Well damn.
Where do I even begin?
Life has been an absolute rollercoaster since I last updated this story. I've experienced some of my greatest joys and have definitely hit my absolute lows and I just wanted to take this moment to explain why I've been gone so long.
When I first started this story 3 years ago, I was in a very different place. At that time, I was single, I was doing Gen Eds for my associate's degree from home, and I didn't have a lot else on my plate. I had a lot of free time to pursue this passion.
This story hasn't been updated for over a year for two major reasons.
The first one was that I got into a very serious relationship. To say I loved this woman wouldn't justify the true depths of my feelings for her. She was my everything. She made me happier than I've ever been in my life. Every moment with her was a gift. I would have laid the world at her feet if she had only asked it of me.
I fell hard and I fell fast. 2 years together flew by and it showed. She was my other half, and we were inseparable. Everyone in my life loved her. My parents themselves told me that if I needed money for a ring to propose, they'd spot me (absolutely insane pressure for me). If we were two separate strings, we became so intertwined I could no longer find where I started and where she ended.
On the other hand, it undoubtedly brought me the greatest suffering of my life. To briefly expand on how serious I was about her, I will graduate with my bachelor's degree in December. I was planning on proposing afterwards. That future I dreamed of will never come to be. Out of the complete blue, she ended things with me. One minute I was back home celebrating Easter with her family; 4 days later I was being dumped. To say that destroyed me would be an understatement.
( - )
To quote one of my favorite fictional TV characters of all time — "Ironic isn't it, that the ones in whom we place our greatest trust are best positioned to put the knife in our backs." — Raymond Reddington
I always try to downplay the problems I have in my life. I figured that I'd been through breakups before in my life, I made it through those, and I'd make it through this just fine. Suffice to say, I did not make it through this just fine.
Everything hit me at once and I spiraled hard. Depression, insomnia, and panic attacks rocked my shit, and I didn't know how to handle any of it. I went through 2 weeks of absolute hell before I actually reached out to anyone for help. It took a while, but I rounded the corner on those issues during the summer. I still have a way to go but it is exponential growth from before. There are still mornings when I wake up and don't have the strength to face the day. There are days I break down over Snapchat memories. There are nights I lay awake trying to bargain with fate for her to come back.
I really debated saying any of this. I'm still ashamed and embarrassed for my own weakness and don't want to trauma dump on you guys. However, at the end of the day, I wanted to share this message. You matter. Your mental health is important. No problem or issue in life has to be shouldered alone. No matter what you're struggling with, find those to reach out to for help. Don't drown on your own because you're too prideful to depend on others. It sucks now. It might always hurt. But as long as you're alive and have air in your lungs you deserve to be happy.
Moving on now.
( - )
The second reason for the story delay has been my transition in my academic life. When I first started this, I was completing Gen Eds through a Juco from home. However, last year, I finished my associate's and transferred to a university to continue my schooling. That free time I had from doing schoolwork online and being at home no longer existed. I was busy living my life at college: attending classes, going to the Rec, and meeting new people. Between college and my girlfriend, I didn't have the free time like I did before to dedicate myself to this story.
I won't apologize for living my life. I did what made me happy and furthered my dreams. However, I will apologize to you, the readers of this story. You have all been SO kind, helpful, and supportive of me when I first began this overture. I'm sorry for letting you guys down. Life came at me fast, and I'll be the first to admit that I wasn't ready for all of it.
The truth is, I love this story. I love fanfiction. I love being able to sit down and let my thoughts come to life through a keyboard. I love hearing and seeing your guys' responses to each chapter. The compliments and the criticism.
I can't commit to any sort of regular updates right now. I still have a lot on my plate with life and I don't see that going away anytime soon. But I promise this story will be finished. You haven't given up on me and I will not give up on you.
I love and appreciate you all.
(I'm back bitches)
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 )
"We should really try and teach you how to generate lightning," Azula says offhandedly as she lays out in the sun next to Percy.
"We don't know for sure that I can though."
"Please, if you can summon lightning and your dad is called 'the Stormbringer' then I'm sure you can," she says as she rises to her feet and stretches, "Besides I taught Zuko, I'm sure I can teach you too if you're good."
Percy looks upward at her, "If I'm good?" he questions in disbelief.
Azula's golden eyes flicker to the surf, "If" she draws out slowly before bolting towards the ocean.
Azula is quick but Percy is a demigod, and he has quickly risen and caught her before she can take more than a few steps into the ocean. A warm wave cushions her fall as Azula is pulled downward by Percy.
When they surface his lips are already on hers. The waves part around them leaving them on dry sand despite being a few yards away from where the ocean recedes from the beach. She pushes him back onto the sand as she straddles him.
"This seems familiar," he says with a crooked smirk, and Azula thanks Agni above for the man beneath her. He is everything she wants.
( - )
"Being with her is like dancing inside a star. My life is full of her warmth and brightness for she radiates brilliance onto everything in my life. We make this journey together, hand in hand; because she is my partner and we dance to a song known only unto us," Percy read aloud from the book resting in his grasp.
"Mhmmm I like it, but there's not enough violence in it for my taste," Azula said as she slipped into his lap.
Percy grunted as her elbow dug into his stomach as she shifted around on his lap getting comfortable, "That's because you have an unhealthy obsession with violence," he commented as Azula shifted around and he sighed internally as her shoulder dug into his chest.
He had made the mistake of peeking at her most recent book when she had left it lying atop a table a few days ago and nearly hurled. The pages went into considerable detail about an old Fire Lord named Kai who went about killing his contenders in fantastically new brutal, and bloody ways.
He sighed, in contentment this time, as Azula placed a kiss on his neck while she plucked the book out of his grasp. She was never subtle whenever she wanted his undivided attention, but it was impossible to focus on anything else when her breath was on his neck and sending goosebumps racing across his skin. He placed a chaste kiss atop her forehead as she buried her head in the crook of his shoulder and neck. He smiled and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her tight to him.
He immersed himself in the moment, Azula's body heat bringing a cozy and comfortable warmth to him as she snuggled into him. It was only a few minutes later that she drifted off and Percy smiled at her peaceful form before following her into sleep.
( - )
It took Zuko a few moments to find his words, "You're—you're talking to me?!" he questioned in disbelief.
Iroh sighed deeply, "It seems for all my wisdom, I can still be a fool. Your sister… she offered words of advice I should have already known. Despite what many say, there can always be lessons learned from our youth if we simply take the opportunity to listen."
Zuko stared at Iroh for a while before speaking again "I just—I wanted to apologize. For Ba Sing Se. For not leaving with you when Azula came for us. For our fight in the catacombs. For everything."
Iroh shook his head, "You have nothing to apologize for Zuko; if anyone should be apologizing it should be me. You only did what you thought was right and it was wrong for me to tell you otherwise. I remember better than anyone what it is like to want to go home. To stop fighting, to be safe and secure. To have some semblance of peace."
"I just wanted to come home. To be with my friends. To be with my family," Zuko said quietly before pausing, "Does that make a monster for what my actions caused?"
"No Zuko, it makes you human. To want to return home is a desire to find happiness. If one doesn't find it there, one may not find it anywhere. There is no wrong in that choice."
"And what if my happiness doesn't come from my home?" Zuko asked quietly.
There was a moment of silence between the two before Iroh spoke, "Where does your happiness come from Zuko?"
"My friends," he replied without hesitation, "They bring me joy. I don't need to act around them, I can be myself. Without judgment or worry. Being back here—being home, it doesn't bring me happiness. The respect, the power, the treatment; it's not what I desire. I always have to act a certain way, be the model prince. The son who triumphed over the Avatar. It's not me. I'm more than any battle or victory. But my friends… they make it worthwhile. Percy makes me laugh and gets me into ridiculous situations all the time but there's nobody else I'd rather be around. Well, except maybe Mai," he amended with a soft smile.
"And Azula?" Iroh questioned.
"She's an enigma. Sometimes she still reminds me of all the reasons we fought as children. Other times she's changed so much it's like I'm meeting a whole new person. The cunning, powerful, and manipulative side still exists; but it's balanced out now. She can be kind, helpful, and selfless. Those are traits I never thought I'd say about my sister."
Iroh nodded in agreement, "She has changed, because of Percy. He has been an anchor for her soul, something to keep her steady adrift from the madness that surrounds the crown."
"You were the very same for me after my exile," Zuko remarked.
Iroh closed his eyes, "I could only try my best. You were young and had already lost so much. Any man can make a child, it takes something special to raise and guide one. I only hope I was able to provide that direction for you."
Zuko nodded, not trusting himself to speak as emotions welled up inside him.
Iroh smiled at his nod, "That's good. It has been my greatest pride to see you grow and mature Zuko."
Comfortable silence stretched between the pair for a while as they sat there. After some time had passed Iroh spoke again, "It seems you have learned one of the greatest life lessons without me. Your home is where your heart is Zuko. And your heart is with your friends."
"My home may be with my friends, but it's not complete without you Uncle."
( - )
"Azula come on," Percy groaned as he stubbed his toe for what felt like the 3rd time in the last five minutes.
"Oh stop whining, I've seen you in fights before, this is nothing."
"Yeah but at least then I could see it coming," Percy grumbled before yelping as Azula suddenly pushed him down into a chair, "Can I take it off now?" he whined.
Azula smiled at her boyfriend's impatience before quickly pulling off the blindfold revealing his surprise resting across from him atop a table.
Percy blinked for a second as he adjusted to the light before his gaze was immediately drawn to the shining set of armor. He had missed his armor ever since it had been destroyed in his fight against Toph beneath Ba Sing Se. He had told his father about it when he had seen him and Piandao had promised to work on a new set with him when he visited next.
However, it seemed his father had worked on it without him because he could recognize Piandao's craftsmanship anywhere. The majority of the armor was simple but beautiful. However, the breastplate and pauldrons were adorned with intricate engravings of rolling waves. An homage to his true heritage as a demigod. Unlike his last armor, this one was a dark opaque black color.
He turned towards Azula who was smiling widely, "Do you like it?" she asked, looking a little nervous.
"Are you kidding me? Zula, I loveit!" he exclaimed as he swept her off her feet, spinning her around before setting her back down as he pressed a kiss to her forehead, "This is the best present I've ever received!"
He approached the armor, and he examined it with an adoring gaze before turning back to his incredible girlfriend, "How did you pull this off? It took my father a week for my last set."
Azula smirked, "Well do you remember when Zuko took you out to Ember Island for a couple of days? I may have planned that so I could visit your father and help him with the forging."
Percy smiled at his girlfriend, "I love it when your plans work brilliantly."
"Please, all my plans work out brilliantly," Azula replied as she flipped her hair over her shoulder with a smirk.
"Oh?" Percy questioned with a raised brow and a smile, "How did drilling into Ba Sing Se go again?"
"Quiet. Now go try on the armor before I take it back," Azula replied with an eye-roll and a smile as she watched Percy begin to expertly strap on the various pieces.
The greaves were first, starting above his ankle and tapering off before his knee. Then the bracers that covered his forearms. Next were the two different pauldrons. The one set over his right shoulder had a scaled pattern like a fish, with a trident emblazoned atop. The other was shaped in the form of a snarling dragon, wrapping around Percy's left shoulder. Percy moved to bring the breastplate over his head before pausing as he felt Azula's hand on him.
"Look at the inside first," she said.
Percy put the breastplate back down on the table and ran his fingers slowly over the engraved words on the interior, "He who has a reason to fight, has a reason to come home," he whispered.
Percy smiled as he felt his eyes begin to water. Azula's gift far exceeded his wildest expectations. Not only had she visited Piandao and helped with the forging, but her personal touches were clear to see. The symbol of Poseidon on the right pauldron, and her words of love inside the breastplate. He turned and pulled Azula into him, enveloping her with his larger frame. She tilted her head up and he leaned into the kiss, pouring all his love, wonder, and gratitude into it. It was a long while before they broke apart. He smiled as he slid the breastplate over his head, knowing her words were resting just above his heart.
Without saying anything, Azula stepped forward and tightened the straps before watching as Percy moved around the room. He rolled his shoulders first, pleased with the mobility offered to him by the pauldrons. However, the main thing on his mind was the weight of the armor. His previous one had weighed at least 50 lbs, this felt like half of that.
"Notice anything?" Azula asked as she saw the questioning look in her boyfriend's eyes.
"It's light, almost unnaturally so," he commented with a quizzical look in her direction.
Azula shrugged, "I won't pretend to know anything about the metal, but your father said he recently had a student who brought him a meteorite with a metal core. It burns much slower, however with my firebending, I was able to melt it quite easily. Your father was extremely happy to work with large quantities of the new metal, he said it was unlike anything he'd used before."
Percy nodded at her explanation before continuing to move across the room as he tested out the armor. Azula allowed herself to admire the striking figure that her boyfriend cut decked out in all-black armor. However, it was his smile that made it all worth it for her.
( - )
After his sister had finished giving Percy her birthday gift and eaten lunch, it was Zuko's turn to call dibs on his best friend. This year, Zuko had decided to take Percy deep into the capital city for a day of adventure. By the time they arrived in the afternoon, the city was well alive, people bustling to and from.
However, despite the business of the city, nobody was paying them any extra attention as the crown prince was usually afforded. Zuko had adorned his old blue spirit mask while Percy had opted for one designed in the visage of a sand shark. With their masks on, the two were able to move about the city without the usual attention that came with their positions.
The city was full of vendors selling a variety of unique items from colorful robes to exotic spices. Zuko and Percy sampled various food places, none more entertaining than the stand that sold flaming hot noodles. Percy laughed so hard he cried when Zuko breathed actual fire out of his nose from the spice of the noodles.
Eventually, the duo made their way into a pottery store. Zuko broke off from Percy to further examine a jeweled necklace for Mai. About 30 seconds later he heard a yelp before a crash echoed throughout the store. Zuko groaned and closed his eyes before he finally turned to see the commotion he knew could only have come from Percy.
There in the middle of the store stood a sheepish Percy and an irate owner. A sapphire-colored vase lay shattered on the ground between them. Zuko grumbled a quick prayer up to Agni before making his way to his friend's side.
"How much was it?" he asked the owner.
"215 gold pieces," they replied with an angry glare shot in Percy's direction/
"215 gold pieces?!" Zuko shouted in surprise.
The shop owner nodded as he turned his attention to him, "A very special vase, 215 is generous."
Zuko glared at his sheepish best friend as he seriously considered leaving him here to deal with this on his own.
"I'd just like to remind you that it's my birthday and that you're my best friend," Percy said as he shot him a sheepish smile.
…
"Damn it," Zuko said aloud while muttering a string of curses under his breath as he reached into his pouch to fork over the money which was considerably lighter afterward than he would have liked, "Let's get out of here before you break something else," he muttered as he stalked out of the shop, an embarrassed Percy in tow.
( - )
As the sun began to set, Zuko knew it was time to head back to the palace to give Percy his birthday gift, although considering how much money he'd spent on his friend for that damned vase he was seriously considering keeping it until next year.
He and Percy made their way through the halls before they came to a stop outside Percy's room. Zuko waved his friend forward and followed him inside. He smiled as he saw Percy's expression of awe before Percy was bounding over towards the gift in question.
It was a trident. Standing 6 ft tall and made of bronze that was polished to a shine. The butt of the trident was pointed but the true beauty of the weapon was its pronged head. The spikes were evenly spaced apart with each head coming to a wickedly barbed point. In total it spread about 20 inches wide from the left to right prong. Percy approached it slowly before picking it up, smiling broadly as he adjusted to its weight. He had never held a trident before, but as soon as he picked up the weapon, it felt right. He was certain that with practice he'd be able to wield it with unmatched prowess.
He admired it a few minutes longer, spinning it in his hands before eventually placing it back on the stand with his armor and dragging Zuko into a bear hug, "Thank you," Percy said earnestly as he looked at Zuko.
Zuko returned the beaming smile of his best friend, "It was my pleasure, Percy. Now how about some dinner?"
Soon the two friends were making their way through the palace into the dining room where the girls were already waiting, a delicious feast laid out in front of them.
"Happy birthday!" Ty Lee squealed as she leaped from her seat and launched herself into a ferocious hug. Percy laughed as he swung her around before eventually taking his seat next to Azula. As he tucked into the food with the people, he valued most around him, there was nothing else Percy desired. He had everything he wanted.
(2 Weeks Later )
Ozai sat at the head of a long conference table, gazing at the war map spread out in front of him. On his right was Zuko, and on his left was Azula. His generals were arrayed around the rest of the table, looking at him as they waited for him to speak.
"Gentleman," he began, "I have received news from Ukano in Omashu. Another rebellion was stopped today; however, this time the rebels were able to fight their way into the palace before their capture. This resistance is unacceptable, and a drain on our occupation. It's time we put an end to it once and for all."
There were murmurs of agreement from around the table and Ozai eyed everyone around him. These were his highest-ranked generals and staunchest political supporters, he needed to know he could rely on them to support his proposition.
"I suggest that we make an example of these rebels, to make sure any foolish enough to resist our new rule of Ba Sing Se dare not attack our men in a misplaced sense of nationalism."
"And how would we do that?" one of them questioned.
"It has been nearly 3 months since the capture of Ba Sing Se at the hands of my children. In that time, these rebels have only grown more aggressive in their efforts to make us leave their home. Sozin's comet is fast approaching, and with it, the end of this war. I will not allow any trace of opposition to stand against us when we are so close to the completion of our glorious rule," Ozai paused before meeting the gaze of everyone in the room before continuing onward, "I propose that we publicly eliminate all captured rebels currently within the dungeons of Ba Sing Se."
Ozai watched as some of his cabinet shifted about at his words, while his generals nodded in agreement. To his surprise, it was Azula who spoke up first, "It would be quite easy to eliminate the prisoners we have; however, I don't understand how wiping them off the board benefits us, father. Surely, they're of no consequence locked away in Ba Sing Se's dungeons."
"They themselves are of no consequence that is true, but there is a benefit in fear. We will strike fear into the hearts of any who share these rebellious sentiments. After these traitors are put down, none will dare rise to take their place out of the repercussions that could come from it," he responded.
He smiled as he saw the wheels in his daughter's head turn as she weighed the benefits vs the negatives before speaking again, "You are correct father, fear is our most valuable tool. Nobody would be so foolish as to sacrifice their life for a hopeless cause when they know their fate for doing so."
After her words, many heads around the table nodded in agreement with her assessment.
Zuko watched the interaction with incredulity that quickly turned to shock as Azula, and the entire room sided with his father's proposition. He opened his mouth to speak out, to protest this, only to grit his teeth as his leg suddenly flared in pain. He glared across the table at his sister as she withdrew her offending leg, but he caught her intense gaze, and the message he could see loud and clear in her eyes, be silent. He looked away in disgust but remained quiet as his father continued to talk.
"I have ordered Ukano to hang these rebels in front of the palace where all can see their chosen fate. The end of summer brings back Sozin's comet. In a month's time, we will harness it to wipe out the fleeting resistance across the Earth Kingdom. Then we will marshal our forces northward to wipe out the remaining water tribe savages," he paused as he met the eyes of everyone at the table, "The end of the war is within our grasp gentleman. 100 years of conflict and it ends as it always would, with the Fire Nation's glory spread throughout the world!" Ozai shouted as he spread his arms upward at his sides.
The room began clapping at Ozai's proclamation while Zuko sat rigid like a board, terror turning his blood to ice as it encircled his heart.
( - )
"Zuko!" Azula yelled as she chased after the rapidly retreating form of her brother through the halls.
She doubled her pace to catch up before reaching and then shoving Zuko into an adjoining room and closing the door behind them.
"What Azula?!" Zuko yelled as he rounded on her, "Who else would you like me to be on board with murdering?"
"I'm not on board—" she started before he cut her off.
"Then why the hell didn't you say anything?!"
"Did you see anyone else in there disagree with him?" she snapped eyes flashing, "Because I didn't. And I'm not going to let you draw his attention by saying something that can't be stopped."
"We can do something—"
"What can we do, Zuko?!" she yelled, "Please tell me your grand plan that will allow us to convince an entire war chamber loyal only to our father that his idea is wrong. While you're at it, why don't you go tell Dad that you're taking the crown too. Because the only way to stop that order is to be the Fire Lord."
"Damn it Azula, don't you get it?! We conquered Ba Sing Se. We're the reason that the Fire Nation was able to take the city in over a hundred years. This is all our fault!" Zuko roared as he let a wave of fire loose from his hand where it slammed into the wall and dissipated.
"Zuko, it wasn't our fault. We were at war!" she yelled.
"This isn't war, this is murder!" he yelled.
"You think I don't know that?! Do you think I don't know ordering the execution of hundreds of unarmed, captured prisoners is an unforgivable war crime? Do you think I agree with this? Because I don't. If I was in charge, I'd never make this decision. But I'm not, and there's nothing I can do about it," she retorted.
"Azula you're the smartest person I know, there has to be something we can do," Zuko said as he threw his hands up in frustration as he began to pace back and forth.
"Zuko, the only way to stop that order is to be the Fire Lord," Azula replied as she leaned against the wall and waited for her brother to gain control of his emotions and think logically.
Zuko continued to pace for another minute before suddenly coming to a dead stop and went silent for a long moment. When he looked back at her she saw steel in his eyes before he spoke, "Then we need to take the throne."
She sucked air in between her teeth as she glanced around the empty room before speaking to her brother, "Zuko, you can't even think that. Much less say it," she hissed as the weight of his words filled the room with staggering pressure.
Zuko however met her gaze resolutely, "Azula if we do nothing, then hundreds of people will be killed for no other reason than 'convenience' and as a message."
"And the only way our father isn't the Fire Lord is if he's dead," she snapped at him, "Unless you mastered another element and haven't told me about it, neither of us can beat him."
"No we can't… but Percy could," Zuko said as he gazed at her pointedly.
"Absolutely not," Azula growled as she glared daggers at her brother. Internally she raged, how dare he suggest putting Percy in that type of danger.
Zuko held up his hands in surrender as he looked at her pleadingly, "Azula you said it yourself; we can't beat our father. He's too powerful and too skilled. But we both saw what Percy could really do in those catacombs. There's nobody alive who can beat him, not even our father," he argued.
"I won't do it, I won't put Percy in that position," she replied with a hard glare.
"You're not putting Percy anywhere he doesn't want to be. He's wanted it since the day I was banished," Zuko retorted.
"I won't do it," she said, shaking her head stubbornly in refusal.
"Azula, it's not your choice to make. And if you won't tell him… then I will," Zuko says before he sweeps out of the room leaving her alone with her thoughts in a jumbled mess.
( - )
She knows before he even says a word. If there's one thing she's noticed from their years spent together, it's that Percy is never still. He's always in motion; doing or saying something. So the moment he leans against her bedroom door frame without a word or any other movement, she knows. Zuko told him.
She closes her eyes and mentally braces herself for the conversation before turning towards him. She meets his sea-green eyes that feel like they pierce into her very soul. There's a long stretch of silence between the two before he speaks first.
"Why?" he asks softly.
"Because I'm afraid," she replies in a tone so light a strong breeze would blow it away.
He crosses the room to her bedside in a few long strides, settling beside her softly. He gently grasps her hands as he faces her, waiting for her to elaborate.
She takes a deep breath before looking into his eyes, "Because the thought of you fighting my father terrifies me," she admits softly.
"Zula, I can handle myself," he says.
She knows that. Knows that when Percy truly sets his mind to something, there's nothing that can stop him. It doesn't alleviate her fears and she tells him as much.
"Then what is it?" he asks in a confused tone at her response, "Azula I can beat him. I'm not afraid of him."
"You should be," she snaps, "You've never fought anyone like him before. You haven't seen him, not at his worst."
Percy is silent for a moment before speaking again, "You're right, I haven't fought him before. But I've fought you, one of the strongest firebenders in the world. And I've beaten the Avatar—"
"He's not the Avatar. He is far, far worse. There are no rules with him Percy. No line he won't cross. If you make one single mistake, then you will die. He will capitalize on it and then he will make it hurt. Slowly, painfully, until you're begging for death."
Percy is quiet for another long moment and suddenly Azula feels a stab of gratitude at his patience. She knows that she's not being rational. She's being emotional because they're seriously having a conversation about the man she loves fighting to the death with her father. A man of immense power and absolutely sadistic. And all the while Percy is being patient and considerate with her as she bites his head off for doing nothing wrong. She doesn't deserve him.
"Azula…" he starts slowly, "I won't do anything without you by my side. But I can't just stand aside and do nothing when I have the power to save hundreds of lives," he takes a deep breath, "Just say the word Zula. Point me in the direction and I promise you, I will win," he says in earnest, eyes searching hers for an answer that she doesn't want to give.
For so much of her young life, all she wanted was to be in control. To be powerful. And as she looks into her boyfriend's eyes, she knows that she has both. Percy's might is hers alone to command. But she doesn't want it, not anymore. Yet now he's put the decision in her hands. All his strength is at her disposal. If she gives the go-ahead, then chances are her father will die.
She wasn't lying before. There aren't any men like Ozai. Powerful, skilled, and cunning? Perhaps. But her father has a trait in spades that no other master has. He is ruthless. Cruel beyond measure.
And yet… she's seen Percy's power firsthand numerous times. He is a force of nature incarnate. He isn't a mere mortal, he's half god. She doesn't believe there's anyone in existence who can stop him when his mind is set on something.
She leans forward, cupping Percy's face in her hands before speaking, "Percy if you're serious about this, then we need to do it right."
"What do you mean?" he asks in confusion.
"My father is undoubtedly the head of the spider snake. If we remove him, then chances are we will be able to stop this war. However, the body will remain and will cause us problems. For many people, war is all they know, and they can't see a future beyond it. What we need is for him and his allies to lose. If Zuko or I take the crown it needs to be because we are the best option, not for our own personal gain."
"I don't follow?"
"Percy, the people of the Fire Nation have been at war with the entire world for a century. Outside of the palace, among the commoners especially; there are many who want an end to the fighting. To stop sending sons to die for a cause started by generations no longer here to see it. If people saw the Fire Nation losing the war, then favor would lie with us."
"Then what do we need to do?" Percy asked.
"I need you to get Zuko, Ty Lee, and Mai," she ordered as she stood from the bed and began to pace across the room.
"What for?" he asked as he stood from the bed.
"Because you don't start a coup without calling a war council."
( - )
Percy smiled as he took in the others seated around him. This meeting could possibly hold the entire balance of the war in their hands. It was undoubtedly treason. It was possibly the most important conversation the 5 of them would ever hold. So naturally, it was held in Azula's bedroom.
They had actually dragged a table and chairs into the bedroom before shutting the door behind them. Azula had two Dai Li in her main quarters, two more at her door, and another four patrolling the entire hallway leading to her room.
Azula sat at the head of the table. He was on her right, and Zuko on her left. Ty Lee sat next to him and Mai was across from her beside Zuko.
Azula stood up at the head of the table, "You all know why you're here. You're my best friends, and I consider you all family. If we're going to seriously consider pulling this off then we need to be united, and have a plan," she said catching the eyes of everyone around her, "Yesterday Ozai proposed killing hundreds of unarmed captives within Ba Sing Se. His proposal went unopposed by his entire cabinet. His thirst for power will lead to the death of thousands and shame the Fire Nation for eternity. It is time to restore honor and peace to our nation," she declared aloud.
Zuko leaned forward, his scarred face reflecting both apprehension and hope, "Azula our father has an entire army at his disposal. We are all with you but if you truly want to make this seem legitimately possible, then we will need other allies outside this room."
Azula nodded her head in agreement, "Indeed we will. So before I tell you what plans I've begun forming, we need to figure out who else will stand with us."
"My father will stand with me," Percy spoke up, "I have no doubt he will be able to sway a few nobles away from Ozai's side as well. Outside of him, I don't know of any others I would trust. The royal guard remains under my command and will follow my orders, but their true loyalty is to the throne. If they sense something amiss, they will turn on me."
"You might not like it, but if we can get to him, then Iroh will stand against Ozai. He also will still have ties to noble families not in Ozai's camp. Five years ago, he was the pride of the Fire Nation, we can use that," Zuko spoke up tentatively.
Azula nodded in agreement, "Worry not Zuko, I agree completely. However at this exact moment, we don't have the resources to stage a prison break. For a couple of months, Iroh will have to wait. But plans have already been put in place. Piandao has allies and the resources to spirit Iroh out of the capital if he makes it out. Father has already agreed to my idea of moving half the prison force into the bay to help with the invasion which will make it the opportune moment to spring him."
"Father already knows that I've been continuing to visit Iroh. I can get the names of all the guards and figure out the next exit route from his cell on my visits," Zuko volunteered.
Azula nodded in agreement with her brother's idea, "A good idea Zuko, nobody will suspect anything from you continuing to visit him. Memorize the layout and the guard shifts. Without his bending, Iroh can't break down locked iron doors. You figure out his escape route and then we'll prepare around your intel."
Mai was the next one to speak, "My father will never support any sort of rebellion against Ozai. However if we need outside funding, I can get into my parents' accounts easily. I'm certain I'll be able to gather information from them as well. My father will think I'm finally showing an interest in politics and will be more than happy to tell me about inner workings."
"Excellent. Information is essential for us. Zuko and I will be privy to anything regarding the ongoing campaign through the war council, and your father will provide information from the political side of things. I want to know everything he has to say. If Ozai so much as raises the taxes on Ember Island by 1% I want to know about it."
Mai's eyes gleamed, "Consider it done Azula. Anything Ozai tells the nobles you'll know about."
Azula turned to Ty Lee, "Ty Lee, your ability to read auras and people may be vital to us. I want you outside with the royal guard for any meetings Ozai has during court hours. I want to know how people went in feeling, and how they left. If anyone leaves that room upset with him, I want to know. Percy will figure something out with the royal guard to get you posted in addition."
Ty Lee nodded, her face serious, "Leave it to me Azula."
Azula allowed a small smile to cross her face, "The eclipse will be upon us in 2 months. Together we can stoke the embers of a flame that can overwhelm the Fire Lord himself. Trust each other, our bonds are about to be tested like never before."
The five sat in silence for a moment as they shared glances. The weight of the world rested upon their shoulders. As Azula looked around and locked eyes with her boyfriend, she had no doubt that if anyone could stop over a century of war, it was them.
They had to.
The world depended on it.
( - )
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:
Obviously, first and foremost I'd like to reiterate my deepest apologies for such a delay in this story. With that being said, I've transverse through hell and I'm here now better for it. Let's get this shit.
Thoughts on the chapter? Completely devoted to plot development and the next chapter will touch more on the group as they continue down this path and check in on the gaang and Katara as she meets Hama.
Personally, my favorite parts of this chapter were Percy and Azula being cute asf in the start and Percy's birthday gifts being entirely related to weapons and warfare. That's our boy XD
Extra big thanks for ALL the support you guys give. I have hundreds of messages and reviews to catch up on along with PMs and I plan to get back to everyone. Just wanted to let you all know how appreciated it is because I would see nice messages in my Gmail and every time I did it kept my spark alive for this story. Without you, I wouldn't still be here. I LOVE YOU ALL.
Duces.