Previously on Legend of Perseus: Bender of Oceans
Iroh could only watch the unfolding spectacle in front of him with sad eyes. He could see his nephew and a number of soldiers riding on the backs of Komodo-Rhinos, laying waste to the wooden village. The neutral island of Kyoshi was ablaze.
Houses and buildings were alight in orange flames, black smoke churned into the sky. The verdant green forest was suffocated by raging wildfires. Iroh's heart broke at the scene.
Livelihoods destroyed. Innocents killed. Families ruined. A fragile peace, stolen from them.
It brought back dark memories of Iroh's own time as a General of the Fire Nation. The devastation he razed across the Earth Kingdom. The forests and farms that had been reduced to ashes. The families, his actions separated. The loss of his own son.
A tear escaped his eye. Yet again he failed another member of his family. He couldn't stop Zuko from trekking down the dark path of vengeance.
How far could his nephew fall into the dark?
/
The Legend of Perseus: Bender of Oceans
Chapter 12: A Race to the North
Harbour's Waters, The Capitol.
The ship was slowly docking into the port, gentle waves lapping its sides. Percy was willing the ocean around them to guide the ship but he couldn't take his eyes off Azula. She was fully equipped in her finest robes and armour. Her inky black hair pulled into a flawless bun with its ornamental gold hairpiece. The split fringe that framed her face.
That cold, regal facade that was betrayed by the raging emotions in her amber eyes. Azula had distanced herself for the last day, hiding in her chambers. Ever since Ty Lee confessed that she was going to join the circus, the Princess had disappeared from the group.
It unnerved Percy. He knew when Ty Lee told them that Azula hadn't taken the news well. He saw through her guarded expression. The false supportive words.
Azula was pissed.
Percy didn't really understand why. He recognised Ty Lee's reasoning. A calling to do something. Wanting to find one's self. It's how he had ended up here after all.
Expressing his support of Ty Lee certainly hadn't helped Azula's mood. Percy was worried about her. He knew he wasn't going to be able to approach her any time soon.
He turned to the two girls beside him. Whispering quietly enough not to be heard by the princess.
"I'm going to miss you acro-brat." Percy joked
"Of course you are water-boy." Ty Lee retorted.
"I can believe you're leaving me alone with these two." Mai interjected with the faintest of smirks.
Ty Lee smiled at the two of them sadly before pulling them into a hug. Percy could feel the girl in pink sniffle into his robes. He gave Ty Lee a comforting rub on her upper back.
His sea green eyes never left the Princesses lithe figure however. Percy just wanted to know what thoughts were running through her head. She was staring off at the edge of the harbour. A grand palanquin and a royal procession awaiting them. Crowds pooling at the docks, eagerly anticipating the arrival of the war heroes.
/
Western Earth Kingdom, Several Weeks Later
The banished prince was growing impatient. He had threatened his uncle that they would leave without him if he hadn't hurried along. Yet there was no sign of the old man. Zuko huffed and stormed off into the woods. Heading in the direction of Iroh's makeshift hot spring.
It didn't take long for him to arrive at the clearing where he expected to see his uncle. He wasn't there, but his robes had remained on a branch. Iroh's hot spring was filled with stone, the dirt around it upturned in snaking paths. Large rocks that weren't there before had appeared out of thin air. This wasn't a landslide. Zuko's eyes narrowed.
Earthbenders.
Uncle had been captured. The exiled princes' mind was racing, his eyes darted around him. He spotted what looked like tracks. Zuko turned to face the firebender soldier who had accompanied him.
"Return to the ship, warn the captain that there are earthbenders around." He commanded.
"I'm going to find my uncle." Zuko vowed
/
Night had long passed, but the prince continued trudging forwards on his Komodo-Rhino. The early morning sun basked everything in orange hues. He followed the remnants of a trail that remained in the dirt.
The path they wandered snaked through a hilly terrain. Zuko didn't know what direction they were heading but something in front of him caught his attention.
He dismounted his ride before trekking up to what was left on the path. A foul smelling, worn out sandal. It was the first sign outwith the tracks he had come across. Uncle Iroh had to have left this as a sign.
A resolute determination fueled him, any growing tiredness vanished in an instance. He turned to face his Komdo-Rhino.
Zuko froze.
Flying high in the sky off in the distance was a familiar creature. The Avatar's sky bison.
Adrenaline was coursing through him. His spirit screaming at him to give chase. But Zuko knew he couldn't.
The banished prince needed to find his uncle if he had any hope of capturing the avatar successfully. He remounted his steed. Watching the white animal slowly shrink in the distance. It was his destiny to bring the Avatar to his father. But that would have to wait.
/
Zuko had arrived at what looked to be an old quarry. He chose to leave his beast at the entrance and sneak in on his own. He could hear a deep male voice barking orders and commands.
"Your dangerous hands must be crushed." The same voice spat.
The prince could see five earthbenders, the one in charge lifted a boulder with his bending. The massive rock hovered in the air and began to drift over his uncles chained hands.
Zuko rushed forwards, cutting the distance between himself and the Earth Kingdom soldiers in no time. The prince jumped and directed a kick against the boulder. His foot was engulfed in flames forcing the boulder away from his uncle's hands at the last second.
He spun round, his heel still aflame, and struck the chains that bound Iroh with his metal boot.
"Excellent form Prince Zuko." His uncle said approvingly.
The firebender had the faintest twinge of a smile. "You've taught me well uncle."
"Surrender yourselves." The captains voice sneered. "It's five against two! You're clearly outnumbered."
His uncle who stood beside him, chains hanging off his arms, smirked.
"And you're clearly outmatched."
Zuko's face was graced with a wide grin. These earthbenders hadn't realised what they were up against. Several rocks were thrown at them but he watched as his uncle destroyed them with his chains.
A large boulder was heading in his direction but he quickly dodged it. From the corner of his vision he saw his uncle beat two of the earthbenders with just his bindings. Zuko doged another flying rock by ducking low. He spun his leg in a fanning arc and a rush of flames attacked the earthbending captain.
They were blocked by a wall of dirt that Zuko began to rush the defences. The fortification teetered forward and began to fall in his direction, thrusting to crush him. The firebender leapt ad high as he could, aiding himself with a boost of fire.
Zuko could only watch as the earthbenders formed a giant pillar of hard stone. Preparing to swat him like a bug. As he was about to punch a fireball in the man's direction a chain whipped the earthbenders across the face.
The captain collapsed in a heap. His earthly weapon mirroring his actions, crushing him underneath its weight. Zuko quickly looked around.
All of the earthbenders were dispatched. They had won. He turned in the direction of his uncle who was looking at him with an appreciative smile.
"Will you please put on some clothes uncle."
/
The Royal Palace, Caldera, a couple month later.
Azula's golden eyes were piercing through Mai with anger. Both their faces may have been blank facades, but the princess felt betrayal bubbling within. Her friends words, echoed in her mind.
Mai was leaving her.
"What do you mean you're going to Omashu? It's hardly been colonised" Azula pressed in her cold royal tone. Any friendliness that would usually lace her voice had vanished.
Mai's lips ever so slightly frowned. "My fathers been made governor, a reward for his fealty." She replied coldly.
Of course Mai was leaving her. Everyone inevitably did. The sense of betrayal that had been bubbling was slowly consuming her. Azula's inner fire raging with anger.
'Even your own mother left you. Why are you still being so weak?" The dark, ever preacher voice returned.
Azula clenched her jaw as her eyes narrowed. Mai had remained expressionless.
"Well I hope you enjoy that backwater." Azula spat as she turned around and stormed off. Mai glared at the princesses' retreating form.
/
Pohuai Stronghold, North-Western Colonies
Aang was trapped. Chained by his wrists to two massive metal pillars. The room he was in was suffocatingly warm. The fire that basked everything in a red hue was slowly cooking him.
The airbender glared at the Admiral who looked at him victoriously.
"Your little game of hide and seek is over." Zhao mocked.
"I've never hidden from you. Untie me and we can fight right now!" Aang retorted angrily.
"I'm not that foolish avatar. You won't be killed like the rest of your people. We've expensed enough resources capturing you, it would be a waste to do it all over again when your reborn." The admiral replied evilly. A cold smile marred his face.
Zhao turned to walk away. Aang took a deep breathe before exhaling. A grand gust of wind blew the firebender across the room, smashing into the door.
The admiral stood up and glared at the airbender.
"Resist all you want. You'll spend the remainder of your life in chains. No one is coming to rescue you." He spat before vacating the room.
/
An hour had passed. Aang hadn't given up. He kept trying to break free from the metal shackles but to no avail. His breathing had become labored, and he could hear a commotion from the hallway outside.
The airbender watched as the golden door opened up. A figure in black clothing entered the room. He wore a blue mask and wielded twin dao swords.
Aangs attempts to escape found a renewed strength at the sight before him. The figure walked towards him menacingly.
The avatar looked at him worriedly as he continued to try and free himself. The masked figure closed the distance, and brought his blades down.
A loud clang echoed in the room. The metal chains that had contained him were destroyed, freeing his wrists. Aang looked at the person warily.
"Thank you?"
The blue spirit didn't reply, but simply pointed one of his swords in the direction of the door.
"Yeah you're right. Let's go." Aang nodded.
They ran through the open door and made their way through the hallways. Several fire nation soldiers were knocked out ahead of them. The two exited the mess of corridors and entered the open air courtyard that surrounded the main building.
The avatar and the blue spirit dashed down the steps in the direction of the great gates. A loud bell started ringing and fires were lit on the walls. They had been found out.
Several soldiers tried stopping them but they worked well in tandem. As Aang blew soldiers away with great gusts of wind, the blue spirit countered those who tried to flank their sides.
They continued running, refusing to be trapped by the grand doors that had begun to close. Soldiers were flooding the courtyard slowly beginning to encircle them. For every one they knocked out or defeated, two more had replaced them.
The familiar face of admiral Zhao was closing in on them. A fireball rocketed in the direction of Aang, threatening to consume him. The blue spirit reacted quickly and deflected it with one of his swords.
The two stood side by side, prepared to battle as long as required.
Zhao voice shouted out after Aang blew away arrows that were close to killing them. "STOP!"
"We need to capture the Avatar alive."
The blue spirit beside him stiffened. Before Aang could he react he was quickly grabbed. The twin dao blades pressed to his throat.
Zhao stepped forward but the blades constricted tighter. The sharp edges slightly nicked Aangs neck, a tiny droplet of blood dripped on the cold metal.
The admiral froze. "Open the gate." His voice was steady but filled with fury.
"Admiral-"
"OPEN THE GATE!"
The grand ornate doors that were behind them began to open, a loud rumbling echoing in the night. They began to slowly shuffle backwards, the weapons never leaving their place. Aang's eyes, never wavering from Zhao's figure.
They had nearly crossed the grotesquely large stone bridge. Aang's senses shifted like the winds. He could feel something flying through the air towards them.
The airbender moved his head slightly. A whistle ringed in his ears as an arrow smashed into the blue spirits mask. The avatar looked at the person who had saved him and was astounded to see a familiar scar.
"No way." He murmured to himself.
/
Zuko's golden eyes opened to the blinding sun beaming above. He quickly raised his arm to block the glaring light. The prince was laying up against the roots of a massive tree. A familiar boy sat in eyeshot watching him with cautious eyes.
"You know, the hardest part of being born a hundred years ago is missing all the friends I used to hang out with." The avatar started softly.
Zuko listened silently, staring at the boy.
"I used to have friends all over, I used to visit one called Kuzon. We used to get into so much trouble." The avatar laughed slightly.
"He was from the fire nation, just like you." The avatar paused. His eyes were piercing through Zuko.
"Do you think if we knew each other back then, we could have been friends?" The airbender asked with a slight tilt of his head.
Zuko thought the words over. Thoughts raced through his mind of his old friend. In many ways the avatar reminded the firebender of Percy. From the raw power, their upbeat natures, their sarcastic humour. Some of the similarities were striking.
He chose not to answer. The only destiny he foresaw with the avatar was one with chains. He punched in the boys direction. The airbender jumped into the branches of the tree high above.
Zuko watched as the Avatar jumped from tree to tree. Fleeing into the distance.
/
Caldera, One Month Later
Percy had a rare day to himself. Since moving to the Capitol over a year ago, the travels across the islands, and their first campaign, free time was sparse. The son of Piandao chose to make the most of it in spite of the gloomy weather outside.
He tried to spend the morning tending to the very overgrown gardens of his fathers estate. Percy was convinced he had ended up leaving it in a worse state. He never had as green a thumb as the old butler.
It was early afternoon and he began to trek through the streets of the grand city. Percy decided to head to the markets first, he wanted to see if the vendors had any new offerings.
A small sigh escaped him. Percy wished he had someone to accompany him. He would've enjoyed having any of his friends with him. The ever bubbly Ty lee. Mai's aloof presence. Or even the frustrating Zuko who was yet to write back to him.
A small part of Percy knew however there was one specific person he had on his mind.
But she was stuck in war meetings all day, so the son of Piandao would have to continue his explorations on his own.
He finally arrived at his destination and began to move from vendor to vendor. Percy didn't find himself interested in much of what they had to sell. He did pick up a few more robes, far too often his would end up charred or in flames.
The son of Piandao continued exploring until he found the specific merchant he was looking for.
"Koshiro, how are you doing today?" Percy asked warmly.
"I'm doing well, Master Perseus. I presume you've come to look at some scrolls?" The merchant replied with a smile.
Percy gave him a lopsided grin. "What have you found for me now?"
"I've got a few for you to look at." Koshiro answered as he pulled an ornate wooden box out from underneath his desk.
Percy watched as the old merchant opened it and selected several rolled up parchments. Koshiro handed them over to him. He began to look at the first one. Percy sighed in disappointment. Far too basic and simple. Techniques he could do in his sleep. He handed it back to the merchant.
Percy opened the second one. Some of the forms interested him. A couple katas that had some interesting uses with ice. It also had some detailed drawings on healing with water. 'Could be useful.' He thought to himself. He put it to the side.
The third and fourth ones were duds as well. Nothing interesting or new to him. The fifth scroll however, really caught Percy's attention. The Oceans Tempest.
"How much for these two?" The son of Piandao enquired.
"Five hundred gold pieces." The merchant replied with a wide, greedy smile.
Percy raised an eyebrow. "No favourite customer discount?"
"For you Perseus, four hundred and seventy five gold pieces." Koshiro bargained.
Percy handed over a purse that was full of gold pieces. Between being a nobles son, and having a very nice wage, the price hadn't mattered either way. He just liked to joke with the old merchant.
"You take care Koshiro." Percy bid farewell.
"May Agni be in your favour, Perseus."
Now it was time to find a tea shop, he had plenty of letters to write these days.
/
Fire Navy Port, Northern Colonies,
Zuko was alone in his room aboard the ship. The hunt for the Avatar had brought them to the northernmost lands of the continent. The Prince's mind was entirely focused on the person he had been chasing. The airbenders destination was obvious, he was searching for a waterbending master.
A knock at the door broke him from his brooding.
"I've told you uncle. I don't want any tea!" The teenager snapped.
He looked at the portly old man who just shook his head at him. "Tea is good for the spirit nephew. But unfortunately that's not what I'm here for." Iroh spoke gravely.
Before Zuko could question him a second figure entered the room behind his uncle. A familiar admiral who angered the prince to no end.
"I'm commandeering your crew." Zhao stated coldly.
"What!" Zuko spat incredulously.
Zhao smirked at him. "I've recruited them for a little expedition to the North Pole."
"Uncle, this can't be true." The banished prince turned to his uncle.
"I'm afraid it is. He's taking everyone." Iroh's expression turned crestfallen. "Even the cook."
"It's a shame you won't be there to watch me capture the avatar." Admiral Zhao gloated. "But I won't have you getting in my way again."
Zuko wanted to throttle him. He was ready to pounce at the admiral but his uncle's glare kept him in place. He watched as Zhao grinned at him victoriously before turning to leave.
The admiral's eyes fell upon his twin dao swords. Zuko remained still as Zhao walked over to them before picking one up. The prince's whole body was racing with adrenaline as his rival analysed the weapon.
"I didn't know you were trained with broadswords, Zuko." The admiral's tone was dangerous.
"I'm not." Zuko lied. He knew how much trouble he'd be in if his disguise was revealed. "They're antiques, just decorative."
"Have you heard of the blue spirit general Iroh?" Zhao questioned as he turned to them.
"Just rumors, I don't believe he is real." Iroh answered nonchalantly.
Zhao closed the distance and was right in front of them. Weapon still in hand.
"Oh he's real all right. He's a criminal and an enemy of the fire nation." Zhao turned to face him and handed the blade over. The admiral's amber eyes glared at him.
"And I have a feeling justice will catch up to him soon." The man sneered. Zuko's senses were screaming at him.
Zhao began to exit the room.
"General Iroh. The offer to join my mission still stands. If you change your mind."
/
Later that Night.
Zuko was laying on his bed, glaring at the metal roof above. His mind was racing. Had Zhao figured him out? He could hear footsteps closing in on his door.
Yet again, a familiar face broke his thoughts.
"The crew wanted me to wish you safe travels." Uncle Iroh looked at him with a small smile.
"Good riddance to those traitors." Zuko retorted angrily.
Uncle Irohs smile didn't waver. "It's a lovely night for a walk. Why don't you join me? It'll help clear your mind." The old man offered.
Zuko ignored him, choosing to remain glaring at the ceiling.
"Or just stay in your room and sit in dark. Whatever makes you happy."
His uncle left the room. Zuko's mind became adrift once again. What did make him happy? It was an emotion he hadn't felt in such a long time that it had almost lost its meaning. An old memory with an annoying friend pranking a butler flashed in his mind. He smiled briefly, but it quickly turned to a frown.
Zuko sat up and began to move over to the other side of the room. It was finally time to write back. Before he could reach his desk a noise from deep below in the ship caught him off guard.
"Uncle?" He shouted. There was no reply.
Zuko's eyes narrowed. He left his room and trekked through the hallway in the direction of the bridge.
"Uncle is that you?" Everything was still warily silently.
He entered the bridge and nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Zuko couldn't see any sign of his uncle anywhere. It puzzled him, before he could turn to leave a squawk ripped through the air.
Zuko shapely turned in the direction of the sound. A creature hanging on a metal railing. An iguana-parrot.
The prince's eyes widened as an explosion rocketed in the depths of the boat. Everything was shaking and he was struggling to remain standing. A roaring fire boomed through the corridor in his direction. As quickly as he could Zuko created a shield of his own fire before he could be reduced to cinders.
/
Admiral's Destroyer
Iroh wandered through the labyrinth of corridors upon the boat. Searching for his nephew who was disguised as a soldier. He turned a corner and a soldier froze as he walked passed.
"Our plan is working perfectly. Zhao doesn't suspect a thing." Iroh whispered carefully. The soldier he was speaking to removed his white mask.
The familiar face of Zuko smiled at his uncle. "You didn't have to do this." He replied with an appreciative look.
"No nephew of mine is going to stow away on a ship without some back up." Iroh fondly retorted.
The sound of a door opening in the distance interrupted their conversation.
"Someone is coming. Stay hidden until we reach the North Pole nephew." Iroh warned.
/
The two men stood upon the bow of the metal ship. Gazing off into the distance. The icy waters churned underneath the great steel hull.
"This will truly be one for the history books General Iroh. Just think, centuries from now people will study the great admiral Zhao who destroyed the last of the water tribes." The admiral boasted. Already celebrating victory.
"Be careful what you wish for, admiral. History is not always kind to its subjects." Iroh forewarned with a calm tone.
"I suppose you speak from experience, but rest assured. This will be nothing like your legendary failure at Ba Sing Se." The Admiral sneered.
"For your sake Admiral Zhao. I hope not." Iroh replied gravely. Old memories still haunted him
"Prepare the captains for the first strike. We close in on the North Pole." Zhao commanded, staring off into the frozen seas.
Iroh dutifully left to enact the orders, and to tell his nephew to prepare himself.
/
"If you are fishing for an octopus, my nephew. You need a tightly woven night or he will squeeze through the tiniest hole and escape."
Iroh's gaze was directed at Zuko. Watching as the teenager prepared a small dinghy to sneak into the Northern Water Tribe.
"I don't need your wisdom just now uncle." Zuko sighed.
"I'm sorry. I just nag you because… ever since Be Sing Se." Iroh voice was quiet and laced with sadness.
"You don't have to say it uncle."
"I think if you as my own." Iron finished with a downtrodden look
"I know." Zuko replied with a smile as his uncle embraced him tightly
"I will see you again. When I have the Avatar." Zuko vowed. The prince stood in his dinghy and began to lower it into the frozen waters.
"Remember your breath of fire. It can save your life out there." Iroh worried for his nephew.
"I'll be fine uncle." The banished prince rolled his eyes.
/
Spirit Oasis, North Pole
"Shouldn't we get some help?" A girl with white hair asked a familiar waterbender.
"I'm perfectly capable of protecting my friend on my own." Katara replied smugly.
"Well," Zuko interrupted. "Aren't you a big girl now."
"No…" A fear crept into her voice."
"Yes." The Prince smirked.
"Hand him over and I won't have to hurt you." Zuko threatened as he took his stance. He could see avatar sat in a meditative pose, tattoos glowing white.
The waterbender glared at him before she took her own. Zuko punched forwards, a small fireball raced through the air. The prince's eyes narrowed. He hadn't realised just how much weaker his firebender would be so far north.
The waterbender defended it easily and returned an attack with a waist high wave of snow. Zuko quickly jumped and sliced his foot through the air. A small arc of flames flying towards Katara.
She rolled out of the way. As Zuko landed, a great whip of water knocked him off his feet.
"I see you've learned a new trick. But I've not come this far to lose to you." The firebender sneered.
Zuko quickly worked his way through a kata but was blown back by a great wave. As he stood to his feet water began to surround him. Entrapping him in churning currents that slowly turned into an icy prison.
"You water peasent. You've found a master haven't you?"
Zuko took a deep breath and could feel the rising sun through the ice. As he exhaled the ice that surrounded him melted.
"You're empowered by the moon. But it's daybreak now." Zuko smirked.
He punched forwards, a small jet of flames dashed through the air.
Katara quickly tried to defend herself with water but the rupturing steam knocked her into the tree.
Zuko watched her carefully but she didn't rise. She was either dead or unconscious but he couldn't care. He faced the direction of the airbender and ran to him.
He had finally caught the Avatar.
/
Tundra Wastelands
The prince really should have thought things through. He carried the avatar on his back, gale force winds blew ice shards that tore into his skin. Zuko found himself lost in the blizzard, trudging through knee high snow with no sense of direction. He only knew one thing.
He couldn't fail again.
The cold was sapping at his depleting strength. He was struggling to battle against the elements. Zuko pressed forward one foot at a time.
CRACK
The ice underfoot snapped loudly. Zuko's eyes widened. Adrenaline coursed through his viens, and with his newfound strength he sprinted for his life.
The ice continued shattering and breaking. The noise was louder than even the winds. Zuko could see where the ice ended and threw himself and the avatar as the ground gave away underneath them.
He had just barely survived. Zuko glared at the avatar.
"You should be grateful you're worth the effort." He spat.
The firebender looked around. Trying to get a sense of where to go. He spotted it. A small outcrop of rocks, a small cave.
"Shelter." He whispered.
Zuko dragged the avatar into the dark opening. No longer having the strength to hoist up. Once they were fully entrapped and could no longer feel the wind Zuko let go of the Avatar's collar. He began to heat himself up with his breath.
"I finally have you. But I can't even get you home because of this blizzard." The prince sneered. "There's always something."
"You don't even know how lucky you are. You wouldn't understand. All your escapes. Your victories. It's been blind luck." Zuko rambled as he glared at the unresponsive figure.
"You're just like them. Everything works in your favor. But I don't need luck, I don't want it." Zuko turned his direction out towards the blizzard that was stopping them.
"I've had to struggle, and fight. It's made me who I am, and I've finally won."
/
Zuko was freezing but continued to watch the frame of the avatar. It would deeply breathe on occasion but never moved. It was an unnerving sight. The whole cave turned a blinding white and a pair of grey eyes stared at him.
"You're finally awake."
The airbender took a deep breath, and blew a gust of wind. Zuko was knocked into the icy walls if the cave and the avatar was thrown out into the tundra.
The prince walked out of the shelter, and snorted as the airbender shuffled across the snow. He caught up to him and lifted the avatar from the ropes that bound him.
"You won't be escaping." Zuko smirked.
The avatar's face turned into a wide grin. "APPA!"
Zuko recognised the name of the creature and before he could turn was knocked unconscious. The massive air bison smacking into him as it landed.
/
Spirit Oasis
Zhao lifted one of the koi fish in a bag. The moon turned red above and basked the icy city in scarlet hues. Victory was in his grasp.
"I have become a legend now. For generations the fire nation will remember the great Zhao who darkened the moon. They will call me Zhao the invincible!" The admiral gloated, his voice booming amongst the icy walls.
"Zhao don't." A child's voice shouted.
The firebender pressed a knife up towards the bag. "It's my destiny, to destroy the moon and the northern water tribe." Zhao glared.
"Destroying the moon brings harm to everyone. Not just the water tribe. Without the moon everything will fall out of balance. You don't know how much chaos that can unleash on the world." The avatar begged, pleading for Zhao to see reasons.
"He's right Zhao!" Iroh interrupted as he watched the scene unfold.
"General Iroh. Why am I not surprised by your treachery?" The admiral sneered.
"I'm no traitor Zhao. The fire nation needs the moon to. We all depend on the balance" Iroh glared as he took a stance.
"Whatever you do to that spirit I'll unleash on you ten-fold. Release that spirit now." The old general shouted angrily.
Zhao returned the koi to the pond. But before anyone could react flames raced across the waters edge. Iroh immediately attacked the admirals guard and defeated them. But in the scuffle Xhao disappeared.
Iroh and the Avatars group stood over the spirit pond. A dead koi fish floating at the surface. Iroh watched as a girl with white hair lifted the spirits remains out of the water.
"It's all over." Her voice cracked.
"No." A thousand voices echoed. The avatars' tattoos engulfed in light. "It's not over."
The old general watched as the boy stepped into the pond and took a meditative pose. Everyone was silent.
Their was an eruption of water. Where the avatar once stood was a behemoth of a monster made from water. Iroh could only watch in amazement. It was unlike anything he had ever seen.
The spirit marched through the city. Pushing great waves of water that demolished ships. Destroyed tanks. Massacred soldiers.
/
"Zhao!" Zuko roared.
"You're alive?" The admiral looked at him incredulously.
"You tried to have me killed!" Zuko's amber eyes glared at the older man.
Zhao returned the venomous look."You're the blue spirit. An enemy of the fire nation. You freed the avatar."
"I had no choice." He retorted. Zuko shot two fire streams at Zhao who cut through them with his hands.
"You should have chosen to accept your failure. Then at least you could have lived." The admiral spat.
Zhao attacked. A great pillar of flames barrelled upon Zuko. The prince rolled away and returned the favour. Multiple fireballs shot in the direction of the admiral.
They were defended by a wall of fire. Zuko continued pressing, refusing to let Zhao have breathing space. Flames rushed towards him but Zuko deflected them with his own.
Before the prince could return the attack a great wave smashed into the two of them. Zuko could barely hold onto an icy wall and only watch as Zhao got swept away.
/
"You have been touched by the moon spirit." Iroh said as he looked at the girl in white hair.
She had a faint aura that only someone who had a connection to the spirit realm could have. He had seen it before with Percy.
"A piece of its spirit lives within you."
" Yes you're right." The girl sighed. "It gave me life… maybe I can give it back."
The water tribe boy looked shocked at her words. "No Yue! You don't have to do that."
"It's my duty Sokka." She dejectedly replied.
"I won't let you do that. It's my duty to protect you. I promised your father." Sokka looked at her heartbroken.
"I have to do this." Yue replied forcefully.
She ignored him as she held onto the moon spirit.
Everything was basked in a brilliant white glow that blinded them.
/
Royal Palace, Caldera
It was a beautiful day in the capitol. The sky was a brilliant cobalt blue and free from any clouds. The sun was at its peak, basking them in its soothing warmth.
Azula and Percy were in the Royal Gardens. They were laying down near one of the many ponds. Enjoying the calming sounds of the water, and gazing upon the sky above. The princess decided they were going to have a day off, forgo meetings or training.
It was peaceful.
Azula had found herself enjoying the calm. It was a rare moment of tranquility in the Royal Palace. She could feel her bodyguard who was laying beside her move slightly.
"So Zula, what else are we getting up to today?" His voice asked softly.
Azula turned to face Percy. She gave him a friendly glare.
"Azula. Perseus." The princess corrected.
"Percy, Zula." He retorted with a lopsided grin, his sea green eyes glimmering with mirth.
The princess returned her eyes to the sky above. She had to hold back a flush from reaching her cheeks.
"You're so annoying." Azula murmured.
She heard his joyous laugh and she felt a small flutter in her stomach. "What are you doing to me?" She asked herself.
He makes you weak! The mocking voice answered.
"You've still not answered the question. What we getting up to?" Percy asked her yet again, breaking her thoughts from the voice.
Azula mulled over her thoughts for a second. What did she want to do for the day? She just wanted to continue enjoying this moment.
"We're enjoying the sun. I'm not interested in doing much else." She finally answered.
Percy sighed beside her. "That's so boring."
Azula rolled her eyes but chose to ignore him. The relaxing peace set in once again. They remained that way for another hour watching the sun pass through the sky.
She could hear a faint pair of footsteps approach them.
"The Fire Lord requests your presence in the throne room Crown Princess." The voice of a familiar old advisor croned.
Azula exhaled deeply. That was her peace ruined for the day.
"Let's go, Perseus." She commanded.
"Of course Princess." He replied. Azula rolled her eyes at the smirk in his tone.
/
Azula entered the throne room, each step deliberate and precise. The watchful eyes of her bodyguard disappeared as the golden doors closed. The dangerous eyes of her father set their sights upon her as she bowed.
"Daughter." The cold voice of the Fire Lord echoed in the room. Azula rose.
"I am sure you have heard of the navy's defeat against the Northern Water Tribe." Ozai spat, the flames in the throne room raised slightly higher with his anger.
Azula's golden eyes flickered to the flames for a brief second, a hollow chill raced through her. She made sure to keep her blank facade but a twinge of fear set in at the sight of those orange flames.
'You're pathetic.' The familiar harsh voice mocked internally.
"I have father. I understand the Avatar sank the majority of the Northern Fleet." She replied curtly.
"Yes daughter." The fire lord sneered. "Your brother has continuously failed in his search for the avatar and it has cost us dearly. He will be punished for his weakness."
Azula remained quiet. As much as she despised her brother, a tiny part of her worried about the consequences Zuko might face. She knew just how merciless their father was capable of being. A phantom ache seared in her shoulder.
"What's worse is that I have heard reports that my brother has betrayed the fire nation, and fought alongside the avatar."
Azula's eyes nearly widened. Just what has Zuko and Iroh gotten themselves into? She knew what the punishment was for treachery. Conflicting emotions bubbled within her.
'You are pathetic. He's making you weak.' The sneering voice ridiculed her.
"Hunt them both down and bring them to me so they can face punishment." Ozai commanded. His eyes had narrowed to a glare, the flames in the throne room were nearly touching the ceiling.
Embers danced in her fathers hands. "You know what failure entails, daughter." The phantom pain in her shoulder returned, screaming at her.
"Yes father." She replied quietly with a bow. Azula knew what a dismissal sounded like from her father and made her way to the exit.
Before she could exit the room Ozai's cold voice echoed in the room.
"Send in Perseus. I wish to speak to him."
Azula nearly froze as she opened the door. Her heartbeat raced. What did her father want with him?
/
Authors Note
And that's chapter 12. Love writing the slow growing closeness between Azula and Percy, hope you've enjoyed their moments in the chapter. We've seen more of Azula and her struggles behind the scenes, and I always love writing her and Percy's perspectives.
This chapter is so long. I actually ended up doing the northern water pole scene last and I don't know how I feel about it. I may have to revisit it and tidy it up.
As always I'm going to reply to some reviews.
Skelconpeverell: cheers man for sending a PM, frustrated that the website was playing up when you tried to leave a review but it happens. Glad to see you left a review on cursed child, I hope you enjoyed it and I do plan on revisiting it after this.
Superhero01: I'm delighted you've enjoyed the last chapter. Happy that you feel Zuko's been portrayed with the changes, that was my biggest worry so a relief to read. I love writing the Percy & Azula scenes, it just comes much more naturally than the other characters. So much to still come from those 2 though. Hope you've enjoyed this one!
Cruden: cheers for your continued support man! Yeah Appreciate it.
Anonymous: at least one person spotted the seaweed brain reference. You're quite close with your thinking but there's a few more layers to it. I'm sure they'll reveal themselves in time so I won't say too much. Happy to see that you've enjoyed the Zuko and Iroh scenes. If Percy's going to help Zuko eventually I felt like it was important to start his struggles sooner.
That isn't actually Percy's 'first' kill. It is the first written kill of the story but they've already spent months based at Yu Dao dealing with the uprisings. He'll have killed during that.
The Unknown GPX: Thank you so much mate! Appreciate your kind words and you leaving a review. I hope you've enjoyed how I've done the Zuko scenes in this one! Knew I wanted to do 'rescuing uncle' storyline. Would love to hear your thoughts on this chapter!
jongybhardwaj13: Cheers man! Delighted to hear you enjoyed the story so far. Percy other powers will show up, but I don't know how I feel about ostrich horses yet. Not entirely convinced. Everything else however, will come in time.
Trife: Love the constant support! I just love writing those two together. Really enjoyed sitting this chapter as I'm sure you can tell!
Neri: thank you so much for you kind review! Massively appreciate your compliments on the writing. I don't really have a specific upload schedule. Which I know isn't the best for readers but I find it works for me. The chapters vary in length and I rewrite a majority of scenes a few times. I am aiming for roughly 4 chapters a month
/
As always if you've enjoyed the chapter follow and favourite to join in the journey! If you have any thoughts or questions about the story please leave a review! I love reading them and I love replying to them all.
Take care,
Admeto.