A Mermaid's Tale.
Warning: Rated MA for violence, swearing and plenty of sexual content.
Disclaimer: do not own, if did the story would go how it ORIGINALLY was to be. With ZUTARA.
Note: I wasn't planning on making a Zutara fic, but I absolutely adore this pairing so...YEAH! I was inspired by the many beautiful pictures of Katara as a mermaid and Zuko as the prince in her arms... this is where you go 'awwww~!' ANYWAY. I hope you like it. I'm a bit iffy about the story so I don't know about updates - I do other stories - so don't rage if they're not fast, this was an impulse story.
2nd Note: Aang is just a air-bender, there is no war, kingdoms are even working together (though they are no where near *close*)... but yeah, it's a time of peace... for now.
*** Prologue ***
The Fire Lord sat imperiously behind the wall of fire, his figure hidden to all by the flames. One of his guard kneeled in front of the flames, one arm perched upon his knee and his head was bowed. "Fire Lord Ozai, a messenger from the air kingdom wishes to speak to you about urgent and confidential matters." The flames in front of the throne burned bright, flaring at the end of the sentence.
"Send him in." The words echoed off the walls, making it deeper and more terrifying.
The doors opened and a bald boy with blue arrow tattoos stepped into the room. He was young. "Fire Lord Ozai." He bowed his head in respect. He was wearing the orange robes of Eastern Palace monks. His voice emphasized his youth, it was tinged with nervousness and fear.
"Speak monk. What news do you bring from the Eastern Palace?" Ozai boomed, smirking as the boy winced.
The boy gulped and straightened his shoulders. "The air kingdom's head monk has fallen deathly ill, we ask that you lend us your assistance on a dangerous mission in order to bring him back to health, we have been informed by the seers that he only has four months left." The young boy was now kneeling on the floor, head bowed in desperation.
"Oh? Tell me, how can I assist you with this...quest?" Ozai spoke, fire blazing in front of him. He had entwined his fingers, head tilted in concentration.
"The place I must reach is surrounded by active volcanoes." This peaked Ozai's interest. "And we have reason to believe that there are precious minerals on that island that, if mixed with the correct ingredients create a miraculous healing potion." Aang continued. "We will need at least two fire and earth benders to move through to the island... which I hear is also scattered with dangerous traps and monsters."
"Oh you don't say? And how, might I inquire, did this belief originate?" Ozai was intrigued by the supposed miracle minerals. A lot of wealth can be acquired if this ended up being truth.
"My name is Aang, I am the strongest of my people, though I may be young, and was chosen for this mission because I am the only one who knows how to get there, I am sworn under an oath never to let the location be known to any other." the boy spoke up.
"By who?" This irritated the Fire Lord. This person was getting in the way of an immense amount of money.
"...the princess of the Water Kingdom, Katara." Ozai had to suppress a gasp. No one made contact with the Water Kingdom; ever. "She was indebted to me because I saved her pets' life when it had wondered onto land. A baby seal named Kana." These details were insignificant to the Fire Lord but he held back his annoyance and waited till the boy finished. "It hurt itself and I nursed it back to health. She was there when I went to return the seal. She said I could come to her in any single time of need and I did." The Fire Lord couldn't help rolling his eyes, the boy sounded love-sick and it was wearing out his patience.
"Yes, yes. However, your people know the law. No one crosses the sea without both Water King's consent. They only allow us to cross over to other kingdoms." Ozai pointed out. "It applies to every land. You were permitted here due to my acceptance and same goes for the Earth and Air Kingdoms."
"I have spoken with both Water Kings, emperor Hakoda of the South and emperor Arnook of the North... they have given their consent and even a few of their best soldiers to accompany us, informing my people about the dangers at sea. However, both wish to meet with a royal of the Fire Kingdom and have at least one royal or the strongest warrior of each Kingdom accompany this mission." The boy was remarkable. Then Ozai frowned. He knew the tales of the sea, he did not want anything happening to his children... however, they were the strongest.
"Who are the other royals on this mission?" Ozai narrowed his brows.
"Princess Katara and Prince Sokka of the Southern Water Kingdom, the warrior Hahn from the Northern Water Kingdom, Lady Toph from the Earth kingdom, along with her guard Haru, and me, the Guardian of the Air Kingdom." Aang spoke his tone was still nervous but strong nonetheless.
"...I see... so why must I risk my strongest soldiers for your people?" Aang knew this was coming, the Earth King had asked the same question.
"The Water Kingdom is willing to give up a sack full of these minerals to each kingdom and in return the Air temple will pay in jewels. We have many and they are of little use with the ways of my people. We will deliver 5 crates full to each king."
They were of very good use in the Fire and Earth Kingdoms."Very well. Guards! Summon my children immediately." There was silence in the throne room for a few minutes before the doors were flung open.
"Father." Both children spoke in unison, glaring at each other out of the corner of their eye before turning back to the Fire Lord. Both children had jet black hair and pale skin. The boy had his hair in a top-knot and the girl had her's the same, but with sharp bangs framing her face. They were dressed in dark burgundy and light red garments, making their golden eyes stand out against their white flesh. One thing that hit Aang the most, however, was that almost half of the prince's face was scarred with a third degree burn mark. He held back a gasp.
"I am sending you two on a mission of utmost importance. You will be surrounded by a person of importance from every kingdom, so I expect you two to work well together, with no childish squabbles. Is that clear?" There was the synchronized 'Yes Father.' before Ozai continued. "You have an hour to pack for a four month quest. Take along servants if you wish. This will be a more dangerous mission than you have yet to come across so I suggest you pack both sparingly and wisely." With that Ozai dismissed them and they went to ready themselves.
/
After a shower, Zuko strapped on his armor. He sheathed his Duel Dao Swords (a gift from his cousin Lu Ten-who is alive), attaching them to his back. In his bag he packed three full changes of clothes – one of which was sleep wear – , a hair brush, a picture of his family, a toothbrush and his mother's ring. He ran his thumb over the stunning exterior. The jewel was a large red ruby and the entire gold ring was embedded with tiny diamonds. He had been given this at his mother's death bed, Azula received his mother's favorite jade hair-piece, apparently her first gift from their father. He then laced his shoes, dumping another pair in his bags in case. He took one last look at his room before leaving.
/
Azula first called her two friends; Mai and Ty Lee. She informed them that they would be coming with her on the trip. She also bathed, Ty Lee and Mai helping her dress. Then all three women went to pack. Azula took a hair brush, toothbrush, her mother's jade hair-piece, two changes of cloths as well as extra wraps and a spare pair of boots. She then smirked before heading towards the palace gates.
/
Once everyone was gathered, Aang led the way to the awaiting ship, courtesy of the Earth Kingdom. Aang rode on his flying bison; he called the giant animal 'Appa.' Zuko chose to ride on a Komodo Dragon and Azula and her friends rode in a carriage lead by a string of ostrich-horses. Finally they made it to shore, where a massive ship floated proudly on the water. Both the fire prince and princess were used to being on the ocean, seeing as they sailed frequently in order to get to the other kingdoms, however, they had never strayed too far because the countries weren't too far away from each other. Now they would be traveling deep into the sea it seems. When the two royal parties stepped off their rides and onto the ship. The two skimmed the crowd of unfamiliar faces, summing up their 'comrades'. You could feel the tension, everyone was on edge...Zuko sighed. This was going to be a long trip...
Trololol, I had fun here, though I dunno, I feel like it's missing something... must be the Zutara. Meh that will come in and develop soon~! Tell me what you think yeah?