N/A: Hi, I'm back... as your ex would say, hahaha.
JkAlex is back, bitches.
I hope you enjoy this chapter, where we see the appearance of one of the best characters in the series. Of course, I'm talking about the Dragon of the West, the wise Uncle Iroh (Please stand up to welcome this great man).
Also, get ready to see some character development on the part of Zuko and Azula. This is where Percy's presence and influence begins to affect both princes. So, I hope you enjoy this chapter, which is the longest I've written so far in this story.
It's quite long, just the way you like it...
And without further ado... Let's fucking go!
Chapter 13
The Dragon of the West
Percy
The moonlight high in the dark sky illuminated the winding path in the middle of the forest. The leaves of the trees danced to the rhythm of the cool night wind. On the lonely dirt road, Percy could see a lone figure walking along it. A little girl. She was small, wearing a short-sleeved green tunic and matching pants under a beige vest held in place by a wide belt. Her black hair was pulled back into a high bun, held in place by a pom-pom headband. Long strands of hair fell over her eyes, partially obscuring her face, but she didn't seem to mind. A satchel hung from her shoulders, held in place by a rope. Her walk was slow but sure. Her footsteps made almost no sound when she stepped, for she wore no shoes. She was barefoot except for a pair of anklets.
When she reached the end of the path, the girl stood at the top of a slope and watched as a large crowd of people entered a lit tunnel at the foot of a rocky mountain.
The girl let out a chuckle of mischief and excitement.
"It's showtime," she said before jumping down the slope.
As her feet hit the ground, the earth itself seemed to sink as if it were clay, forming a wave that the girl used to speed down the hill. The smile never left her face.
When he awoke, the first thing Percy saw was the dark training yard, illuminated not only by the moonlight, but also by the colour palette of Azula's firebending.
Looking at her, Percy could see Azula's precise and graceful movements. He could see why everyone said she was a prodigy, but he also saw something others did not, the painstaking effort, hard work, and discipline she put into her firebending training in order to master her new blue flames.
Percy was intrigued not only by the usual yellow and orange flames, but also by the faint flashes of blue flame.
As she gave a final kick, blue flames burst from Azula's foot for a moment, but then turned orange and yellow. She was panting heavily, sweat running down her forehead, but she frowned in annoyance and returned to her firebending stance.
"Enough," said Piandao, who had been watching her practice.
"I still... don't do a full burn," Azula protested, panting.
"But you're better than you were a week ago, and that's an accomplishment. Firebending is a discipline that requires great physical skill. And because your blue flames are even more intense than a Firebender's traditional flames, it requires greater physical strength."
"That's why you trained me to strengthen my body."
Piandao nodded.
"Your stamina has increased," he said. "Last week, you reached your limit at dusk. Today, you made it to dusk. You're getting better. You're surpassing yourself."
Azula didn't respond, just nodded slightly and released her firebending stance.
"I'll be back tomorrow," she said.
"Good," Piandao nodded before turning to his son. "Percy, escort Princess Azula to the palace."
"Do I have to?" he complained, still lying at the foot of the tree where he had fallen asleep.
"Unless you want to help me prepare the puppets and swords for tomorrow's training."
"You know what?" Percy got up from where he had been napping. "Going with Azula doesn't sound so bad."
"Well, since you're going to the palace, ask Prince Zuko if he wants to continue his training since he's been absent for a few weeks."
A sour look crossed Percy's face as he remembered the last time he had met with Zuko.
"I don't think he wants to see me now."
"Are you and Zuko still fighting?" Azula asked, sounding annoyed. "Get over it."
"Just like you, Ty Lee and Mai?"
Azula looked at him annoyed and frowned.
"Well, in that case, could you ask him, princess?" Piandao asked.
"Fine," Azula agreed.
"Thank you," Piandao bowed and bowed. "With your permission, Your Highness, I shall leave."
Azula waved goodbye.
"You can go."
As Piandao passed Percy before entering the mansion, he turned to look at his son.
"Take care of her, son."
"I think I'm the one who needs to be taken care of, especially when around her."
Piandao smiled faintly in amusement and retreated from the courtyard, leaving Azula and Percy alone.
"Let's go, fire girl," he said, stifling a yawn.
"I don't need your escort," she said, crossing her arms. "I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself."
"I think so, too, but my father insists that I go with you. He's a very cautious man."
"His caution is unnecessary."
"Take it as a sign that he cares about you."
"Cares about me?" Azula snorted with scepticism and mockery. "More like he cares about the princess of the Fire Nation."
"My father isn't like that," Percy replied vehemently. "He cares about each one of his students. And from what I understand, you've become one of them."
Azula stared at him suspiciously, as if looking for a hint of a lie in his words. It was disturbing to Percy that a girl her age could have such a piercing, intense gaze.
On the way to the palace, Percy watched as people stepped aside to let them pass. Or rather, to let Azula pass. There were even those who ducked their heads as she passed them.
It was strange for Percy to see people act with such reverence for someone. All his life he had lived in an isolated village in the outermost region of Fire Island, the concept of nobility and royalty had seemed as distant to him as war itself. But now, to see it first hand was disconcerting. Even more disconcerting was the fact that he had become related to the princes in an unexpected and unusual way. Although at the moment, he was at odds with the prince and irretrievably bound to the princess as her training partner.
But there was something else that puzzled Percy, and that was the strange look on some people's faces when they saw him. Some reflected curiosity, some suspicion, and there were even those who looked at him with disgust.
"Ignore them," Azula said.
"Huh?"
"The looks. They look at you that way because they are jealous."
"Why would they be jealous?"
Azula looked at him with mild indignation. "You are walking with the princess of the Fire Nation. With royalty. Be grateful."
"Humility isn't your thing, is it?"
Azula snorted. "Humility is for commoners and peasants."
Percy rolled his eyes. He came to the conclusion that he would never understand the mindset of nobles, let alone someone of royalty.
"So a commoner like me should be grateful for the simple fact that I can walk beside you?" He asked.
A malicious smile formed on Azula's lips.
"You should. Many would do anything to have the honor you have at this moment. Indeed, many have tried, but none have succeeded."
Percy turned to look at her curiously.
"You speak as if one must earn the opportunity to be at your side."
"That is exactly right," Azula said. "To be in the presence of someone in the Royal Family, to be at their side, you have to be worthy. Earn it. Either by your social standing or by your personal accomplishments that have benefited our country."
Percy couldn't help but think that the only reason he had approached Zuko and Azula was because of his father. Sure, his family wasn't noble, but his father's skills and heroics were recognized by the entire Fire Nation. Maybe even the other nations.
And it was those very skills that led the former Fire Lord Azulon to take an interest in his father, with the intention of forming an elite squad of swordsmen.
The fact that he could relate to Zuko and Azula... Was it because of his father?
"You've earned it," Azula declared, surprising Percy.
"What?"
She gave him a sidelong glance.
"Your skill with the sword is unparalleled for someone your age. To deny that fact would be absurd, the same with your accomplishments."
"Accomplishments? What accomplishments? I have done nothing for the country."
"I don't know if you're speaking with humility or stupidity. Sometimes it's hard to tell the difference in you," she said. "Although it was a small contribution, you helped the country by killing the spirit that kidnapped and murdered the citizens of the capital. Likewise, you proved your worth by defeating a firebender who graduated at the top of his class and more than thirty aspiring swordsmen" Azula gave him a slightly appreciative look. "Although you are a commoner, you have earned the right to be in my presence because of your great potential."
Percy raised an eyebrow.
"So... you're basically saying we're friends because I'm good with a sword."
Azula stopped just as they reached the palace gates, the two guards stepping aside and tensing in Azula's presence. Ignoring them, she turned to Percy with a hard look in her eyes.
"Do not flatter yourself or misinterpret my words, Perseus. Though you are my training partner, a talented swordsman, and have earned the right to be at my side, we are not friends. You are not my equal, and you never will be."
Percy was irritated by Azula's condescending tone.
"Is that why Mai and Ty Lee are no longer with you?" he questioned. "Is it because they aren't worthy? Or because they didn't deserve it?"
Azula's hard stare became a piercing one. Her nostrils flared and the corners of her mouth turned down. Clearly, the questions had hit a nerve.
"None of your business," she spat. Azula reached over and touched his chest with her fingertip, just inches from his vulnerable spot, making Percy flinch inwardly. "I am a princess, someone from the Royal Family. And you're just a commoner. Know your place."
With those last words, Azula turned her back and walked into the palace, leaving Percy standing with the two guards, who seemed to be looking at him sympathetically behind their skull-shaped face masks.
When Percy returned to the mansion, he was about to go to his room and go back to sleep, but as he walked past the outside of the mansion, he saw his father sitting on a cushion, looking at the beautiful view of the back garden. Fat had really shown off with the garden. The arrangement of shrubs, flowers, and rocks on one side of the pond, where it formed a small waterfall, reflected a harmonious and serene landscape. Its beauty and simplicity made one feel the need to sit and contemplate it, as Piandao was doing. Next to him, on a small wooden table, was a ceramic jar. And in his hands he held a small flattened cup from which he drank small sips.
"Dad?" called Percy, intrigued by the sight of his father drinking sake.
Piandao turned to him and smiled slightly, his cheeks flushed from the alcohol.
"Son, would you like to join me?" he offered. "I know you're underage to drink, but company is always good."
Percy accepted the offer and sat down on the extra cushion across the table. He grabbed the sake jug and offered it to his father, who accepted with a smile to fill the small cup.
"Thank you," he said. "I trust you left princess Azula safe and sound at the palace."
"Yes, she arrived safely. If you're worried that someone might hurt her on the way to the palace, I don't think that will happen. The people adore her and worship the place where she steps."
Piandao chuckled. Despite having lived with him all his life, it was unusual for Percy to hear his father laugh, for most of the time he was a serious and composed man, with few occasions when his emotions were expressed so openly. The effect of the alcohol, perhaps?
"Yeah, the people of the capital deify the Royal Family," he said. "There are even those who believe that their lineage has been blessed by Agni himself. No. It is not because of them that I fear they will harm the princess."
Percy looked at him in confusion.
"Then who?" he asked.
Piandao took a sip from his cup and was silent for a few seconds before answering:
"Now that Fire Lord Ozai has ascended to the throne, his pro-war efforts have increased considerably. It would not be strange for the Earth Kingdom to send spies to the capital, as they have done in the past, with the intention of ending the Fire Lord's life, thinking that this would end the war."
"But... if the Fire Lord dies, Zuko would take his place. He is now the rightful heir."
Piandao turned to him with a grim expression.
"Therefore, they would not only go after the Fire Lord, but his descendants as well."
Percy felt a shiver run down his spine. Sure, his relationship with Zuko and Azula had been a little awkward lately, but he didn't want them dead. In fact, he wanted to patch things up with Zuko, and part of him wanted his relationship with Azula to improve. But if there was a chance that spies were infiltrating the city with the intention of killing them...
"Maybe I'm just being paranoid, a bad habit I picked up when I was a soldier," Piandao shook his head. "But it's better to be careful. Princess Azula will be safe with you."
"With me?" Percy asked sceptically, rolling his eyes. "Dad, I'm only twelve years old. I've only been training in swordsmanship for a little over a year."
"And you've gotten further than I have in years since I started training at your age. And you even managed to defeat a spirit."
Percy looked away.
"I only did that because I was using my... other abilities. I shouldn't have. It was a mistake."
"You saved lives. And that's never a mistake," Piandao replied. "Especially when it's the lives of those you care about. Your friends."
Percy snorted derisively, remembering his last encounter with Zuko and Azula.
"Azula and I are not friends. She made that perfectly clear today. And Zuko and I... we're not on the best of terms."
"Yes... even the best friendships are tested at some point. But if they know how to overcome that adversity, their bond will be stronger than before."
Percy wondered if he could make things right with Zuko. How could he do that? What could he say to him?
'Hey, sorry I punched you in the face for being a jerk about your mother being gone?'
Yeah, sure, like that would work. But if he changed the word "jerk" ...
He shook his head and looked at his father curiously.
"Have you ever had a fight with a friend?" he asked.
Piandao took a sip from his sake cup and looked at the garden with a nostalgic smile on his face.
"More than once," he said. "It was not easy to be friends with the Crown Prince. Especially when our views of the world were so different. A talented young swordsman of the lower class being friends with the Crown Prince of his country, does that ring a bell?"
"You and Azula and Zuko's uncle, Iroh," Percy admitted, recognizing the parallel with his father.
Piandao nodded.
"Fate is an ironic thing. When I went to the war front, I did so in search of glory and recognition. Hope for a better future. I found them, but I also found something far more precious."
"What was that?" asked Percy, intrigued. There were few occasions when his father spoke of his time in the war.
"The camaraderie that is only born on the battlefield when you spill your blood with the person next to you. A much stronger bond is formed that transcends social positions, the countries we come from, and the blood that runs through our veins."
"So that's how you and Iroh became friends?"
"Yes, we fought side by side for years. He was my comrade, my friend, I even came to think of him as my brother. And when I made the decision to leave the army... he took it like I was abandoning him. Betrayed him. We didn't part on the best of terms."
As his father spoke, Percy could almost feel the grief welling up inside him. He had stopped drinking and bowed his head in an expression of deep regret.
He knew that his father had left the military years ago, but he didn't know that the decision still weighed on him to this day.
"Dad... Why did you leave the army?" he asked gently. "You said you went to war for glory and recognition. You even made friends. Then why did you leave?"
Piandao pulled himself together and refilled his cup with sake. He stared at his reflection in the liquid before answering.
"I found what I was looking for, even more, yes... but I also saw the worst side of war. The worst side of human beings" He raised his head and looked at the moon shining brightly in the sky. "After years of relentless fighting, I discovered that there is no hope on the battlefield. There is nothing but indescribable despair. Only a crime we call victory, paid for with the pain of the vanquished" Piandao drank his entire cup of sake in one gulp and put it on the table. "The more you learn from war, the more you seek peace. That's what I set out to find when I left the army. I set out to find peace. Not the peace that ends all wars and conflicts, but the peace of oneself. The inner peace."
"Did you find it?"
"It was not an easy search. On more than one occasion I stumbled and lost my way, but in the end I made it" Piandao turned to look at Percy and smiled in a soft and endearing way. "And I made it when you came into my life, Percy."
Percy opened his eyes in surprise and felt a warmth spread through his body as he heard his father's words. He felt wanted, cherished, and loved.
"Thank you, dad," he murmured in a choked voice.
"No, thank you, my son" Piandao reached out and placed his hand on Percy's shoulder, squeezing it. "It's late, sleep. You'll have to get up early to go to Harbor City."
"Huh? Why?"
Percy realised there was a hint of childish grumbling in his voice. He didn't feel like getting up early at all. He never had. If he had his way, he would sleep until noon.
A small smile formed on Piandao's lips.
"Tomorrow, a very dear friend I haven't seen in years will arrive in the capital. I want to be there to greet him when his ship enters the harbour."
"This friend... Is it the former Crown Prince Iroh?" Percy asked.
"That is right. Now go to sleep. We have a long day tomorrow."
Percy nodded and stood up. As he was about to leave, a thought occurred to him, and he looked at his father again.
"Dad, how did you and Iroh reconcile?"
There was a flash of sadness in Piandao's eyes, so fleeting that Percy wondered if it was his imagination or just the moonlight.
"We did it when I sent a letter to Iroh after his wife, a very dear friend of mine... died. I sent a letter expressing my condolences and my sincere apologies for not being there for him. Not long after, I received a letter from him accepting my condolences and apologies. The years in the war had changed him as well, broadening his world view and understanding my desire to leave the war in search of enlightenment. We have kept in touch since then, but have not seen each other in person. Tomorrow will be the day I see him again after nearly fifteen years."
"Wow..." Percy muttered, impressed. "That's... a long time."
"The strongest friendships endure great distances and many years."
Percy thought about these words as he made his way to his room. And before he finally fell asleep in his bed, he wondered if his relationship with his friends would remain the same in the future. Lee, Hana, Zuko, Mai, Ty Lee and... Azula?
The last thing Percy thought about before he fell asleep was making up with Zuko.
When Percy dreamed again, he found himself in what could only be described as a huge stadium in a cave. The whole place was lit by stones embedded in the ceiling that shone with an intense, slightly greenish light, acting as torches. In the centre of the cave was a square of stone with the symbol of the Earth Kingdom in the centre. Surrounding the ring were the stands filled with people who began to scream with excitement when they saw a man emerge from the earth in the centre of the ring and climb to the top of an earthen pillar.
"Ladies and gentlemen, it's time for tonight's main event!" exclaimed the man in a thunderous voice, causing the audience to become even louder. "The following contest is scheduled for one fall, and it is for The Undisputed Earth Rumble VI Championship! You know the rules, just get your opponent out of the ring, and you win!"
The man jumps off his pillar of earth to stand on a viewing platform on one side of the ring, then points to the left.
"Introducing the challenger, the man forged on the battlefield as a relentless warrior. The super soldier... Captain Zeng!"
Just like the presenter, a man appeared from the earth. He was wearing a decorated military uniform of the Earth Kingdom, covered by a green cloak that barely hid his prominent muscles. Captain Zeng placed a hand on his head, where he held an armoured hat, and lifted it slightly, revealing his fierce, scarred face.
"And his opponent, someone who is the living embodiment of Earthbending. He is The Undisputed Earth Rumble VI Champion, The Great One... The Boulder!"
The crowd erupted in cheers as a pillar of earth rose to one side of the ring, revealing a tall, muscular man wearing simple pants, his torso completely bare, revealing an impressive physique with a tattoo of a badger mole covering his entire back.
Over his shoulder, The Boulder wore a large belt representing his championship, which he proudly raised with one arm, causing the crowd to cheer even louder.
"Finally... The Boulder has come back to Earth Rumble VI!" he shouted, earning a standing ovation from the crowd.
The Boulder jumped from his pillar of earth and landed in the ring, where Captain Zeng was waiting for him. The two men came face to face, Captain Zeng with a serious expression and The Boulder with a confident smile. The crowd was loudly cheering the names of both men.
"Listen well, Captain Ding-a-ling," The Boulder said. "Do you think you have what it takes to go one-on-one with The Great One?"
Captain Zeng's expression hardened.
"I think..."
"It doesn't matter what you think!" The Boulder snapped in his face. "No matter if you were forged on the battlefield or in your mother's chicken field, you don't have what it takes to stand in that ring against the hundreds..."
"And hundreds!" shouted the crowd.
"... Of The Boulder fans here tonight. And they're all going to see The Boulder grab that stupid hat of yours, turn that sumbitch sideways and stick it straight up your candy ass!" The crowd erupted in laughter and cheers as they listened to The Boulder, who grabbed his championship belt and raised it high in Captain Zeng's face. "If you smell what The Boulder is cooking!"
When the bell rang to begin the showdown, neither fighter wasted any time in attacking the other. Percy watched in fascination as the men picked up large chunks of stone from the ground and threw them at their opponent.
The Boulder stomped hard, creating a pillar that sent Captain Zeng flying, then stomped again, pulling out a man-sized rock and throwing it at his opponent. Captain Zeng pulled himself together in time, crossed his arms, withstood the impact of the rock, then fell and struck the ground with his fist, causing the entire ring to shake and a wave of rocks to spread out from the point of impact. The wave hit The Boulder, sending him out of the ring, but he managed to grab onto the edge and create a ramp to climb back up.
The champion wasted no time in returning an attack to his opponent, who had turned his back on him, thinking he had won, and stomped down hard, creating a series of stone pillars that quickly approached Captain Zeng. As he turned to look, it was too late as the pillars hit him directly, sending him out of the ring and landing hard on the lowest part of the stands.
The crowd erupted in cheers again as the sound of the bell signalled the end of the match. The announcer stepped down from his platform and raised The Boulder's hand.
"Here is your winner and still The Undisputed Earth Rumble VI Champion... The Boulder!"
The Boulder raised the belt in victory to a standing ovation from the entire crowd.
"Is there anyone who can break The Boulder's undefeated streak of 119 days!" the host asked the audience. "I announce an open challenge. If there is anyone in the audience who has the courage to face the champion, let them step forward!"
At first, the entire audience was silent as they looked at each other, as if searching for someone with the courage to take on this ball of muscle.
"I'll do it!" someone announced.
Everyone turned to see who was speaking and widened their eyes in disbelief as they saw a little girl building a dirt ramp from the bleachers to the ring.
Percy recognized the girl. It was the same one he had seen in his earlier dream.
The little girl stood in front of The Boulder, who stared at her in disbelief.
"Who in the blue hell are you?" he asked.
"I am the Earthbender who is about to kick your muscular ass," the girl declared, pointing at her face. "But you can call me The Blind Bandit."
"More like The Blind Midget," The Boulder scoffed. "Why don't you go home and sleep with your stuffed platypus bear before your mommy scolds you for staying up so late?"
"I'll go home," the girl nodded before pointing to the belt The Boulder was holding, "And I'll take this with me to use as a platypus bear. First, though, I'll have to wash it to get rid of the stinky sewer opossum rat smell it has from being with you for so long."
The Boulder blinked in confusion before bursting into laughter.
"Do you think you have what it takes to go one-on-one with The Great One?" he asked, waving his hand in front of the girl's face. "Can you even see The Boulder?"
"Oh, believe me, I can see you. But... Can you see this?"
The girl tapped the ground with her heel and a pillar of earth suddenly rose, sending The Boulder into the air and then landing abruptly on the ring floor. The place fell silent as The Boulder quickly stood up with an angry expression on his face.
"What's the matter, The Pebble, didn't you see it coming? Or... " asked the Blind Bandit, holding her palm in front of her face and waving it from side to side with a grin. "You can't see me?"
The bell rang, officially announcing the start of the duel, and The Boulder wasted no time in attacking his new, smaller opponent, stomping hard on the ground and pulling out a large chunk of rock that she sent straight at The Blind Bandit.
Even though a rock twice her size was headed straight for her, The Blind Bandit remained unperturbed, with a confident smile on her face. As the rock was about to hit her, she stomped her foot and raised a hand, stopping the huge rock without moving an inch in front of the astonished eyes of the entire crowd. The Blind Bandit then struck the rock with the palm of her other hand, sending it straight at The Boulder, who had folded his arms in front of his body for protection. The rock shattered on impact, but The Boulder didn't move an inch.
"Hahaha" He laughed. "It's going to take a lot more than that to make The Boulder..."
The words were stuck in his mouth as he saw a pillar of earth coming straight at him, hitting him in the chest and sending him out of the ring, landing exactly where Captain Zeng had fallen. The crowd was completely silent, unable to believe that a girl of about ten had defeated the champion so easily.
Percy was equally surprised. This little girl had beaten this grown man in an Earthbending match... and she had done it without moving an inch from where she was standing.
The announcer was the first to gather himself and raise The Blind Bandit's hand.
"Here is your winner and the new Undisputed Earth Rumble VI Champion... The Blind Bandit!"
As he watched the girl raise the championship belt high in the air to a standing ovation from the crowd, Percy wondered if an Earthbender was capable of something like that... Or was it just that the girl was incredibly talented?
And why did The Blind Bandit look so familiar?
The next day, Percy accompanied his father to Harbor City to await the arrival of Zuko and Azula's uncle, Iroh. Fat had stayed behind to oversee the training of the disciples, having gained enough experience as Piandao's right-hand man to act as a substitute.
As he waited beside his father in the harbour, Percy stared out at the sea stretching as far as the eye could see. At the sight of it, he felt an indescribable longing with such intensity that it was almost painful.
He could feel the cool sea air blowing in his face. The sound of the waves lapping against the shore, along with the salty smell in the air, was almost intoxicating. It was as if the sea was calling to him, inviting him to enter its waters and go beyond the horizon. Unlike most of the time, when he felt sleepy or hungry, just being so close to the sea was strangely invigorating and refreshing. The sea air itself seemed to sharpen his senses and keep him more alert than ever.
Was it because he was a Waterbender? But a Waterbender was invigorated by the moon. And when the moon was high in the sky, Percy didn't feel invigorated, he felt sleepy.
"Hey, dad," Percy said, catching Piandao's attention. "If someone from the Royal Family is coming back to the capital after so long, why are we the only ones here?"
That was something he found strange, considering how the citizens worshipped the members of the Royal Family. He thought there would be a crowd of people waiting at the harbour for the former Crown Prince's arrival.
Piandao's expression turned sombre.
"Unlike the other members of the Royal Family, not many people look favourably on Iroh right now," he revealed.
"What? Why is that? I thought people idolised members of the Royal Family."
"And they do, yes. But after Iroh abandoned the siege of Ba Sing Se when he lost his son in battle, everyone saw it as an act of cowardice. Everyone in the Fire Nation thought he dishonoured the lives of the soldiers who died in battle. And for someone from the Fire Nation, honour is everything. Especially for those who belong to the Royal Family."
Percy remembered Zuko and Azula telling him something similar. How those who belonged to the Royal Family carried the expectations of the entire Fire Nation, to be the example to follow. To be the best.
So what would happen if they failed?
He looked around and saw no preparation or welcome for the former Crown Prince. He didn't see Zuko, Azula or Ozai present to welcome a member of their family. Was it because they were ashamed of Iroh?
He couldn't think much about it because in the distance, he saw a cloud of black smoke rise into the clear sky and a warship appeared on the horizon over the sea. In a short time, the ship had crossed the gulf and entered the shores of Harbor City. Standing in front of it, Percy was amazed to see that the ship was indeed huge, three times larger than the ship he had arrived in the capital on. It was also slightly modified. The bow was ostentatiously decorated with gold accents, as was the conning tower.
The ship docked in the harbour and a ramp went down to the starboard side... Wait, how did he know what starboard meant?
Percy saw an entire squadron of soldiers come down the ramp and position themselves along the sides of the dock. These soldiers wore uniforms that were a little different from standard. They were all red with gold accents, and the faceplates on their cases only covered their eyes, while the tops of their helmets were more pointed. Percy recognized them; they were the Royal Procession. Elite Firebender soldiers whose sole purpose was the safety of the members of the Royal Family.
Then, at the top of the ramp, four soldiers came down carrying a long, wide box wrapped in a white cloth with the Fire Nation symbol on it. Percy realised what the box was: a coffin. And behind the coffin, a man came down the ramp.
He was an older man, a bit short with a stocky build. His brown hair, along with his beard, both had grey curls. They looked somewhat unkempt, as if he hadn't groomed himself in months, doing the bare minimum to look presentable. His slightly pronounced cheekbones signalled that he had lost a lot of weight in a short amount of time, though he still retained a noticeable belly, and the prominent dark circles under his eyes signalled that he hadn't slept much lately.
Percy never imagined that his first impression of Iroh, the former Crown Prince, would be that of an old, tired, and miserable man.
"Iroh..." Piandao spoke as he approached.
Iroh looked up. His eyes looked dull and distant, but a glimmer of joy shone in them at the sight of Piandao.
"Piandao... It's been a while," he said with a soft voice and a small smile on his lips. "It's... It's good to see you again. I wish our reunion was under better circumstances."
Piandao smiled back, but it was slightly shaky.
"Me too, old friend."
"How long has it been? Fifteen years? Sixteen years?"
"Sixteen," Piandao confirmed.
"I see... It's been a long time," Iroh commented, looking at him from head to toe. "The years have been kind to you."
"I wish I could say the same for you."
They shared a small laugh and smiled at each other. Despite the smiles and the light banter, there was an air of distance between them.
Dropping all formality, Piandao walked over and hugged Iroh tightly.
"I... I'm sorry," Piandao's voice was slightly choked. "I'm sorry, Iroh. For Lu Ten... for Meiying... for everything that happened..."
Iroh was taken aback by the hug for a few seconds, but then he returned it as tightly as if he were clinging to a life preserver in the middle of the ocean.
"You have nothing to be sorry for, my friend," he said in a trembling voice, as if on the verge of tears. "Now, after so many years, I can finally understand you. I can understand your longing for peace," Iroh broke the embrace and placed his hands on Piandao's shoulders, watching him with slightly teary eyes. "Will you help me find my own peace?"
Piandao blinked, surprised by the former Crown Prince's request. Nevertheless, he smiled sympathetically and nodded.
"Of course. I'll be with you every step of the way."
"Just like in the old days, right?" Iroh asked with a small smile. Then he turned, and his gaze fell on Percy, causing him to tense slightly. "I assume he's the boy you told me so much about."
"Yes, his name is Perseus. My son" Piandao introduced, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Percy, this is Iroh. General of the Eastern Army, firstborn of Azulon, the man known as The Dragon of the West... and an old friend of mine."
Percy took a step forward and looked at the man before him. Despite being Ozai's brother, Percy saw no trace of the Fire Lord's cold, calculating gaze. Instead, Iroh had a tired but gentle expression.
"It is an honour to meet you, uh... General Iroh," Percy said awkwardly as he bowed.
Iroh smiled warmly and returned the salute.
"Please, you need not be so formal with me, my boy. You can just call me Iroh. And from what I've heard of you, formality is not your thing."
Percy felt his cheeks and ears heating up. It was somewhat embarrassing to be recognized for his rebelliousness and disrespect by a man as prominent as Iroh.
"Thank you... I think."
"No, thank you," Iroh said to Percy's surprise. "From the letters I've received, you've been a positive influence in the lives of my nephews."
"Me? Are you sure you mean me and not my dad?" Percy asked. "I mean, he is the one who taught Zuko and Azula."
Iroh looked surprised and turned to Piandao.
"Have you taught Azula as well?"
"It was only a few weeks ago," he replied, "And she came to me for guidance in mastering her blue fire."
Iroh's surprise became even more obvious.
"Blue fire? Well... I must have missed a lot..."
Percy didn't like the look of sadness and regret in Iroh's eyes.
"But you're here now, aren't you?" He pointed. "You can be there for Zuko and Azula. Be... their uncle. It's not too late."
Iroh looked at Percy in surprise, but then smiled slightly as he lowered his head thoughtfully.
"Yes... You are right, young Perseus. It is not too late. It is never too late to make amends."
Once again, Percy was amazed and impressed that Iroh was the older brother of someone like Ozai. He could not see any family resemblance.
Since no one had come to receive Iroh, Piandao offered to take him to the Royal Palace. Lu Ten's body would be carried by the Royal Procession and prepared for the funeral rites befitting a member of the Royal Family.
As Percy accompanied his father and Iroh into the carriage, he listened as they caught up and told each other all that had happened in their lives since they had parted sixteen years before. Although Percy knew that they both refrained from telling the darker aspects of their lives because of his presence, he understood them. If he were an adult, he wouldn't want to share his most difficult experiences in front of a twelve-year-old, either.
When they arrived at the gates of the Royal Palace and stepped out of the carriage, the guards tensed at the sight of Iroh and immediately gave a military salute.
"G-General Iroh!" one of them saluted, "W-we didn't know you were coming back, sir!"
"We'll let Fire Lord Ozai know right away!"
Iroh nodded.
"I would appreciate it."
One of the guards gave a final salute before rushing into the palace and announcing the arrival of Iroh, who turned to look at Piandao and Percy.
"I thank you for escorting me here. It was a pleasure to see you again, Piandao. Perhaps we can share a cup of tea some other time."
"Of course," Piandao agreed. "Jasmine tea?"
Iroh smiled slightly.
"You didn't forget."
"I would never forget your favourite tea, considering the countless times we drank it together."
"I am glad to hear that. Now..." Iroh looked at the palace behind the great gates. "I have to meet my brother."
"I can go with you," Piandao offered.
Iroh shook his head sadly.
"I appreciate it, my friend, but this is something I must do alone."
Although he looked somewhat doubtful, Piandao nodded and put a hand on his shoulder.
"Then I will see you at the funeral. I won't let you go through this moment alone. No more."
Iroh nodded, looking touched.
"Thank you..."
With a farewell bow, Piandao went to the carriage. Percy mimicked his father's actions and bowed to Iroh before going to the carriage. Once they were inside, Percy saw the stricken look on his father's face.
"Dad... Are you okay?" he asked.
"Yes, I'm fine. It's Iroh that worries me. I can only imagine the pain of his loss. The pain of losing his only son... If I were to lose you..." Piandao gave him a sideways glance before shaking his head as if he didn't want to think about it. "When a man loses his son, he loses a part of himself. These are the consequences of war. In peacetime, children bury their parents. In times of war, it is the fathers who bury their sons."
The consequences of war...
As he thought about it, Percy began to understand why his father had left the army and his reluctance to fight in another war.
Throughout his life, the war had always been something distant to Percy. Something that happened on the other side of the world that he thought would never reach him or his family and friends. Now, whether he wanted it or not, the war seemed to be coming closer and closer to his life, like a storm looming on the horizon that threatened to engulf everything in its path.
At the thought of it, he felt his heart clench with fear and anxiety. Not fear for himself, but fear for his father. For he knew that Piandao would return to the battlefield if the situation demanded it.
That same day, as the sun began to set on the horizon, Percy accompanied his father to the Royal Palace for a ceremony honouring Iroh's son, Lu Ten, who had died in battle. Percy had never met Lu Ten personally, but he was Zuko and Azula's cousin, not to mention the son of Iroh, himself a close friend of his father's.
So Percy found himself in his best clothes, and Fat spent nearly 30 minutes fixing his hair to make it look presentable, which required a lot of patience and ointment to keep it in place.
"You look like a proud member of the nobility, young master," Fat had commented appreciatively.
Looking in the mirror, Percy had to admit it. He did look good. His hair was perfectly pulled back into a bun, held in place by a headdress, not a single hair out of place. And the clothes he wore, especially the red haori, made him look like a member of high society. He wished it wasn't a funeral.
When he and his father arrived at the great hall where the ceremony honouring Lu Ten was to be held, Percy saw that few had attended. Only the highest members of society were allowed to enter. Nobles, prominent military men, and close friends. Many of them wore elegant clothes and jewellery that signalled their high social status. Others wore decorated army armour, indicating their high military rank. Although not a nobleman, Piandao was or had been a prominent military man and a close friend of Iroh's, so he and Percy were allowed to enter.
The hall had been prepared beforehand with flowers and large decorations. A fine red carpet led to the white, silk-covered coffin where Percy knew the body of Iroh's son lay. On an altar above the coffin was a large portrait honouring the late member of the Royal Family; Lu Ten. There were two chairs on either side of the coffin, and in one of them sat Iroh, his head bowed, deep in thought, with a forlorn expression on his face.
Among the people present, Percy managed to see Mai, accompanied by what he assumed was her family, dressed in elegant clothes that Percy would not have recognized at any other time. His eyes met Mai's, and she nodded almost imperceptibly in greeting, but her expression remained unchanged as she stood there without moving a muscle. If she hadn't nodded at him, Percy would have thought she was an oversized doll.
As his eyes searched for Ty Lee, he quickly found her. He raised his hand to greet her, but stopped, and his eyes widened in surprise when he saw not only Ty Lee, but six other girls identical to her! He didn't know that Ty Lee had twin sisters. It was really disturbing to see them, because they looked exactly the same, the only thing that was different about them were the ages, hairstyles and outfits they were wearing.
He couldn't think about Ty Lee's identical sisters anymore, or try to decipher which one of them was his friend, because he heard the words of the priest in charge of the funeral.
"Today is a day of joy, but most of all it is a day of mourning," the old man announced in a voice that echoed throughout the room. "Today we honour the return of Iroh, Azulon's firstborn. And with that, we honour the life and death of one of Agni's chosen family members; Lu Ten."
Percy looked at the members of the Royal Family who were among those present. Ozai showed no expression at all, his face looking as if it had been carved in stone. Zuko frowned sadly as he looked sideways at the coffin containing the body of his cousin.
The one who was conspicuously absent was Azula. There was no sign of her anywhere in the hall.
"Lu Ten, Commander of the Eastern Armies," the old man continued, "You led our army through the Earth Kingdom, leading them with wisdom and bravery. You brought pride, honour, and glory to our nation. Now rest in peace."
After the priest finished speaking, the people formed a long line to pay their respects to Iroh.
As he stood in line next to his father to pay his respects, Percy could hear the murmur of some of the people behind him.
"Is it true he abandoned the siege?" he heard one of them murmur.
"Yes," replied another. "After his son was killed."
"But that was months ago, why is he coming back now?"
"No one knows. He's been missing since he left the siege."
"So, his son dies a hero, and he'll forever be known as a coward."
Percy glanced sideways at these people. He resented their hypocrisy and insensitivity. Sure, he realised that he wasn't a very respectful person towards authority figures, he felt an inexplicable dislike towards them, but he could learn to respect someone's pain. Especially the pain of a person who has lost a loved one.
If Iroh listened to these people or if it affected him in any way, he certainly didn't show it. His expression had not changed since the beginning of the ceremony.
The first one to approach Iroh was Ozai himself, accompanied by Zuko.
"Brother."
Iroh looked up to watch him. His eyes were glassy and distant, but they focused to see his brother, the new Fire Lord, standing before him.
"Take comfort in knowing that Lu Ten will forever be hailed as a champion of the Fire Nation," Ozai said.
"Thank you, Ozai," Iroh replied, his voice slightly choking.
Ozai nodded and placed a hand on Iroh's shoulder.
"His sacrifice will be enshrined in legend."
With those last words, he turned and walked away. Percy watched him go, unbelieving. Was this all he would say to his brother to comfort him for the death of his son? Was this how members of high society consoled their loved ones?
Next to step forward to offer his condolences was Zuko, dressed in elegant robes of pristine white with gold accents on his shoulder pads and obi.
"Uncle, what a great honour for you and for Lu Ten to die in the service of the Fire Nation." he said.
Zuko bowed his head in respect and prepared to retreat like his father, but just as he was about to do so, he stopped. Percy watched as Zuko's face crumpled in conflict before he pulled himself together and retraced his steps to rejoin Iroh, who looked up curiously at the sight of his nephew's return.
"When... my studies weren't going well and Father was unhappy, Lu Ten gave me this," Zuko said, pulling a gold medal from the folds of his sleeves and showing it to Iroh. "He had won it for finishing first in his officer class. He said it should belong to someone destined to do great things. It gave me strength."
Zuko knelt down and, with surprising gentleness, took Iroh's hand and placed the medal in his palm. Iroh looked at the medal with great regret. His eyes glazed over as Zuko made him close his fingers over the medal.
"Lu Ten never needed it," Zuko continued, a small smile on his lips. "Because he was the strongest person I knew."
Zuko bowed his head again in respect, but this time he did not try to withdraw, but sat down in the chair next to Iroh. The young prince looked at his uncle and said nothing more, as his presence alone conveyed the most important thing. That he was there for his uncle.
Next to approach Iroh was Piandao, accompanied by Percy. Iroh looked up, a single tear falling from his eye, but he made no attempt to wipe it away.
"I offer you my sincere condolences, my friend," Piandao said, placing a hand on Iroh's shoulder. "We have always been told that the value of a person's life is measured by the achievements they have made in life. Lu Ten made great achievements in his life, yes... but the true value of his life lies in the lives of the people he influenced, the people he loved," he gently placed a hand on Iroh's chest. "The bonds we share with them will never disappear, nor will their presence in our hearts. The love we feel for them. A reminder that the people we love will never leave us completely."
Tears streamed from Iroh's eyes. His lips trembled, but he managed to mumble in a choked and broken voice.
"Thank you..."
Piandao smiled sympathetically at him and stepped back, making room for Percy to step forward.
He looked at the man before him, not knowing what to say. What do you say to a man you just met to console him for the loss of a son you never knew?
"I...uh...never met Lu Ten," he said somewhat hesitantly. But when he saw Iroh's expectant look, he pushed aside any doubts and tried his best to be as firm as possible. "But I have heard stories about him from Zuko and Azula. They said that he was like the older brother that they never had. That he was noble, brave and kind. He left his mark on their hearts. It would have been a true honour to have known someone like him. Your son was a great man."
Percy could see that not only Iroh was surprised by his words, but also Zuko and Piandao. To tell the truth, Percy was surprised as well.
True, he is not as eloquent as his father, nor as wise as he. But when he heard what his father had said about a person's value being in those they influenced and loved in their lives, Percy knew that the best way to comfort someone over the loss of a loved one was to reminisce about the good memories they had shared and the value their lives had brought to others. He had always heard stories about Lu Ten told by Zuko and, on rare occasions, Azula, that he was someone to be admired, brave, and a worthy member of the Royal Family. If Lu Ten was half the person they said he was, then Percy knew he was an honourable man.
Iroh closed his eyes and let the tears run down his cheeks. A small, sad, yet touching smile stretched from his lips.
"Thank you for your kind words, young Perseus."
Percy curtsied and bowed to the man. Before leaving the room, he looked at Zuko and their eyes met. There was a tense and uncomfortable silence between them. They hadn't spoken or seen each other since their fight a few weeks ago, but Percy refused to let it continue. He wanted his friend back.
"Hey, Zuko..." he spoke, deciding to break the silence between them.
"Now is not the time, Percy," Zuko interrupted, struggling to keep a straight face.
Percy nodded in understanding.
"I know. That's why I'll wait. If you want to talk... you know where to find me."
With his wish granted, Percy left the room.
While the funeral was still going on, Percy decided to step away from the crowd and go out into the garden. He needed a break from the gloomy atmosphere. His father had decided to stay with Iroh to help him grieve. He wanted to make up for all the years he had not been there for his friend, which Percy could understand.
And speaking of friends...
Percy looked around and found no trace of Zuko. He wanted to believe that he was still by his uncle's side, showing his support, but a large part of him thought that Zuko was simply avoiding him because he didn't want to see him.
What he did find was Mai and Ty Lee, or who he guessed was Ty Lee and not one of her other six sisters because she was standing next to Mai talking to a boy he didn't know. From the elegant and shiny clothes he was wearing, he was obviously a nobleman or from a prominent military family. He had brown hair pulled back in a tight bun and a tanned complexion, as if he spent a lot of time in the sun.
Judging by the tense and serious expressions on Mai and Ty Lee's faces, and the boy's frown of impatience, it was a rather heated discussion.
Percy approached them to find out what they were talking about and why it looked like Mai was about to pull out her knives to practise aiming at the boy, but before they could see him, he was being dragged behind a leafy bush.
"What the...?"
"Shhhh" Percy was silenced when a hand was placed over his mouth. "Be quiet or we'll be discovered."
Percy looked up at the person who had taken him, and was surely surprised at who he saw.
"Azula?" he whispered, removing the hand from his mouth. "What are you doing here?"
Judging by her white dress with gold accents, Percy would have thought she was at Lu Ten's funeral. Instead, she was here in the Royal Garden, hiding behind a bush.
"What does it look like?" she asked, looking over the bush at Ty Lee, Mai and the boy. "I don't want to see Chan again."
"Chan? You mean the boy Mai seems to want to use as target practice?"
"If she does, I'll give her a full set of the best knives" Azula narrowed her eyes in disgust at the sight of Chan.
"It is strange that you are avoiding someone," Percy pointed out. "Normally, you'd just give them that look of yours... yeah, the same one you're giving me now, and tell them to get the hell out of here before you set them on fire."
"And I did..."
"Did you set him on fire?"
"I was quite tempted to do so. This boy is persistent because..."
She fell silent. Which Percy found strange.
"Because...?"
Azula looked away, frowning in annoyance.
"None of your business."
"You're the one who brought it up!"
"Shhhh!" she shushed him, covering his mouth again with her hand and forcing him to duck as Ty Lee, Mai and Chan looked in their direction.
"Did you hear something?" Ty Lee asked. "It sounded like one of the constant discussions Azula and Percy have."
"That... is oddly specific," Mai said.
"You two, stop trying to distract me," Chan said impatiently. "I know I saw Princess Azula come here, so stop getting in my way."
"She doesn't want to talk to you," Ty Lee said, holding her arms out like a barrier to keep him out. "She's not interested in you."
"Interested?" Chan smiled innocently. "I don't know what you're talking about. I just want to express my condolences for the honourable death of her cousin. As a high member of the nobility and the son of Admiral Chan who commands the Northern Fleet, it is expected that I would pay my respects to Lu Ten's relatives for his heroic death in battle."
"I did not see you pay your respects to General Iroh, Zuko or the Fire Lord Ozai," Mai pointed out, giving him a piercing look.
Chan's smile faltered slightly, but he did not budge.
"My father already did that. And he told me to pay my respects to Princess Azula."
"Aha. And this has nothing to do with the fact of Azula's new position?" Ty Lee asked with a sceptical look.
Chan looked away.
"I don't know what you're talking about," he said.
"Don't try to fool us," Mai said, narrowing her eyes. "Ever since Azula became a princess, boys like you have been approaching her with the intention of currying favour... and courting her on orders from their parents."
Percy opened his eyes in surprise and turned to look at Azula, who avoided his gaze as she pursed her lips in a thin line.
'So that's why...' Percy reasoned.
Now that he had figured it out, Percy felt like a real fool. It was obvious now that he thought about it. The extremely suspicious attitude that Azula, and to some extent Zuko, had always had was due to the position that had been imposed on them from the moment they were born. As members of royalty, it was obvious that nobles would approach them with the intention of gaining favour. And now that they had both become a princess and prince respectively, the attention they would receive would be even greater, which was why Zuko and Azula had been acting so strangely ever since.
When he thought about it, Percy felt like a jerk for how he had acted with Zuko, considering the even greater pressure that had been put on him by becoming Crown Prince. Percy should have been there for him, as a friend, supporting him. Not punch him in the face for acting angry, frustrated and sad about his mother's disappearance and his new social position.
He turned to look at Azula and wondered if she felt pressured by her new position as well.
Percy wanted to slap himself at the thought. Of course that she felt pressured. And when you added in the fact that Azula had discovered a new form of firebending, it was only to be expected that everyone's expectations of her would be even greater, to the point of affecting her.
"Courting her? Me?" Chan muttered, looking indignant at Mai's accusation. "I would never do such a disrespectful thing to someone from the Royal Family!"
"Even if your father told you to?" Mai pressed. "We overheard your conversation. Your father ordered you to use this situation to get close to Azula."
"You are all the same," Ty Lee pointed at Chan. "All you care about is the prestige of your own family. None of you really care about Azula."
"In the end, you're all just like leeches. Taking advantage of others for a living."
"H-how...?" Chan gasped indignantly, taking a step back, "How dare you slander me! Who do you think you are to accuse me like that?"
"We are Azula's friends!" Ty Lee shouted angrily, "And we've stopped louts like you from trying to take advantage of her."
"Though I still doubt she needs our help," Mai added.
Percy smiled at Ty Lee and Mai's display of friendship. He turned to Azula, who had a conflicted look on her face.
"This is ridiculous," Chan said, "I don't have to explain my actions or intentions to you. Now move along, and I will overlook such blatant disrespect for me and my family."
"We won't," Ty Lee said stubbornly. "We won't let you near Azula just because you seek prestige for your family."
Chan narrowed his eyes in annoyance and impatience.
"Move... or I'll make you."
Discreetly, Mai reached into the folds of her robe and pulled out a pair of knives. In return, Chan took a firebending stance. Even Ty Lee took a strange fighting stance.
Seeing this, Percy made a move to get up, but Azula stopped him by grabbing his arm.
"What do you think you're doing?" She asked.
"Isn't it obvious? I'm stopping them from starting a fight," Percy replied.
"Why bother? It's none of your business."
"Ty Lee and Mai are my friends, just like yours. That's all the reason I need. And as far as I know, they're doing it to protect you."
"I don't need protection," Azula spat angrily.
"Maybe not, but you can't stop your friends from caring about you."
Azula looked stunned, and her grip loosened, a situation Percy took advantage of to stand up.
"Okay, that's enough," he said, making his presence known and approaching them.
"Who are you?" Chan asked, not relaxing his stance and looking at him with suspicion.
"Percy!" Ty Lee said, happy to see him.
"Hey, girls," Percy greeted, raising his hand, "What are you doing picking a fight with a stranger? Normally, that's my thing."
Ty Lee pointed at Chan.
"He wants to court Azula"
"Does he?" Percy looked at Chan. "Well, I wish you luck. I admire your courage... or stupidity."
"What are you saying?" Chan said, sounding both insulted and confused.
"Dude, court Azula would be like trying to court a dragon... a dragon that tends to burn anything that irritates it."
Percy swore he could feel Azula's piercing gaze on the back of his neck.
Ty Lee chuckled. Even Mai looked slightly amused by his comparison.
"Why don't you just go away and save yourself the trouble?" Percy offered.
He thought it would convince Chan to stop his attempts and he would withdraw quietly, but apparently his words seemed to upset him more, judging by the way he frowned.
"Who do you think you are, telling me what to do...? Wait, I get it!" Chan pointed an accusing finger at Percy. "You're another suitor!"
Percy definitely wasn't expecting that response.
"Huh?"
"Now it all makes sense. You're another suitor who wants to get rid of the competition! Well, that's not going to happen! I'm suitor number one!"
"Dude, I don't know what you're talking about. But if you mean being the number one suitor to being idiot of the year, then congratulations, you won. And with honours."
"Don't play dumb!" Chan growled impatiently.
Percy turned to Ty Lee and Mai.
"Do you know what the number one idiot of the year is talking about?"
Ty Lee and Mai shook their heads.
Surprisingly, someone else answered and clarified their doubts.
"He means to be a suitor to become my betrothed"
They all turned in surprise as Azula approached.
"P-Princess Azula!" mumbled Chan. "What... What a coincidence to find you here! I didn't get a chance to introduce myself last time, my name is..."
"Who you are is irrelevant," she interrupted harshly. "What matters is what you tried to do. Assaulting someone within the walls of the Royal Palace is a serious crime. One that could lead to you having to explain your actions to the Fire Lord himself."
Hearing this, Chan lowered his head.
"My... my most sincere apologies, Your Highness."
Azula nodded, pleased with the deadpan submission.
"Wait," Percy interrupted in surprise, looking between Azula and Chan, "Is this guy a suitor to be your... betrothed? Don't take this the wrong way, fire girl, but couldn't you have picked someone better?"
"Hey!" complained Chan indignantly, "How dare you...?!"
"Silence," Azula ordered, giving Chan a withering look, who backed away. She then looked at Percy with annoyance. "It wasn't my decision, it was my father's. As a princess, one of the things that comes with the position is to have a list of suitors so that when I turn sixteen, I can choose one of them as my betrothed and... marry him."
"A... list?" Percy asked, confused. "Do you have a list of suitors?"
Reluctantly, Azula nodded.
"For now, there are seven. And he's one of them."
Percy opened his mouth slightly, stunned. He knew that socialites had very different traditions and customs than he was used to, but this was crazy.
"I... I didn't know," Ty Lee mumbled, her eyes drooping. "I didn't know he was an official suitor to be your betrothed. I just wanted to keep another suitor from coming after you, Azula..."
Azula looked at Ty Lee, and Percy could have sworn he saw a brief glimmer of sympathy in the princess's eyes.
"Well, now that my position is clear," Chan said, walking towards Azula with a charming smile, "How about we walk together, Azula?"
He tried to put his arm around Azula's shoulders, but before he could, she pushed aside his hand forcefully with a look of displeasure on her face.
"Who do you think you are to speak to me with such confidence?" Azula's glare made Chan jump. "Remember your position well. You are but a pretender. An aspirant. You may have the right to woo me simply because you are the son of an Admiral, but you have done absolutely nothing to earn it. You're not even worthy to be at my side", she walked to stand in front of Mai, Ty Lee and Percy, crossing her arms with a haughty look on her face. "Only they are, not because of their families, but because they've earned it."
Mai and Ty Lee looked at Azula in surprise, Ty Lee even seemed moved by her words as she covered her mouth with her hands to stifle a gasp that escaped her mouth.
"I guess that's her way of saying she considers us her friends," Percy whispered to Mai.
She didn't answer, but glanced sideways at him and gave him a small, knowing smile.
"I'm not... worthy?" Chan muttered indignantly. His indignation then turned to anger as he looked at Percy. "And what about him?! Is he worthy to court you, Princess Azula?!"
Percy glanced sideways at Azula, and their eyes met before she looked away. He didn't know if it was his imagination, but he saw a faint blush on her cheeks.
"Don't be ridiculous," she refused, "Perseus isn't even a noble. He's just a commoner."
"A... commoner?" Chan stared at Percy in disbelief. "And yet he's worthy to be at your side? Why?!"
"I told you, he's earned it" Azula gave Chan a scornful look. "Unlike you, who hides behind his father's title, Perseus does not. What he has achieved, he has done for himself by working for it. I can see that. He is far more worthy of courting me than you."
Hearing this, Percy turned to Azula in surprise, feeling his face burn, but she avoided his gaze and continued to look at Chan, waving her hand in dismissal.
"Back off before you humiliate yourself any further."
Chan pursed his lips, but lowered his head and accepted the order, giving Percy an annoyed look before leaving the garden.
The three of them fell silent for a moment. Percy glanced sideways at Azula, still feeling a warmth in his cheeks.
"So..." he began, clearing his throat before, while slightly smirking, speaking with a hint of mockery in his voice, "Am I worthy to court you, Princess?"
Azula shot him an annoyed look, and Percy could confirm that her cheeks were flushed before she looked away with a snort.
"You're insufferable," she said. "Mai, Ty Lee, let's go."
Azula left the garden and was followed a few seconds later by Mai and Ty Lee, who nodded and waved goodbye to Percy, respectively.
Percy was left alone in the garden and decided to sit in the shade of the tree by the pond and wait for Zuko to arrive.
Dusk had fallen by the time the funeral was over. Sitting under the tree by the pond in the Royal Garden, Percy watched as the nobles and military leaders retreated from the palace. His father had passed by to tell him that Zuko was still with Iroh, so he decided to wait.
It wasn't until the moon was clearly visible high in the dark sky that Zuko arrived in the garden. Percy was so engrossed in watching the turtle ducks in the pond and the moon's reflection in the water that he didn't notice the prince's presence until he was at his side.
"Hey," Percy greeted.
"Hey," Zuko returned the greeting awkwardly. He shifted in his seat before asking somewhat hesitantly, "May I sit down?"
"This is your backyard, isn't it?"
Zuko nodded.
"Right..."
He sat down next to Percy and they both stared at the pond in a somewhat awkward silence.
"How is your uncle?" Percy asked, breaking the silence.
"Well... he's still devastated by Lu Ten's death," Zuko replied. "He may never recover. Only time will tell."
"He will need help. Support from people close to him. Like you" Percy looked at him sideways. "It was nice of you to stand by your uncle and support him in his grief."
"He is my uncle, my family, I have to be there for him. Support him" Zuko looked at him and smiled slightly. "You said it, didn't you? Family should support each other."
Percy didn't want to say that Ozai had barely said a few words of condolence for Lu Ten's death, and Azula hadn't even shown up to show her support. But Zuko had, and Percy was proud of him for that.
"But today I saw that it's not only family that can come to support you, but friends as well," Zuko continued. "Master Piandao was there for my uncle, even though he didn't ask for it. He comforted and supported him unconditionally, even more than his own brother. Seeing the two of them like that... it reminded me of us."
Percy turned to look at Zuko, who looked back at him earnestly.
"When... my mother disappeared, you were there for me, Percy. Just as Master Piandao supported the uncle for the loss of his son, you supported me for the loss of my mother. You supported me as if I were your family... as if I were your own brother..."
"Zuko... I..."
"I know what you're going to say, and you don't have to say it," he interrupted quietly. "You don't have to apologise for what happened, Percy. I'm the one who has to. It wasn't... honourable of me to react the way I did, or the words I said to you. For that, I sincerely apologise."
Zuko turned to face Percy and bowed his head. To anyone who passed by and saw the scene, it seemed preposterous. The proud Crown Prince of the Fire Nation, apologising and bowing to a mere commoner. An unprecedented scene that was not seen very often, or if ever.
"Hey, that's enough," Percy said, looking away in embarrassment. "You don't have to be so formal with me just to apologise."
"This is the only way I know how," he said before his eyes softened, and he looked down sadly. "Percy, you're the first friend I ever had. Before I met you, I had no one. And it wasn't until I met you, we became friends and... we fought and drifted apart, that I realised how lonely I was... how lonely I felt..." he lifted his head and looked at Percy with intensity. "You're the only one who's been with me, not because I am a member of the Royal Family, or because I am a prince, but simply because I am... me. And I don't want to lose that... I don't want to lose you..."
Percy was speechless as he listened to Zuko and felt a lump form in his throat. He didn't know, he didn't believe it was that important to Zuko.
"Geez..." he said. "Who are you, and what have you done to the Zuko I know? Because he wouldn't be so eloquent when it came to expressing himself."
Zuko lifted his head with a small smile on his face.
"I got a few tips from my uncle," he admitted. "He knows what it's like to have a fight with a close friend... and wants to fix it."
That echoed what Piandao had told Percy.
Tentatively, Percy put a hand on Zuko's shoulder.
"I'm not going anywhere, hotman. I'll stay by your side," he said with conviction before smiling slightly mockingly. "After all, you need someone by your side to watch your back."
Zuko's lips curved into a touched smile, but quickly changed to one of amusement as he snorted and patted Percy's hand in a friendly manner.
"I don't need protection."
'Yeah, they are definitely siblings,' Percy thought after hearing the exact same words from Azula.
"The Jang Shi said otherwise," he pointed out.
"But it sounds good to have you by my side," Zuko glanced hesitantly at Percy out of the corner of his eye. "Xiōngdì."
"Xiōngdì?"
"It means 'brother'," Zuko clarified.
Percy blinked, surprised, but then smiled.
"Xiōngdì..." he mused, then nodded approvingly. "I like it."
They both fell into a pleasant, comfortable silence, looking up at the bright moon in the sky with a smile on their faces as a nice night breeze blew over them.
Percy would remember this night, and the moon would be his witness. The night he had gained more than a friend, he had gained a brother.
A xiōngdì.
...
..
.
And that's all for now, dear readers!
I hope you enjoyed the first appearance of Uncle Iroh. One of the best scenes in the Avatar Netflix Live Action Avatar series was Lu Ten's funeral. When I first saw it, I'm not ashamed to say that my eyes turned red. It was such a perfect scene that I told myself I would include it in my story.
I also decided to expand Toph's story a bit more in her time as an underground fighter. The creators of Avatar confirmed that they were inspired by "The Rock" to create The Boulder, so I gave him the personality that The Rock had in his time as a wrestler in the WWE. I also did something similar with Toph, paralleling John Cena and his famous "You can't see me". It was really fun to write that part, considering that Toph is blind.
We also saw a small but important development with Azula and Zuko. With Azula publicly recognizing Percy as someone worthy, and Zuko opening up to Percy, expressing his concerns and making up, and then calling him "Xiōngdì" which is a Mandarin word used to refer to siblings in general, though it can also be used more broadly to refer to very close friends or comrades, emphasising a strong brotherly bond.
Anyway, I hope you enjoyed it. In the next chapter, there will be a time jump to the turning point in Zuko's life. That's right, ladies and gentlemen... The Agni Kai is coming.
What will happen, how will Percy react, and what decision will he make? We'll find out in the next chapter.
And with nothing more to say... Until next time, beautiful people!
Editor's Note: Hi peepz, it is I, Alex's new editor. With my first language being English I have been brought on to help with the spelling and grammar of the story so hopefully you should find no errors in here. If you do, don't harass Alex for it. Please and thank you. GodlyTeenGuy16
