Previously on The Legend of Perseus; Bender of Oceans
An incredibly arc of lightning was rocketing toward Percy. He took his own stance, calling on the water around him to contain the lightning. He sensed an immense tendril water connect with the lightning, and as he twirled the water danced around him. He directed his hands in the direction of Kai and the supercharged water hurled towards the son of Zhao.
A thunder booked and Kai thrown some distance. A groan escaped the man's lips. Percy had won.
The son of Piandao turned around, ready to return to his side of the field. Just as his back faced Kai and a gong erupted a roar erupted in the stadium.
Percy's senses screamed at him and went haywire. He felt a tug of his gut and Percy had sensed what he subconsciously controlled.
A lightning bolt barely missed, flying in the narrow space above his left shoulder. The gong erupted and the voice of Fire Lord Ozai announced the end of the duel.
Percy should have been immensely proud with himself but he felt nothing but a harrowing, hollow pit in his soul. He crossed a line with his bending he never knew existed. As he was removing his blindfold his connection with the water left him.
He could no longer feel the water call to him.
/
The Legend of Perseus: Bender of Oceans
Chapter 7: Meetings in the Royal Palace
The Colosseum, Caldera. (97AG)
Drained. That was then one word that could describe Percy in that moment. Spiritually, emotionally, and mentally he was exhausted. The son of Piandao wanted to be sick but knew he could show no weakness. Percy didn't feel victorious or accomplished, he felt lost.
His mind was racing, his eyes darting around the stadium. For a brief second his gaze glanced down. Surprised to notice his right foot caressing a puddle of water. 'Why can't I feel your call?' The son of Piandao questioned himself internally. He looked around the crowd that was in rapturous applause. Percy had done enough to impress the noble families, he could only hope he had convinced the Fire Lord to let him live.
He found himself locked on a pair of comforting eyes. His father. Percy could barely read Piandao's lips. 'I'm proud of you son."
The teenager wanted to feel happy from his dads words, but only emptiness suffocated him.
He redirected his attention onto the royal box. Fire Lord Ozai stood tall and commanded an air of authority. Percy bowed in the direction of the Emperor.
"Perseus, Son of Piandao. You have done well to succeed against the odds in your duels. For this I bid you congratulations." The stadium's applause echoed deafeningly. The Fire lord waited for a moment, and with a raise of his hand the colosseum finally hushed.
Percy's focus never wavered from the royal box. He could see Uncle Iroh and his friend Prince Zuko smile at him warmly.
"Tomorrow you and your father will be our esteemed guest in the royal palace. Your duties and expectations defined when we meet." Ozai paused, an evil look flickering in his eyes.
"For now… enjoy your success. Recover. The hard work begins tomorrow."
"I am your humble servant, my Lord. For the glory of the Fire Nation." Percy replied with a booming voice.
"For the glory of the Fire Nation!" A thousand voices in the stadium chanted.
/
Piandao's Second Home, Caldera.
It was nighttime. A full moon drenched the incredible city in a delicate white light. Percy retreated to his room the moment they arrived. He told his father he just needed to be left with thoughts. Percy wanted to speak to Piandao. Confess the internal war that was raging within him. But he couldn't.
Percy was scared. He was meditating, desperately trying to connect with his element. But he felt nothing. Water should have been all around him. It had always been there, a comforting blanket that never left. He knew water was in the air, but it didn't call to him.
The son of Piandao couldn't settle. He considered practicing his kata to will the water to him, but he couldn't bring himself to stand. He was hesitant. He had never been hesitant before. The sound of raucous thunder boomed in his mind. His thoughts yet again returned to that moment when the gong announced the end of the final fight.
Kai's aim was true, Percy knew that. He shouldn't still be here, the lightning should have struck him. But it missed. The harrowing feeling in his soul returned. The feeling when his gut tugged had been threatening to swallow him.
Percy threw up in a bowl that had been near him. A bowl that had already been half filled with water. Percy stared out the window. His ocean green eyes losing themselves in the beauty of the moon above.
"Maybe it's just rest I need." The teenager murmured. His false hope failed to convince him however.
He retreated to his bed, the silk sheets blanketed him. Percy's head lay heavy on the pillows. He closed his eyes, finally collapsing into a sleep.
/
His sleep was not peaceful. Percy had tossed and turned throughout the night, a repeating nightmare playing in his mind.
There was nothing but never ending inky darkness. He was once again blindfolded but this time Percy could not sense anything around him.
A drum beat of pumping water churned and spluttered. The son of Piandao knew the sound, it had been plaguing him since his fight against Kai. Percy felt like he was drowning, unable to breathe. Slowly sinking into the abyss.
He woke up. Drenched in cold sweat and shaking with anxiety. He knew what the sound was in his dreams. But he couldn't accept the reality.
'It's impossible.' He thought to himself. 'Unnatural,' Percy shuddered.
He needed to speak to Uncle Iroh.
/
"Master Piandao, its been far too long."
"Crown Prince Zuko. It's a pleasure to see you again." Piandao spoke warmly.
"Percy still not up yet." Zuko laughed.
"He's just getting ready, he'll be happy to see you." Piandao smiled, a glint in his eyes.
"Well I was certainly surprised to see him at the stadium yesterday. It was… unexpected."
"I would have told you if you had bothered to write back to my last letter." A familiar but deeper voice joked.
"Well speak of him and he rises. Hello Percy."
"It's good to see you too Zuko." The son of Piandao smirked. The two gave each other a quick embrace before Percy joined them at the table.
"So did the Fire Lord send you down here?" Percy asked as his father poured him a cup of tea.
"No, I thought I'd come down to make sure you didn't get lost or wander off. I know what you're like" Zuko grinned.
"You wound me Zuko." Percy retorted. "I don't think its going to be that difficult to find the Royal Palace."
"Oh it isn't. But I know what your attention span is like." Zuko joked. Piandao smiled at the two boys as they bantered with each other. It reminded him of the old days when he and Iroh were younger.
"So… water?" Zuko questioned with a raised eyebrow.
"Yeah… about that." Percy replied sheepishly.
"You could've told me you know. I wouldn't have told anyone." Zuko spoke quietly, a tone of hurt inflected in his voice.
"It was my decision for Percy not to reveal his bending to anyone." Piandao spoke.
"I understand." Zuko replied. "But knowing you've held back in our sparring sessions hasn't impressed me. I expect a rematch."
"Oh you're going to get your royal ass kicked." Percy laughed
"As much as I'd love to see yous duel for old times sake. I do believe you should head off for the Palace. You shouldn't keep the Fire Lord waiting, son." Piandao warned.
"Yeah we should get a move on. You not coming?" Percy asked.
"Whilst we're here in the Capitol there's some business I should attend to. I'll see you tonight my son." Piandao answered.
"I'll see you soon Dad." Percy smiled at his father.
"Take care my boy. Prince Zuko. It has been delightful to see you once again." Piandao bid farewell, he bowed his head to the Crown Prince.
"You as well Master Piandao." Zuko bowed in return.
/
Outside the Royal Palace, Caldera.
The Royal Palace was an incredible sight up close. They were working towards the grand entrance and Percy was amazed by what he saw. The foundation of the building Was made from a stunning dark grey granite. Intricate carvings detailed the entire facade. The flawless craftsmanship depicted the incredible beauty of the Fire Nation. The archipelago of islands,volcanos in various states of eruption, rampaging seas, luxurious beaches, luscious jungles, flowing rivers, and crashing waterfalls. It was an exquisite depiction of the nation.
His eyes raised upwards, soaking in the incredible architecture. An entowering pagoda centered between two diagonal extensions. The wooden pillars had been encrusted in gold, glittering and dazzling away in the sun. The rooftops were made from dark red slate that almost glowed under the midday light.
It was truly one of the wonders of the Fire Nation. The glamorous doors opened just behind the and Zuko turned to Percy. "I told you I'd show you a real castle one day. What do you think." The prince beamed.
"It's awe inspiring." The son of Piandao gawked.
Zuko just smiled. He had looked forward to the day he could show Perseus around the palace for many years. He wanted to show of the royal gardens, the wall of Fire Lords, artifacts of the war and more. But he knew all of it would have to wait. Seeing Lord Ozai was the priority on the agenda.
Zuko navigated the labyrinth of hallways and rooms with expertise. He turned a corner and Perseus hurriedly followed. Imposing in front of them was a set for ornate golden doors. Two pillars with a spiraling dragon rising up them flanked the entrance to the throne room. Flames burned from the statues mouths that were pointed upwards. The orange glow basked the corridor with light.
A royal advisor stood in front of them.
"We're here to see my father. This is Perseus son of Piandao, winner of the duels."
"I shall inform the Fire Lord those who seek his audience." The advisor aged voice croned.
The old advisor opened the door on the right, entering the throne room with a surprising swiftness for a hunched man.
Percy was anxious. All he could do was focus on his breathing. On the exterior he looked calm. But on the inside he was a swirling hurricane of emotion and thought. He still hadn't felt any connection with water throughout the morning. The son of Piandao kept reaching out whenever he could, but nothing replied.
He felt his heart racing, a familiar pumping roared in his ears. Percy swallowed the feeling and steeled himself as the door in front of him. You may enter, Son of Piandao. Prince Zuko you must wait here. The Fire Lord demands to see him alone.
Percy turned to his friend and nodded, before walking through the slightly ajar door alone. A grand red rug with fire nation symbols enshrined in gold thread, led to the Fire Lords illustrious throne. The son Piandao walked forward under the watchful eyes of Ozai. Every step was deliberate, his chest puffed, a controlled but forced confidence to show no weakness in front of the Emperor.
Either side of him was flanked with basalt braziers that were lit with an intense, near white flame. Percy had reached within 20 feet of the throne and bowed deeply.
"My lord." The son of Piandao remained kneeling.
"Perseus. You may rise." Ozai commanded.
"How have you found the Capitol so far? The Fire Lord enquired with a raised eyebrow.
"It is beyond compare, your majesty. The grand architecture, the monuments, the liveliness in the city. Its nothing I could have imagined." Percy answered.
Ozai nodded, he didn't really care for the son of Piandao's musings.
"Caldera is the finest city after all. Now…" The Fire Lord paused. His tone dangerous and Percy was filled with a sense of dread.
"You may have succeeded in the duels. But if you are to protect my daughter I must learn some more of you. Whatever happened to your mother, I never heard a rumour that Piandao had found a partner."
"I don't know much of my mother. My father rarely speaks about her. All I know is that she was a chiefs daughter from one of the Southern Water Tribes. She had begged her father to surrender to the fire nation, she was tired of the war and wanted a better future if she was to ever have children." Percy grew quiet for a brief second.
"She was banished." He spat. "Cast away in a kayak to die in the ocean. They sent my mother out in an incredible storm with nothing but the pelts on her back and a days rations."
Fire Lord Ozai's golden eyes watched Perseus with curiosity. "If she wasn't a water bender she would have died. Against all odds she stretched her food and water out long enough to have landed on a beach at Shu Jing before passing out. My father had come across her. He nursed her back to health and took care of her. They had slowly fallen in love and I had been conceived."
Percy's voice wavered. "She died giving birth to me. I never got to meet her."
"You have my sympathies Son of Piandao." The Fire Lord replied to Percy's explanation.
"Thank you, your highness." Percy bowed his head in gratitude.
"What of your waterbending. What can you tell me of that." Ozai quizzed, seeking more information.
Percy took a breath. "As far as I can remember I've always felt connected to water." 'Not as of late.' A voice snorted in his mind. "My father and our butler told me the first time I ever showcased bending I was three years old. Whilst my father could not bend he did everything he could to seek out scrolls for me to train from. I may have not had teachers but I had an abundance of time. So I practiced daily, hours on end, desperate to master what I could." Percy answered with ease.
"And how did my brother Iroh come to know of your bending." Ozai pressed.
"My father and Prince Iroh have been friends for a long time. Many years ago they fought on conquest together in the Earth Kingdom. Prince Iroh visited when I was 8 with Prince Zuko. You son had heard of my fathers reputation and wanted to train underneath him."
"That was when I first showcased my bending to him. My father had asked me to do so. He hoped that by revealing it to someone of influence whilst I was young that it may secure my safety." Percy explained carefully, he knew not to reveal too much.
"I see…' Ozai paused in thought. Percy remained effortlessly still.
"And why did you choose to partake in the duels." Ozai interrogated. His gaze never wavered from the son of Piandao.
"I've spent my whole life locked away in my fathers estate. He was worried what would have happened if my bending had ever been found out about. I've spent my whole life training. I was tutored by the best teachers in Shu Jing. My father raised my the principle and codes of a warrior." Percy took a breath.
"I want to explore the world, bring honour and pride to my fathers house and our great nation. I need a duty and purpose with myself. When I found out about the duels I knew it was the only way for me to have an opportunity to live. You're daughter is the jewel of the fire nation. Dedicating my life and power to her and the throne is the greatest honour I can ever achieve." Percy answered truthfully.
Fire Lord Ozai stared at him carefully. " I foresee great things for our nation son of Piandao. Follow your duty wholeheartedly and I can assure you that you will have your revenge against the water tribes for your mothers treatment." Ozai smiled cunningly.
"You will protect my daughter. You will fight by her side on every campaign, battle, on conquest. Your life is forfeit to her. Any command or order you obey without question. Should you fail, disobey, or allow harm to come her way… you and your father will be executed. Lands razed. Lineage and history stricken from the books." The Fire Lord warned gravely.
Percy understood how serious the warning was. Condemnation of memory. The greatest dishonour and punishment one could have. Percy knew as soon as he entered the throne room that he was walking into the belly of the beast. Possibly the most powerful bender on earth, capable of annihilating him within a heartbeat.
"I swear on every fibre of my being. All my power and spirit. I will protect Princess Azula no matter the circumstance. I will be her right hand in war, and her armour in battle. I swear on my lineage, Fire Lord." Percy bowed.
"Take the afternoon to familiarise yourself with the Royal Palace. When you see my daughter send her my way. I wish to speak to her." Ozai commanded.
"Your wish is my command, my liege." With that Percy stood and turned to leave.
/
Once Percy escaped the glowering eyes of the Fire Lord and vacated the throne, he released a sigh of relief. He looked around and was puzzled. Neither Zuko nor the royal advisor awaited him.
The son of Piandao sighed. "Come to the Capitol, I'll show you the Palace, have a few laughs." Percy murmured.
He started traipsing through the endless corridors. "Right Prince, where've ya gone." The teenager continued his exploration, hoping sooner rather than later he would find someone who could maybe give him some guidance. The palace was incredible, history was within every crevice and on every wall. He was sure he could spend days appreciating everything, but getting lost was not on his agenda.
He turned another corner, convinced this was the way to the main entrance. His sea green eyes met a pair of grey ones.
"Hello Azula's new bodyguard." The girls bubbly voice chimed.
"Hey, its nice to meet you..?" Percy started but realised he didn't know the girls name.
"Oh I'm Ty Lee, Azula's friend." She smiled widely.
"It's lovely to meet you Ty Lee, I'm Percy." The Son of Piandao smiled warmly.
'You wouldn't know where I could find either Zuko or the Princess?" Percy asked sheepishly.
"Hmmm." Ty Lee thought aloud. "Zuko is probably stuck in some lesson at the moment. Azula should be in the royal gardens. You starting today?" Ty Lee replied.
"No the Fire Lord says I officially begin tomorrow. Zuko's meant to show me around the palace, and I should probably see Princess Azula to find out the agenda for tomorrow." Percy answered.
"Oh I could tell you what Azula has planned." Ty Lee laughed. "Yous are gonna have a duel so she can test your abilities herself." The girl smirked.
Percy sighed with a small shake of his head. "There's gonna be a lot of those isn't there." He joked.
The two laughed. "Since Zuko abandoned you I'll help you find the royal gardens. Can't have you getting any more lost than you already are."
Percy smiled sheepishly as Ty Lee lead the way, skipping forwards.
/
The royal gardens were incredible, Percy wished Fat was here just so he could see him gush. There was more varieties of flowers than he had ever seen before, every possible colour showcased in a stunning display. Cherry blossoms were in full bloom, pink petals littering the walkways and grasses. Percy could hear the sounds of water. A number of ponds were interconnected with small meandering streams.
Not too far away from Percy and Ty Lee was the person they were looking for. Dancing and weaving her way through a kata, an intricate showcase of impressive skill.
Amber eyes turned towards them. The son of Piandao' mind went blank for a brief moment. Princess Azula was truly beautiful. Her hair was dark as midnight, pulled back into a perfect bun, and adorned with the emblematic royal family headpiece. Her split fringe framed her face, highlighting her high cheekbones and sharp jawline. Her lips were pursed together as she looked at them. The princess had a lean figure only years of training could craft. Her training robes glinting to her frame.
"Princess Azula." The son of Piandao bowed his head.
"Look who I found!" Ty Lee sing-songed.
"My water tribe savage bodyguard." The princess sneered.
"Call me savage all you want but I'm not from the water tribes." Percy replied with a tired look in his eyes. He was getting bored of the shrouded accusations of his loyalty.
Azula's eyes narrowed him, looking for any signs of deception. There was a moment of silence between the three.
"Just because you won the duels it doesn't mean you capable of defending me. Since you're here already I-"
"Challenge me to a fight." Percy interrupted. Azula glared at him venomously.
"That will have to wait. The Fire Lord requests your presence in the throne room. " Percy stated with a straight face.
"Come Ty Lee. I expect you back here first thing tomorrow 'bodyguard'." Azula smirked at before the two girls began to head off.
"Wait." The two girls turned to face Percy.
"Where can I find uncle Iroh."
Azula's eyebrows raised imperceptibly. 'Uncle Iroh'.
"Last I saw the old man was at the other side of the gardens. Drowning himself in tea like usual." Azula rolled her eyes.
The two girls began to walk off. Ty Lee turned to wave to Percy but the princess quickly caught her hand and dragged her away. The son of Piandao was now alone in the garden, the faintest smell of jasmine wafted in the air. The boy smiled and began to head in the direction the smell seemed to have been coming from.
/
"Hello Uncle Iroh, could we enjoy some of that tea you promised all those years ago?'" Percy asked warmly.
"I was wondering when you would find your way here and ask son.' Iroh smiled. "Come sit."
Percy sat down and watched as Uncle Iroh brewed to. As much as he looked forward to this moment over the years he was restless. His leg was twitching, he struggled to stay still. All he wanted was to be able to enjoy the tea. But the worries that haunted him since the colosseum had once again returned.
"What plagues your mind my boy." Irohs gravelly voice
Percy sighed. Uncle Iroh could always read him like a book. It was easier to just show then explain. He lifted his right hand, as he occasionally did to fill their cups faster, but nothing happened. Iroh looked at him puzzled.
"I can't feel the water." His voice croaked. "I haven't since the fights yesterday." Percy could feel tears threaten to well in his eyes. A huge pressure was released off his shoulders just saying the words.
"I once lost my connection with the elements Percy." The son of Piandao looked at the elder man with shock. 'He understood?'
"It was after Ba Sing Se." The mans voice was faint. Percy's head bowed, his father had explained to him what had happened during the siege.
"You need to be honest with me Percy." Iroh looked at him calmly.
"At the end of the fight. I used the water to redirect the lightning back at Kai. He succumbed, the gong rang and the fight was over…" Percy looked down. "Every fiber of being lit up on fire Uncle Iroh. My body was screaming at me."
"I knew what he was doing. He shouldn't have missed." The teenager confessed, wanting the ground to swallow him.
"Do you think you should have died-"
"I could feel the pumping water in him Uncle Iroh."
"Percy-" Iroh tried comforting him but the son of Piandao continued.
"I made him miss." The teenager was shaking now. That overwhelming feeling consuming him again. He felt tainted to his spirit.
"I controlled his blood uncle…" Percy looked up at him, the dam had broke.
/
Authors Note.
And that's the end of chapter 7. So yeah, Percy found bloodbending, and its fucked him up mentally. I want actions to have consequences in this story and that includes bloodbending. In avatar so much of bending comes down from mentality and spirtituality. The idea of bloodbending is so horrific and evil and goes against the moral code Percy he lives by. He's struggling with what happened.
Bloodbending also can't just be a nuclear weapon. Snaps fingers, boom fight is dead, that's just so boring.
I wanted to thank everyone who's followed and favourited since the last chapter, welcome to the journey. If you've enjoyed this chapter and you haven't already, please do follow and favourite.
Wanted to give a shout to; Yaw613, Cruden, and SSG1102, for leaving reviews.
As always wanted to reply to some personally.
Trife: Cheers man, happy to hear you've enjoyed the fights! But I ain't taken nothing from Percy. That's all him. Hope you enjoyed this chapter!
Superhero01: Cheers mate! I honestly love how you do your review man. Percy's a badass but he's still got a long way to go before he truly becomes a legend. Me too on the multi books, I've already got every chapter title planned out. Probably the only reason I've been able to churn out chapters tbh haha. Hope youve found this chapter gives you some insight on Percy.
Guest & Anonymous: Both of yous kinda got close but not fully. Anonymous I feel for a better gist fo the idea, but its got nothing to do with purity. Think yous will have enjoyed this chapter.
Zilla Boi: Sup man, thanks for the welcome back! Nothing to be sorry mate, aside from Diamond Eyes and Cursed Child I can't reread my stories. I ain't offended. Thanks for the compliments on the writing. It really does mean a lot, its been a real struggle getting back into the swing of things, and the first 4 chapters are certainly rushed. Do plan on revisiting them, but more interested in continuing at the moment. I don't think the quality's went down. There have still been some great stories over the years. I think it comes down to the community overall, things slowed down drastically in the last 5 years and people just stopped supporting writers less.
I think that's why I'm so passionate about this story. Just want to repay everyone for supporting over the years. Really want to foster a wee community here and maybe inspire someone else to write. Like we're so close to 100 follows already it blows my mind.
Ramblings aside. I hope yous have all enjoyed. Please leave a review or PM sharing your thoughts or questions.
Take care everyone,
Admeto