The Fire Lord's command cut through the noise, and silence reigned again.
"Conscript Xing," Ozai slowly enunciated the boy's name and paltry title carefully. "Were it any other case, the unlawful assumption of command of any Fire Nation force is a crime punishable by death. However."
"Colonel Koda, Colonel Sho." The named generals marched out to form a line with Xing and Colonel Dao. "Let me ask, for the record to be clear, do you stand by your claims of the vaunted…Young Dragon of the 11th?"
"Yes, Fire Lord," they answered in unison and without hesitation, ignoring the not-too-subtle sideways glare from the boy. Some courtiers could have sworn they saw the older colonels smile a bit.
"Throughout the brief cooperation between our armies, it was clear that the conscript had been the true strategist behind the 11th's brilliant victories," Colonel Sho stated. "I have personally witnessed his valor in combat as well, and the tales of the Young Dragon's fearsomeness is well earned. So much so that the Earth Kingdom clearly focused their full might on destroying the 11th Regiment on Tai Plains to be rid of him."
"Colonel Yashen and his officers all have confirmed without discrepancies that they had witnessed Conscript Xing slay several Earth Kingdom champions before they retrieved him, even though he himself had sustained grievous wounds." Colonel Koda added. "It can be safe to say that other rumors of his competence holds true as well."
The soft roars from the curtain of fire filled the ears of all who attended as utter silence reigned for several minutes. "Hm. Conscript Xing." Ozai finally addressed Xing once more in a deeper, more formal tone, while the shadow behind the flames rose from the throne. The generals and nobles immediately bowed deeply in deference.
"The Fire Nation has judged your usurpation of one of its forces to be a grave crime that is long overdue to be rectified." Dread anticipation filled in the air, the generals in particular tensed as they awaited their Fire Lord's verdict. "Yet, if even half of a half of what has been claimed about you is true, it would be a larger crime to the Fire Nation to discard such a talented and loyal warrior. Especially if such talent compensates for the…lacking in some of our appointed generals."
A shadow of an arm swept out declaratively from behind the wall of flames. "Henceforth, effective immediately, you are elevated to the rank of colonel of the 11th Regiment, as befitting your long overlooked merits. Arise, Colonel Xing, and continue to lead the 11th Regiment to victory and glory for the Fire Nation."
Relief and some annoyance flooded the great hall, though few noticed how the newly promoted general remained utterly still. "Your majesty is most generous," Xing replied, bowing his head before finally rising from his kneeling position. "I will strive to earn the trust bestowed upon me."
*****
"Congratulations, brat," Colonel Dao said after the royal court had adjourned and they were outside the throne room. The burly, aging man slapped Xing across the shoulder, almost knocking the boy over. "I told you the Fire Lord rewards good work."
The new colonel readjusted his pauldron and sighed. "With all due respect, Colonel Dao, but may a pod of flying fishopotamus drown you in their shit." The older commander cackled heartily at the curse, causing some eavesdropping nobles to shake their heads with disapproval.
"Come now, is that how a colonel should speak?" Colonel Koda said, joining the two along with Colonel Sho.
"Aren't all of you supposed to be at the frontlines still?"
"And miss regaling everyone about your tales? Dao is right, lad. You've earned this. Be proud. I'm sure Lidai would've been beaming with pride if he were here."
At the mention of the respected colonel that took him in, Xing's annoyance melted into somberness. "It is a shame that it took tragedy upon tragedy for this…" he gestured downwards with his hands, "...to occur."
Colonel Sho patted the boy on the back, much more softly than Dao did. "Now, now. None of that. Lidai wouldn't want you to wallow like this. We all grieve for his loss, but Lidai's memory should be honored, especially his aspirations for you. I'm sure the old man's proud of you."
There were nods all around, and Dao gave Xing another hearty thwack on the shoulder. "Come, brat. Let us uncles guide you through the paperwork. Then, once you're done, we'll-"
"No." Sho cut him off with a glare. "Xing's still too young to drink."
"But-"
"Or visit those…women."
"Bah, killjoy."
The three older colonels formed a protective triangle around their new, much younger colleague, keeping Xing protected from sniveling nobles and other court sycophants as they headed towards the Fire Army's headquarters to officially register Xing's new rank and secure all the perks that came with it. They would regale about the boy's feats later. After all, they first needed to reaffirm their story about Shiluo's demise.
Watching the quartet from a distance, Fire Princess Azula stared hard at the back of the boy barely older than her. She recalled the exploits attributed to the Young Dragon and found it both hard and easy to match it to his face. Hard, because…well, how is a mere boy capable of challenging and defeating three Earth Kingdom generals (at the same time!), or surviving impalement from multiple spears and stones suffered during the rearguard defense from the defeat at Tai Plains? How was a boy supposed to be the great mastermind that led a depleted army to victory upon impossible victory?
But on the other hand, the princess saw the way he carried himself, as well as the iron resolve in his eyes. Determined eyes which fit someone who could lead five hundred soldiers against three thousand and win so decisively that the casualties they took were only seriously wounded at the worst.
Young Dragon indeed. This Xing might be interesting enough to warrant some investigation.
Author's notes: So here's a new idea I'm working on. Though considering the hiccups I'm having writing this I'm not sure I can sustain the same posting pace as I did before. I'm going to see how far I can get away with not having a first person POV here.
Hope you guys enjoy this, and as usual feedback is highly welcomed.