Previously, on The Legend of Perseus: Bender of Oceans

"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.

/

The Legend of Perseus: Bender of Oceans

Chapter 8: Two Prodigies

The Royal Palace Gardens

Iroh listened to the confession with a sorrowful look in his golden eyes. He stretched an arm out and put his hand on Percy's shoulder. Iron waited a moment, letting the son of Piandao composed himself.

"Do you remember how I explained your connection to bending all those years ago?" Iroh asked.

Percy looked at him slightly puzzled, tears were still in his eyes. He thought there would have been judgement, disgust, but neither were expressed on Uncles Irohs face.

"You said that it's when one's spirit and element are fully intertwined, bending is the extension of oneself." Percy answered bemused.

"Yes Percy." Iroh smiled at him reassuringly. "You are in an internal war between these two halves."

Percy's eyes were unwavering of the elder man.

"Your bending saved your spirit, but it was uncontrolled. Instinctual. But you're afraid of that fact aren't you?"

Percy wasn't afraid. He was terrified of it. He could only nod weakly. Iroh took a small sip of his tea.

"It is good to be afraid of the power one possesses. But you cannot allow that fear to control you. "

"I could feel him uncle." Percy's voice was weak. "It was nothing like water… it was horrible." He couldn't describe it. He didn't want to.

"You need to forgive yourself son. What has happened has happened. It's a line you can't cross, you understand that. You can't let this consume you." Percy was now struggling to meet his eyes.

There was a heavy moment of silence. Percy was staring away into his empty cup. He suddenly felt his face splashed with boiling hot tea.

"Uncle!" He shouted incredulously but Iroh was just smiling at him.

"You're neither scalded nor wet Percy."

The son of Piandao froze.

"The water hasn't left you." Irohs voice was soft. "You are cutting yourself away from it out of trepidation." A small part of Percy knew deep down that Iroh was correct.

"There will be moments in life that scar us Percy. Not always are they physical. Only with peace of mind will you begin to heal and find balance." Iroh's voice was tender and warm. Care never escaping his tone

"I don't know if I can find peace of mind." Percy's voice was a whisper.

"When you face it and forgive yourself you will. But you need to remember. Water will always be a part of you. It will always be there to protect you. It will be there for you as a tool to do good."

Percy still couldn't feel the water. But a mountain was taken off his shoulders, and he had felt night and day from where he was yesterday.

/

Throne Room of the Royal Palace

"Daughter." The cold voice of the Fire Lord spoke out.

Princess Azula bowed deeply. "Father." She answered carefully. "My bodyguard says you requested my presence."

"He is who I want to speak to you about." Her father voice echoed.

"The two of you have some similarities."

Such a thought disgusted her. She was the jewel of the Fire Nation. Heir to the throne of the greatest empire. Cunning, intelligent, manipulative. He was the son of a minor noble. A nobody. An arrogant, rude, water bending savage. They were nothing alike. She felt the edge of her lip tug into a slight frown.

"Speak openly, daughter." The fire lord commanded. Azula knew better. It was a threat. She knew the consequences of angering her father all too well.

"I see no similarities with him father. He is cocky and disrespectful. Why did you let him live?" Azula answered carefully. She still wanted answers but knew she had to tread carefully.

"He is a waterbending prodigy Azula." Ozai's tone was venomous. She might have stepped too far. No

"Think of it. You, the prodigal Fire Bender, wielder of the blue flames. Him, a sword master, who commands water at will. Together you are capable of destroying our enemies, ending any resistance, decimating the northern water tribe."

"Father-"

"You will do as I command!" Ozai barked, he remained seated but his right hand was engulfed in flames.

Azula froze. She was engulfed in a sense of dread. Her eyes were locked in on the orange embers her father commanded.

"You know the consequences of speaking out of turn." Ozai warned.

"Yes father." Her voice was quiet. She felt powerless underneath the Fire Lord's glowering gaze. She maintained a stoic complexion, refusing to show an ounce of weakness.

"You are to properly guarantee his loyalties to the throne. I have suspicions that he is closer to my brother than I would like, we do not want him to be misguided by that failure."

Azula understood her fathers logic. Since Lu Ten's death Iroh had long become dissuaded with the notion of war. The old man was jaded and bitter for his losses.

"Secure his fidelity to the throne and he will become our greatest weapon…" The words of his command hung in the air.

One of the grand doors to the throne room opened and a familiar royal advisor entered.

"My liege master Piandao has arrived in the Royal Palace." The one mans voice croned.

"Make your leave my daughter. Send in the sword master."

Azula made her way out of the throne room. The fear that encapsulated her as lost herself in the orange flames, slowly began to falter

/

Piandao's Second Home, Later that Night

"I don't trust him."

"It's wise not to trust the Fire Lord my son. But you must be careful how openly you state that." A calm voice replied.

"I know, but-"

"No buts son." Piandao interrupted authoritatively. "He is the most dangerous man in the world. You should be smart enough by now to know when to hold your tongue."

Percy's head bowed. Whilst his father had been proud of his accomplishments in the arena he hadn't been impressed by how the teenager conducted himself in front of the noble houses.

"I love you Percy, but I won't be able to forgive myself if after all these years you running your mouth is what kills you." Piandao eyes peered at the direction of his son.

"I'm sorry dad. I'll do better." Percy promised, his eyes whirled with emotion.

"I know you will son." The nobleman smiled. "You just stress me out."

A quiet moment set in the air.

"What did you think of the royal palace?" Piandao asked with a smile.

"It's very impressive. The artwork, craftsmanship, everything. It's all incredible. But." Percy paused. "I prefer Shu Jing. It feels more homely. "

Piandao let loose a raucous laugh. "Definitely don't let the Fire Lord hear you say that." Percy joined in his fathers fits of laughter.

"Was Prince Zuko able to show you around?" His father questioned, wanting to know more of his sons day.

"No he got whisked away to lessons when I was speaking to the Fire Lord. But I bumped into one of the princesses' friends who helped me out. She seemed nice." Percy smiled at his father.

"Befriending ladies already Perce? Didn't know you had it in you." Piandao jabbed at son, amusement dancing in his face.

Percy blushed. "Shut up dad. Not like that." His dad loved to make him feel embarrassed. He was told it was revenge for the many years of chaos he caused growing up.

"And what of the Princess, did yous acquaint?"

"We did… she seems. Interesting."

"Strong willed?"

"That's the polite way of putting it dad."

The pair laughed again. Percy continued to regale his father with stories from his exploration in the royal palace late into the night.

"It's time you head to bed. You have a long day ahead of you I'm sure."

"Yeah you're right. Good night Dad. Love you."

/

Percy was meditating. He knew rest was important but Iroh's words echoed in his mind. He contemplated the conversation ponderously. The old man was right of course. Percy was terrified of his own power.

When it happened that split second felt like an eternity. He could feel everything in that moment. It was nothing like water. Water was cool, soothing, peaceful. Water called to him.

That. That was hot. A tormentful torrent. It raged and was turbulent. It fought against him.

Yet he had somehow controlled it. It was immoral.

Yet it saved your life.

Percy struggled with that. He was still alive when he shouldn't be.

You can still do good. You have a duty now. Protect and help the Princess. Be like the men who inspire you.

Percy thought about his father and uncle Iroh. Their calmness in the face of adversity. The protectiveness of the ones they love. Their never wavering kindness and loyalty.

Their personal strict moral codes they abide by.

He vowed to never willingly use blood control again. To act in his duty with vigilance. To use his power and ability as a force for good.

He hadn't noticed but his breathing had grown steady. Percy's heart rate was steady and slow. The son of Piandao was near statuesque. Frozen still, which for him was a rarity.

For the first time since being out in the open ocean, Percy felt at peace. He remained in the position for a while. His breathing had been steady. His chest rising, and falling at repetitive cadence.

He sighed. It was time to find some rest. The teenager opened his eyes but was shocked at what was in front of him.

A small ball of water.

"Iroh was right." He whispered. Percy's voice near silent. His shoulders sank with relief, his eyes glowed with joy.

The water hadn't abandoned him.

/

Percy was trapped in the same nightmare yet again. Everything was enshrouded in darkness. His sight betrayed him. He could see nothing.

But he could hear it. The beating drum of a heart. The churning pumping of blood coursing through veins and arteries.

He could feel its toxic viscosity. Foreboding. Threatening to encroach upon him. Swallow him.

His breathing started to grow laborious. His heart began to race.

'Calm down.' A soothing voice echoed internally.

He wrestled control of his breathing. He refused to wake up out of the nightmare. Percy needed to face it.

The son of Piandao slowly started to calm. His heart rate started to slow. The feeling that the walls around him were destined to collapse was slowly being pushed away.

He focused on that. That little niggle of fear, the menacing aura that hid. Percy focused on his senses.

The overwhelming feeling had started to dissipate and a different roar of liquid thundered in Percy ears.

It was flowing. Volatile. Soothing

He could hear the roar of the ocean. The crashing of waves. The spray of sea mist.

He felt it.

/

The teenager woke up with a renewed sense of vigour. He felt alive again. Percy had woke at the crack of dawn. A rarity for him. But he had quickly gotten dressed in his finest robes and sorted his sword sheath.

He fixed his hair in its top knot with his head piece. The son of Piandao looked every part of a noble's son.

Percy was excited for the day ahead, but he would be lying if he said he wasn't eager for the duel with the Princess. He knew from his friendship with Zuko over the years his deep seeded jealousy over Azula's bending. How she was a natural with her element.

He had high expectations. But deep down he knew the princess was going to exceed them.

He arrived at the palace with ease. Percy then surprised himself by successfully navigating the labyrinth of hallways and corridors to the courtyard where he met Azula.

He shouldn't have been surprised to see her already sat cross legged, waiting for him.

"You're late." The princess warned.

"You never specified a time." Percy cheekily smirked.

Azula ignored the disrespect. She wasn't going to allow him to get underneath her skin like he did against the fighters in the duels.

"I expect you're ready for my challenge?" She questioned, an analytical look in her eyes.

"I was wondering how long it would take you to ask." He grinned. He had been anticipating this fight all morning. "Where we gonna go. I don't want us to ruin these beautiful gardens."

"We'll go to my private training hall." Princess Azula commanded before she stood up. She turned off and began walking. Percy dutifully followed.

/

The training hall was not what Percy was anticipating. He wasn't too sure what he had been expecting, but the room was surprisingly simple. Everything was made of a dark black stone. Braziers lined the walls, lit with flames that cast an orange glow across the grand room.

Percy watched as the princess immediately stormed across the ground. She reached the other side of the room and turned to him expectantly.

Percy grinned. He sauntered over to the opposite side, Azula golden eyes watching his every step. He reached his end and turned to face her.

"So Princess. What's the rules?" He asked with a smirk.

"No sword, or knife. I don't care for your skills with a weapon. I want to see your bending." Azula demanded with a glare.

"Yeah. Thought as much." Percy retorted as he removed his sheath and sword from his side. He threw it away before removing his hidden knife and doing the same.

Percy knew there were no direct sources of water in the room. He would have to rely only on the humidity of the early morning and his own willpower.

"And when does the spar end?" Percy questioned.

"The fight ends when either of us bleed or get burned." The princess glared at him.

His sea green eyes didn't waver. Their eyes were locked. The duel had begun.

The two of them took their stances. Azula's legs were shoulder width apart, her left in front of her right. The princesses' hands were open palmed, blue flames dancing in her fingertips.

Percy's own legs were in the exact same stance, but his arms and shoulders hung loose. He stretched out his senses.

It was everywhere.

Water coalesced on the ends of his fingers and dripped onto the stone below. He felt untouchable.

The princess moved first, jabbing forwards a fireball rocketing in the direction of the waterbender. Percy remained rooted. Raising a hand that was engulfed in water and deflected the fire ball to his side.

Several more followed in quick succession. Each greater than the last. The blue flames darted towards their target. But none made contact. Percy deflected them all with ease. With each one that was diverted the waterbender took a step forward.

The son of Piandao struck back. Creating several ice balls and punching them in the direction of the princess.

He saw her smirk ever so slightly. A brilliant blue fan of flames cast the room in an azure glow as they consumed the ice.

They returned to an unnerving stillness. They were only gauging each other so far. Testing the waters. Studying each other's every move.

Percy slid his foot forward. A snaking path of ice raced across the ground. Azula reacted quickly and met it with one made of fire.

Percy pushed forwards, the water flowed and stormed with his movements A tendril of water arced towards her. She lifted her two arms up and a wall of fire defended her. Azula pushed it forwards, threatening to engulf him.

The princess watched an explosion of steam as the wall of fire was met by an equally sized wave of water.

"You're holding back waterbender. I was expecting more." Azula stated expectantly

"I'm not the only one holding back." The son of Piandao retorted. Azula couldn't see him through the fog of steam but knew Percy's tone that he was smirking.

He thinks you're weak. A dangerous voice threatened in her mind. Show him how wrong he is. Punish him. Make him fear you.

She slashed her arms forward. Two incredible walls of blue flames erupted in front of her in a cross cross. Lighting the field in a dim cerulean glow revealing Percy who had covered a large distance silently.

Azula glared. He had gotten far too close to her for the princess' liking. She forced the flames to roar but Percy twirled and was enraptured in a swirling pillar of water.

The water quenched the flames. Sizzling and crackling echoed in the room.

They were once again staring at each other. Sea greens eyes swirling like a hurricane peered into her cold golden ones.

"What else you got princess." Percy's face was wide with a grin. He was enjoying himself and the duel.

He mocks you! The voice within Azula roared. Show him true power!

Azula took a long practiced stance and Percy felt a haunting sense of deja vu. He recognised the form and delicate, purposeful movement the princess began.

Percy closed his eyes. He mirrored her stance, rigid and grounded. He extended his right arm out, two fingers pointed outwards. He commanded the water to form around his fingertips. His right arm began rotating. As it began to reach his side his left arm joined in the movement in the opposite direction. Water dripped from his finger tips as they moved, he extended his foot outwards as Azula did the same.

Their right arms were both fully extended. Explosions rang from their fingertips. Azula's perilous lightning bolt crashed into an arc of thunder made of wickedly sharp icicles.

The collision boomed, an explosion of ice and electricity rocketed through the air. Azula quickly shot a fireball in the direction of Percy, hitting him in the arm.

"You have lost waterbender." She spat. Before she could further her mocking she felt a band of water collect around her arm.

She looked down and had to contain herself from reacting at what she saw. Pale blue water glowed on her skin, a paper thin cut that had been dotted red was slowly healing.

"You're bleeding princess." The don of Piandao worried with an inflection foreign to the Princess.

/

Authors Note

And that is chapter 8. So Azula and Percy have now formally met. Have to say the chapter was quite difficult to write. I knew exactly what I wanted to do but accurately portraying them was a bit of a challenge.

I'm quite happy with where we ended up with Percy's journey to reconnect with his element . Love writing his and Irohs moments together. Getting through this chapter was a bit of a struggle but still chuffed.

Got a bit of a look at Ozais relationship with Azula, and the turmoil and struggles she is going through. Look forward to seeing more of that in the future.

As always wanted to reply to some reviews.

Chaosmaker55: Yeah the whole show is predated on balance and I wanted that to also be the case in the book. Bloodbending literally scars the soul and mind, especially in Percy's case under the very spiritual and moral teachings of his father and iroh.

Anonymous: yeah mate you were pretty close. Think you've quite accurately summed it up but think this chapter also showcases some of your thoughts in a way. Percy's gonna have a very interesting time with the royal family.

Almostimportant: I really wanted bloodbending to definitely feel different to waterbending itself. Cheers mate, I want everything that happens to have reason and purpose. Bloodbending is not going to be a common occurrence in this series. It's going to be rare and have deep lasting ramifications.

Trife: hope you've enjoyed this chapter and hopefully it provides a good showcase of Percy reconnecting to water. Yeah he's a son of Poseidon but he's been raised under the moral guidance and teaching of his father and iroh. He has a deep sense of self of morality and bloodbending goes against all of it. Think this chapter explains it better than I could in a couple sentences. Heritage doesn't determine his capabilities the water is a reflection of Percy's self.

Superhero001: delighted you enjoyed the last one mate. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this one. Yeah writing the bloodbending has been incredibly difficult but think I've giving it a good showing. Your correct he's learned this younger than PJO cannon and I wanted to do right by the show and display the loss of connection in a simialr way. I'm happy you reference Zuko, it was a heavy basis on how I wanted to work this arc.

Shoutout to skelconpeverell, yaw613, and jcjunior for all leaving review as well.

I can't believe we're so close to 100 faves. The reception to this story has been fantastic and I've loved reading everyone's thoughts.

If you've enjoyed follow and favourite and join in on the journey.

Please leave a review with your thought sand reactions, or any questions you may have. Would love to see how close we get to 50 reviews before the next chapter.

Take care.

Admeto