Disclaimer: I don't own Percy Jackson or the ATLA universe because I'm a broke-ass college student. Sue me, you won't get anything.
Previously:
"In our hour of need, it is with the highest honor I welcome our esteemed allies, the Kyoshi Warriors!" King Kuei proclaimed loudly, unaware of the vipers he'd welcomed into his city.
Azula hid a smirk as she looked up from her kneeling position, "We are the but Earth King's humble servants."
( - )
"Look, Bosco! The Kyoshi Warriors are here to protect us, along with this Water Tribe soldier," King Kuei exclaimed. Turning to Percy, he asked, "What was your name again?"
"Perseus, my liege," Percy said with a small bow.
"Yes, well, I'm glad you're here. It's been a difficult week for me. My most trusted advisor, Long Feng, and some of his Dai Li agents tried to take over Ba Sing Se from me." the Earth King revealed to them.
"It's terrible when you can't trust the people closest to you," Azula responded.
"Yes, indeed," he sighed, "But, there is some good news. As we speak, my war generals are meeting to plan an invasion of the Fire Nation this summer, on the day of a solar eclipse. The firebenders will be powerless during it, we'll have a chance to end the one war in one fell swoop."
Azula's golden eyes went wide at the news before quickly composing herself, "Really? Now that sounds like a fascinating and brilliant plan, which could have only been thought up with the help of a great king such as yourself!" she brown-nosed the Earth King, "Is there any way we can help?" she offered.
"I'm not sure yet. It's all in the very early stages of development, we didn't even know about the eclipse until a few days ago when the Avatar told us," he responded.
"Ah, yes, the Avatar, is he around? We haven't seen him yet."
"The Avatar is away at one of the air temples for the moment, so you can't tell me how relieved I was when he said what competent warriors you were. This last week has been so hectic and with Long Fe's betrayal… well, it's taken some getting used to."
"Our apologies, King Kuei, but we know very little of this Long Feng and the Dai Li you speak of," Azula said.
"Of course, my apologies for not explaining before. Long Feng was my closest advisor and the overseer of the Dai Li, which are similar to an elite police force, one only of Ba Sing Se. They were originally created by Avatar Kyoshi to help quell rebellions against the throne. However, they have shown themselves to be treacherous, and loyal only to those with the most power," Kuei said angrily before sighing, "However, I have no choice but to continue using them with the majority of our army in different conflicts outside our walls. It is my fear we could even descend into civil war if I tried to remove the Dai Li from their positions. I can't afford to assemble the royal guard, soldiers, and my generals just to get rid of them as of now."
Azula slightly smirked, before lying through her teeth, "We understand completely, now is not the time for inner conflict, especially with the Fire Nation knocking at our walls."
"Exactly," Kuei agreed, "Perhaps after a successful invasion of the Fire Nation I can turn my attention to them but for now, I have to make do. I only learned of the treachery of Long Feng a few days ago, it's been a relief to have the Avatar and his friends to help guide me through this transition. He holds wisdom beyond his teenage age, and it was good to hear that you had entered the city when he left because help was greatly needed."
"Of course, after all, if you can't trust your allies, then who can you trust?" Azula said with a smile.
( - )
Azula paced back and forth inside the room, "We have been presented with an extraordinary opportunity, my friends."
"Mai finally gets to wear makeup that's not totally depressing?" Ty Lee asked with a smile.
There was a pause before Percy burst out laughing at Ty Lee's joke, leaning over to give her a fist bump from his seat as she giggled. Azula cracked a smile as well.
Mai was not so amused as she turned, glaring daggers at Ty Lee, "Haha, very funny," she said dryly.
"I mean, I thought it was," Percy chimed in, flinching as Mai turned her glare on him.
"I'm talking about conquering the capital of the earth kingdom, Ba Sing Se, the impenetrable city," Azula stated, directing the conversation back on topic.
Mai and Ty Lee turned to her in surprise as Percy stood up from his chair and walked towards Azula who was looking out the window.
"For 100 years, the Fire Nation has hammered away at Ba Sing Se's stone walls from the outside. But now, we're on the inside, and can take it by ourselves, without the aid of our armies," she said confidently.
"Gosh, you're so confident, I really admire that about you," Ty Lee said genuinely.
"Mhmm, you've always impressed me," Percy drawled from behind Azula, "But, you're forgetting something. There are only four of us, and there are too many soldiers and Da Li agents in the city, even for us."
Azula fought her blush before turning to face Percy, "We are in a perfect position from the inside to organize a coup and overthrow the Earth King. You're right though, we need more manpower. The key to that, my dear barbarian, is the Dai Li."
"What about the Dai Li? According to Kuei they're treacherous, and he's wary of them, how can they help us if they betray us?" Percy questioned.
"He also said that they followed whoever had the most power. He doesn't have the numbers to get rid of them with his forces fighting different battles outside the city either. With the Dai Li we'll have the manpower to take over the city, and if we take control of the Dai Li, we take control of Ba Sing Se."
"And how do you plan to do that?" Percy asked.
"It's simple, really," she said with a smile as she explained her plan to her friends.
( - )
Percy, Ty Lee, and Mai lounged outside the palace atop the great stairs leading down to the courtyard making small talk. A subtle nod from Percy as he felt two people move behind pillars nearby and their small talk became much more important.
"Ugh, I'm tired of wearing this girly disguise. I don't know how anyone can fight in this," Mai remarked aloud, pulling at the heavy green dress.
"Maybe that's why it was so easy to beat the Kyoshi Warriors and take their clothes," Ty Lee remarked, stretching.
The Dai Li agent's eyes widened in surprise at the revelation that these were not the actual Kyoshi warriors but pretenders as he continued listening.
"How much longer do we have to serve the Earth King? If I have to clean up one more pile of bear poop, I'm gonna throw up," Mai remarked.
"Hey, that's not fair, you've only had to do it once. I always get stuck with it, I'm an elite waterbending bodyguard, not a maid," Percy said in disgust.
"Princess Azula promised we would go back to the Fire Nation as soon as we capture the Avatar," Ty Lee said as contorted herself into a bridge stretch, "We just have to wait until he gets back from the air temple."
"Shut up! Do you want the whole palace to know we're Fire Nation?" Mai said angrily, sweeping her arm out.
"Sorry," Ty Lee muttered.
The Dai agents slinked away with their newfound information, not knowing that they'd fallen right into Azula's trap.
A few moments passed before Azula stepped out of the shadows joining them. A nod from Percy told her they were all clear.
"Good work," she complimented them. "They took the bait, I'm sure the Dai Li will deliver the message to Long Feng."
( - )
Aang sighed as he sipped on his banana and onion juice drink. While the flavor wasn't good, it was growing on him. Unlocking his chakras had been tiring. Not physically demanding, but mentally exhausting. Going through visions after visions inside his head and facing a variety of different flaws within himself wasn't easy by any means.
He chewed on a question that'd been dancing around his head for a while before asking Pathik, "Have you ever heard of a waterbender named Perseus?"
Guru Pathik shook his head, "I'm sorry Aang, I haven't left the temple in nearly a decade. I don't know who you speak of."
Aang slumped, "Yeah, I figured that."
"But please, speak what's on your mind. Perhaps I can be of some advice to you on this man," Pathik said.
"Well, he's hard to describe. He's a waterbender but is allied with the Fire Nation. He's young, probably just a bit older than me, like 17 or so? He's tall, with black hair and sea-green eyes and he's strong. And I don't mean with just his bending. My friend Sokka said that in hand-to-hand combat, his arm jolted whenever they crossed blades. And his bending, it's unnatural, Pathik. Katara said that he doesn't bend like how we were taught, with pushing and pulling like the tides. He commands, and the water obeys him."
Aang stopped as Pathik's features turned into a deep expression of thoughtfulness but the guru waved him to continue.
"Honestly, a huge reason I want to master the Avatar state is to beat him. He took me down in the Avatar state before during a battle outside Wan Shi Tong's library. Granted, he was boosted by an entire lake of spirit water, but nobody has ever come close to touching me during that. And then just a couple of weeks ago, I lost to him and Princess Azula. If I ever want to beat the Fire Lord, I need to be able to beat Percy. As long as he stands with the Fire Nation he'll be in my way," Aang said with a hint of regret and doubt in his tone.
"I sense doubt in your voice, what prevents you from being confident against Percy?" Pathik asked.
"Well, it's not really that I can't beat him, it's that I don't want to fight him. I admire the way he is. He's incredibly brave, willing to risk his life to save others. I wish I had that type of fearless courage, to face all my problems head-on Pathik. He also saved my bison; I owe him a great debt for that."
Pathik was silent as he stroked his long white beard, "Could you tell me more about him? What is he like outside of battle?"
"Actually, he's a completely different person off the battlefield," Aang said, "During battle, he's focused and relentless, not to mention an absolute powerhouse. But when he isn't fighting he's caring, understanding, and funny. After our fight outside Wan Shi Tong's library, he waited for me to wake up before talking to me. He said that he understood what it was like to be alone, and he meant it Pathik. This wasn't him trying to make me feel better, he knows what it's like, I could see it in his eyes and hear it in his voice. He said that his dagger was his only item from a life he couldn't return to like how Appa is with me. It doesn't make sense though, how could he know what it's like? He's not from my era, I'm sure of it," Aang asked the guru.
Pathik hummed thoughtfully as he stroked his beard slowly, his eyes staring out into the sky as if it held answers, "Aang, over 5 years ago, I felt a disturbance in the cosmos. A person, who radiated shockwaves of change and power like nothing I had ever felt before. I have a feeling that the person you speak of was the cause of the disturbance that I felt. I believe that he could be one of the very few individuals whose choices defy fate, affecting everyone around him, much like yourself in that regard. The Avatar is the housing unit for the great spirit, the Avatar's decisions change the world around them. Roku spared Sozin and now the world has been in chaos the last 100 years."
Aang pursed his lips at the guru's statement but didn't voice his disagreement at the moment. He remained silent for a minute as he absorbed the guru's words. After a few moments of contemplation he spoke, "So, you believe Percy is this disturbance you felt over 5 years ago, and you also think that his actions have just as much impact as the Avatar's?"
Pathik nodded sagely in response, "From what you have told me, this Percy seems to have a drive and determination as strong as your own. Your goals have intersected and it has drawn you into conflict, and he has been your most dangerous opponent because of it. However, if your goals didn't intersect, if they aligned, he could be your strongest ally. A tipping point for change."
Aang nodded in agreement, "But how do I do that? Percy is stubborn and he would never pick me over his friends, much less Azula."
"You think too small my friend. You are looking at only part of the picture. For example, you and Percy both want harmony and peace, yes?"
Aang nodded and Pathik continued, "So although you both have similar destinations, your paths differ wildly. You believe that harmony and peace can only be restored by defeating the Fire Nation and ending the war. Percy, meanwhile, believes that peace can only be obtained through a Fire Nation victory that will end the war. You both want peace, but you have very different ideas on how to get there. You cannot expect to make Percy pick between something when your paths are not similar. Find something that not only do your destinations align, but your path's as well. Perhaps, it is a mutual dislike of the Fire Lord. Maybe it is a wish to see the end of monarch systems in the nations. I know not, but if you wish to become allies, you must find out."
"I think I understand," Aang said after a minute of silence, "I will admit, I think I am the only one who can beat Percy. My friends are incredibly strong in their respective elements, but Percy is on a different level of raw power. I don't know if I can beat him straight up without the boosted power the Avatar state gives me, it's one of the reasons I'm here. I don't want to fight him though, I've sat and talked with him outside battle. He's a good person, the world is a better place with him in it."
Guru Pathik was silent for a moment before he responded, "Everyone doubts themselves at some point Aang. Remain firm in your beliefs, this upcoming battle you sense with Percy could be a major turning point. In what direction I know not, but you must make the most of the opportunities you are given. Worrying does not take away tomorrow's troubles, it takes away today's peace. Now let us focus on your next chakra."
( - )
Katara panted as she tore through the halls of Earth King's palace. She slowed as she came near the Earth King's throne, recognizing 3 Kyoshi Warriors kneeling in front of it, "Thank goodness you're here, Suki. Something terrible is going on, the Fire Nation has infiltrated the city! I just saw Prince Zuko and his uncle, we have to tell the Earth King right away!"
The middle Kyoshi Warrior rose before taking a few steps forward and Katara was revealed with the golden eyes of princess Azula, "Oh don't worry, I'll be sure to let him know," Azula said with a smirk.
Katara tensed and quickly dropped into a waterbending stance, "What have you done with King Kuei?!" she demanded.
"The Earth King? We haven't done anything to him, yet. He's being escorted by the Fire Nation's superiorwaterbender, while we speak. Nobody will be talking to the Earth King anytime soon with Percy around," Azula revealed.
"You won't get away with this!" Katara yelled as she began slowly backing up, Ty Lee and Mai rising to stand beside Azula.
"I'm already getting away with it," Azula said firmly, "Mai, Ty Lee, take her out," she ordered.
Ty Lee and Mai moved forward on the waterbending girl. Katara lashed out at Ty Lee before she was forced to create an ice shield to stop Mai's incoming shurikens. Ty Lee jumped over Katara's shield, and with a few quick strikes to her pressure points, Katara collapsed to the ground immobile, her water falling to the floor uselessly.
"So, Zuzu is in the city too," Azula spoke as they stood around Katara, "I think it's time for a family reunion. Mai, Ty Lee, make sure you're not spotted by any of the guards on the way to the catacombs. The Dai Li won't report this to the Earth King I'm sure, but we need to be cautious. Make sure she can't interrupt our plans."
Forgotten for the moment, Momo watched from behind the pillar he was perched on. A second later and he was gliding away silently, leaving Katara in the hands of the Fire Nation.
( - )
Aang stared up at the giant glowing silhouette of himself in his mind, awed by the power he felt gazing upon the picture. Suddenly his tattoos began glowing a brilliant white light. The giant version of himself descended right in front of the purple bridge, a swirling ball of purple energy held inside his hands. Waiting for someone, waiting for him.
After a moment, he stepped into the swirling ball of purple energy held between his giant hands. It was unlike anything he'd ever felt before. He felt the elements waiting for his smallest command, and the raw, indomitable power of the Avatar state. But it was different now, before, he'd always been a passenger to the Avatar state. Now he was in control, no longer watching, he was in the driver's seat now. It felt… it was intoxicating, he felt invincible.
"No!" a voice rang out suddenly.
Aang saw a vision of Katara, struggling in a cell, chained to the wall.
"Let me go!" her voice rang out in fear and panic.
Aang looked up at the silhouette of himself. He felt unstoppable like he could rip down the walls of Ba Sing Se with his bare hands. He'd pushed himself with every element, but the raw, unteachable power of the Avatar was locked within himself. And now he was here and it was at his fingertips just waiting on his command. But was it worth it? Did having all this power mean anything if he couldn't have his friends, have Katara? He stared into the abyss, and then he blinked.
He took off, away from the giant silhouette of himself and the swirling ball of purple energy that called to his soul. He ran across the purple cosmic bridge, towards where he'd seen the vision of Katara. The silhouette disappeared and the bridge with it, plunging Aang into the darkness with a shot upward from his meditative stance, "Katara's in danger," he blurted out to Pathik, "I have to go!" he leaped off the platform, sliding to the ground below.
"No, Aang," Pathik cried out, "By choosing attachment you have blocked your chakra! You won't be able to go into the Avatar state at all."
Aang paused for a moment at his words before leaping away, he'd already made his decision.
Guru Pathik looked on sadly as Aang flew away atop Appa. He feared greatly for Aang's safety without the power of the Avatar state on his side.
( - )
Percy and Azula sat patiently in their room, waiting for the Dai Li agents to arrive. Azula had sent Mai and Ty Lee to watch over the Earth King while he slept for the night. It was a lure, a ploy to draw out the Dai Li. She didn't know when the Avatar would return and she needed to execute her plan before he got back. She'd originally planned to wait for the Dai Li herself, but Percy had adamantly refused that idea. So now it was the two of them waiting. The Dai Li would come, she was sure of it.
She glanced over at Percy who was trying his best to sit still but his right knee was bouncing like crazy. He was always full of restless energy. He fingered the handle of his sword as he glanced around the room.
"Remember, we don't want to beat them. We just want them to back off, to recognize our power. It wouldn't be a good look if the Dai Li were able to drag us in front of Long Feng. We'll come on our own terms so he doesn't believe he has all the power," she said.
Percy nodded seriously, "I got it, Azula.
She let a comfortable silence fall between them before breaking it a few minutes later, "Hey, Perce?"
"What's up Zula?"
"There's something I want to tell you."
Percy's sea-green eyes met hers as he took in her somber expression, "Okay, I'm listening."
"When you split off to go across the desert, I had a nightmare while you were gone. It was vivid and terrifying, and it didn't feel like a dream, at all, it felt real," she came to a pause as she gathered herself.
"What was it about?" Percy prodded gently.
"Isawmyselfkillingyouinaduel!" Azula blurted out quickly.
"Wait, what? Slow down, I didn't catch that," Percy said.
Azula took a deep breath, "I saw myself killing you in a duel. In my nightmare," she amended quickly.
Percy stared at her awkwardly, "Okay? Can you elaborate more for me?"
So, she did. She recounted everything from the friendly duel to the biggest lightning strike she'd ever seen. Once she finished, she looked down at the ground, not wanting to see Percy looking at her with disgust and anger. What she saw surprised her, there was no disgust. Not any anger. His eyes swam with concern, sorrow, and something else she couldn't place.
"Aren't you going to say something? I killed you!" she asked, her voice cracking at the end.
"C'mon, Azula, did you think I would hate you or something? It was just a nightmare" he said gently.
She looked down, having expected just that, having received very few positive reactions to anything in her whole life. Her silent sorrow was cut off as the waterbender pulled her into a hug.
Percy rocked her back and forth gently as his arms wrapped around her like a cocoon. His chin rested atop her head as they fit together like two puzzle pieces. Azula stayed like that for a few minutes, content in the safety of Percy's arms before she drew back as she recomposed herself.
"I don't understand," she started, "Why aren't you mad? Upset? I killed you," she asked, confused.
Then, Percy threw back his head and laughed loudly. A laugh then echoed clearly like a bell, it seemed to chase all the shadows away. "Oh, Azula, how could I be mad at you for a dream?" Percy questioned seriously, "You're my best friend, I trust you with my life. You could never do that to me. I'm sorry I wasn't there for you during that, but I'm here now. It's all gonna be okay," he promised with a smile.
"But, but the dream," she stuttered.
"It wasn't you."
"I—" she started before being cut off.
"It wasn't you, Azula. It was a dream. That's all it was. A terrible, frightening one, but a dream nonetheless. The real Azula is sitting in front of me right now. I believe in you. Besides, you could never hurt me," Percy said calmly, insinuating something much different than what she heard.
Azula stared at Percy, the words' true meaning not registering in her brain. This boy was unbelievable. He didn't see any of her darkness. All he saw was her light. Her better half. The opportunity to rise anew each time she fell. He was too much. Too good for her. Everything she'd ever dreamed about finding as a little girl. She opened her mouth to tell him that, "Percy, you're more than—" she stopped suddenly as Percy raised his hand in a fist. Someone was here.
She tensed as she looked around in the darkness of their room, fighting against the urge to light a fire in her palm to see how many Dai Li agents had come. It had to be the Dai Li, nobody else would be coming tonight with Mai and Ty Lee watching over the Earth King.
A nod from Percy and then they moved together. Azula lit a brilliant plume of fire in her left hand to see before she blasted two Dai Li agents as they scrambled back in surprise. She was careful to hit their lightly armored chest, as it wouldn't benefit them to incapacitate their own troops. Percy had blasted two other agents before he used his water like a hook, pulling a Dai Li agent to him. A clothesline leveled the man before Percy put a foot on his chest, Riptide resting against his neck.
Azula stopped, moving to stand beside Percy as she kept two plumes of fire aloft in her hands, illuminating their room and the courtyard outside. She counted at least another 20 agents gathered around them and she smiled, at least Long Feng wasn't stupid. She gestured towards the man beneath Percy. "It's quite simple," she spoke aloud. "Take us to Long Feng, or I have my bodyguard gut your man like a fish."
A moment of silence elapsed between the two groups before one of the Dai LI agents stepped forward, "We will take you, Princess Azula, but not the—" he was cut off by the pained moan as Percy let Riptide bite more into his neck.
He swallowed, "We would be pleased to take both of you to Long Feng at once," he amended quickly.
Percy looked to Azula who nodded in his direction, he sheathed Riptide before pushing the man below him away with his foot. "Let's get going then, we don't have all night," Azula said crisply.
( - )
Long Feng waited in his cell eagerly as footsteps echoed down the hallway towards him. His door opened as his guests were brought in to talk to him. However, it wasn't as he'd foreseen. He thought his agents would bring the princess to him, hands locked behind her back as she lashed out in anger at her capture. What entered his cell was not that.
The princess was there, but she was calm, collected. Like she was going for a relaxing midnight stroll to the kitchen instead of being paraded through the levels of cells. And the man beside her was not part of his order. He had told his agents to bring the princess alone, without backup, to put himself in a position of power to negotiate. The man was tall, towering over him, decked in blue armor. Neither the princess nor the man was cuffed. Long Feng swallowed his unease as he met the princess's eyes.
They met each other's gazes for a moment before Azula spoke, "Long Feng, I presume. I was wondering when you'd show up. I've heard a lot about you in my short time here."
"Princess Azula, you are an unexpected arrival in my city. Disguising yourself as Kyoshi Warrior to enter Ba Sing Se was a most ingenious play I must say," Long Feng replied smoothly right after, not wanting to look uncollected.
If Azula was surprised by his knowledge she didn't show it, "Yes, well I do try my best," she shrugged, "But, you didn't send your Dai Li to meet with me for small talk. What do you want?"
"I want to make a deal," he replied, "It's time I retook control of Ba Sing Se, and you have something I need."
"Oh, and what would that be?"
"The Earth King's trust," Long Feng replied.
"And why should I help you?" Azula asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Because I can get you the Avatar," Long Feng said confidently.
"And how would you do that? You're locked here in a cell. Besides, the Avatar isn't even in Ba Sing Se right now," Azula shot back.
"I control the Dai Li," Long Feng remarked, "I have eyes and ears all over this city. As soon as the Avatar returns, I'll know about it. With my agents, I can help you capture him and you, in turn, will eliminate the Earth King."
"And what's to stop me from killing you now?" Azula remarked.
Long Feng's eyes widened at the statement as he glanced worriedly at the Dai Li agents behind him warily as they shifted worriedly. Long Feng glanced around nervously, he was locked in a 6x6 foot metal cell. He had nowhere to go, nothing to bend, and he didn't like his chances. The princess was a prodigy firebender, and the man beside her was rumored to be the most elite and only waterbending bodyguard in the Fire Nation.
A few more moments passed before Azula's laughter echoed throughout the cell, "Relax, I was just kidding," she assured Long Feng. The man glanced nervously as he noticed the wide, relaxed smirk of her bodyguard. He forced a small smile onto his face as he waited.
"I agree with you Long Feng," Azula spoke, drawing the conversation back to her control, "Your Dai Li agents are numerous and obviously adept at getting information if they were able to tell you I was the princess. I can remove King Kuei for you, he trusts me and my companions explicitly, especially with the Avatar away. However, I do have some needs of my own."
"What do you require?" Long Feng asked as he settled back down. Negotiation was much more his forte.
"Command over the Dai Li for an ambush and knowledge when the Avatar returns. I have heard that my treacherous brother, Prince Zuko, is also in the city with my uncle," she revealed to him.
"The Dragon of the West?" Long Feng asked incredulously.
"The very same. I'm sure you understand the importance of capturing them."
Long Feng nodded, he still remembered during his climb to power when the great walls of Ba Sing Se had been breached by the general's rage. He would need to be contained as soon as possible. "In return for allowing you temporary command over the Dai Li, you will kill King Kuei for me."
"Allowing you to step back in when the inevitable power vacuum forms from his death," Azula commented, "However we will not move on the Earth King until after the successful capture of my brother and uncle. Then we will remove Kuei for you, and in turn, you will help with the capture of the Avatar and we will leave Ba Sing Se with our prize."
"These terms are acceptable," Long Feng replied smoothly with a smile.
"Agreed, I'll see you soon Long Feng," Azula remarked, turning and walking out the cell with Percy on her heels. Long Feng watched them go as his cell door closed behind the leaving Dai Li agents. Even though he'd gotten what he wanted, he couldn't help but feel like he'd somehow lost.
( - )
"The Earth King and the Council of Five no longer trust the Dai Li. They've already imprisoned Long Feng. Soon, they will turn on the rest of you and get rid of you. Seizing power today is a matter of life and death," Azula spoke, stepping down from her platform in front of the Dai Li. "This coup must be swift and decisive. The Earth King and the five generals must be contained simultaneously. You have been placed under my command while we overthrow the government. If I sense any disloyalty, any hesitation, any weakness at all. I will snuff it out," she punctuated clearly as she turned on her heel, staring down one of the men in the front.
She gazed a moment longer before stepping back, "That is all. Dismissed," she ordered as the Dai Li marched off.
"Nice speech, Azula," Ty Lee complimented, "It was pretty and poetic, but also scary in a good way."
"Yeah, I thought you were gonna make the one guy pee his pants," Mai mocked with an undertone of, disappointment?
"You owe me 20 gold pieces Mai, I told you he wouldn't," Percy said, shooting a grin at her. There it was.
"There are still a few loose ends. The Avatar, and my brother and uncle," Azula muttered, unwilling to lose focus so close to victory.
( - )
The Dai Li marched into the room, surrounding Zuko and Iroh. Zuko shifted uneasily, "Something's not right," he muttered to Iroh.
"And there they are, my special guests, here for tea time," Azula drawled as she walked into the room with Percy.
"Azula!" Zuko growled, shooting to his feet. "And Percy," he added, seeing his former friend beside his sister.
"Have you met the Dai Li?" Azula asked, "They're earthbenders but they have a killer instinct that's so firebender. I just love it."
"Hey, guys," Percy waved cheerfully, coughing as Azula elbowed him in the ribs between his armor. "What? I was just saying hi."
"Did you ever hear how I got the nickname 'The Dragon of the West'?" Iroh asked aloud, standing to his feet.
"Yeah—"
"Percy, don't interrupt right now," Iroh chided gently holding a glass of tea in his hand looking at Azula.
"I'm not interested in one of your lengthy anecdote's uncle," Azula replied flippantly, checking her nails.
"It's more of a demonstration really," Iroh replied, drinking his tea. Percy tensed as Zuko smirked before ducking behind Iroh. Iroh roared, a brilliant orange flame shooting from his mouth. Percy was about to conjure a water shield from the water vapor, revealing one of his secrets, but Azula beat him to it, parting the fire like the Red Sea around Moses. Meanwhile, the former general spun around, taking out the nearest Dai Li and blowing a hole in the wall. Zuko quickly jumped through, followed by Iroh, still breathing fire out his mouth.
They sprinted down the hallway, narrowly avoiding some earthen gloves shot out by the pursuing Dai Li. A quick kata and Iroh blew a hole through the palace walls with lightning, he leaped outside to safety, falling into some shrubbery below with a yell. Iroh turned, looking up at his nephew, "Jump, you'll be fine."
"No, I'm tired of running uncle. It's time I faced Azula," Zuko yelled down before turning his back to the opening and back down the hallway. Iroh slapped his forehead loudly before getting to his feet and taking off.
"You're so dramatic, Zuzu. What are you gonna do, challenge me to an Agni Kai?" Azula drawled out with a smile as Percy and the Dai Li stood behind her.
"Yes. I challenge you!" Zuko spoke loudly.
Azula laughed, "No thanks, besides I can't fight you, Percy would get mad at me," she said tossing a smile over her shoulder at Percy. He smiled sheepishly at her remark.
Zuko gazed at his opponents before shooting a fireball down the hallway with a yell. Azula and Percy didn't move an inch, the Dai Li raising a section of the stone floor to block it while others shot earthen gloves at Zuko, pinning him to the floor. Azula smiled and turned away as the other Dai Li restrained him.
( - )
Percy walked behind Azula as she paced away down the hallway away from Zuko, "What are we gonna do with Zuko?" he asked her.
"I'm going to put him down in the catacombs with the waterbender," she told him.
Percy eyed her with a frown. "What? He's our prisoner, Percy," Azula remarked seeing his look, "What do you want me to do?"
He sighed, "I don't know, Azula, but it doesn't feel right. He's your brother and my oldest friend. He's supposed to be with us, not our prisoner."
"Yes, but he's committed treason against the Fire Nation. He hasn't exactly done anything to rejoin our side if he is in fact with us. I don't think he was trying to take down Ba Sing Se from working inside a tea shop," she remarked, "Speaking of that—" she turned and whacked the back of Percy's head.
"Hey, what was that for?" he whined, rubbing his head.
"That was for not warning me about Iroh's fire breath in there," she reprimanded sternly.
"He told me not to interrupt," Percy defended himself, fully believing what he did was right, as it was to avoid getting scolded by Iroh.
"Idiot," Azula said without any real heat behind it, rolling her eyes as she turned back down the hall before she was cut off as a Dai Li rushed towards her, stopping in front of them.
"The Avatar has just been sighted flying into the city atop his bison with his friends. They'll probably want to meet with the Earth King," the Dai Li reported quickly.
"Shit," Azula cursed. "Where is the Earth King right now?" she asked the man in front of her.
"He's in the throne room with your companions," the agent answered quickly.
"Okay good. Get 20 of the Dai Li and gather them in the throne room out of the Earth King's sight. Now!" she ordered with a bark.
The Dai Li agent scrambled to complete his orders as Azula began sprinting through the palace, Percy keeping stride with her. "What are we gonna do?" he asked her as they navigated the halls.
"We're going to improvise a bit now. Just follow my lead," Azula ordered.
"Don't I always?" Percy replied with a grin. Azula smiled as they closed in on the throne room.
( - )
Katara paced back and forth inside the dark crystal catacombs before she stopped when she heard a rumbling above her. She walked over to the slope she'd been thrown down as it was bent open by two Dai Li agents.
"You've got company," one of them growled before tossing a man down.
Katara stepped closer, getting a good look at him, "Zuko," she exclaimed in surprise.
The Dai Li bent the earth back over the passageway as the light was cut off, leaving the two benders trapped together deep beneath the palace.
( - )
It turned out they sprinted to the throne room for nothing. It was another 10 minutes before the Avatar and his friends made their way to the throne room. By then the Dai Li were waiting amongst the columns of the room as Percy and the girls waited.
Aang, Toph, and Sokka made their way through the palace to the throne room. They approached the throne, recognizing King Kuei and the familiar attire of the Kyoshi Warriors kneeling in front of it but not the man in blue standing alongside the Earth King. It was only when they got within 20 yards that Aang held out his arm, blocking Sokka from approaching any further.
"Aang?" Sokka questioned his friend as he stared at the man in blue, "What is it?"
"It's a trap," Toph spoke up, feeling over 20 Dai Li agents drop to the floor from the columns around them.
"Not exactly," the voice of Azula rang out as she stepped out from behind the throne, "Come, we have much to talk about it."
Aang and his friends approached slowly and the full picture came into view. Percy stood alongside King Kuei, sword resting on his shoulder threateningly. The two Kyoshi Warriors were Ty Lee and Mai in disguise. The Dai Li remained out of sight, but they were watching. And Azula stood there, dressed in Earth Kingdom clothes with a wide smile on her face.
After a few moments, Aang addressed her, "What do you want, Azula?"
"What do I want? Why I want quite a few things, for now though, I'll settle for Ba Sing Se," she replied easily.
"Where's Katara?" Sokka demanded stepping forward.
"The waterbender? Why she's one of my newest prisoners of course."
"Release King Kuei," Aang ordered in a low tone.
"And why would I do that?" she asked in a cheerful tone.
"Because otherwise, I'll destroy this palace and everyone in here," Aang threatened in a bluff.
"I guess I should let you know then, if anything happens to me, your waterbending friend will be killed. I'm told being buried alive is a terrible way to go. Besides, do you really think you and your little friend are better earthbenders than all of these Dai Li?" Azula remarked offhandedly.
Aang, Sokka, and Toph all stiffened at Azula's words as they waited tensely, Toph only holding back from charging Azula because of the threat to Katara.
"Here's what's going to happen," Azula started, "I am going to give you King Kuei—"
She was cut off by Sokka, "Why would you do that?" he questioned suspiciously.
Azula shrugged nonchalantly, "I'm in a good mood. Now, I will give you the Earth King. In return, you will leave Ba Sing Se. You will not return. That is the only deal you will get."
"That's not fair! Give us back Katara!" Aang yelled at her.
"You're in no position to negotiate, Avatar," she pointed out with a raised eyebrow, "I'm allowing you to walk away with the Earth King. Do not test my mercy. If you refuse, I kill your friend. You're not likely to even escape this very room if I order it."
"How is this a deal for us?" Sokka asked.
"I never said it was a deal for you. I am willing to let you walk with the Earth King, I think I'm being very merciful right now. If you agree, I let the waterbender remain in the crystal catacombs as my prisoner and don't attempt to capture you right now."
"How is Katara remaining as your prisoner any better?" Aang asked desperately.
"She'll still be alive," Azula retorted darkly. "This is your only chance. Walk and your friend lives. Fight and I kill your friend, the Earth King, and your bison becomes exotic meat for our victory feast."
Aang growled at the threat leveled against Appa but didn't move. "Okay, we'll take your offer," Sokka spoke up after a moment of tense silence.
"Sokka!" Aang hissed between his teeth.
"What, Aang? You heard her, this is the only chance we're gonna get, and I won't let Katara's blood be on my hands," Sokka said morosely. He turned back towards Azula, "Give us King Kuei then."
Azula nodded at Percy who removed his sword from the Earth King's shoulder. Kuei slowly stood and walked towards the Avatar and his friends, his pet bear Bosco following behind him. To safety and life. Azula watched as King Kuei moved behind the benders. "As promised, the Earth King. You have until sunset to leave Ba Sing Se and never return. Your friend is counting on your compliance," she threatened.
The Avatar and his friends slowly backed away from the throne, not turning their backs to her for a second, and then they were out the door.
( - )
"Azula, what was that?" Percy asked her.
"A gamble," she replied calmly.
"A gamble? You just let them all walk!" Percy argued
"Percy, do you think I'm stupid?" she asked cooly.
"What? Of course not."
"Then maybe give me a minute to explain myself before you jump on my case," she watched as Percy nodded, "Father ordered me to track down Zuko and Iroh. When we met the Avatar, he then became a part of that mission. And now, we are trying to take over Ba Sing Se. If I attempted to capture the Avatar just now they would've fought us. Many of the Dai Li would've been injured trying to capture them. I cannot take control of the Dai Li if the agents under my control are beaten and injured. I need to show strength and control. Kuei was inconsequential, now he has been removed and Zuko has been captured, all while Long Feng has been sitting in a cell doing nothing. The Dai Li will recognize his incompetence."
"Okay I get that, but what about Aang?" Percy asked.
"Do you think that they will leave the waterbender?" Azula asked a question of her own.
"No, they'll come back for her," Percy said confidently, he knew the bond between the group, they wouldn't leave one of their own behind.
"Exactly. That's why I made sure to mention that she was in the crystal catacombs so we can ambush them when they come for her. All we have to do is wait for them to come to us. With any luck, Iroh will come with them, and though he'll probably see right through it, he sometimes loses logical thinking when it comes to Zuko. We'll grab all of them in one fell swoop."
"Okay that's… kinda brilliant if it works," Percy admitted sheepishly.
"It'll work," Azula said confidently, "By nightfall I'll have conquered Ba Sing Se, and have captured the Avatar, Zuko, and Iroh. Father will be most pleased," Azula said with a smile, "Now back to business, I believe we have an advisor to overthrow and a city to take. If it goes smoothly we'll be done before lunch."
( - )
"May I come in?" Iroh asked Toph politely before walking inside. He turned to Aang and his friends, "I'm assuming that you ran into princess Azula if you have the Earth King with you?" Iroh asked the group.
"Yeah, you could say that," Sokka snorted.
"She has Katara," Aang told him.
"She has captured Zuko as well," Iroh revealed.
"Then we'll work together to fight Azula so we can get them back," Aang decided after a moment.
"Woah there, you lost me at Zuko," Sokka interjected.
"I know how you must feel about my nephew, but believe me when I tell you there is good inside him," Iroh pleaded with Sokka.
"Good inside him isn't enough, why don't you come back when it's outside him too okay," Sokka retorted.
"Sokka. Katara's in trouble. We look out for each other in this group. Not to mention all of Ba Sing Se too now with Azula forcing Kuei gone. Working together is our best chance," Aang told his friend.
"Not to mention he's a certified badass," Toph chimed in.
"Yeah I know, nothing is more important to me than getting my sister back," Sokka said with a nod.
Iroh smiled, "I brought someone along who might be able to help us," he said walking outside and showing the Dai Li agent gagged on their porch. Toph quickly drug the man inside before bending stone around him to keep him locked in place. "I figured he could be… persuaded to reveal to us what he knows," Iroh said with a hard glint in his eyes.
The Dai Li agent nodded his head in agreement at Iroh's gaze. Kuei stepped forward, ripping off the gag. "What is Long Feng's plan?" he demanded.
"Long Feng and Azula are planning a coup so Long Feng can regain his power and retake control of Ba Sing Se. They have planned to contain or remove all figureheads of power. Specifically the Earth King and the five generals. I expect them all to be imprisoned within the next hour," the agent revealed to the group.
"We need to warn and protect my generals," Kuei said, turning and looking at the group.
"With all due respect, that's not a good idea," Aang started slowly, "There's only 4 of us, we won't be able to protect your generals, especially not without revealing ourselves. We can't risk it while Azula has Katara. We need to get you out of the city as soon as possible, I'm surprised Azula didn't kill you."
"But my generals—"
"Sir there's no guarantee we can even successfully rescue any of them. You are the figurehead for the entire Earth Kingdom. Better to run to fight another day," Sokka said grimly.
Kuei looked torn for a moment before he nodded in agreement. Sokka turned back to their captive, "Where is the waterbender being held at?" he demanded.
"She's being held in the crystal catacombs beneath the palace," he replied quickly.
"So Azula wasn't lying about that when she said that's where she was at," Sokka muttered to the group.
"What about the firebender?" Iroh asked.
"He was placed into the catacombs as well."
"Jeez we'll be lucky if they don't kill each other," Sokka murmured, pinching the bridge of his nose as he tried to think. "Okay, what's our plan then?"
"Well, we need to get Kuei out of the city, rescue Katara and Zuko, and if we can salvage anything by getting Azula or Long Feng then it's extra," Aang spoke up as Kuei replaced the gag on the Dai Li agent.
"Right. Okay, Azula said we have to be out of the city by sunset. I say we send Kuei and a few earth dummies atop Appa over the walls to safety while we lay low until nightfall. Under the cover of darkness, we can sneak to the palace and then tunnel our way directly to the catacombs. We bust in, grab Katara and Zuko and haul them out of there as quickly as possible."
"I can't leave you all here," Kuei protested.
"We have to get you out of the city, besides, you're too risky to bring with us to rescue Katara and Zuko. You get out of the city atop Appa, find a place to lay low. Then Appa will come back over the walls to get us out of here. We'll rendezvous with you outside Ba Sing Se," Sokka told him.
"It's a good plan," Iroh chimed in, "You do realize it's likely a trap right?"
The group looked between each other with nods, "We know, we won't leave Katara behind," Aang spoke firmly.
Iroh nodded, "Good, I just wanted to make sure you're prepared for what we are gonna walk into."
( - )
"The movements of all the generals have been plotted out step by step, and the Earth King is surrounded by the princess's allies constantly," the agent reported to Long Feng.
Long Feng sat in his cell in a meditative stance, "Good. And the Fire Nation princess is cooperating?" he asked aloud.
"Oh yes, more than cooperating. She's really taken charge, she's bewitching, terrifying, and inspirational at the same time. It's a strange mix, I don't really know how to explain it," he reported before walking away.
Long Feng opened his eyes as the Dai Li agent walked away, something about the agent's voice when talking about the princess was… off.
( - )
A few minutes passed of silence between the two before Katara sighed, "What are you doing in here Zuko?" she asked the Fire Nation prince sitting with his back to her.
He didn't respond, staring at the floor. After about 10 minutes Katara tried again with a different question, "Why did your father scar you?"
That got his attention, Zuko's head whipped around as he looked over his shoulder with narrowed eyes, "Where did you hear that from?" he questioned slowly.
Katara shrugged, "Percy let it slip while he was talking to Aang, but he refused to say any more than that. Said it was your story to tell, not his."
Zuko grimaced, "He always did try to protect me."
Katara waited but it didn't seem Zuko was in any mood to share his story with her so she switched topics, "I don't get him. He's ruthless, an absolute path of destruction on the battlefield. Off it he's a philosopher, he enjoys arguing and comparing his ideologies with Aang. I don't understand how he can be so cold and yet turn into a joy-filled prankster."
Zuko smiled, albeit a little sadly, "He was always a whirlwind of emotion. He was my first true friend I ever had. I thought we would conquer the world together. The firebending prince and his waterbending brother. Then I was banished and in my shame, I ostracized the only person I was happy to call family," he trailed off with a faraway look in his eyes.
"Zuko," Katara started slowly, "Why were you banished?"
He eyed her suspiciously, "Why do you care?"
She let out a breath of frustration, "You've chased me from my home, followed me halfway across the world, and nearly killed me multiple times. I don't think I'm asking a lot here."
"I never wanted to kill you. I didn't want to hurt anyone, not at first. But, spending five years in exile, unable to come home, made me jaded and bitter. When Aang appeared I finally had hope again. He was my ticket back home, to regain my honor and acceptance back into the Fire Nation. I can't articulate just how much shame and loneliness I went through since I was 13. If not for Iroh… well, I don't want to think about it. Percy tried to reach out to me too. He sent letters for a year but I never replied. I was so stupid, unable to look past my own pain. Not ever writing him back is possibly my biggest regret to date. I used to call him brother, now, I doubt he would even call me a friend."
Katara was silent as she digested what Zuko was saying, "I don't know Percy well," she started, "But, I think he's been waiting for you. He doesn't seem like the type to ever truly let go of a friend."
"He was furious when I got my scar. I thought he might storm the palace himself demanding retribution. You have to understand my father is… strict. He doesn't tolerate failure or any sign of weakness. All he cares about is his power and the Fire Nation's strength. I was a teenager, I didn't understand the intricate political maneuvers around every corner. I thought I was stepping into a duel with an old, cowardly council member. Instead, I was facing the Fire Lord himself, my father. I dropped to my knees, I begged and cried for his forgiveness. And in return, my father scared me for life. Every time I look in a mirror I am reminded of my disgrace," he finished angrily.
Katara sat, stunned to her core. For a father, to scar, his own child was… incomprehensible to her. Cruel didn't even begin to do Zuko justice. The Fire Lord truly was a monster. "What about your mother? I can't believe she would have ever allowed that to happen to you," she asked carefully.
"She disappeared when I was a child. I never knew what happened and if my father knew he never said. Everyone in the palace refused to mention her like she was never there. I think that my father threatened them never to say a word. That he knows what happened to her. I thought maybe she was assassinated, but to get into the palace seems impossible. I just don't know… she loved me, she would have never left willingly. This war has cost me nearly everyone and everything I've held dear and I'm on the 'winning side'" Zuko spat.
"The Fire Nation took my mother from me too. It was during one of the raids to eliminate all the possible opposing waterbenders. It's why this necklace means so much to me," Katara said touching it reverently, "It's all I have left of her."
"I'm sorry," Zuko stated genuinely, "I share your pain, I understand how much it haunts you sometimes."
"We have a lot more in common than I thought when I first met you," Katara said.
"What do you mean?"
"Well, we're both teenagers fighting in a war. We've both lost our moms and it haunts us. Neither of us have seen our fathers in years, you because of your banishment, me because of the war. We're both strong benders and have a sibling in our families. While we may bend opposite elements, our trials and personalities tie us together. We have a lot in common."
Zuko stared at her for a long moment, "Yeah, I guess we do.
( - )
Author Note - Alright everyone so this is the end of chapter 14 of Percy Jackson & The Sapphire Flame and I hope y'all enjoyed it. Give it a review or follow if you'd like to stay up to date on this story. A few things I'd like to address.
- The next chapter is going to be so much fun. All of the fight/action scenes in the catacombs will be played out between our characters and how it all goes down will be nuts.
- Back to the longer chapters again with this one being around 10k, and I expect the finale to be over 10k pretty easily so stay strapped in.
- As usual, I want to say thank you for the support y'all give. If you have any questions just send me a PM I'm pretty good at getting back relatively quick.
- I hope y'all enjoyed the political aspects of Azula manipulating to take over the Dai Li. I tried to show a little more of how she pushes King Kuei for information, comes to Long Feng on even levels, and puts the takeover of Ba Sing on a higher priority than capturing Aang for the moment.
- I'm gonna start recommending one of my many favorite stories in each chapter. My recommendation this week is The Cruel Spider by MajorStupoid. Criminally underrated give it a look.
- Finally, please leave a review, guys! A follow or favorite would mean a lot for me too. I'm always open to advice on being a better writer and I'm looking forward to entirely new chapters from now on.
( - )
B/N: Another chapter, another shoutout. This time, it's Blitz2134 with The Tale of Perseus: Beginnings, and The Tale of Perseus: The Trojan War. Your Netflix show recommendation is Lupin, an amazing one, but don't be disappointed at the episode count.
( - )
Duces