Fragile 21-Cruel, Crazy, Beautiful World

When I feel your small body close to mine
I feel weak and strong at the same time
So few years to give you wings to fly
Show you the stars to guide your ship by

-Johnny Clegg

This chapter is in honor of all the people who reviewed, but especially my dear friend Acastus who was an amazing blast from the past. I did not write the songs, and rather than bore you with a long list of the songs and translations (I did all the translations but the first), feel free to request in the reviews and I'll send you links to the originals. Sorry for the delay, but work is insane lately. Next chapter is halfway written.

"And again," Hakoda said sternly. He hated being hard on the little prince when he had worked so hard to make up for weeks of being a complete pest, but he had to get the boy walking again. All that wallowing in grief had stunted his recovery.

"It hurts," Lu Ten whimpered. His leg was still stiff and it would take time for him to heal again. "Please, no more."

"I'm sorry, little dragon, but you know you have to do ten walks. You want to get strong again," Hakoda reminded him. "You're doing great."

"What if he doesn't want to see me?" Lu Ten fretted as he stretched his painful leg and started walking.

"Stop worrying about a tide that hasn't come," Hakoda reminded him. "I thought princes were supposed to be fearless."

"I did too," Lu Ten said, and the sadness in his eyes made Hakoda remember that this dragon was a hatchling and a very frightened one.

"You know, when you aren't being a stubborn, narrow minded, spoiled brat, you are a great kid," Hakoda said, before seeing the wounded look on Lu Ten's face. "I'm bad at this."

"You are honest with me. I'm not used to that," Lu Ten said, with a wisdom that had finally hatched. "I imagine quite a few people think badly of me, but are too afraid to say it. Like…Zuko."

Hakoda nodded. "It's a hard lesson, I won't deny it. But you'll be a better person once you realize respect doesn't come from titles, but from your actions," he said. "Keep practicing, you are getting stronger."

Lu Ten hobbled again, looking miserable. "When I am Fire Lord, I would like to be as wise as you," he said softly, and looked up with an innocent expression. For a moment, Hakoda could truly see the real Lu Ten, the sweet child who was loved by his family, and who only wanted to make sense out of a world he was grossly unprepared for.

"I hope you will be even wiser," Hakoda said, and ruffled the boy's hair. Lu Ten allowed the touch, looking a bit confused. "You are a tough shell to crack, but you are a good person. Zuko will forgive you. Now, keep walking, I need to get you back to yourself."

Lu Ten had waited three days for this moment. He had dutifully eaten all the seaweed stew that Hakoda had insisted would make him strong and he had practiced walking back and forth until he could almost disguise his limp. He had slept properly, he had bathed and he was determined to do right.

Hakoda led in Zuko by the hand. "Hi, I was wondering if we could talk," Lu Ten began, starting the words they had practiced so many times.

"Are you going to yell at me again?" Zuko asked, his chin at his chest. "Uncle Hakoda promised you wouldn't."

"I'm not going to yell. Zuko, I'm…sorry," Lu Ten pleaded, the clearly alien words choking him. "I hurt you and I am so sorry. You are my best friend and I should be there for you. Even when I'm angry, I should treat you properly, and I am so sorry. I was so scared, I didn't know what to do." He dropped to his knees, the Crown Prince of the Fire Nation and hung his head. "But I beg your forgiveness. I am so sorry and ashamed of what I did. I love you, Zu. You're my family. "

Zuko paled at the sight of the Crown Prince begging and immediately dove into his beloved cousin's arms. "You shouldn't bow to me," he said softly. "You're the heir."

"You matter more than any title," Lu Ten said, wondering how those words even made sense. "I was wrong and I deserve you to hate me. I am sorry."

Zuko snuggled in his arms. "I like the new you. You should get sick more often," he noted, before giggling as Lu Ten tickled him. "Okay, sorry! But it's true…my prince."

It felt good to have them as friends again. "Hakoda said that being a prince means thinking of your people before yourself, and being grateful for them. I promise I will never hurt you again, my sweet little Zu."

"I like being your cousin again," Zuko said, his head on Lu Ten's shoulder. "I missed you." Lu Ten whispered something unintelligible to Zuko. Both rose to their feet and bowed deeply. "Thank you for rescuing us and being so kind to us," they said together.

Hakoda coughed nervously. "If you never do that again, I'll consider myself well paid," he said, pulling them up. "For now, let's start fresh. Promise me you'll be good, not try to escape and be good members of my team and we'll consider it all in the past." He pulled them into a hug and for once, Lu Ten didn't pull away.

"I promise," Lu Ten whispered, and finally felt safe. Perhaps Hakoda had some wisdom in him. Lu Ten was willing to find out.

Lu Ten sat, crossed legged at his first group meal. "It's wonderful to see you amongst the living," Kesuk said, ladling him a large bowl of soup. "Eat up, you are as skinny as an icicle."

"Thank you," Lu Ten replied, bowing his head. He had tried fighting Hakoda to poor results. Following his suggestions had been the logical option.

"Whatever he did to him…I'm pretty sure magic was involved," Shinta whispered to Bato, who laughed heartily. "No other explanation."

Lu Ten raised his eyes to bristle before he realized that the laughter was kind. They didn't dislike him. They were merely teasing him…in an affectionate way. "Spirits may have been involved," he whispered, getting a nod of approval from Hakoda.

"Whatever the reason, we're glad to be seeing you better," Bato said gently. "We were scared for you, little dragon."

"Here's to Shaya," Kesuk said, raising his bowl. "Back to the land of the living and back to his crew!"

Shinta siddled down next to him. "Glad you're better," he whispered, handing him some pickled limes. "Hanzo told me they are your favorites, so I bought you some while onshore."

Lu Ten smiled. "Thank you," he said softly. "Hakoda told me you helped care for me. You aren't so bad after all." He did love pickled limes very much.

"Well, I'm going to be your big brother now, so you better get use to it. I'm going to teach you how to track in the ice, and how to canoe. You're old enough to start learning how to ice dodge," Shinta said, giving him a gentle punch to the arm. "Things will be good now."

Lu Ten lowered his eyes a bit. "I'm…a bit overcome," he said, before realizing how much he missed his real family. He liked these new people, but he couldn't forget his father, his aunt and uncle. He couldn't just go back. "Thank you for all you've done to me. I'm sorry…I just…don't know what to say."

"Well, we usually have a song at dinner. Usually Bato or Yakone do the honors, but our little seal pup here informs us you're a fine musician. Maybe you could let us know you feel," Hakoda said, pointing to an erhu in the corner. "Shinta picked it up last year, and says he is learning it but he's terrible."

Music would be very kind. Hakoda must have remembered the legends of the Great General Iroh, who was an accomplished bard as well as warrior. "I know few happy songs." he whispered, his hands longing for it.

"Sing a sad song then," Bato encouraged, handing him the erhu. "I think you will enjoy letting some of your feelings out."

Lu Ten closed his eyes. "Legend has it that the First Mountain Platoon was sent to defend the country against an enemy invasion. They came across a civilian from the other side, a young shepherd boy. Instead of killing the boy, they took pity and let him on their way. The boy betrayed them to the other side. They were all killed but their example inspires others," he said, taking the bow. "Prince Iroh, General of the Fire Nation wrote this song for them." It was a foolish gesture, but he had to do it. He was still Prince Lu Ten, even if he couldn't tell them.

"Behold, our bodies are laid out in a long, long faces have altered, death looks from our eyes, we do not breathe. The last rays of daylight; evening glides down the hill," he sang, his voice quivering. "Behold, we shall not rise to walk the roads by the light of the far sunset. We shall not love, not shall pluck the strings with delicate whispered sounds,never shout in the gardens when the wind stirs through the wood."

Zuko had joined in, his high sweet voice adding to the melody. "Behold, our bodies are laid in a long, long line; we do not breathe. But the wind is now on the hills, the wind breathes, morning breaks, and the shining dew sings. We shall return again, we shall meet, shall return as scarlet flowers. You will know us at once, our silent mountain platoon. Then we shall blossom, when the last shot has been silenced in the hills."

The crew remained silent for a very long moment. "That was beautiful," Bato whispered, in awe. "I never heard that story before."

"Wow, excellent job," Kesuk said, leading a round of applause. "Music nights in the camp just got a lot better."

Lu Ten blinked back tears. "My father used to sing it to me," he said, before realizing just how close he was treading. "He wanted me to grow up to be a hero like them.' Hakoda's eyes were studying him closely. "Perhaps another song? I think I can do a happier one now."

"Why don't you teach us a song so we can sing with you?" Bato said, obviously confused by the look on Hakoda's face. "And then we'll teach you a song."

Lu Ten looked at Hakoda for approval before taking up the bow. "This is a simple song from Ember Island about how much we love our country. I suppose we can sing it for any land," he said.

"My land, my country, my land, a land with blue skies without a cloud. The golden sun pours down its rays like the honey sweet. To the land we are born, in the land we live and in the land we'll stay forever, proud children of the sun," he sang. "Here's the country is so ground, our Mother and Father land. The land of the people, The land forever. A land we were born in and where forever we'll stay, come what may."

And to his shock, the crew sang along a song of the Fire Nation. And if he closed his eyes, he could almost pretend he was home. If only he could bridge these two worlds…

"And again," Hakoda said, as Lu Ten crouched into position. He had been taught swords, archery, knives, spear and staff, but he had never learned club. Although he knew that it was to help him re-use muscles, it did make it fun. "Nice, clean strokes." Shinta got into position. "Remember, use your hips as well as your arm," he reminded, giving him a wink as he took a swing. "Otherwise, you'll have a sore shoulder. Position one!" Lu Ten took a step forward, blocking the strike with his own club. "Position two." Lu Ten knocked the club back and moved in with a butt strike. "Excellent!"

"You're good at this, for a beginner. Sure you aren't hiding anything else?" Shinta asked, giving him a kind smile. "No one is this good."

Lu Ten almost formed the words "I am" but decided to try a new approach. "I have excellent teachers," he said, bowing politely.

"And we have an excellent student," Hakoda said, giving him a nod of approval. Lu Ten glowed, knowing it was a real compliment. They didn't have to praise the prince. They were proud of him, proud of his accomplishments.

"Now I really can't wait to go back. You and I are going seal hunting. I'll show you the best spot," Shinta said, ruffling his hair. "We should be there in three weeks."

Lu Ten forced a smile. "I'd love that," he said, realizing he wasn't lying. He would like to go hunting with them. He just knew he couldn't. He had to return to his Fire Nation people and rule them justly.

"Shinta, can you prepare some dinner? I need to talk to Shaya for a few minutes?" Hakoda said softly, putting his hand on Lu Ten's shoulder.

Shinta nodded and walked off below to help the men. "Three weeks?" Lu Ten whispered, realizing the time of truth had finally come.

"Yes, this week is going to be our last stop on the mainland. After this, it's straight back to the village," Hakoda said softly. "And before you ask, I'm not dropping you off. You will be coming along with Zuko. I don't expect you to be happy, but it's not negotiable."

How would he ever see his family again? His father would die of grief without him. "I know why you want to keep me, but I must go back to the Fire Nation. I have family there. I belong in the palace. As future Fire Lord, I can help your people. We can be allies," Lu Ten pleaded, staring at the ground to hide his tears. "I'm abandoning my people. I'm their prince. My life is theirs. I must return or I am unworthy. You taught me how to be a better leader, please let me lead."

Hakoda sighed. "I want to let you go, but if Azulon ever found out how you survived this, we would both burn. And Zuko can't keep a secret, the truth would come out. As a leader, I need to protect my tribe."

Lu Ten nodded. "And I gave you my word I would not escape. Honorable leadership is very hard," he said softly. He had learned that far too well. "I never realized how much sacrifice it takes, and how easily it can go wrong."

"Tell me about it. But we will find a solution. I've always wanted to ask, how did you get into this situation in the first place?" Hakoda asked. "How did the great prince of the Fire Nation give me the honor of being his guest?"

Lu Ten sighed, and turned to the railing to stare out into the endless sea, in the direction of his home. "I went boating and someone had placed blasting jelly on the ship. I…still don't know how that could have happened. My boat is inspected before I go out, who would have missed that?" he thought softly.

"The person who tried to kill you had access to your boat. Who would benefit from your death?" Hakoda asked, his hand on his shoulder and guiding him back to sit with him to do chores.

"Perhaps a grieving family wanted to punish my family for the death of a criminal or a soldier in war?" Lu Ten asked, sitting down to begin mending rope. He couldn't imagine anyone fitting that description but perhaps bribery had gotten him into the palace.

"Yes, but how many had access to the royal yachts? You said your boat was well guarded with loyal soldiers. It would be hard for someone to get in?" Hakoda asked, drumming his fingers along the floor of the ship thoughtfully.

"Yes, only members of the royal family and their personal guards are permitted in. Zuko was likely allowed there because he's a prince and he's allowed to wander about the palace, no one would have noticed him slip in," Lu Ten confirmed, finishing the repairs.

"Who packed your bags?" Hakoda asked, handing Lu Ten some more rope to untangle. "Did you do it yourself?"

"No, my uncle said he put the supplies on my ship," Lu Ten said, before his eyes widened. That could not be possible. "No, it could not be. Uncle loves me. He adores me."

"He also had the most to gain from you dying. He is next in line right after you and Zuko," Hakoda said. "In fact, I'd say he had the best motive for keeping you out of the line of succession."

"Zuko isn't my brother. He's my cousin, Uncle's son. He wouldn't dare hurt his own child," Lu Ten pointed out.

"But Zuko wasn't supposed to be there," Hakoda reminded him. "My father taught me something very wise, kid. The simplest explanation is best."

Lu Ten gripped the rope until his hands were white. "I know, you see my family as monsters. But my uncle isn't capable of such evil. And besides, my father and grandfather would never allow it. I cannot entertain this subject," he said, returning to his most regal voice.

Hakoda nodded. "We'll talk about it some other time. You need time to think," he said, clearly upset by the conversation.

Lu Ten got to his feet and stared off into the horizon, back in the direction of his homeland. His father had to believe that he was still alive, he must have been still searching for him. It was impossible that his life would be a peasant in some village, when he had been born to Fire Lord?

He bowed his head and began singing the songs of child. "And it is Agni's Blessing is what kept our fathers and what keeps us surviving. For, not only one arose and tried to destroy us, but in every generation they try to destroy us, and Agni saves us from their hands," he sang quietly, trying to steel himself.

That song seemed wrong now. It wasn't Agni who had saved Lu Ten and Zuko from the hands of the enemy, but the enemy himself had saved them. Now, the world made no sense. How could Agni have delivered him into the hands of foreigners?

Another song filled his mind. "Fire Nation, so gold and bronze and light, let me be the music of thy song," he whispered, remembering the ancient poetry he had memorized a lifetime ago, when he only knew the world within the palace gates. Would he ever see it again?

It was impossible to be grumpy today. The ship was docked in a peaceful cove while Bato went to stock the ship. The rest of the crew was resting behind them, and the day was perfect. With the sky so blue, it seemed like even Agni himself was enjoying the day.

"I got another one," Lu Ten cheered, surely enjoying the time. He had to admit, it was quite interesting to learn how Water Tribe caught their fish. It was much more fun than the way Fire Nation caught fish, using spears to pierce them. "Is that enough?" Even though going back to the Water Tribe gave him pause, he couldn't resist a bit of fishing competition. Zuko was a few feet down the river, splashing stones happily.

"Nope, we need plenty of them. Come on, put your back into it. Once they are smoked, you'll thank me for making you get as many as possible," Shinta reminded him, putting it into the bag. "It's better than sesame candy."

"Well, at least they'll be smoked well," Lu Ten said, blowing a small jet of fire in Shinta's general direction. Zuko had sneezed fire during the illness and spilled the mung beans that they could both bend, but no one had been too surprised. The warm baths had given it away long ago.

"I might even enjoy having two fire benders in the group, the food has been better since it's always warm now," Shinta teased, taking the spear for another go at the stream. "We'll put you to good use. I am going to be enjoying a lot of smoked seal blubber from now on."

Lu Ten laughed heartily. "If we're smoking it, we'll have first dibs on the best pieces," he teased, getting his hair ruffled. "Just pick them off before anyone even knows the difference."

"You eat up my blubber, and I'll use you for fishing tackle," Shinta said, handing him some more fish to put in the bag. "You're cheeky, you know. You're lucky you're also useful."

"It's part of my charm," Lu Ten said, before looking up. "Isn't that your father?" he asked. He was walking towards the tribe, looking very surprised. He had been supposed to try some last minute trading, but he had not yet sold the goods. What happened?

"You won't believe it. The Market is closed in mourning! Fire Lord Azulon is dead," Bato said breathlessly as he reached the campsite, holding up the leaflet, marked with the royal seal.

Lu Ten dropped his spear, his hands shaking. He was Crown Prince now. It was safe to return to his beloved father's side. He would be a prince again, slaves would bow at his word and he would live with silks and jewels and all manner of comforts. He would be Fire Lord. "Praise the spirits, may he burn in the demons lair," Kesuk said.

"I placed the orders, but we'll have to wait till tomorrow," Bato said. Lu Ten would go from cabin boy to Prince. He would be himself again, but a better prince for having learned everything under his dear friend Hakoda and finding out how to be a better leader. He would become the greatest Fire Lord, who ruled with wisdom and kindness and had earned the true love of his people.

"Bless be Agni," Lu Ten whispered. He would miss the Water Tribe, but he could arrange a treaty of peace with them. Yes, they could come visit every year and he could still see them and still be prince and everything would be all right.

"And you won't believe what else? Fire Lord Ozai has declared war on Ba Sing Se," Bato said, as Lu Ten collapsed to his knees, white and pale. "What's wrong?"

Hakoda swept him up in his arms, hugging him close. "Everything," he answered for the little lost prince. "Everything."

Ozai stood by the ceremonial plaza, watching the people gather to see their new Fire Lord crowned. He was dressed in his best white robes, to mourn the losses of the family. He was the brave Fire Lord, who had lost so much, but had emerged so strong to lead the nation.

The Fire Sage began the ceremony. "Azulon, Fire Lord to our nation for 23 years. You were our fearless leader in the battle of Gar Sai. Our matchless conqueror of the Hu Sin provinces." That much was true, he was a great leader.

"You were father of Iroh, now passed." Iroh had drunkingly fallen off a boat, sparing Ozai the need to kill him. Finally, the horrible old coot had done something right. Although he did wish they would have found a body already. How long did it take to find a fat fool?

" Father of Ozai." Terrible, abusive father who had neglected him and tormented him. Killing him had been a pleasure.

"Husband of Ila, now passed." A political marriage where both sides barely tolerated each other. Mother was the daughter of the wealthiest family in the Fire Nation, and the match had been forced on them. They had remained in separate palaces most of their lives.

"Grandfather of Lu Ten, now passed." Finally some good news. Killing that little brat had been one of his greatest triumphs. He had spared his beloved Fire Nation a weak and insipid ruler.

" Grandfather of Zuko, now passed." That hurt. He had to admit, knowing that Zuko had given his life so bravely gave him pause. If only his precious, perfect Zuko was at his side. His wonderful boy whose noble and generous sacrifice had earned him this wonderful day. He could only imagine the reward that sweet darling's spirit received for his loyalty and goodness. What a wonderful boy Zuko had been, what a tragedy and triumph. He bowed his head slightly, in thanks. He bowed his head, knowing his son's spirit was with him. His wonderful son, who had been a true example of filial piety.

"Grandfather of Azula," Tiny Azula stood behind him, the solitary heiress to the throne. She had limped to her place, still too soft to be trained appropriately. She slumped slightly, but stood up straight at a single look.

"We lay you to rest. You are now succeeded by your only remaining son. Hail Fire Lord Ozai! " The Fire Sage finished, reaching into the sarcophagus to remove the diadem.

The Diadem was high above his head, as his wretched father was consigned to the flames and the demons of the underworld. The crown was his now, his by right. The flames of his father's corpse smelled sweet in victory. It would light the way to a new and glorious age.

The audience bowed low as the crown touched his head. He had done it. He had stepped over the unworthy places of his father, brother and nephew to stand as supreme ruler. It had been worth it.

He had imagined this day differently. He had imagined his beloved Ursa by his side, but she had made her choice. How he still loved that vain, selfish woman was beyond him, she clearly did not deserve him. He had considered other concubines, but none of them felt right to him. He preferred his solitude now.

Perhaps this feeling of isolation was the natural consequence of glory. When one had reached the pinnacle, one truly had to be alone.

Next chapter: Lu Ten finds out the whole truth and must decide his future. And before you ask the question I know you will ask, there is no body. Make of that what you will.