Merry Christmas! It's been too long, I love you guys XD
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:
"Getting you out of the party tonight was too easy. A couple of special drinks and you were out of there, I'm sure you've spent the past couple of hours enjoying my handiwork. And as much as I would like to drag this on, I have someone very important waiting for me. Don't worry, your death won't take long. I was glad to find out that you had been given a room with a courtyard for practice, it will soon become your tomb. I'm sure you've heard of my new agents, the Dai Li," Azula said as she swept an arm in the direction of the two men standing with them, "They're loyal to my every order. They're going to bury you alive in this soil. So deep and far nobody will ever find your body. After all, who in the Fire Nation will be able to sense someone underneath 100 yards of earth, especially when there won't be a trace of your burial spot."
"I only wish people would know what happened to you, nobody would dare cross me again. However, I must make sure my hands are clean in this situation. Nobody knows I'm here and nobody will ever find out. Goodbye Raijin," she called as she walked away from the man as the Dai Li stepped into action. They sent Raijin deep into the earth, burying him alive deep within the ground. A wave of their hands and the soil returned to its untouched state and they made sure to leave no trace of their presence as they exited his room.
( - )
"I assume you know why I've asked you here."
"Yes father," Azula responded swiftly.
"Then you know that nobody has seen Raijin in over 3 days."
"Yes father, the court has been alight with rumors. Although they have done their best to keep word from reaching me, Mai and Ty Lee have kept me well informed of what's been going on."
"And what do you make of this?"
"It seems… unlike Raijin to flee the Fire Nation capital. Even though all his belongings were gone as well, I can't see him running unless he had a good reason."
Ozai hummed noncommittally, "I agree with you. I have had people look into the situation and although there may have been some past… complications, we have no reason to believe they were close to coming out to public knowledge. Which returns us to the conundrum of if Raijin left, or someone set it up to make it look like he left."
Azula shrugged her shoulders as she plastered a look of confusion across her face as she remained silent.
"Did you notice anything amiss with Raijin the night of your birthday?"
"He left early, claiming he was sick. That was unusual but I found no reason to not believe his word."
Ozai was silent for a moment, "I myself am at a loss. I have heard no whispers about Raijin. If he left, he told absolutely nobody and I cannot think of a reason why he would. And while Raijin has political enemies, I know of none that would have moved against him."
"What do you advise father?"
Ozai stroked his goatee as he pondered, "I advise keeping Perseus very close."
"He's my bodyguard father, of course I'll keep him close."
"Not like that Azula. I think it's time to see just how much of an asset Perseus can be towards our great nation."
"Father?"
"Romanticize him Azula, make him fall heads over heels for you. And when the time comes, we will use that to our advantage. The Northern Water Tribe will drown under his power."
"What if Raijin shows up?" Azula questioned.
"Then we will adjust accordingly, but for now, there's no reason we can't benefit from his absence. Fret not daughter, I will keep the politicians in line, they will not question your newfound interest in Perseus."
"By your will father," Azula said with a hidden smile as she bowed before turning and beginning to walk out of the Fire Lord's chambers.
"Azula," Ozai called.
She turned to face her father again, "Yes?"
"I will have some of the staff deliver contraceptives to your room, don't worry daughter, I'm not so insensitive as to force you to breed with the waterbender. I will find someone worthy of siring my grandchildren later."
Azula gave a stiff nod, before turning and walking quickly out of the throne room. How dare he! What gave him the right to make her choices! Percy was everything that she was not. He was good and kind, believing the best in people. He was her better half, she chose him. And she would choose him over and over again, as many times as it took. She imagined a future where a mini Percy ran around, one with his messy hair and troublemaker grin to go with her golden eyes. But that would never happen, not with Ozai still around. Rage boiled within her, an unquenchable fire inside her belly, Ozai had stepped on the dragon's tail and now it was awake.
( - )
Aang groaned as he opened his eyes slowly, blinking as his eyes adjusted to the sunlight shining on his face. He sat up, taking a moment as his vision swayed of the ground. He shook his head as his sight came back to focus, grunting as he stood to his feet. He was in a tent it seemed, although he had no idea just where they were at.
He flinched as someone walked through the tent entrance before breathing a sigh of relief as he recognized Katara. Her face lit up when she saw him, "Aang," she shouted in joy as she engulfed him in a hug.
"Ow, hi Katara, could you please stop squeezing me so hard? My whole body hurts."
"Right, okay give me one second, I'll be right back," she said before rushing out of the tent, not a moment later she was back with Sokka and Toph.
"Aang," they shouted before swarming him just as Katara had a few seconds ago.
"Hey guys, I'm glad to see you too, but could you please give me a minute? My body hurts."
"Right right, it's just, it's good to see you awake again buddy," Sokka said with a wide grin.
"I don't understand, where are we? Why are you guys dressed in Fire Nation clothes? Why am I the only one who is completely out of it?" he questioned his friends.
Katara sat down on the cot beside him, "Aang you need to take it easy, you were hurt really bad."
Aang let out a breath as he tried to process everything. Katara spoke up again, "I like your hair."
"I have hair?!" Aang questioned in disbelief as his hands shot to his head to confirm the fact that he did indeed have actual hair atop his previously bald head, "How long was I out?" he questioned.
"Nearly a month," Katara said with a frown, "We were really worried about you."
Aang opened his mouth to speak before he doubled over with a groan as his body spasmed. "Okay I think Aang needs another healing session, everybody out, I'll bring Aang up to speed on what's going on."
Sokka and Toph nodded before heading out of the tent, "It's good to see you Twinkletoes," Toph said with a smile before exiting the tent behind Sokka.
"Lay down on your stomach," Katara directed at him.
Aang rolled onto his stomach as he felt Katara begin to unwrap some of the bandages on his back. He let out a soft hiss as he felt water on his back before it began to glow as Katara directed it, "Tell me what you remember," she said.
"I was um—" he started before suddenly pausing as a vision flashed through his head, a vision of him mastering the Avatar State, of him doing battle with Percy. Wind, fire, and earth were all being used as he went toe to toe with Percy's personal storm. He remembered Percy reaching out his hands and then his body being on fire, unable to move despite how much he struggled. How? How was Percy able to match him? What did he have that Aang didn't?
"Wow, you're definitely in the right area there," he remarked as he felt his body relax as Katara focused on the middle of his back.
"Yeah I can feel a ton of energy twisted up right here," she remarked as she slowly drew the water off Aang's wound.
The instant Katara withdrew the water, Aang jolted as his body went rigid, a vision once again flashing in his mind. Not of the fight, but of lightning. An arc of pure energy striking his body and running through every nerve. It felt like being touched by death itself.
"I went down, but I didn't just get hurt did I? It was worse than that, I was gone… but you brought me back."
"I used the spirit water from the North Pole. I don't know what I did exactly, I just wanted you to live," Katara admitted.
"You saved me," Aang said, turning to look at Katara, "During the fight, I remember hurting Azula, I remember her screaming in pain. It was her lightning bolt that hit me, wasn't it?"
"Aang the bolt was massive, I don't know how you survived. Maybe the Avatar state helped to shield you?"
"She did it to protect him," Aang muttered.
"What?" Katara asked in confusion.
"The lightning, Azula did it to protect Percy from me."
"That's ridiculous, Percy doesn't need protection," Katara protested.
"Not in her eyes. In Azula's eyes, she doesn't see it that way. She just sees someone she cares about and would do anything to protect."
"That… makes sense," Katara said thoughtfully, "She cares for him deeply, he's her protector and always at her side. She'd do anything for him. They shouldn't work, but they do. She's the Fire Nation princess, he's a waterbender, they're natural opposites. Their love should be impossible, and yet they don't restrain it, and they're all the stronger for it."
Aang frowned, Percy was ridiculously strong, but in the end, it had been Azula who had struck him down. For all Percy's power, Azula and the feelings they had for each other were their true strength. They'd do anything for each other. He'd thought he needed to abandon his feelings for Katara to gain more power, to access the Avatar State. But at his best, he'd still been beaten by Percy and Azula. Maybe the guru was wrong, maybe there was another way to access the Avatar State without giving up Katara.
"Aang, there's something you should probably know, something I didn't want to tell you."
"What is it Katara?"
"Percy, he—he's the reason we escaped. I was trying to catch your body once you fell out of the sky, but he helped me reach you before he propelled us out of the catacombs. He was crying, he thought you were dead."
Aang was quiet, deep down it didn't surprise him that much. He was a bit touched that Percy had made sure Katara got out of the catacombs with his body. He wondered if they were destined to do this; he and Percy doomed to fight each other until one of them actually died. It was a morbid thought.
Katara watched as Aang was silent in thought before crouching down, cupping his face in her hands, "I know it's a lot to take in. Just try and get some rest Aang, we'll talk after," she said gently before leaving the tent.
( - )
"The world thinks I'm dead? How is that good news?" Aang questioned his friends.
"It's great," Sokka said, "It means the Fire Nation isn't hunting for us anymore. And even better, they won't be expecting you on the day of the eclipse."
"No, no, no, you have no idea. This is so messed up. You don't understand!" Aang shouted in frustration.
"Aang, we know why you're upset, you don't want people to think you failed them," Katara spoke cautiously.
"You're right, I don't. But the problem is, I did fail," he said.
"Aang, that's not true," Katara protested.
"It is true. I was in Ba Sing Se. I was there, but I lost, and now the Earth Kingdom has fallen for good."
"It's not for good, remember we still have a plan. The invasion."
"I hate the invasion plan. I don't want you guys risking your lives to fix my mistakes," Aang yelled aloud.
"Listen twinkletoes and listen well because I'm only gonna say this once. You didn't fail, we all did. We were all at Ba Sing Se, we all fought in the catacombs. We fought together and we lost together. This anger that you're feeling now? This rage and frustration? You're only just feeling it. We've been feeling it for a month while you were in a coma. You don't decide what risks we can and can't take," Toph stated in a serious and commanding tone.
"Toph's right," Sokka chimed in, "We're a team. We're in this together, good or bad. We might have lost Ba Sing Se but we haven't lost this war. We can attack the Fire Nation capital during the eclipse. You can face the Fire Lord. We're not out of this yet."
"Look Aang, we're not just your friends, we're a family. A dysfunctional and odd group to be sure, but a family. We've got your back the entire way through this. We'll stand by you to the end," Katara said reassuringly.
( - )
Toph unconsciously shivered as she twitched and moved in her sleep. While to an outside observer it appeared she was simply moving about, inside her head an entirely different battle raged.
Toph was in complete darkness, her body was off the ground, and without her feet touching the ground, she was truly blind. She was unable to move no matter how much she thrashed about. Her body refused to follow any of her commands because it was following somebody else's. She cried out as her body contorted in the inky blackness of her world. She could feel someone's gaze on her skin, watching her intently. Tears ran down her face as her hands twisted at an impossible angle.
She let out a sob as a snap rang out and her elbow popped in the wrong direction. She couldn't see, but she could feel the presence getting closer to her before the voice rang out, "What's the matter Toph? I thought you were going to teach me a lesson, a lesson on why you were the greatest earthbender and not to be messed with. Well let me teach you a lesson, a lesson in pain," he said with a snarl before his fingers danced and Toph shrieked.
She woke with a loud gasp, shooting upright in her sleeping bag. It seemed Katara remained asleep, apparently, her screams had remained in her dream. She got out of her bag gingerly, wiping away the sweat across her forehead. She took a deep breath as she exited the tent into the cool breeze. It seemed sleep would elude her once again tonight.
( - )
"I can't believe we're doing this," Zuko muttered as he eyed the surrounding people in the bar warily.
"We wouldn't be doing this if not for you failing to mention that Katara had magical spirit water with her," Percy replied evenly as he sipped on his drink.
"We've been here for nearly half an hour with no sight of him, he's not gonna show," Zuko grumbled.
"Don't get too depressed Zuko, our man just walked through the door," Percy said with a grin as he pointed at the direction of the entrance.
Zuko turned, his eyes widening as he took in the sight of the man walking towards their table. The man was tall, close to 7ft with a prosthetic metal arm and leg and a Fire Nation falcon perched on his right shoulder. He slid into the adjoining chair to Percy as he met Zuko's gaze with steely black eyes.
"You wanted me. Here I am," he said simply.
Zuko nodded, "You know who I want you to look for. This can't reach anyone else's ears."
"I'm good at killing, even better at keeping secrets. Nobody will know."
"I'm not even sure he's alive. He definitely should be dead, and if he isn't then you need to fix that."
"It will cost you."
"I'm aware, how much?" Zuko asked.
"1,000 gold pieces."
"A 1,000 gold pieces?" Zuko squawked in surprise, "You could buy an entire island for yourself with 700 gold pieces. That's outrageous!"
"Yes but an island isn't the most dangerous and wanted man on the face of the earth. A man who will do whatever it takes to remain hidden. A man who can control all the elements on a whim. And you want this done quietly, a fight that nobody knows took place until it's already over. You're the crown prince, I'm quite sure you can afford it," the man said coolly.
"But, that's—" Zuko sputtered.
"—Completely reasonable," Percy cut in, "But that's only if he's alive and you can prove you killed him. Your pay doesn't come if he truly is dead and all you find is his friends."
"Agreed. It will take some time, but I'm confident that if he lives, I will find him. And then I will kill him. I will contact you when that happens."
With that the man stood and left, a dull thump sounding every time his metal foot stepped on the ground as he exited the bar.
"Oh Agni, what did I just do," Zuko groaned as he pinched his brow.
"You just hired the best assassin in the world. If Aang's alive, he will find him and take care of him. Problem solved," Percy said dismissively as he downed the rest of his drink with a swig.
"Yeah but I don't have 1,000 gold pieces to pay the man Percy," Zuko said with a look at his friend.
Percy rolled his eyes, "Relaxxxx. I'm sure Azula can manipulate, bribe, or simply steal that amount of gold from the royal treasury. Now all you have to do is sit around and make out with Mai and wait for news."
Zuko coughed at the end of Percy's remark as they exited the bar and began making their way back to the upper city portions of the Fire Nation capital.
( 1 Week Timeskip )
Sokka stared up at the doors nervously for a minute. The estate was huge and surrounded by a high stone wall on all sides. He took a deep breath before using the door knocker, listening to the thump the metal made on the wooden door. He waited a moment, before trying the knocker again. Once again there was silence and Sokka decided to grab both door knockers in his hands as he pounded them loudly before his arm was yanked forward as one of the doors opened suddenly.
An older man stood at the door, he had gray hair and a beard with a bit of a stomach showing through his robes, "Can I help you?" he asked Sokka in a monotone voice.
Sokka quickly tried to compose himself before speaking in a shade deeper voice, "I have come to train with the master."
"You should know the master turns nearly everyone away," the older man said as he eyed Sokka up and down, "What did you bring him to prove your worth?"
"Well, uh—" Sokka stammered as he checked the pockets of his attire.
The man rolled his eyes, "Right, let's get this over with," he said with a shake of his head as he turned and led Sokka inside through a variety of different halls before bringing him inside where a man was hunched over a painting he was working on.
Sokka stepped forward hesitantly as he approached the man, "Master, my name is Sokka. And I wish to be instructed in the way of the sword," Sokka said with a bow.
"Hmmm Sokka, that's an unusual name," the man hummed as he continued his painting.
"Oh really? Because where I come from in the Fire Nation colonies it's a pretty normal name, for my Fire Nation colonials," Sokka stuttered out.
"Let me guess, you've come hundreds of miles from your little village where you're the best swordsman in town. And you think you deserve to learn from the master."
"Well actually I've been all over the world—" Sokka started.
"—Yep, here we go," Piandao interrupted with a sigh.
"And I know one thing for sure. I have a lot to learn," Sokka said solemnly as he lowered himself onto both knees.
"You're not doing a very good job of selling yourself," the man said with a touch of amusement.
"I know. Your butler told me when I met you that I would need to prove my worth; but the truth is, I don't know if I'm worthy."
"Hmm, I see. Well then, let's find out together how worthy you are. I will train you," Piandao proclaimed as he stood and tapped his sword on the ground in front of Sokka.
( - )
Iroh grunted as he continued to pull himself up to the top of his cage. He had hooked his feet between the bars and did sit-ups in midair to the top. 20, 40, 60, he continued without any signs of stopping. The burning in his muscles was good, it'd been too long since he'd worked his body like this. He would be in top shape for when the eclipse came, and then, he'd burn a path straight out of this prison.
( - )
Piandao sat cross-legged atop the steps overlooking the courtyard as he gazed at the two men below him. Both were wearing light sparring armor and held wooden swords in their grasp. One was his butler, and the other was Sokka. Sokka was… an enigma to be sure. The boy had talent, loads of it. But his methods and the rationality behind them escaped him. But even he could not deny the boy was beyond talented, at the same level he was or even better at that young age. Of course, he wasn't Percy, but nobody could hold a candle to his son in that regard, he thought with a small smile.
"Begin," he barked.
He watched as Sokka lunged first, leading with his sword high and away while Fat quickly parried before returning in kind. The two stayed in place, trading attacks, and parries before Piandao spoke, "Sokka."
The teen paused, turning to look at him before grunting in pain as Fat moved and swept him off his feet, headfirst into the ground.
"Concentrate on what you're doing," he instructed with a hidden smile. Percy had fallen for that little trick as well. This was turning out to be very enjoyable Piandao thought to himself as Sokka rose to his feet and readied himself again.
( - )
"Are you sure you have everything?" Azula asked as she watched Percy sling his bags onto his ostrich horse."
Percy laughed, "For the fourth time Azula, yes, I have everything all packed. And yes before you ask again, the book is safely stowed away as well."
Azula sent with him a look with no real heat behind it, "I'm just checking," she muttered as Percy came to stand in front of her.
"I know, and it's cute but I'll only be gone a couple of days. I haven't seen Piandao in such a long time, and if anyone else deserves to know the truth about me, it's him."
Azula huffed, "I know, I'm just gonna go crazy without you here for a few days and dealing with Zuko."
Percy laughed, "Oh Zula you might fool everyone else but not me, you're enjoying having him back home in the palace, especially with how much you mess with him."
Azula muttered under her breath something noncoherent before being cut off as Percy grabbed her face gently in his hands and tilted her head back and kissed her. She melted into it as she was very conscious of Percy's hands along her jaw as he deepened the kiss. After a few seconds, he pulled away much to her displeasure.
"Don't worry you'll get some more when I come back," Percy chuckled at her expression.
"I'd better," she said, gazing at Percy intensely.
"You keep Zuko out of trouble and I will give you all the affection you desire in a few short days," Percy said with a smile as he swung easily into the saddle.
"Deal, say hi to Piandao for me."
"Will do. I love you Zula."
"I love you too, see you in a few."
Azula couldn't help but smile as Percy blew her a kiss before turning and riding out of the royal stables. She watched his retreating figure as it shrunk in the distance before she sighed and walked back into the palace. It was gonna be a long few days, she could feel it.
( - )
"Rock gardening teaches the warrior to manipulate his surroundings and use them for his advantage," Piandao instructed as he led Sokka to a portion of his gardens on the estate.
"Manipulate them to my advantage," Sokka hummed thoughtfully.
Piandao could only watch in vested interest and no small part of amusement as Sokka struggled to roll a heavy rock under a shaded tree. The teen continued to move and position rocks under the tree before getting a large bundle of moss and placing it over the rocks and sighing as he sat down comfortably against it. Piandao hid a smirk as he heard Fat gasp in surprise at the sight of Sokka lounging about.
"Hey, would please grab me a cold drink?" Sokka called out to Fat.
Piandao smiled as he heard Fat gasp in disbelief before he composed himself, "I'll take a slice of lemon in mine please," he said with a degree of difficulty to keep himself from laughing aloud at the expression on Fat's face.
( - )
Zuko straightened his back as he sat upright and rigid on his father's right side. They were surrounding a large war table in front with many pieces representing different forces and troops throughout the world. His father sat at the head of the table, while Zuko was on his right, Azula across from him on Ozai's left. The rest of the table was surrounded by various generals and advisors who listened intently as Ozai spoke.
"—Thanks to the information from Azula we can assume that their intended attack will consist of Kyoshi Warriors, any remaining earthbenders who escaped Ba Sing Se, and some of the wolf raiders from the Southern Water Tribe."
"Do we know how they plan to get into the capital?" One of the generals questioned as he stroked his goatee.
"We do not," Azula spoke up, "Only that it is coming. With the death of the Avatar, they will be even more desperate than before. They will come at us with everything they have left. Their desperation makes them more dangerous, we cannot underestimate them so close to our greatest triumph."
Zuko wished he had Azula's voice. She was so confident, so calm, and thoughtful. She spoke and everybody listened. She controlled a room without trying and everybody immediately quieted when she spoke.
"Now what are we going to do to prepare for this assault?" his father questioned.
Zuko tuned out most of the useless conversation as the generals and advisors all threw out half-baked ideas trying to gain favor with his father. Politics even in a war meeting about an attack on their capital, it disgusted him. He listened as Azula spoke again.
"I suggest we reposition many of the prison guards to the bay area. With the eclipse, any firebending rebels we have will be neutralized, we can easily hold our other prisoners with half the force. Meanwhile, the guards can be positioned in and around the docks where they can lend support."
Zuko watched as the generals murmured between themselves but none seemed to find any flaws with her plan, or they dared not say anything. He remained silent as Azula waited for the conversation to die down before speaking again.
"I also think we should make use of the tunnels underneath the palace. We put a decoy in place of the Fire Lord here in the throne room. Even if they make it to the throne room, they run into a decoy while father is safely tucked away below in a maze with a retina of his personal guards."
"And who would play the decoy?" One of the generals asked.
Azula shrugged, "I'm sure one of you fine gentlemen would be willing to put your lives on the line as a decoy. Unless you think there's a real chance you're in danger and our defenses won't hold without the use of firebending?" she questioned with a smirk.
Zuko watched as everyone else in the room suddenly became quiet as their eyes darted to each other, all avoiding looking at the end of the table where he, Azula, and Ozai sat. After nearly a minute of silence Zuko spoke up, "I'll do it."
"You'll do it?" Ozai questioned.
Zuko turned to meet his fathers questioning look, unconsciously clenching his hand underneath the table, "Yes father. I'm perhaps the best duelist in the Fire Nation, I trained under Piandao for many months. I'm confident I can take anyone who comes through those doors, and I'm not completely as dependent on my bending as others."
Zuko met his father's gaze while Ozai said nothing, only continuing to look at him before they were interrupted by an older general, "Are we sure we want him to be involved in such an important role?"
Zuko's gaze snapped around to the man, glaring at him as he spoke, "And what exactly does that mean?" he retorted.
The man turned to the other men sitting around him who looked away from his gaze. After realizing he wasn't going to receive any help, he met Zuko's gaze and responded, "Well, you haven't been home in a long time, and your honor—"
"—My honor," Zuko hissed out, "Is intact. It's stronger and better than it's ever been. I hunted down the Avatar for over a year. I chased him all over the world and eventually I helped Azula conquer Ba Sing Se before Ikilled him myself with a lightning bolt. You sat here doing nothing while real men, men like me, fought a war for you. I don't even know your name."
The man shot out of his chair, "I demand an Agni Kai! Nobody questions my honor or bravery about participating in this war!" he cried aloud to the room.
Zuko stood from his chair slowly, keeping his gaze pinned on the man. If the general thought he was afraid of an Agni Kai based on when he was a boy, he was sorely mistaken, "I accept your challenge, it will be the last one you ever make," he vowed before turning and walking from the throne room.
From behind him, he couldn't see it, but Zuko could feel a very vicious and proud gaze on his back. He was sure if he would have turned around he would have seen his father with a giant smile across his face.
( - )
Piandao once again sat cross-legged atop the steps as Sokka and Fat waited for his signal, "Begin," he called out.
This time it was Fat who initiated the first attack which was deflected by Sokka who spun and aimed low at Fat's ankles. Fat nimbly stepped back avoiding the attack before coming down with a heavy two-handed blow. Sokka allowed his sword to catch the tip of Fat's blade before twisting the attack away from him. Sokka took a single step forward, thrusting his sword to Fat's midsection, forcing him to parry. Sokka continued this approach, a step forward with a thrust for a few moments before Fat grew impatient and tried to step forward, inside Sokka's guard.
Piandao watched with no small amount of happiness as Sokka read the move and immediately went to disarm him, using the tip of his blade to twist the hilt out of Fat's hands, sending the blade away from him before leveling his wooden blade at his butler's neck. He sipped his drink as Sokka bowed in his direction, the teen was improving rapidly.
( - )
Iroh sat cross-legged, his eyes closed as he waited. As soon as he heard the door close meaning the guards had moved away from his cell, he rolled forward onto his hands. He lifted his body vertically above him in a perfect handstand before he lifted himself up, completely off the ground except for his hands. He went down, letting his head touch the prison floor before lifting himself off it again, his body remaining vertical. Up, down. Up, down. He continued even as sweat began to roll down his face and grunted as he continued.
( - )
Sokka knocked on the door to Piandao's estate as he waited outside with Aang, Katara, and Toph with the meteor that had flown over their campsite just a few days prior. The door swung open as Sokka looked up to see Piandao.
"Who's this?" Piandao questioned Sokka with a raised brow.
"Oh these are my friends, just other good Fire Nation folks," Sokka said as he gestured and Katara and Aang bowed in respect.
Piandao eyed the group before bowing in turn. He turned to look at Sokka as the teen spoke up with a smile on his face, "Master, do you think we could make a sword out of meteorite?"
Piandao stepped forward, placing his hand on the cool back stone, "Sokka, we'll make a sword unlike any other in the world," he vowed.
( - )
Percy arrived late with the sun already down. He let himself into the estate as he led his ostrich horse into the stables. He tied it up before taking his bags off and began carrying them inside. He didn't get more than a few steps before he saw his father waiting in the doorway. He dropped his bags to the ground, rushing forward to bring Piandao into a bear hug. After a couple of moments, he stepped back.
"It's good to see you my son," Piandao said with a large smile on his face.
"You too dad, I have a lot to tell you," Percy said.
Piandao noted the serious expression on his son's face before turning and walking inside, "Well come on then, I hope you can carry your own bags inside. I'm an old man now."
Percy snorted as he smiled and grabbed his bags, "You just turned 45, you act like you're about to keel over at any second."
Piandao smiled, "I'll have Fat make us something to drink, I also have something to tell you about, it's going to be a long night."
"You think he can make mine blue?" Percy questioned as he followed his father through the halls.
( - )
It was early the next morning when Sokka, Piandao, and Fat began to start their work in the forge. Piandao coached Sokka on getting the flames to the right temperature before they began to hammer away at the meteor, breaking off smaller pieces of the heavy ore.
Sokka was soaked in sweat as he worked the bellows as Fat put more of the meteor into the fire as Piandao created a new mold for Sokka's sword. Aang and Katara watched with interest as Sokka rushed around the forge under the instruction of Piandao.
( - )
"What the fuck was that?!" Azula hissed.
"He came at me, and I put him in his place," Zuko said with a grimace.
"I realize that Zuko, but if you would've just kept your mouth shut during the meeting this wouldn't have happened!"
"Well nobody was going to volunteer and I can take care of myself!"
"I was going to do it, I have the Dai Li and I have Percy! What better defense can you have than that?"
"Well then why didn't you tell me your plan beforehand?!" Zuko roared at his sister.
Azula blinked as she was silent for a moment, "I suppose that might have been… helpful," she muttered.
Zuko let out a heavy breath, "Look Azula you don't have to tell me all your hidden schemes and plans, but I am going to need your help to get out of this."
Azula was silent for another moment, "Okay. What do you need?"
"I need you to teach me how to generate lightning."
"What? Why? You can beat the general on your own without lightning," Azula said in confusion.
"I know I can Azula, but that's not the point. After that fiasco in there, what do you think father is expecting and wants me to do."
"To make an example, and if you use lightning, you backup your own story of the Avatar. That's… kinda smart," Azula admitted.
"Thanks, but yeah, I need you to teach me. I know the basics from Iroh but…"
Azula sighed, "Okay tonight, meet me at the arena Percy and I always use. Whoever hears the lightning will just assume I'm practicing and they know better than to bother me when I'm in there."
( - )
"So you already know the basics. The key to lightning is peace of mind. You have to be completely calm, at peace with who you are and what you're doing. The main difference from the way we bend fire is the source. Where fire comes from our natural chi and our breathing, lightning is created by forcefully creating an imbalance of your chi," Azula explained to Zuko.
"You're talking about yin and yang? The positive and negative sides of chi?" Zuko asked.
"Yes. Normally these two energies are in harmony, a delicate balance with each other. The most powerful firebenders can recognize this and are able to force the yin and yang apart. This creates a brief power vacuum where the energies fight to fill the gap and regain balance. The moment you let yin and yang release and crash back together, the energy is created which is what you have to provide guidance for. That is what creates lightning," Azula explained as she walked around Zuko.
"But you have to remember this at all times: First, all of the energy you create can only be guided, you don't have absolute control over it. We're talking about the energy that flows through all life after all. Never try to force it, you have to go with its flow and then direct it where you want it to go. Second, never force the yin and yang apart for too long. If you keep your chi separated it could throw you out of balance for good and even permanently damage your bending. A few seconds, nothing more," Azula said as she stepped in front of Zuko. She rolled her ringers through the air and a moment later lightning was following her fingertips, sparking off of her hands.
"Remember you only guide it," she spoke loudly before she turned in a fluent motion and shot the lightning into the air where it thundered and lit up the night sky for a second before vanishing.
"Give it a try," she said encouragingly to Zuko, "Feel the two halves of your chi and pull them apart."
Zuko took a deep breath before he looked deep inside himself. He focused on the pit of his stomach where his inner flame resided and after a minute of focus found what Azula was talking about. His inner flame roared with a positive and negative vortex of energy. He let out another deep breath before he pulled them apart. Immediately he felt an incredible energy rush through his body, every nerve alight with heat and energy. Zuko lets the energies crash back together rapidly, remembering Azula's words of warning.
The instant they came back together, electricity raced throughout him. He felt untameable energy searching for a way out of his body. He thought of the peace he'd found being home: his friendship with Percy, his relationship with Mai, his familial relationship with Azula. His mind was clear and focused as he guided the power to his fingertips and heard the sparking of lightning. He directed the energy through his body and up into the air. The lightning boomed as it was released. It was much smaller than Azula's, but it was lightning all the same.
He looked and saw Azula nodding in his direction, "Good, who would have thought for all your struggles that lightning would come easily to you. Now, do it again. But hold yin and yang separate a bit longer, it'll help create a bigger bolt."
Zuko nodded at his sister as he took a deep breath and began to repeat the process.
( - )
Aang walked slowly through Piandao's gardens at the back of his estate. Piandao had an extensive variety of beautiful flowers and trees planted, the greenery was very peaceful and quiet. A slow-moving stream trickled throughout the center of it all, winding its way through the plants.
He turned the corner, taking a breath as he took in the figure ahead. It was Percy. He was sitting underneath the shade of a large tree, watching the stream as it cascaded down a small waterfall. Aang sighed as he made his way towards him.
Percy opened an eye slowly, regarding Aang like a great beast rising from its slumber.
"What are you doing here Percy?"
Percy laughed, "This is my home Aang, I grew up here, I think if anyone should be asking why we're here it should be me."
Aang was silent for a second, "Is this going to be a fight?"
"No, I didn't come here looking for one," Percy replied.
Aang nodded before stepping forward to Percy who had his hand outstretched, "I'm not sure you'll believe me but… I'm glad to see you."
Aang nodded and shook his hand, "I do believe you and it's good to see you too," he said with a small smile as he sat down just a few feet away from his old acquaintance.
( - )
"So… we're back to square one," Aang said with a sigh.
"So it would seem," Percy confirmed, "What's it like to be a ghost?"
"Honestly? I hate it," Aang said bitterly, "Everyone thinks I failed the world, again. It was bad enough before, but now everyone knows the truth. They know I was in Ba Sing Se. They know I fought in the catacombs. They know I lost."
Percy was silent for a long moment, "I'm sorry. For what it's worth, I hope you know I didn't want you to die."
"I know, you did what you did because it's what you believe in. You've always fought for your friends and the people you love."
"You make me sound heroic."
Aang shrugged, "All I'm saying is that I respect you. Everything you do, it's always been for someone or something they believe in. You're extremely selfless."
Percy chucked, "I don't know about that, recently I've been pretty selfish."
Aang eyed him expectantly, "Azula?" he questioned with a small smile.
"Azula," Percy confirmed with a broad grin.
Aang patted Percy on the shoulder, "I'm glad to hear it," he said seriously.
"Thanks Aang, it's… it's like nothing I could've imagined. She brings out a better part of me. She makes me so damn happy. There's never a dull moment with her, she is a star and I'm caught in her orbit. Every little moment is suddenly special and important, and I never tire of her presence. I can spend every single waking moment with her and never be bored. I'm in love with her," Percy said wistfully as he stared at the stream.
Aang smiled at the starstruck look in Percy's eyes, "I'm glad to hear it, I was wondering if you'd ever get around to it. It was very visible the way you always talked and acted around her."
"Yeah, she's special," Percy said with a contented sigh, "I want it all with her Aang. Marriage, kids, growing old together, the whole nine yards."
"How do you do it?"
"What do you mean?" Percy asked as he looked at Aang.
"How do you keep your relationship with Azula while balancing your duties?"
"I'm very lucky in that regard because my duties are to Azula. To protect her and keep her safe. Being her boyfriend and bodyguard works because my interests align. To make her happy, to keep her safe, to see her smile, to protect her. The hardest part is Ozai, for all the honors he sends in my direction, he will never allow me to truly be with her while he's around. My duties are easy, it's her father being a controlling dictator that's the hard part."
Aang was silent as he pondered Percy's words. For him it was his duties and interests that aligned, it was the Fire Lord that presented a large problem. For Aang, it was his duties and interests that conflicted. He cared for Katara deeply, but his duty was to the world. A duty he'd failed at multiple times. He couldn't be with her when he belonged to the world. And when it came to thinking of the future, of children… he was so lost. The Air Nomads had always separated children from their parents to encourage freedom, to remain less tethered like the wind itself. But if Percy and Azula's relationships showed anything it was that attachment could be someone's greatest strength. Personally, he didn't think he could see himself ever giving up any kids he might have.
"I was very surprised to hear from my dad that you were here," Percy remarked, drawing Aang from his thoughts.
Aang smiled sheepishly, "Yeah Sokka needed a mentor and Piandao is the best and we were in the area, it just kinda lined up."
"Well you came to the right place, my dad is the best," Percy said in agreement, "Was just surprised when I got here and my dad said the Avatar and his friends were here."
"Don't suppose it's a coincidence?"
Percy chucked, "With us? I highly doubt it."
A comfortable silence lulled between the two before Percy spoke again, "I want to ask a favor of you Aang."
"What's that?" Aang inquired curiously.
"Don't hurt Azula."
Aang chuckled, "Have you met Azula? I'm more worried about her hurting me the next time I see her."
Percy smiled, "That's fair. But in all seriousness that's my request to you Aang. Azula is my everything, my world. I know you guys are probably getting desperate now, you're looking for ways to get to the Fire Lord and get around me. But I'm asking you, man to man, please don't hurt her."
Aang was silent for a long moment as he pondered Percy's words, "Percy… you have to know, I would never do that. I wouldn't threaten Azula to get to the Fire Lord or hurt you."
"I know you wouldn't, but your allies? Sokka or Katara? That's a call they'd make in an instant if they thought Ozai would face you or that you could remove me from the playing field to protect her. So I want your word, that you won't hurt her."
"I swear, I will not intentionally harm or hurt Azula. I won't allow any harm to come to her from my allies either," Aang said, his gray eyes locked onto Percy's green ones, "But I need something from you too."
"Anything."
"I need you to do the same with Katara. It's not looking good for us now, I'll be the first to admit it. So I want your word that you won't hurt her. You won't use your new powers on her like you did Toph," Aang paused as he saw regret flash across Percy's face at the mention of their catacomb fight, "And if we lose, I want you to give her a chance. Break her out, just give her a shot. A life on the run is better than no life at all."
"I swear I won't intentionally harm or hurt Katara. If you lose this war, I'll give her a shot at a life outside Fire Nation captivity," Percy said as he met Aang's gaze.
"Thank you," Aang said softly.
"Thank you Aang," Percy said sincerely. Another moment of silence passed between the two before Percy stood and stretched, "You should find Katara and head out. I'm not sure where Toph went but I know she's not here or she would have recognized my presence immediately. Sokka's final session with Piandao will happen soon, he should do it without his friends there watching."
Aang stood as well, "It was good to see you again Percy," he said truthfully, "I'm sorry the next time we see each other will be enemies, I always liked being able to talk with you. You understand me in a way nobody else can. I promise nobody will know we met, you have my word."
"And you have mine," Percy reaffirmed as Aang turned and began walking away.
"Hey Aang," Percy called as the teen was walking away, waiting as he turned before giving him his warning, "There's an assassin coming for you, you haven't fought anyone quite like him before, even me. Be careful."
Aang nodded before continuing to walk away, "I'll see you again Percy," he called over his shoulder as he left the peaceful area of Piandao's gardens. The next time he saw Percy they both knew it wouldn't be so tranquil.
( - )
Sokka kneeled in front of Piandao as the man stood in front of him, a sheathed sword in his grasp.
"Sokka, throughout your training you have shown creativity, versatility, and intelligence. These are the traits that define a great swordsman, and these are the traits that define you. You told me you didn't know if you were worthy, but I believe you are more worthy than nearly every man I have trained before you," Piandao said as he bowed and placed the sword in Sokka's hands.
Sokka gazed at the sword sadly before bowing his head and speaking, "I'm sorry master. You're wrong. I am not worthy, I am not who you think I am. I'm not from the Fire Nation, I'm from the Southern Water Tribe. I lied so that I could learn swordsmanship from you. I'm sorry," he said as he offered the sword back to Piandao. He waited but Piandao didn't take back the sword, instead, the man began to laugh. Sokka looked upward in surprise.
"Oh Sokka, I've known from the beginning that you were a Water Tribe."
Sokka was dumbfounded, "You have?"
"Of course, you might want to think of a better Fire Nation cover name next time you try to fool someone. Try Lee, there's a million Lees."
"But, why would you agree to train me if you knew I was from the Water Tribe?" Sokka asked in confusion.
"The way of the sword doesn't belong to any one nation. Knowledge of the arts belongs to us all."
"So you're not gonna take my sword back?" Sokka asked his mentor.
Piandao chuckled, "I sure hope not, you'll need it for your final test."
"My final test?"
"That would be fighting me," a new voice spoke as they strode into the courtyard.
"Percy!" Sokka shouted in surprise as he unsheathed his sword, bringing it to bear in front of him.
"Excellent Sokka! We'll need that type of reaction in our battle against him," Piandao said as he unsheathed his own silver blade and stood beside Sokka.
"Master?" Sokka asked in confusion as he looked at the man beside him.
"Isn't it obvious Sokka? You're going to help me spar against my son," Piandao said with a smile as he watched Percy move closer.
"Your son?!" Sokka exclaimed as he looked back at Percy who stood 5 yards away, casually swinging his blade back and forth.
"Yes my son," Piandao chuckled, "He told me that you'd met before."
"But—I don't understand—he's your son?" Sokka asked in confusion as he looked back and forth between Percy and Piandao.
"He lived with me for a while when I took him in, he caused even more chaos than you if you can believe it," Piandao said with a smile.
Percy rolled his eyes as he shook out his limbs, "Are you ready or not?" he asked with a smirk.
"And this is my test? Fighting Percy?" Sokka asked with wide eyes.
"Oh Agni no, he'd crush you. Your test is to work with me and last at least 2 minutes against him. Think you're up for it?"
"And he won't kill me?" Sokka asked nervously as he squared his shoulders in Percy's direction.
"Of course not, you can't maim each other in a spar," Piandao said before he moved forward, towards Percy.
Sokka quickly followed Piandao's lead as they closed in on Percy. They attacked together, silver and black blades flickering out like a snake's tongue as they probed his defenses. They didn't hit a thing. Every time Percy's bronze blade was there to stonewall their attacks. He was faster and stronger, he had no problem stopping all their attacks.
Percy laughed aloud as he slowly gave some ground, allowing Piandao and Sokka to move him from his position in the arena. He hadn't sparred with his father in a long time, it felt good. Percy was an absolute monster with his powers, he'd look the glowing Avatar in the eyes and stood his ground, but his swordplay was another level entirely. It came as naturally to him as breathing and he enjoyed every chance he got to practice.
He allowed what appeared to be a small hole in his defenses to appear, seeing if either of his opponents would fall for it. Piandao did not, Sokka however was not so experienced. He thrust forward, only realizing too late that Percy had allowed that opening to show. Percy's blade came down in a blur, knocking Sokka's meteorite sword out of his hands. If he'd wanted, Percy could have removed his hands. Sokka scrambled to retrieve his blade even as he breathed a sigh of relief that Percy was indeed doing just as Piandao had said he would.
"Clever," Piandao commented as he traded blows with Percy as now it was his turn to be pushed back across the arena.
"Thanks, I've been wanting to try that dupe out," Percy said with a grin as he locked blades with his father, both of them with wide grins across their faces as they let their swords move faster and faster.
Sokka scooped up his blade and turned only to pause in amazement as he watched Percy and Piandao spar. They moved with such grace and poise. Not a single movement was wasted, every action controlled and deliberate as the blurs of bronze and silver danced together elegantly. He wasn't sure what it was, one second Percy was pushing Piandao back, the next Piandao's silver blade was sent flying across the arena as Percy stood with his bronze blade aloft in victory. It was incredible.
He watched as Percy and Piandao embraced with large smiles on their faces as he moved closer to the pair.
"Not too bad for a 50-year-old," Percy teased.
"45 and not a day over," Piandao returned with a chuckle as he turned to see Sokka trotting towards them, "Well Sokka, what did you think?"
"You two are incredible," Sokka said as he bowed to them.
Both Percy and Piandao smiled as they bowed in turn to him. Fat handed the sheath of Sokka's blade to the teen who slid his blade inside with a flourish before buckling it to his waist.
"Now Sokka, I have one last thing to give you," Piandao said, reaching inside his pocket and pulling out a cloth bag before giving it to Sokka, "You have done well, you must train on your own now. I have a feeling that one day you will be a better swordsman than I ever was."
"Impossible master," Sokka said with a smile as he bowed.
"Nobody can know I was here Sokka," Percy said waiting until Sokka was giving him his full attention, "Nobody," he repeated in a serious tone.
"You have my word," Sokka said as he dipped his head in Percy's direction.
( - )
"You ready?"
"As ready as I'll ever be," Zuko muttered as he rolled his shoulders.
"General Kayun is pushing 60. He's old, slow, and had a substantial leg injury during the siege of Ba Sing Se under Iroh over two decades ago. Go after him fast immediately, and target his legs. You got this," Azula reassured her brother.
"His name is Kayun?"
"Agni Zuko, you're about to possibly fight this man to the death and you don't even know his name?"
"Look I've been a little more nervous about trying to get lightning generation down okay?!"
"I'm going to pretend you didn't just snap at me because you're extremely nervous and agitated," Azula said with a low tone.
Zuko let out a deep huff, "Look I'm sorry, I'm just very on edge right now," he flinched as a loud gong rang out above him, signaling for the contestants to enter the arena, "Wish me luck," he muttered as he turned to walk out but was stopped by Azula grabbing his forearm.
"Zuko, listen to me. If he doesn't yield, you have to kill him. Do you understand? If you refuse to kill him then you will dishonor yourself and everything you've done to get back here will be dismissed after this Agni Kai," Azula said she looked intently at Zuko, "Say you understand," she implored him as she tightened her grip on his arm.
"I understand," Zuko murmured and Azula let go as he walked out of the locker room, into the arena.
( - )
Zuko stood 20 yards apart from Kayun, staring down the general as he waited tensely for the gong to ring and start the match. Kayun didn't look like much, he was overweight, definitely past his prime.
The gong sounded and Zuko immediately lept into action, sending a barrage of quick fireballs at Kayun. The man wasn't agile enough to try and evade them, instead, he attempted to disperse each one, grunting with effort as he backed away trying to put space between him and Zuko.
Zuko remained on the offensive, sending a torrent of flames at the general's legs. Kayun was forced to crouch and disperse the flames. Meanwhile Zuko created a fire whip, lashing out at Kayun's leg and pulling him off his feet and to his back before standing over him, fist leveling at his face.
The general glared at him, "Do it!" he shouted.
Zuko narrowed his eyes before he circled his hands and his fingers began to spark, Kayun's eyes widened as he put his hands up in terror right before Zuko blasted lightning. The bolt hit the ground a couple of feet away from Kajun's face who screamed in terror as the lightning exploded the ground around him. He flailed wildly as his ears began to bleed and he couldn't hear anything. Suddenly a hand caught his wrist and he began to scream as his arm burned.
Zuko let go, looking at the wailing man on the ground below. He'd forever have a burn scar on his arm from this Agni Kai, but at least he was alive. If Zuko had wanted, he could've killed him. He turned and began walking back into the tunnel as the gong sounded signaling the match. Someone had been burned meaning the match was over. Zuko had won.
As he moved into the tunnel trying to drown out the cheers of the spectators around he could feel a gaze on his back. He turned, looking upward at the royal box where his father sat. His father met his gaze with a smile before Zuko turned and left the arena. His father was proud, proud that he could use lightning, proud that he had nearly killed Kajun. It made Zuko sick.
( - )
"You should have told me," Percy muttered as he picked at his dinner.
"I wanted you to make your own decisions and choices, not follow in my footsteps. Let you be your own man," Piandao said as he sipped his drink.
"Well, it's not much of a choice for me to make if I don't even know it exists."
"The White Lotus power comes from its secrecy, nobody comes after us because nobody knows who we are."
"That and you boast a roster of a few of the most powerful people alive."
"That too," Piandao conceded with a nod.
Percy sighed, "You know this doesn't change anything for me."
"I didn't expect it to," Piandao admitted, "But I wanted you to know the option was there if you needed it. I saw the way you interacted with Sokka. You talked with the Avatar, you didn't fight him. I have a feeling you're not going to tell the Fire Lord about his survival."
"Of course not, Aang is… Aang's a kid who's been forced to grow up way too fast," Percy said with a sigh.
"The world is more than black and white. Good and evil. The Fire Nation and its enemies. They are many shades of gray, and if you ever need help, you know how to reach me. I will always give you aid, my son."
"Thanks dad, that means a lot," Percy said with a small smile, "Now about that message to Iroh. I think I can do one better than that actually. Azula and I originally just planned on taking him ourselves so Zuko would be able to see him anytime without the Fire Lord spies reporting each visit to him, but if anyone can get Iroh to see reason I'm sure it's you. So on the day of the eclipse…
( - )
"That's enough for tonight, I'll do some more tomorrow morning," Katara spoke as she withdrew the glowing water from the wound on Aang's back.
"Hey Katara?"
"Yeah Aang?"
"I just want you to know that I'll never be able to repay you for all that you've done for me. Freeing me from the iceberg, bringing me back after the lightning bolt… I would have never have made it this far if not for you. I know that my duties to the world make it hard to seem like I can ever truly be around or devoted to a person constantly, but I will do my absolute best."
"Oh—okay Aang, but… why are you telling me this?" Katara asked in confusion.
"I just wanted you to know. I care for you deeply Katara, but I have a responsibility to the world as well. Those interests won't always align but my interest in you is very real. I just wanted to let you know, without any promises or pressure. How I felt," Aang said softly, "I don't need you to say anything. I just wanted you to know that was all. I'll let you think," he said before slipping out of the tent leaving a speechless Katara behind.
( - )
"I spared him, I showed him mercy. He wanted me to do it, told me to, but in the end, he wanted to live and I didn't want to kill him. I can generate lightning now. You were wrong, I am at peace here. But not with my father like I had thought, but with my friends. With Azula. With Percy. With Mai. They have brought me so much happiness and clarity, it's how I was able to be at peace. I'd like to be at peace with you too," Zuko said quietly.
He watched Iroh who sat with his face towards the wall and his eyes closed as he once again refused to speak with him, "You know you have to talk to me at some point right?"
The silence was his only answer, Zuko sighed as he got to his feet, "I thought you'd be happy. Happy that I'm home and surrounded by people who care for me. Proud that I was able to generate lightning. I wanted to tell you, prove to you I could do it. And now I can and you won't give me the time of day."
He huffed as Iroh remained silent and he headed for the doorway, "I'll see you next week Uncle, I'll bring some komodo chicken for you."
And with that Zuko closed the door behind him, leaving Iroh alone in his cage for a moment. What he missed was the tears slipping from the man's eyes, "I have always been proud of you," Iroh murmured to the now empty cell before flinching as the door swung open and Azula came in.
"It'll only be a moment Zuko, keep watch," she directed before closing the door behind her as she swept into the room.
She regarded Iroh who continued sitting on the floor with his eyes closed, "I don't understand you Uncle. You love Zuko, I've seen it firsthand, but you refuse to talk to him. Why? Are you so hurt that he wanted to come home?" Azula asked as she stalked back and forth eyeing the man who sat with his eyes closed on the cell floor.
Iroh looked over his shoulder, regarding his niece slowly before turning away from the wall to face her, "I'm surprised to see you here Azula, Ozai would not be happy," Iroh murmured.
Azula whirled around from her pacing at Iroh's voice, seeing his head raised as he looked at her.
"Ozai doesn't command me, not anymore," Azula declared as she paced to the front of the cell to better look at Iroh.
Iroh raised an eyebrow in surprise. His first instinct was to assume she was lying as she so often did, but… she'd called Ozai by name, not as her father. He pondered his thoughts before speaking, "There was a time when you followed his orders to the letter, what changed?" he asked.
Azula smirked, "I fell in love with Percy," she said, enjoying the look of surprise flash across the man's face.
Iroh meticulously searched Azula's face for any hint, even a whisper that she was lying. He found none. All he saw was pride and joy he had never seen before on her face, but still… this was Azula after all.
"You fell in love… with a waterbender… a savage barbarian as you so often called him?" he questioned.
Azula's face tightened at his remark before she breathed out and spoke, "I was naive. I was just so blinded by my prejudice that I didn't ever really give him a chance. But he never held it against me. No matter what I said to him, he remained at my side. Over time he wore down my wrongful hatred like the sea wears down even the strongest mountains. He worked so hard to truly show me what true freedom and happiness looked like. And now… I can't imagine a life without him. It doesn't matter whether I'm a princess, a commoner, or even a street urchin; with him by my side, I feel like a goddess."
Iroh was astounded by the conviction in his niece's words. There was such honesty and openness in her words, for all Azula's skills, he knew that even she couldn't fake something she had once claimed to have never felt. Her declaration of love for Percy was real. It was a long moment before Iroh was able to regain his wits, "I never realized you could be so passionate," he spoke slowly.
Azula eyed Iroh with resentment, "Percy was the first person to ever love me. The first person to say out loud that they loved me. He did for the first time four months ago, right after we beat you. Not my father, not Zuko, not you, and certainly not her. Percy did because he cares for me in a way nobody else ever has. Zuko always had you and Ursa but me? I was always alone. But now I'm not, and I never will be again."
Azula paused as she released a deep breath and unclenched her hands, "You were the one that fished Percy out of the sea. You brought him to Piandao. You sent the letter to Ozai personally recommending him to be my bodyguard. If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have met him. And for that… you have my thanks Uncle. Talk to Zuko," she advised before turning on her heel and walking towards the door.
"Azula," Iroh called out.
Azula paused, turning to face him again, "I'm sorry Azula. That you didn't get the love you needed as a child. I only ever saw the child that Ozai used and manipulated. I am very happy that one of my decisions allowed for you and Percy to come together. Do you think you can ever forgive me?" Iroh asked in a soft voice.
Azula's eyes softened as she gazed upon her uncle who suddenly looked much older than his age. She nodded her head, she could forgive him, "Talk to Zuko," she spoke softly before exiting the room.
It was a long while afterward before Iroh tore his gaze away from the door Azula had walked through. She had given him so many things to think about. He grunted as he stood to his feet before jumping and beginning to pull himself up, forcing his muscle to lift his muscled frame off the ground again, and again, and again. While his body worked, his mind ran through his recent conversation. The first emotion to run through him was relief. Relief that he had helped orchestrate Azula and Percy coming to fruition. If even Azula could change, then there was hope for his family after all.
( - )
Author Note - Alright everyone another chapter done of Percy Jackson & The Sapphire Flame. I hope y'all enjoyed it and if you'd like to stay up to date on it, go ahead and give a favorite or follow. A few things that I'd like to address as usual:
- So it's been 4 months. Where have I been? Well, that's actually a shorter story than you might think. I thought I'd try some of that life I was writing about with Percy & Azula. I got a girlfriend. To make a long story short, I fell hard and I fell fast for her. She is everything I was looking for and even more. She's amazing and makes me a better and happier person than I ever thought possible.
- Now to address some more story-related things, this will be finished. I'm a man of my word, it might not come with any sort of speed I had before, but the fact remains I still hold a great deal of passion for this story. I'd like to thank everyone who asked about me, especially Micheal Patterson who reached out to me numerous times. Because of him, every chapter to come has a rough layout which should bring this story to a total of 28.
- On another note, if you remember my long author note from chp. 18, I still plan on pursuing the story ideas I laid out. The top two voted were Percy & YJ, and Percy & Star Wars. I have the first chapter of Percy & YJ laid out and am releasing it soon as well so please check that out. The first chapter of Percy & Star Wars has about 5 pages right now, so will be out shortly hopefully.
- Also, I went from not updating for months to posting the longest chapter of the entire book to date, definitely a big jump and I hope any of the rust I had from being away didn't shine through.
- Now that we've got through all that, what are the thoughts on this chapter? Hopefully, this was a good chapter to bring you back into the story with Percy & Aang's talk, Zuko's Agni Kai, Percy's spar, etc. What was your favorite part of this chp?
- And as usual, I want to give a big thanks for all the support you guys give. As usual, if you have any questions just shoot me a pm.
- Big shoutout to MonsieurL.A who was a phenomenal Beta-reader like he has always been. Poured through the entire chapter and sent me an amazing list of suggestions and new ideas that blew me away. He's the BEST
- Finally please leave a review if you enjoyed the update! It always helps the story grow and reach more people. A follow or favorite is much appreciated too. I'm always open for advice on how to be a better writer and genuine critiques.
