Disclaimer – all original Avatar: The Last Airbender characters in this fanfic (excluding my OC's) are the property of Bryana Konietzko and Michaela Dante DiMartino.
Chapter 30. The Son of a Noble.
Sometime later – Fire Nation Capital, Harbor City Outskirts, Abandoned Smelting Factory.
Huo stood on the catwalk and observed the cells down below, pondering what the people in the cells did to be put there. They probably betrayed Weng, didn't want to help him in some way, or simply saw too much, which wouldn't surprise Huo. The boy was glad Eilu and Shaku had left the abandoned smelting factory a few hours ago and were escorted back home. At least he didn't need to worry about them and could focus on his own situation.
The earthbender Guhin fixed all the damage done by Huo's fight with the firebenders and was now fixing the cells that earlier belonged to Eilu and Shaku. The other men prepared a new set of metal bars, and Guhin embedded them into the walls. Huo now understood why the bars didn't have locks or doors. Guhin was simply earthbending the walls whenever they needed to free one of the prisoners and place a new one in the cell.
For now, Weng told Huo to wait while he needed to prepare a few things before they'd begin. While he didn't have a choice, a small part of Huo was actually intrigued by the prospect of becoming a son of a noble. It wasn't something he trained for or desired, but it could become an interesting experience. Since he wanted to kill the Avatar, he might learn a few useful things from Weng. Of course, the boy knew he'd need to explain everything to Wei'Rai, and he could almost imagine what the Fire Keeper would say to him.
When Weng finally returned and joined Huo on the catwalk, the boy noticed that the man held a rolled piece of paper in his hand. "Before we start, I'm going to tell you a story," said the man. "Around ten years ago, me and my pregnant wife, Li Un, were on vacation on Ember island. During our stay, she went into labor and gave birth to a healthy boy, who we named Zeyun. It was the happiest day of my life. Everything was just perfect until we decided to return to the capital with our newborn son."
"A group of deserters from the Fire Nation navy attacked our boat on our way home and kidnapped my wife and my son," Weng continued, moving closer to the railing and resting his forearms on it. "They let me go since I was supposed to relay the message. Li Un was one of the navy captains so they wanted to trade her and my son for their commander, who was also a deserter but was captured and put in prison because he didn't want to sacrifice his own men to win a battle. The deserters promised to return them to me unharmed once their commander was free. Immediately after returning to the capital, I visited commander Hen Shei and told her everything. She was a friend of Li Un and they both respected each other, so she promised to help me. Unfortunately, I learned that day how corrupted our nation really is."
"They didn't agree to trade the commander for your wife and son?" Huo asked, and Weng released a deep sigh. "Exactly," the man answered. "Commander Hen Shei talked with the Admirals, but they didn't agree, saying that succumbing to the demands of deserters would be a weakness and that would show that they could demand anything they wanted. Plus, Li Un was just a captain so it wasn't a fair trade even if you include a newborn child. There was nothing commander Hen Shei could do, but I didn't give up."
"I requested an audience with the Fire Lord," Weng continued. "If I knew anything about Azulon was that he followed a no-tolerance policy regarding criminal and mutinous behavior in the Fire Navy. When I explained what happened, Azulon got angry and said that he wouldn't let such insolent acts go unpunished. I was overjoyed and hoped that everything would be fine. Little did I know that Azulon didn't care about my wife and son."
"What happened?" Huo asked.
"A few days later, commander Hen Shei visited me and she didn't have good news," Weng frowned. "Azulon wanted to eradicate all traces of desertion in his precious navy and the safety of my family meant nothing to him. The commander of the deserters wasn't released from prison, but instead, the Fire Navy prepared a trap and used a decoy so that they could get rid off the deserters. When they all meet in the designated place, the navy attacked, killing every single one of them, and since Li Un and Zeyun weren't with them, no one knew where they were."
"Did you find them?" Huo asked, and Weng shook his head. "I hired every possible bounty hunter and mercenary I knew, promising piles of money if they could bring them back to me, but none of them succeeded. I was enraged. I wanted to storm into the palace and gave Azulon a peace of my mind, but I knew it wouldn't end well for me. Instead, I began recruiting anyone who was betrayed by the Fire Nation and planned my revenge. The majority of the men you see her are former officers and soldiers, who didn't want to follow certain orders or lost their loved ones due to ruthless tactics of their superiors."
"And the rest is blackmailed, like me," Huo stated and wondered if the story he just heard was true or a made-up one, but honestly, I didn't really matter in this situation.
"Exactly," Weng replied.
"Is the earthbender being blackmailed as well?" Huo asked curiously. "Or is he working with you since you want to ged rid off the corruption in the Fire Nation and end the war?"
"No, I'm blackmailing him," Weng answered bluntly. "I have his younger sister so he does my bidding. There's no risk of him turning againts me since me and my men are the only people who know about him being an earthbender. Once everything is done, they'll be free to return home."
"Of course," Huo rolled his eyes while Weng turned to face him and handed the boy the rolled piece of paper.
"What's this?" Huo asked and unrolled the paper, noticing a drawing of a woman and handwriting underneath it.
"Everything you need to know about Li Un," Weng answered. "You need to memorize everything on that piece of paper because that's what my ten-year-old son would know about his mother." Huo looked back at the man and squinted his eyes, realizing something. "You don't want to adopt me," he said. "You want me to pretend I'm Zeyun."
Weng smirked. "That's right," he confirmed, glad the boy quickly caught on. "My own flesh and blood, who was finally found and brought back to me."
"But why?" Huo asked. "What does it matter if I'm adopted or not?"
"If I adopt you, you'd be my son, and for me, a loving father, it wouldn't make any difference," Weng replied, causing Huo to roll his eyes again. "However, it wouldn't change the fact that you're a common kid from the streets who was lucky enough to be elevated to the nobility. People, especially the important ones, need to believe that you have noble blood cursing through your veins if my plan has any chance of succeeding."
Huo didn't fully understand. "Well, how do you expect it to work?" he asked, pointing at his orange-colored eyes. "I'm sure Zeyun wasn't born with such eyes."
"You're right, he wasn't," Weng agreed, leaning slightly toward Huo. "But neither have you, am I right?"
Huo was taken aback by that statement, and the man smirked. "Yeah, I'm not an expert but I do know enough about spirits," he said. "You were touched by one, hence the eye color, but that's good, we can work with that."
"But I know nothing about you and how to be a noble," Huo pointed out. "And I don't exactly look like one for sure."
"And that's why you're perfect for this role," Weng replied. "If you'd suddenly appear, looking all fancy and well-groomed, that wold raise suspicions, but that scar, your eyes, and even that bandage makes you look like a real deal. You don't need to pretend to love me as well since I'd be a stranger to Zeyun even if his mother would tell him about me. And your lack of manners and behavior is justified since Li Un was a soldier, not a noble."
Huo sighed and once again looked at the drawing of Li Un. "Should I change my name to Zeyun as well?" he asked, looking back at Weng, but the man shook his head and reassured. "That won't be necessary. Aside from me, Li Un, and an old woman from Ember Island, who helped deliver Zeyun, no one else actually learned his name since I never mentioned it. You can safely use your real name."
"Okay," Huo nodded. It would be much easier for him to use his own name rather than get used to a new one.
"Happy reading, my son," Weng stated with a smirk and turned around on his heel. Huo only shook his head and entered one of the rooms, where he could start reading in peace.
Since it was obvious that Huo needed to stay in the abandoned building for at least a few days, Weng ordered his men to bring him food and water and prepare a room where he'd sleep. It wasn't anything fancy, and even the bed in the inn was in a better state, but the boy had a room for himself, which was good because he also had his privacy.
Huo spent the rest of the day reading and trying to memorize everything on the paper. He occasionally left the room to stretch his legs and casually converse with one of Weng's men. He even talked with the two young firebenders, who didn't hold a grudge, and they even complimented each other.
When Huo ate his supper, and it was time for bed, he decided to visit his father to explain the situation. The boy sat on the bed, crossed his legs, and began to meditate.
Spirit World, Xai Bau's Grove.
Huo appeared in the grove right next to the red-colored stream and spotted his father, who was in the middle of planting seeds in the ground while small animal spirits watched him in silence. "Hi, dad!" the boy called out, drawing Yan Zu's attention.
The man stood up, turned towards the boy, and smiled. "Huo! How's your search for Eilu and Shaku?" he asked while Huo approached him, and they hugged each other.
"Well, I found them and they're on their way back home," Huo answered with a straight face, pulling away, but his father noticed something was off.
"I sense a 'but' coming," Yan Zu stated, narrowing his brown-colored eyes.
"Yeah, I got myself into quite a strange predicament," Huo admitted, scratching the back of his head. "I'm about to become a son of a noble."
"Say what?" Yan Zu arched his eyebrows. "Explain."
Huo and Yan Zu sat down, and the boy explained in detail what happened after he reached the capital. Yan Zu listened carefully, along with the animal spirits. A small raccoon-rabbit lay down on the man's lap while a large falcon landed on his shoulder. Even a small wolf moved closer to Huo, allowing the boy to pet him.
"So I need to pretend I'm his son or else he'll kill Eilu and Shaku," Huo stated. "I know I can easily escape. Even if they catch me, I can meditate and ask Wei'Rai for help, but if I do, my friends will pay the price."
"That's... wow," Yan Zu said, shaking his head. "I know something like that is not unheard off because nobles sometimes adopt gifted children to gain a powerful family member, but this is quite a story. While becoming a son of a noble has its advantages and this would be a great chance for you to live a carefree life, you're in a dangerous situation. Whatever that Weng guy plans to do, Azulon won't like it and it could have severe consequences for both of you."
"Do you know that man by any chance?" Huo asked, but Yan Zu shook his head and answered. "He was probably a kid when I was still a general so I can't really help you there. I may heard about his parents, but I was more focused on the war."
"Don't worry, I got this," Huo reassured with a confident smile. "Maybe I learn a thing or two from Weng and it'll help me in the future against the Avatar. I only worry how Wei'Rai will react when I tell him what happened or that I don't know how long it will take me to get back and resume my training."
"I'll tell him," Yan Zu assured. "It's not safe to meditate in a shady environment so better get back before something happens. Just remember what I told you when you decided to kill the Avatar. Don't become like me and don't let that man darken your heart."
"I won't," Huo reassured with a smile. "Thank you and see you later!"
The boy closed his eyes and vanished, returning to the physical world. Yan Zu sighed and shook his head. "I wonder what would Hama say if she'd learn that her son became a noble," he said to himself and chuckled slightly.
A few days later – Fire Nation Capital, Harbor City.
It didn't take Huo long to memorize everything about Li Un, but it wasn't over. What happened during the ten years when he was with his 'mother' was also very important. How they survived? Where they lived? What happened to Li Un? Why they didn't return to the Fire Nation sooner? Those were just a few of many questions people could ask Huo, so together with Weng, they created a believable story. When everything was ready, the only remaining thing was to return home.
That night, Huo had to change into a different set of clothes. His dirty, yellowish shirt, ragged, brown-colored pants, and simple sandals made him look like a boy from the Earth Kingdom. Around his head, he wore a bandage, which covered his tattoo. He put some dirt onto his face and arms for added effect.
Huo left the abandoned smelting factory with Yon, one of Weng's men, who was disguised as a bounty hunter, and rode with him through the Harbor City on a mongoose lizard. As they rode the animal at a steady pace, some patrolling guards gave them suspicious looks, but since they weren't causing any trouble, no one bothered them.
Just like they planned, Yon headed straight to the Sumptuous Dragon. Weng knew that commander Hen Shei was on leave and planned to have a drink at the tavern tonight. While she wasn't one of the people who worked with him and therefore didn't know his plans, Weng wanted to use her to bring Huo to him. When Yon reached the tavern, he stooped the mongoose lizard near the building and got off the animal with Huo.
The boy followed Yon into the building and noticed that it was crowded tonight. The soldiers were laughing and having a good time, but just like when Huo was here for the first time, they gave the boy strange looks. Yon and Huo approached the counter and nodded to the bartender. "Is she upstairs?" Yon asked with a lowered voice.
"Yes," the bartender confirmed. Huo didn't know earlier that the bartender worked with Weng, but considering how influential the nobleman was, it didn't surprise him. "She had a few rounds already, but knowing her, she'll surely come down for more."
"Good, pour me some ale while we wait," Yon asked, and the bartender complied, placing a mug with a beverage in front of the man, who pulled out a yellowish piece of paper and put it on the counter. It was an old drawing of Li Un, which Weng used as a wanted poster many years ago.
After some time, Huo noticed a tall, nice-looking woman in her thirties coming down the stairs. She wore a dark-red sleeveless tunic, which allowed the boy to see her toned arms covered in tattoos, black pants, and knee-length boots. She had black hair tied into a top knot, amber-colored eyes, and fair skin. The woman approached the bartender and rested her forearms on the counter.
"Another komodo ale, commander?" the bartender asked, and the woman replied. "Actually, pour me a Dragon's Breath and add some plum juice."
"Sure thing," the bartender said and reached under the counter.
Huo took a deep breath and began his act. "Can you get me something to drink at least?!" Huo asked, staring daggers at Yon.
"I won't spend a single coin on you until I'll be sure you're worth something," Yon replied without looking at the boy.
Waiting for her beverage, the commander glanced at Huo and squinted her eyes, noticing his state. She then looked at Yon, and Huo could see the disgust on her face. "You're getting drunk while your son is thirsty and probably hungry?" she asked with a frown. "What kind of a father are you?"
"He isn't my kid," Yon replied, gesturing with the mug toward the wanted poster. "I found him in a cave in the Earth Kingdom territory during a thunderstorm. Aside from some junk, he had that wanted poster on him and a necklace. He claims that the woman on the poster was his mother, so I decided to collect the bounty, assuming his old man is still looking for him. Shame about the wife, though, she was quite the looker, but the kid says she was killed."
Commander Hen Shei looked at the wanted poster, and her eyes widened for a moment. Even after ten years, she immediately recognized Li Un. She took a closer look at Huo and squinted her eyes.
"I hope the reward is worth the trouble since getting the kid from the Earth Kingdom to the Fire Nation wasn't a walk in the park," Yon complained, sipping his mug. "If not, maybe I'll be able to sell the necklace at least."
"It belonged to my mother so don't even try it!" Huo exclaimed with a frown.
"Hey! You don't even know how lucky you are!" Yon replied, turning his head toward Huo. "You'd be still living in that cave if it weren't for me! And to be honest, I really doubt your father is a noble! You don't behave like one! Now shut up and let me finish my drink in peace!"
Commander Hen Shei was renowned for her antipathy toward bounty hunters and her soft spot for children. Yon knew that and was pushing her buttons on purpose. She was already ticked off by the man's behavior, and the alcohol wasn't making her less angry. "Do you have that necklace on you?" the woman asked.
"Yeah, why?" Yon asked, turning to face her and ogling her up and down.
"Show it to me," the commander said demandingly.
"Heh, only if you make it worth my while," Yon replied with a lecherous grin, reaching out with his hand toward her chest. The second later, a loud thud reverberated in the tavern as the commander grabbed Yon's head and slammed it against the counter so hard the wood cracked.
"Ugghh!" the man grunted while the woman pressed his head against the counter. The bartender stepped away and sighed as if such a thing was an everyday occurrence.
"Wow!" Huo's eyes widened. He heard from Weng that the commander Hen Shei was a strong woman and was able to imagine it, but seeing it in person was something else. All the other people in the tavern turned their heads in their direction and watched in silence.
"You know..." the commander leaned her head closer and spoke to Yon's ear. "...I hate three types of people in the world. Bounty hunters, who care only about the money and don't have any allegiance; people who mistreat children, who are the future of our nation; and sleazy womanizers, who simply make me sick. So here's what's gonna happen, I have two silver pieces in my pocket. You're going to take them, leave the necklace and the boy here with me, and buzz off, unless you want to get thrown in jail for giving obscene propositions to a commander of the Fire Navy."
Hen Shei let go of the man's head and allowed him to slide down the counter and hit the floor. She then crouched and began searching his pockets until she found the necklace. When she took a good look at it, her eyes widened in shock. A chain made of gold wasn't anything special, but the twelve detailed red-colored feathers suspended from it weren't a common design. It was the same necklace Li Un received as a wedding gift from Weng.
The woman stood up and reached into her pocket, pulling out two silver pieces. She casually dropped them next to Yon and stepped over the man, approaching Huo. "Don't be scared, I won't hurt you," she reassured with a gentle tone.
"I'm not scared," Huo replied, shaking his head. "I've seen worse and besides, he was a jerk so it served him right."
Commander Hen Shei smirked and crouched in front of the boy. "What's your name?" she asked while the soldiers and other patrons returned to their conversations.
"Huo," the boy replied and looked at her arms, focusing on the tattoos. He then looked at the woman and squinted his orange-colored eyes. "Are you commander Hen Shei?" he asked, feigning ignorance.
"Yes, I am," the woman nodded. "You heard about me?"
"Commander Hen Shei was a friend of my mom," Huo replied, giving the woman a mistrustful look ad crossing his arms over his chest. "Prove it. My mom gave her a dagger with a dragon-shaped hilt when she became a commander as a token of their friendship. It belonged to my grandfather before he gave it to my mom when she became a captain. Do you have it?"
The commander doubted the kid was Li Un's son at first. He could've simply found the wanted poster and lied to the bounty hunter. Even the necklace wasn't solid proof since he could've found it or even stolen it, but now, after what he had just said, the woman opened her mouth and covered it with her hand. "I can't believe it," she said, and after a moment, she pulled up her tunic, revealing a dagger with a dragon-shaped hilt tucked behind her belt. "I never leave home without it, although I'm a firebender."
Huo looked at it and widened his eyes. He then looked back at the woman, giving her a smile. The commander sighed a smile, which quickly faded. "Is your mother really... gone?" she asked, needing to make sure.
Huo's smile faded as well, and he nodded. "She died protecting me from Earth Kingdom soldiers," he answered. "That was two years ago, and I've been alone till that bounty hunter found me."
Commander Hen Shei closed her eyes and hung her head. While she was glad that Li Un's son was alive, the death of her friend made her both angry and sad. She could only imagine how Weng would take the news.
"Emmm... do you still want that drink, commander?" the bartender asked. The woman exhaled and stood up, rubbing her teary eyes.
"No, I'm going to leave early tonight," she replied, giving Huo the necklace. "I need to reunite this boy with his father."
Please R&R ;)