feeling he knew what was being said but he didn't want to believe it.
"I'm going to be in a lot of trouble when I got home. I made Lu Ten mad and everyone is going to be mad at me," Zuko confessed. "You aren't allowed to make Lu Ten mad. It's against the rules. "
Hakoda wasn't surprised. "Because he's going to be Fire Lord?" he asked. He could imagine that would make disagreeing with Lu Ten very dangerous.
"Yes! Grandfather will so angry. He can send me to the dungeons forever if he wants. He can even-" his voice broke off. "I'm in so much trouble."
Hakoda sighed. "What did you say to make Lu Ten angry?" he asked. Zuko was an easier target for interrogation; he leaked information like spring snow leaked meltwater
Zuko shook his head. "I can't tell you. You'll be mad at me," he whispered. "I don't want you to be mad too."
"I won't be mad. I promise, I just want to make your brother see that what he did was wrong and I can't do that unless I know what you did," he said.
Zuko's chin was on his chest. "I said I didn't have to listen to him anymore and that he wasn't a prince and that I didn't have to listen to him," he confessed, his voice still cracking with sobs. "He said I was a traitor! I was bad and I don't want Grandfather to know how bad I was! I'm scared."
Hakoda rubbed his back. "It's going to be okay," he assured him. If someone had beaten Lu Ten senseless, he could only imagine the punishment dealt out to a lesser royal. "No one is going to hurt you. I won't let them. Besides, your brother…your cousin loves you," he soothed. He had seen death in Lu Ten's eyes, but there was also much good. "He feels terrible about what he did to you. I know if he was awake, he would tell you how sorry he is!"
Zuko sniffled harder. "He promised me he would never hurt me. And he did!" he wept. "He said he'd never leave me, but now he's dying and he's leaving me alone! And I can't go home because if I do, everyone will be mad at me for not protecting him! I want Lulu awake and happy with me!"
Well, that was convenient since Zuko was never going home. "No one is going to be mad you. I know you're a big boy, but even you can't protect your cousin from fever." Zuko nodded sadly, and just wept into Hakoda's arms.
"I…don't want Lulu to die," Zuko wept. "I'm so mad at him, but I'm scared if he goes away, and I just want him to be better, but I don't want to be in trouble!"
Poor kid. Hakoda sighed. "No matter what happens, you will not be alone. I'm right here." He hoped Lu Ten heard that message too.
Zuko just shuddered. "I don't want Lu Ten to die," he whispered. "I want my Lulu back. The one who was nice."
"Me too," Hakoda agreed. He hoped more that Lu Ten would survive to internalize it as well.
AN-So, Lu Ten is really broken down. But the road back will not be easy. Next chapter, Lu Ten finally has to face his greatest weakness.