Chapter Text
“There, just like that. Give it a bit more energy now, you’re doing great!” A large shadow, true shape obscured by the layers of robes rolling down his body and pooling at his feet on the ground, crouched in a squat next to a figure half of his size. Their heads were pressed close together, hoods hanging low to hide their faces, while they kept their focus trained on what the smaller figure held in their hands as the older of the two whispered hushed encouragement and instructions.
The large, bare room with ceilings arching what would be considered several stories in another home, was lit with nothing more than a dying torch at the grand double doorway. No windows, and no furniture other than a long stone bench positioned against the wall opposite of the door. Any foreigner would look at the room and scratch their head, baffled by the seemingly uselessness of the bare room so lavishly decorated with gold ladening the walls and pillars. But the simple yet inordinate room served many purposes within the palace.
A very faint glow casted a dim light over the smaller boy’s features, illuminating the high points of his young face and wide, wonderfilled eyes reflected the small flame flickering in his cupped hands.
“Can you feel it?”
The tiny figure nodded his head, not daring to shift his gaze from the tiny flame.
“A little… it’s like a heartbeat…” the child murmured, struggling to keep the flame burning.
“Yes, that’s right. It’s color and energy and most importantly, life.”
The older shuffled closer to the little child, cupping his hands to support the tiny, trembling gingers in his own. The flame swelled as he let his energy meld with the younger’s, spitting tiny sparks into the air as it filled the both of the little boy’s palms.
“Now breathe with me,” the older instructed. The child slowly inhaled with the older and watched in amazement as the fire swelled slightly with both of their breath. The older prompted him to exhale and as they did in unison, the flame deflating slightly.
They crouched on the ground, breathing slowly and deeply, letting their energy mingle and fuel the fire.
The sound of steel toe boots clicking against the marble of the great corridors made them both jump and swivel their heads in search for the approaching guard. The flame jostled and sintalated, growing dangerously large in their panic.
The older hurriedly calmed the palpitations of his heart and the panicked rise and fall of his chest, regaining control of the flame.
“Looks like that’s all for tonight,” he said quietly. “Time to rest.”
While cupping the little boy’s outstretched hands, they slowly closed their hands around the flame together, extinguishing the light. They scurried to the secret door in the back corner, and ducked under before shuffling quickly through the halls to their joined but separate rooms.
The older boy opened his younger brother’s room and lead him in with their hands clasped tightly. He helped him dress in silence and tucked him in with a kiss on his forehead.
Even in the darkness, two wide, sparking eyes could be made out, gazing up at him. Kun fondly brushed his brother’s bangs from his face and pressed another sweet kiss on his forehead.
“You did so well for your first time, Renjun. Sleep tight.”
***SEVEN YEARS LATER***
“Have you done as I’ve asked of you, son?”
“No.”
The silence hung thick in the air making it almost unbreathable and suffocating. He could literally feel the temperature of the room rising and the glow of the wall of flames separating him from the man in the chair intensified.
“Now, why would you do that?”
“Because he’s not a bender.” The flames glowed brighter.
“Really?” His father growled through clenched teeth. “It’s been what, six years? And you still insist on lying to my face?” His father bellowed, the flames shooting up to lick the twenty-foot tall ceiling.
“Did you think you were protecting him? Protecting him from becoming a failure like you?” His father spat. He shrunk further into the kowtow, hoping the ground would swallow him whole.
“Guards, take him away and bring me the other one. Lock this one in the dungeon for discipline training. He must learn to never lie to his father.”
Guards seize his arms, roughly pulling him to his feet and led him out, down into the dark and scary dungeon. He wasn’t surprised when they bypassed the prison cells where they’d usually lock him for smaller things such as forgetting to speak formally in the presence of the chief advisors or generals. No, he already knew they'd take him the small, secluded metal box. Far away where Renjun would not hear his screams.
-
“Son.”
Renjun stood in front of his father’s throne, staring into the flames with no emotion showing on his face. Kun had taught him how to keep his face perfectly stone like, hiding everything from everyone around him. Kun had taught him so he’d never have to crawl back to his bed in the middle of the night, muffling sobs so as not to disturb anyone as blood seeped through his robes and flowed steadily down his pale arms. So that he’d never be left scarred likeKun was.
He could remember a time when he once wished to sit upon the great throne and rule over the whole nation. But that was a time before Mother passed and Father became violent and aggressive. Renjun held no memory of his mother but the stories Kun told him were enough to create a special place in his heart for her.
“Yes, Father,” he replied, keeping his voice firm but not so strong to give the wrong feeling. He got to his knees and folded over, resting his chin against his chest.
“Do you know why I have summoned for you today?”
“No, Father.”
“I’ll tell you why. Your failure of a brother has thought he would be able to lie to me for the rest of your life. Thought I would never find out about your midnight excursions and lessons all because he was stupid enough to think he knew best for you.”
Renjun breathed calmly, pushing down the anxiety and dread that clawed his stomach.
“You’re a bender, Renjun, correct?”
Memories played behind his eyes as he contemplated his options. Late nights sneaking around the palace, learning and perfect his bending with Kun’s help and then cuddling until dawn the next day filled him with a warmth that fire could never compare to. If he kept up Kun’s running lie, his father might believe him. If he told the truth, his father might be less angry. But maybe his father was just bluffing to get to the truth.
“Son. Answer me now.”
“Yes, Father.”
“Yes, what?”
He swallowed hard. “Yes Father, I can firebend.”
The room jumped several degrees and his robes became uncomfortably warm.
“Thank you, for telling the truth, Renjun. Those who tell the truth are rewarded so I shall give you until tomorrow morning until we begin your training. Leave now.”
He got to his feet, trying to hide the shaking in his knees and kept his head down as he bowed ninety degrees before turning and walking out.
A single tear slipped from his eye before he could stop it. He huffed and exhaled loudly, letting the salty water hiss and evaporate from his skin before proceeding into his room.
It was well past midnight when Renjun finally gave in to the guilt and worry eating away at him. He slipped on his slippers and wrapped himself in a dark cloak before sneaking out of his room, closing it softly behind him.
He stealthily slunk through the corridors, avoided guards and servants until he reached the throne room. Shakily, he brought a hand up to the door and pushed it a open a crack. His heart was racing and he could only think of what might happen if he was caught.
The usual fire that burned between the Fire Lord and visitors was out, leaving the room pitch black. Slowly, he slipped through, carefully letting the door shut behind him.
He was halfway to the back door when the room lit up and fire licked at his face, making him freeze and his heart seize up.
“Son,” his father addressed, slowly, though the underlying displeasure was enough to make him sweat. “What are you doing up at this hour?”
When he didn’t respond, he heard his father stand, robes rustling and swishing softly as he made his way over to Renjun.
“Son. I asked you a question.”
“Couldn’t sleep,” he replied simply.
“You will address me properly and face me,” his father commanded, words clipped and disapproving.
Renjun turned and ducked his head. “Couldn’t sleep, Father.”
“And why is that?” Something told Renjun that he already knew.
“... K-kun,” he stuttered and felt the overwhelming urge to punch himself for stuttering.
There was no need to look up to tell what his father’s face looked like. Judging by the bright glow fo the fire, he’s eyes gleamed with mirth and sickening satisfaction.
“You should’ve just asked, Son. I will take you to him, but you may not speak to him, understand?”
Renjun nodded.
“I can’t hear you.”
“Yes, Father.”
“Excellent, right this way, my child.”
Renjun was lead out through the back door and down a shadowy spiral staircase. It rattled with every step, making the measly torches jostle and flicker sporadically. He steeled his nerves and focused on not feeling and blocking out thoughts that might make him disobey his father.
Guards escorted them down a narrow side hall with nothing but fire burning in their hands to light the way. As they continued walking, he could faintly hear human sounds. Sounds that were eerily similar to someone sobbing.
The closer they got, the more distinct the sound became until Renjun recognized Kun’s broken screams and cries. He wanted to run. Run away. Run away from his father and hold Kun like how he would him when they were younger and their Mother and Father would fight.
They came upon a dark, metal cell and the screams became impossible to block out. The guard bangged twice on the door before fumbling with his keys to unlock it. The sobbing quieted, like Kun had bitten down on his wrist to keep himself from crying loudly. Like how he’d do when he thought he woke Renjun when in reality, the other had heard him crying the whole time.
“Here you are, Son,” his father said. His voice echoed in the small cell, making him seem bigger than he was. The guard nudged Renjun into the cell and he stepped in, knees knocking and throat tightening.
It was dark, except for the dingy lantern hanging by the door. Two large shadows stood to the sides, fireballs and spears ready for distribution to the poor victim. But all he could see was Kun. His kind, sweet, gentle, loving Kun. Burned and bleeding. Broken and bruised.
Kun’s black, normally fluffy hair was matted with sweat and the tips were singed and crisp. His face was swollen nearly beyond recognition and his shirt had been stripped, leaving his already scarred skin exposed. The old scars were indistinguishable from the new wounds, deep cuts and scratches from being thrown around scattered over his chest and stomach, leaking more blood with each heave of his chest. Large patches of skin over his shoulders and arms were burned badly and blistering, guaranteed to leave ugly, painful scars. Renjun didn’t need to see his back to know it was worse.
“Renjun…” His voice was raw and hoarse, perhaps from screaming and crying for hours on end. Renjun’s heart clenched and his stomach twisted. This was a bad idea. He needed to talk to Kun. Kun need him to talk to him.
“Now you see, Renjun. He’s a fool. Don’t end up like him, I know you’re better than that.” His father’s words were sharp and probably hurt Kun more than the agonizing torture he’d endured. “Do you have anything to say to your brother?” He spat the word brother like a curse.
It was a trick question. He could say something to Kun and end up disobeying his father, which may cause Kun to suffer more. Or he could not and perhaps Kun’s suffering would end sooner.
“No, Father.”
The desperate, shattered look Kun gave him with tears spilling from his eyes was too much. So he looked away. He turned his back on his brother. On the boy who’d loved him all his life and had never been anything but kind. On the boy who helped him sleep at night and not have to learn lessons the hard way like he did. On the one person who mattered in his life.
Kun’s cries plagued his mind and haunted his dreams for the rest of the night. When he woke the next morning, he had a decent enough mind to beg his father to let him talk to Kun. But when he snuck down to the dungeon before training, the cell was empty except for dried blood and a torn shirt.
He never saw Kun after that night. Every following nigh he found himself tightly curled up on his bed, blinking through fat, salty tears searching for the familiar shadow of his brother retuning from the dungeon for a whole year.