Previously on the Legend of Perseus: Bender of Oceans
Iroh defended himself with a fan of flames. The ice melted under the intense heat. Before they could continue fighting a familiar sound sent chills down Percy's spine.
The cackling of electricity.
He turned in the direction of Azula. The princess stood triumphantly upon a disoriented Zuko. Slowly going through the motions of a familiar kata. Percy was horrified. She was going to kill him.
He hadn't even realized he had quickly matched her motions. Iroh had sprinted in the direction of the Prince.
His right hand was pointed in Azula's direction. Ice escaped his fingertips. Two lightning bolts raced through the sky crashing above the deck. An immense explosion boomed, throwing the princess and her bodyguard off the ship.
Just as Percy was going overboard he could see Zuko and Iroh, concealed in a sphere of flames. Percy was just relieved to see them safe.
/
The Legend of Perseus: Bender of Oceans
Chapter 14: A Change of Plans
Su Oko River, Fire Colonial/Earth Kingdom Border
Zuko and his uncle had been running for hours. The sun above had slowly began setting. The once blue sky painted in a deep scarlet red. The rushing water of the river filled their ears.
His uncle looked around them warily.
"We can take a moment to catch our breath. But we mustn't stagnate for long." The old firebenders voice was weary.
Zuko couldn't bring himself to speak. The delight of returning home had completely vanished. His spirit felt empty and hollow.
His own sister tried to kill him.
Yes they may have fought constantly and despised each other. But that cold emotionless look in Azula's eyes before she shot that lightning terrified the Prince.
Percy chose to fight with Azula. His best friend stood by her side and deceived him. Was everything the son of Piandao said a lie? A sense of betrayal and anger boiled in Zuko's veins.
He kneeled down on his knees facing his reflection in the water. Uncle Iroh joined him to his right. Zuko took out a knife his uncle had gifted him long ago before cutting off his top knot. They would have to disguise themselves for the best odds of survival.
Zuko could barely recognise himself as he gazed upon his reflection. He felt horrifically lost. The tiny flame of hope of returning home had vanquished into nothingness. His sister and best friend were fighting against them. His father wanted him imprisoned.
What was the point anymore?
/
Fire Nation Colonial Port
Percy and Azula had returned to the metal decking of the grand warship. Zuko and Iroh had long vanished. The last few straggling soldiers began to disappear below deck under the rageful glare of the princess.
The son of Piandao's heart was racing. Upset and anger coursed through him. Time slowly ticked forward. He was behind Azula, keeping some distance between them.
She was shaking with fury.
The last imperial bender has vanished and she finally turned to face him. Venomous golden eyes glowed under the evening sun.
"You let them escape!" Azula shouted. Betrayal laced her voice. Tiny blue embers flickered at the edge of her fingers
"You were trying to kill Zuko!" Percy accused angrily.
Azula's glare grew more intense. "Listen Perseus-" she started in a cold regal tone before being interrupted.
"No Azula. You listen." She faltered under his intense sea green eyes that swirled like a rageful storm.
"You know that Zuko isn't as capable as you are yet you tried to kill him."
"He attacked first!" Azula spat. She refused to cower under her bodyguards discontent.
"That's not a good enough reason Azula!" Percy shouted. The winds around them shifted, small waves began to grow into swells.
"Zuko can't beat you and you know it. You don't need to lightning bend against him-" The waterbender began to rant but it was the princesses turn to interrupt him.
"And what were you doing, bodyguard. You were holding back. You let us fail." Azula sneered.
He let them escape. The torturous voice accused.
"Just as you can easily kill Zuko, Uncle Iroh can kill both of us easily. He held back as well. They're family princess. There's lines even I won't cross against them." Percy's voice turned haunting cold, his glare hardened.
He's a traitor like them. The dark voice whispered.
"You betrayed me." Azula's voice quietened. Percy could see a storm of emotion hidden behind her royal facade.
"Oh for Agni's sake Zula. Are you actually questioning my loyalties?" He exasperatedly questioned.
"Two hundred and forty three." There was an unfamiliar iciness in his voice.
She looked at him confused and Percy sighed.
"That's how many people I've killed fighting by your side." His tone darkened. "As much as I dislike the act I have no issues doing it. But I have no intentions of adding them onto that tally."
The distance between them had closed during the argument. Percy was fearlessly glaring her down.
"You want me to destroy an army? I will. A city needs to be conquered? I'm game." His voice turned soft. "I'm always going to be by your side Zula."
He thinks you're weak. He doesn't fear your power. He doesn't respect you. The ever present voice tormented her. Berated her. The phantom ache was searing in agony. The consequences of failure haunted her mind.
"You don't respect me!" Azula blindly spat, allowing the demented voice to consume her.
Percy shook his head at her sadly. His brow furrowed and his lips tinged into a frown.
"Respect and fear are two very different things. Fear is a reverence born from hate. Respect is its opposite." The son of Piandao stated coldly.
"I hope you can learn that difference Princess."
Percy stormed off past her, heading in the direction of the bridge. The constant arguing and now blind accusations had exhausted him. He was fed up with it all, he just wanted things to go back to normal between them.
The waves that had been threatening to batter them grasped the ship. The grand destroyer began to maneuver its way along the coastline.
Azula stood frozen in place upon the decking. The voice had been silenced by Percy's statement but her mind was racing.
What was respect if it wasn't fear of power?
/
Western Colonial Waters
Azula stood upon the bridge of the ship, staring off into the horizon. Her bodyguard remained several feet away. As Perseus promised he remained by her side but the icy coldness between them remained.
Conversations had barely lasted more than a few sentences. That was if her frustrating bodyguard would even reply. The unending hostility between them was driving her mad.
Azula was slowly growing desperate for the arguing to end. She yearned for things to return to how they used to be. The princess missed his lopsided grin. His teasing jabs. She would've even let him call her that Agni forsaken nickname if he'd just be normal.
A week of traveling from one colonial village to the next left them with very little leads on the location of her uncle and brother. Everywhere they went she had denounced them as traitors of the fire nation. Fugitives in hiding.
The fear of failure had been ebbing and seeping in the back of her mind ever since they had escaped. Haunting memories of punishments flickered in her mind. The burning phantom pain in her shoulder hadn't left.
That horrid taunting voice plagued every waking moment.
/
The son of Piandao's battle with sleep continued. Recurring nightmares returned any time he tried to find rest. Yet again he was trapped in such nightmares.
Percy was enshrouded in darkness. The familiar beating drum of a heart echoed in his ears. The sounds of thick churning water deafened him.
The waterbender focused on his breathing. Forcing his spirit to calm under the dark storm that plagued him.
The churning, viscous sounds slowly quietened. The heavy drum beat dissipated.
A peaceful roaring of ocean waves replaced them. Cloaking him in peace. His eyes opened and he had found himself trapped in another familiar dream.
Percy was barefoot on stunning white sands that stretched along the coast. Calm ocean swells graced and crashed upon the beachfront. The sun beamed in the bright blue sky above. Sea birds cawed high above.
It all felt so real.
In the distance was the same recurring scene. A small wooden cabin that had been deteriorating under the elements. Paint had chipped and the wooden structure was highly weathered
Two figures stood in front of it staring at him. A man and a woman. Before he could clearly see their features the womens mouth opened. The familial warmth that tinged her voice tore him from his dreams.
"Perseus…"
The son of Piandao was breathing heavily. The pumping of blood roared in his ears as his heart raced. He was engulfed in a cold sweat. The night time robes he wore were drenched. His silk sheets hung off the side of the bed.
Percy rubbed his eyes. The once rare nightmares had grown far too frequent. Even out in the open ocean he had begun to struggle for energy as exhaustion took its toll.
He sat upright, accepting that sleep was going to escape him yet again. The teenager grabbed a set of fighting robes that were beside his bed. It was still deep into the night, at least he could have some peace to train.
Once dressed he left his room and began to walk off in the direction of the deck. The ship was near silent aside from his quiet footsteps on the metal flooring.
The sea air rejuvenated him as he made his way to the middle of the barren deck. The air was thick with salt and moisture.
Percy took a deep breath. The ocean helped to ease his tiredness. He took a stance once he reached his desired spot. The waterbender began to flow through series of stances, water condensed upon the edges of fingertips.
He followed a small circle he had mentally etched upon the metal. Percy had long memorized the forms and movements.
Percy's right leg swept round, he returned to face the direction he had come from. The calm breezes that cooled him shifted. He continued to grace through the movements. No two stances were ever the same.
It still hadn't clicked yet. It was so foreign to his own style that he had struggled with it. He didn't know what the kata was actually meant to do. The ancient scroll was highly detailed in its methods but lacked information on their outcomes.
The hairs on the back of his neck stood up on end. Chills raced down his spine. He was being watched. Percy stretched out his senses as he continued going through the movements of the kata.
He could sense a familiar figure watching him from the viewing deck.
Of course she was awake.
Percy decided to ignore the presence of the princess and restart the kata from the beginning. He repeated his through the stances yet again. This time rather than water edging his fingertips, it had coalesced into a swirling mass that surrounded him and mirrored his movement.
As he would shift one direction it would match. If one stance forced Percy low the water did the same. The once cooling breeze had slightly picked up during his time outside.
The water danced and changed, following the movements of its master. He must have tried a hundred different ways of willing the water to try and figure it out. This had been the one he kept returning to. It felt like he was right on the precipice of understanding it, but being unable to see.
Hours had passed and he continuously repeated the one form. Percy knew the princesses' watchful eyes remained on him the entire time. The early sun had begun to crack through the only darkness. Pinks and oranges flickered on the horizon.
At the sight of the morning light Percy decided it was time to return to his quarters and change for the day ahead. The feeling of being watched finally left him once he found his way inside.
/
The princess sat within her royal palanquin. Rays of sunshine glimmered through the thin silk curtains. She was alone with her advisors. Perseus remained on the bridge, commanding the ship from the viewing deck. After the captain's numerous failures she knew it was easier to leave him to command of the war boat.
Her mind was adrift, deep in thoughts about said bodyguard. She paid little attention as the two elder advisors spoke.
"When tracking your brother and uncle, traveling with the royal procession may no longer be the best option." Lo's haunting voice echoed.
"May no longer be wise." Li echoed her sister's advice.
"If you hope to keep, the element of surprise." The old twins finished in unison.
Azula thought over their words carefully. Speed, deception, and stealth were going to be paramount in capturing Zuko and Iroh.
"What are your orders Princess?" They questioned.
"Fetch my bodyguard. There's been a change of plans." Azula commanded with a cold tone.
She was left alone for several moments before the familiar frame of a waterbender appeared in front of her.
"Azula?" Perseus' voice was neutral. "Where are we heading now?"
"West of Omashu. I hear the circus is meant to be visiting there." Azula replied with a knowing smirk as her bodyguard gave her a confused look.
"It's time to get the squad back together."
For what felt like the first time in ages he gave her a genuine smile. His sea green eyes shone with joy. She felt her heart race and relief rush through her at their first normal interaction since the arguing had begun.
/
Fire Nation Colonies / Earth Kingdom Border
Zuko stumbled out of the dense viridian forest into a small clearing. The prince's stomach felt like a deep empty pit.
"I didn't find anything to eat." Zuko complained. "I'm fed up of living like this." His fists were clenched as he glared upon the blue sky above. At the lack of a reply Zuko directed his attention to Iroh.
"What are you doing uncle?" The fugitive prince questioned.
Iroh was squatting down staring intensely at a white and red flower. He would gently prod and move it, deeply analysing the plant.
"We are in luck nephew, we are looking at the rare white dragon bush. Its leaves make a tea so delicious it's life changing." His uncle smiled widely as he looked upon the small flower thoughtfully.
"Or it's a deadly white jade bush. I haven't decided yet."
"There's a time and a place for tea, uncle!" Zuko groaned exasperated.
"Precisely nephew, and that's always and everywhere." The old man jovially smiled.
Zuko huffed and turned around. "We need food uncle, not tea!" The Prince stormed off in the direction of a small river. "I'm going fishing."
/
The firebender stood within the shifting currents of the river knee deep. He held a sharpened wooden spear in his dominant hand, diligently watching for any motions on the water. Hours had passed since he stormed off.
The prince could hardly remain focused on the task. His mind was adrift with thoughts. Zuko couldn't stop thinking about his friend. The bubbling rage and betrayal hadn't settled.
As his worries threatened to consume him, he spotted a shifting figure in the water. Zuko hurriedly jabbed the spear into the river, feeling it pierce something with its sharp point. He gently lifted the spear and was dismayed at the sight.
A tiny fish.
Hardly enough to feed himself, let alone the both of them. Zuko growled in frustration. All this effort for scraps. He waded out the waters. Giving up on the futile task.
The fugitive prince returned to the clearing they had been camping at. His steps were heavy and dejected.
"Uncle you didn't…" Zuko gasped at the sight of Iroh.
The old man was covered in hives and rashes. Iroh's entire face was puffed and swollen. He looked sheepishly at his nephew as he scratched himself with a twig covered in berries.
"It turns out it might have been white jade bush. When the rash spreads to my throat I will stop breathing." Iroh's replied with an awkward look.
"But look what I found!" The old man turned jovial as he showed off his stick. "These are bakui berries. Known to cure the poison of the white jade bush."
"Or they are maka'ole berries that cause blindness."
Zuko ripped the branch from Iroh's hands and threw it away. "For Agni's sake uncle, how can you drink so much tea but not know the difference between plants."
"I drink tea, nephew. I don't grow it. You wouldn't ask a jeweler where to mine the ore." Iroh retorted with a raised eyebrow.
"No more herbal remedies. We need to see a healer." Zuko snapped.
"And where do you suggest we go, nephew?" Iroh questioned.
"If we go to the Earth Kingdom we'll be captured and killed." Zuko wondered aloud.
"And if we are caught in the colonies. We will be handed over to Azula and Percy."
The banished prince's eyes narrowed at their names. His demented sister and traitorous friend. Zuko wasn't going to be captured.
He was going to capture the avatar and clear his name.
Whatever it takes.
"Earth Kingdom it is."
/
South Western Colonial Waters
Just like her bodyguard earlier in the night Azula had found herself trapped in a nightmare. An old
memory that haunted her.
She was in the royal training dojo. Her father towered over her as she practiced her way through katas.
Azula could hear how ragged her breath was. She could feel how sloppy her movements were. Her whole body was screaming at her in pain and exhaustion from intense practice.
"Father. I'm tired." Azula whined. "I give up. I want a break."
"DON'T YOU EVER DARE CONSIDER GIVING UP!" Her fathers golden eyes were faring with fury and disgust. The young Azula felt herself crumbling under the intense glare. The berating had reduced her to tears. "Surrender is an outcome far worse than defeat!"
SMACK
An intense tingling burned across her face. Ringing thundered in her ears. A cry of pain escaped her.
"Never show weakness Azula." The cold ruthless voice of her father lectured. The only emotion upon his face was disappointment.
Golden embers flickered in the palm of her fathers hand. "Failure, will never be tolerated."
Azula shot awake in a cold sweat. Her entire body shook with a primordial fear. The searing phantom ache had etched itself once again in her shoulder.
She was near gasping for air. Trying to shake herself free from the pit of fear that was choking her. Memories of her fathers tutelage terrified her. Azula's heart continued to race, adrenaline coursed through her.
It was still the depths of night and the princess knew she wasn't going to get any more sleep. Azula changed her robes and decided to wander in the direction of the bridge. Yet again she would read the same old intelligence reports that had no information on her brothers or uncles whereabouts.
"How long can you continue failing before you face the consequences?" The torturous voice whispered in the depths of her mind.
Azula did everything she could to mentally block the demented voice. The princess had swiftly arrived at the bridge. Before she could sit down and gaze upon the ocean and the nighttime sky, a familiar figure training upon the deck stole her attention.
Perseus.
Azula felt a deep relief at the sight of her bodyguard. A calming protective peace had washed over her and almost banished the voice entirely. It's echoing murmurings reduced to the faintest of whispers.
In spite of that relief, Azula felt a slight worry for him. It confused her why she was so concerned with his well-being, but after her uncle had mentioned his tiredness it was all she could notice when in his presence.
His slack shoulders and posture. The warriors bun that become messier and more tangled by the day. Perseus' sea green eyes that were weary and heavy with exhaustion, underset with dark bags.
They were out in the open ocean and yet he looked like he had been run over by a Komodo-Rhino. Something wasn't right with him. Just how little sleep had her bodyguard actually been getting?
"What's bothering you?" She quietly whispered to herself.
Azula chose to leave the bridge and head for the decking. She desperately wanted to reconcile with her annoying bodyguard.
In the few minutes it took her to make her way to the decking Perseus had stopped his training and was at cross legged meditating.
His eyes may have been closed but he was facing right in Azula's direction. She knew well enough that he would've been already aware of her presence yet it still impressed her every time.
Azula decided to march straight up to him before sitting down directly across him. The air between them was intensely still until Perseus sighed.
"Princess." His voice was neutral but she could sense the tinges of tiredness he tried to hide.
Azula frowned. "I've not come here to argue." Perseus' eyes opened and her breath hitched at the sight of his dull green eyes.
"Much the opposite actually." Her voice had quietened. "Can we please just stop fighting." Azula pleaded and she saw his eyes widen.
"Begging like a peasant over a waterbender." The cruel voice within mocked.
Azula diverted her golden eyes as her thoughts escaped her lips.
"Can't we just relax here and look at the stars? Talk about anything other than this Agni forsaken mission" She blurted as a deep blush graced her cheeks.
Azula heard a thud and quickly turned to face her bodyguard. He was already sprawled laying on his back.
"Well Zula. You gonna join?" His voice was peaceful and warm. The princesses' heart soared at the invitation
She laid down beside him. Both their eyes gazed upon the countless shimmering stars in the inky night sky above. For the first time in weeks the tension between them had vanished.
The relief and solace in that moment filled Azula with a soothing calmness. If she was anywhere other than the cold metal deck she would've fallen asleep.
/
Western Earth Kingdom Village
The exiled prince sat alone on the worn out wooden decking that surrounded a small homestead. He could hear his uncle jovially laughing and talking with the mother of the girl who had healed him.
Zuko stared down the dirt path that led to the house. His mind was lost and wandering. They needed to continue traveling sooner than later.
The hunger and exhaustion didn't matter.
Finding the avatar did.
It was the only way for him to get home. The only way for him to finally be freed from the torturous banishment. He could hear the door to the house creak, light faintly seeped through and brightened the dark patio.
"Can I join you?" The young woman named Song who had helped them asked.
Zuko could only faintly nod. The herbalist sat beside him.
"You know. I know what you've been through." Song turned to face him. The exiled prince could see from the corner of his eye she was staring intently at his scar.
"The fire nation has hurt you…" Her hand began to reach up to his face but he swiftly grabbed her wrist. The girl softly gasped as the sudden movement and Zuko released his hold.
Song's arms stooped low and returned to her lap. "It's okay. They've hurt me too…."
The herbalist's voice was a gentle whisper. She partially lifted up her robes revealing her calf and shin. Song's leg was marred with zig-zagging scars of melted skin and flesh.
Zuko's eyes had widened. As she had spoken he thought her words were entirely empty. How could she ever know what it was like? Yet here she was, scars on display. Burn marks that held an uncomfortable familiarity to him. Conflicting emotions bubbled within him.
"I'm sorry that happened to you." The firebender murmured back.
/
"Thank you so very much for the duck." Iroh smiled warmly as he bowed his head. "It was excellent." The old man beamed.
"You're welcome." Song's mother returned the bow and handed over a small package of leftovers. "It brings me happiness to see someone eat my food with such… gusto." She smiled softly.
"Much practice." Iroh smirked as he patted his stomach.
The old man bowed again and turned to head off. A discontent coursed through him at the sight of his nephew already several steps away. After all of his teachings this was how Zuko was going to repay their kindness to them?
"Junior. Where are you rushing off to. You must thank these nice people for their hospitality." Iroh spoke out. Remembering to refer to the boy by their aliases.
Zuko turned and bowed. "Thank you."
The prince turned around to walk but the voice of the herbalist stopped him. "I know you think there's no hope left but there is! The avatar had returned!"
"I know."
/
Authors Note
And we finally have chapter 14. Sorry it took so long but I've quite a lot of other things on the go in life so it is what it is.
Absolutely loved all the Percy and Azula moments this chapter. From the continued fighting and arguing, the tension, to the truce at the end there. I'm sure some of you regular reviewers will have enjoyed that!
A little bit more on Percy's nightmares. Not something heavily discussed so far in the story aside from after the five duels, but it's an aspect that's going to show its importance in time. Azula's nightmare though…..
Can't wait for the next chapter, finally get to see the return of Ty Lee AND Mai so it will likely be a longer chapter. Given yous two short ones so it only feels fair.
/
Before replying to reviews I just wanted to thank everyone for their continued support! It's honestly mental to see how much this has grown despite this being a smaller crossover community.
So thanks to each and every one of you. From those that frequently leave review, to those that have followed or favourite, and even those who don't have an account but lurk every chapter. Appreciate all of ya!
Also gonna give yous a tune to listen to if you're interested. Been on repeat in my writing playlist so may as well share. It's a fucking banger tbh.
Ferllawonte by KIRXSHA
/
Anonymous: Yeah man re-reading that final scene myself I can see that it's not the most clear of what happened, and to fix it all it took was a single line that I added onto the "Previously on" section for this chapter. You read between the lines very well tho my guy! Hope you feel vindicated on your theory by a certain scene in this chapter.
TalentedAl4200: thanks for leaving a review man! Hope you've enjoyed this one!
Skelconpeverell: yeah I really do have to apologise for that final scene don't I! Definitely not the clearest but I've tidied it up on the "previously on" section of the chapter.
Superhero01: I think you're going to have loved this chapter and I cannot wait to read your thoughts!
Trife: That captain needs sacked. So this is book 1 which will primarily follow canon events up until the fall of Ba Sing Se. A number of things will be simialr but since there's very little actual Azula scenes throughout the first part of the season I'll actually have things I can play about with between Omashu and the drill arc.
/
If you've enjoyed the story and made this far guys it would mean the word if yous follow and favourite to join in the journey.
If you've made it this far then please, leave a review with your thoughts, opinions, or questions. It takes only a few moments but it genuinely makes my whole day when I see that notification. We're so close to 100 reviews but I'd love to massively exceed it.
As always folks.
Take care,
Admeto.