Boss

It had been a good 2 weeks. One that brought no shortage of surprises to us. 4 successful convoy raids, all scattered throughout the region so as to not discourage any particular trade routes, 3 patrols ambushed, and a robbery, the latter of which accomplished little, but nonetheless, did its purpose. The Fire Nation here was learning they weren't as secured as they wished.

I'll admit, a small part of me had felt guilty for finding some sense of enjoyment in it all. Yes, it was my countrymen that were suffering as a result of this, but there was a slight sense of personal pride that came from knowing it had been me who had helped to organize the new offensive.

Increased scouting, more surveillance, understanding what we were up against, and when the time came, striking. Kiu allowed me to pick who would be assigned to each job. It proved to be an opportunity that gave me some of the insight I had been missing as to who I was working with. Had the chance to learn a small bit more about the people who were giving their lives to do little more than send a message to the Fire Nation. If there had ever been a time that I felt a sense of guilt for my allegiances, this was it. In the raiders, I had known their reputation. I knew of the contempt that all else in the Fire Nation felt for them, but hearing now too of just how many people, children's, lives had been uprooted by the country I devoted my life to, it may not have been enough to reconsider things, but it was enough to shine a beam of doubt on what I'd known.

I'd seen the dark side of the Fire Nation before, Ba Sing Se's outcome among them, the way people I knew, thought I respected, so quickly turned to savagery upon the death of their leader-the one man who, apparently, had held us all together. That's what Lu Ten was, not just for the Siege, but for our Nation, a new hope. We knew that, next in line, we had hope-wise, smart, kind men who wouldn't lead just by the example of our force, but the force of our example. How quickly that all fell apart.

I made my choices deliberately. Working to ensure that we'd both ensure we suffered no losses, but more hidden to the rest, ensure that neither would the Fire Nation. We'd done terrible things, as has the Earth Kingdom, and odds were that both sides would continue to do horrible things before this war was over, but at this point, if I could ensure that no more people died than necessary before this conflict was over, I would do so.

We lost no men. The Fire Nation lost 2. I still wasn't sure how I felt about the number. It could have been so much more, but it could have been lower as well, but it wasn't. That had been on the 3rd day, 2 dead in the same ambush. It had been the kid named Kai who had done it according to the boasts he made later that evening in the commons.

That was his first and last mission during those 2 weeks. He made some complaints, and not all felt on death ears. There was talk, saying I was soft, but when the first week came to an end, and we'd raided two more convoys and made a robbery, they had other concerns-enjoying the fruits of our labors. And by the end of the second week, while I may not have earned their respect, I at least earned not having to hear them call me soft behind my back. Now they only did that in private.

I still wasn't sure why Kiu had let me take the reigns on this. He stood there by my side as he watched me make my suggestions, nodding along with what I said until it became apparent that he wasn't the one in charge and I wasn't his advisor, but rather, the other way around.

2 weeks later, he still hasn't given me an answer as to why. Was he trying to have me grow on the Seppies? Because, if so, I had my doubts it was working. I knew what they felt of me, and, in addition to that, my men. They're success rate in the last 2 weeks had surpassed these Separatists who had been fighting tooth and nail for years. It was insulting. I couldn't help but think, Thank the Spirits Luke isn't here. If they felt undermined now, heavens know how they would have felt with their performance matched up with his.

Luke was still off with Gordez. They stopped by about a week ago, telling me that progress was being made on The Patriot, but they still wanted to try to get more done. I could tell that Luke was more than happy with the change of pace. I imagine no small part of that was having the space to practice his firebending again. A hidden part of me was intrigued to see how far he'd come. I knew he'd been sneaking out at nights, trekking miles away to find the space to practice. Was curious to find out just how far the secrecy had taken him.

Gordez seemed to be doing well too. Seemed in good spirits to be back in his domain, working on the mechanical side of things, having the space to himself away from the Seppies, an opportunity I was sure that Zek would have given his right leg to take. Tensions with Zek and the others never seemed to quiet down, particularly with Kai. Came damn close to an incident before Ka'lira and Kai's friend, Jet, had to come in to break it up before it became an incident. I believe the entire cause of it had been connected to Kai's boasts over his killings, but that was mere hearsay. A part of me was glad I hadn't been present. I doubt I would have been able to maintain an appearance of neutrality.

The prisoner, Fennick was his name, had had a tumultuous last 2 weeks. His residency had begun in a cell, a small box elevated hundreds of feet above dry land. While it wasn't a dingy shit hole, it lacked for, well, it lacked for everything. It was a box, through a slit in which food and water would be passed every day. He'd been cooperative, so after 3 days, he was let out. It only took another day for him to be put back in after he failed to prove to us that he could keep his mouth shut. Numerous arguments had interrupted between us and him, who still seemed keen on admitting there was no war with the Fire Nation. After he was put back into his cell, the Seppies had taken to a game known as "Fennick denies." Seppies, and I admit, a few of my guys would take turns making bets on seeing what Fennick would deny the existence of. The game had progressed from simple questions about the war to more ridiculous queries on the contents of the Earth King's underwear drawer. Needless to say, I felt bad for the kid, but we took pity on him, and so he was treated well, for the most part, being given good food and cold water, albeit contained to a cell where, when his mouth shot off about his family's riches and university schooling, which seemed to be the only topics he truly had any knowledge of, we could all get away from.

The weeks, undoubtedly, had had their struggles, but by the end of it, we were rallied, if just for the moment, behind our shared victories, as minor as they may have been. The energy around the camp was good. Proud, enthusiastic, we wanted to do more, and we expected to do more. We were ready for anything, at least that's how we felt. We believed that no matter what came, we'd be ready. We were expecting anything and everything that the world threw at us.

We weren't expecting what came next.

"Lei'fo is back!"

Everywhere, heads shot up. Only a few seconds ago, Lei'fo had been dead, according to Kiu, killed by the Fire Nation on a failed convoy interception, yet now, all of a sudden, he was back among the living.

It took me a few moments to process what had just been said before I fell in with the others who were making their ways through the platforms, some heading towards the lift, other towards the ziplines, all intent on making my way down while I had an alternate direction in mind.

Kiu found me before I found him, pulling me out of the crowd and guiding me to the command structure, shutting the door behind him. The room was empty save the two of us. His guardsmen had likely, similarly to the others, decided on greeting the returning 'hero.'

"What the hell is going on?" I asked.

"You think I know? I thought he was dead as much as you."

"Well what do we do?"

We both knew the situation we were being greeted with. This was an ugly ultimatum in the makings. Us of him, and judging by the look on Kiu's face, surprised, yet behind that, joy, and relief, I was worried what it would be.

"Is Luke here?" He asked.

"No," I answered. "He's still gone at-"

"Good, good. Thank Raava. Let's try and keep it that way for the moment. The last thing we want right now is an altercation between the two of them."

"I think it's a bit late for that, Kiu. He tried to kill a civilian-"

"And Luke tried to kill my man." He put a hand to his graying hair, rubbing his scalp, the pink of his fingers visible through his thinning strands of hair, moments such as these over a lifetime clearly responsible for the state he found himself in. "Look. I just got back one of my boys. This is good. For me, and for morale around here. I'm going to talk to Kiu before things can get too tense. Meanwhile, you keep your distance. Send Zek to find Luke and make sure he stays wherever he is for the time being, alright? When things die down, I'll send you to go get them."

"So you want me sticking around here?"

"I could use the helping hand, if you don't mind."

I nodded. In these last few weeks, Kiu had begun dividing administrative work. If I didn't know any better, I'd say he was grooming me for command, but I knew that he simply needed help managing administrative duties from somebody with experience-something sorely lacking around here.

"Good. We start now. Find Zek, tell him what I told you, and join me back here. Assuming all goes well, Lei'fo will be here as well, and we'll have a chat with him."

"Both of us?" Why?

He saw the confusion in my expression, but made no note of addressing nor answering it, simply nodding before heading of.

So where the hell is Zek? Knowing him, he'd be down with the others, though keeping his distance from Lei'fo. I stepped onto the lift, taking the journey down past the green layers of dense canopy, the degree of sun reaching me decreasing the further down I went. Zek, more than anybody else among my original men, was having the hardest time adjusting to the Separatists. I had my qualms with them, their methods, their beliefs, but I also understood the need to play nice. It helped that their leader, Kiu, seemed a reasonable sort, a discovery that Zek hadn't yet made for himself. Something I wish he would do when I'd offer him the chance to join us for meals, but he always chose to keep to himself, Ka'lira, and the other Fire Nationals. I couldn't blame him, but I feared what consequences would come from getting on too many peoples' nerves around here. With any luck, progress will be going smoothly with Gordez, and we won't having to worry about our relationship with the Seppies for long.

I reached the forest floor, and it wasn't hard to spot the center of attention, a large cluster of people gathered around the South entrance to the camp. Why's he coming here from the South? Seeing the large cluster of gathered Seppies, it was equally easy to spot the outliers, among them, Zek and Ka'lira. It made sense to me that Jadoh would be among the crowd, given his easier time in assimilating with the Seppies.

I approached my old friends, Ka'lira noticing me first among them, giving a small wave before tapping Zek on the arm, turning his attention away from the crowd, visibly taking off the scowl on his face as he looked towards me, his frown now becoming a grimace as he said, "Looks like Luke didn't finish the job."

I'd told Zek the news of what had occurred after it happened. A part of me had been worried by how he seemed to revel in the news of Luke killing a Seppie, but the revery was short-lived as Zek soon realized the severity of what had transpired.

That same understanding plagued his face now as he looked on at the gathering crowd of people worshipping Lei'fo as the prodigal son, all people who, if they heard the story of Luke's "betrayal" from him, would immediately turn on us. And somehow, I had a sour feeling that eventuality was quickly approaching, whether Kiu thought he could contain the situation or not.

I motioned for the couple to move in close, saying so that only the two of them could hear, "Get to the Patriot as soon as you can. Make sure Luke doesn't step foot anywhere near here. See if you can help getting the ship back up and running. I get the feeling our welcome is about worn around here."

"Should we expect a fight?"

"Get the artillery piece ready just in case. Let's hope it doesn't come to that though."

Zek nodded, unsurprised, as though he knew this was an inevitable eventuality. He nodded to Ka'lira, and the two set off back towards the Patriot, I myself praying it wouldn't be the last I saw of them. I watched them leave the camp, ensuring that their exit was made in peace. Luckily, so it had.

I watched it all ensue in front of me, the greetings, the cheers, and, usurpingly, not long after, the silence, the discussion amongst themselves, and the shouts, the jeers, the chant, "Find Luke! Find the traitor!"

"Of course he wouldn't keep it to himself. Why would he?"

I felt the shiver go up my spine and turned my back to them. I'm putting my faith in you, Kiu. Control this.

I took the lift up towards the platforms that had been rendered empty by the outflow of Seppies below. I stepped into the command structure, the wooden bungalow that extended off from the center of the tree-based settlement, closing the door behind me as I stepped within, taking one of the available seats extending from the wall, waiting, wondering just who or what would end up stepping through that door next-if it would be Kiu, Lei'fo in tow, ready to talk, or a mob demanding blood.

I sat still, however, hoping for the best, mentally preparing myself for the worst. Come on, Kiu. These are your kids, damnit. Control them.

Some time had passed, and I heard the footsteps outside of the door, seemingly kept to a minimum, setting my mind partially at ease at the absense of a raving mob outside, torches and pitchforks in hand.

The doorknob rattled, and soon in walked Kiu first, followed by Lei'fo, who, upon noticing me, scowled. His abdomen was wrapped in bandages going around his entire torso, connecting over his left shoulder. He was still hunched over, clearly a wound such that Luke had given him not going away with ease. We'd never interacted before, but it was clear that we knew one another by identification. And such was apparent enough when he asked, "What's the traitor's handler doing here?"

I didn't respond. I had to give Kiu credit where credit was due. He managed to set this up, actually get Lei'fo in here, I wasn't about to do anything to mess that up.

"Lei'fo, please," Kiu said. Lei'fo leaned against the wall with arms crossed as Kiu closed the door behind him, locking it with a resounding click that served to remind us that none of us were leaving here until it was understood and agreed upon what would transpire next.

"Really wish you hadn't opened your mouth down there," Kiu said.

"Well, I'm sorry, but I think they have a right to know. A right to know that there is a traitor among us. One who tried to kill me, and, if given half a chance, will do it again with the rest of us."

"Let's backtrack then," Kiu said. "What happened?"

"What do you mean 'what happened'? It's like I said down below. Luke tried to kill me."

"So that's all? He just turned his blade on you out of nowhere?"

"Exactly that, yeah."

I scoffed, regretting it immediately as Kiu gave me a look so as to say, "Don't."

I nodded, holding my tongue, instantly feeling like a kid again, something I hadn't felt in a long time, not even when surrounded by officers thrive my senior at Ba Sing Se. Right here, now, being seated down with Lei'fo as though Kiu was a parent reprimanding two brothers, I felt small. Kiu had a way of doing that, presenting himself as somebody who, as though on demand, could become his age, and play the part.

He turned his attention back to Lei'fo, done with me, saying, so if I were to bring Jadoh and Pho in here, they'd agree that Luke was completely out of line?"

He scoffed. "Those two? They were as much a part of it as Luke was. Practically held me down while Luke shoved the blade in my chest."

I kept quiet this time, only rolling my eyes at the comment. But even then, it was enough to set Lei'fo off, as he proceeded to say, "Aw what's that? Don't believe your precious little angels could be so fucking cold-hearted?!"

"Lei'fo!" The yell from Kiu was enough to make the short-fused child shrink 3 sizes. "You're trying to tell me that 3 of our men, one of which is a friend of yours, just decided out of nowhere to try and kill you. I like you, Lei'fo. I found you when you were just a tyke, digging through the trash in Shibi looking for food. If you feel any small bit of loyalty towards me now, then do me a favor and tell the truth."

Lei'fo was silent for a while, only replying after an eternity of silence with, "They betrayed me. I was just trying to do my job."

"I already know. I'm disappointed in you, Lei'fo. You know our purpose here."

"I know. I'm sorry. I got carried away. It won't happen again."

"It won't, and you won't try to settle this on your own. It's in the past. You won't try to seek revenge against anybody, be them Luke, Jadoh, Pho, none of them. It's over now, in the past. Let's leave it there. Whether you like or not, we're all brothers here. You know our code: If your turn your hands against family,"

"Then you are no longer family," Lei'fo finished.

"So you understand?"

"Yes, sir. May I go?"

"You may."

With that, Lei'fo rose, unlocking the door and stepping out, shutting the door behind him.

"So that's it?" I asked, turning to Kiu, completely dumbfounded at what had occurred, or rather, what hadn't occurred. "Not so much as a slap on the wrist?"

"What would you have me do? Lock him up?"

"Maybe do something? You really think that just by playing the obligation card, you expect that he's just going to forget everything that happened?"

"I expect him to now be aware of the consequences of turning his hands against family."

"He had essentially the entire camp rallied on a crusade to burn Luke at the stake just a few minutes ago."

"I'll be addressing them all now. Some grudges will hold, for the moment, but they'll die off. Some of them-many of them still have a hard time viewing you and your men as family. I'll change that today."

I stood up. "I can't help but think that we're asking for trouble."

"I'm just trying to have everybody come out of this on top."

I shook my head. "Were it so easy."

"You don't approve."

I thought that was apparent enough. "No."

"Then put yourself in my shoes. If it had been one of your own people, say Zek, for instance, who undeniably was at fault, how willing would you be to hold him accountable while surrounded by his friends and loved ones, people who view him as a brother, and you as a father?"

I had no answer to that, and when he saw that as clear, he finished by saying, "Family is a difficult thing. There'll be fights, but we have to stick together. No matter what." He stood, turning to the table at the center of the room, not looking at anything on it, but solely leaning over it for support, his last words to me, "You can go now."

I nodded, leaving him in peace, my heart nevertheless still at unease, but a part of me understanding as well the position Kiu found himself in, myself still unable to imagine myself in his shoes. So let's pray it never comes to that.