Previously on The Legend of Perseus: Bender of Oceans
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 son of Piandao worried with an inflection foreign to the Princess.
/
The Legend of Perseus: Bender of Oceans
Chapter 9: Banishments
Azula's Private Training Hall
"I'm fine." She glared at him as she shook the water from her arm.
You're weak! The incessant voice within her poisonously spat. The raging voice echoed and boomed, flashes of her fathers burning hands flickered in her mind.
Her hands began to drip with blue flames.
"Again?" Perseus voice questioned her. The tone he spoke with was lost on her.
"The fights not ended yet." She sneered, slowly being engulfed in blue flames.
Just as quickly as the fighting paused it had resumed.
A brilliant pillar of flames raged towards the waterbending who quickly protected himself in a sphere of water.
Before Percy could even react the onslaught continued. Fire wrapped round the sphere, bubbling water sizzled and slowly diminished under the intense heat. She could barely make out his frame in the swirling storm of fire and water.
She prepared to shoot forth again, conjuring an incredible ball of fire in her hands. Before she could make her move the sphere of water exploded in all directions. Her fires dissipated
Golden eyes met sea green. His eyes were no longer calm as they had been through the entirety of a fight. They were a hurricane of anger and rage.
Azula smirked. Underneath your skin water savage?
Perseus set himself into a stance, his eyes never left hers. With a wave of his right hand a wave had formed to her left. It roared towards her, threatening to consume her in a swell.
She punched in the waters direction, a jet of flames parted the swell. Her attention had left Perseus for the briefest of moments. She returned her gaze to him but was met with a blast of water against her face.
She returned the favor with a blast of flames that jettisoned from her fist. Azula watched through blurry vision as Percy's drama avoided the fire.
The princess wiped the remnants of water from her face. The two of them pressed again. A wall of fire met a great wave of water. The two elements clashed in the center of the hall but both refused to yield.
They remained that way for a long time, two unstoppable forces that were unwavering. Neither could claim an inch from the other. Azula released control first. She changed stance and began to rush through her lightning bending form. She refused to fail. She couldn't fail.
Brilliant blue lightning crackled from her fingertips, arcing through the air. Yet again it clashed with one made of ice.
The shattering crunch of ice and boom of thunder was deafening. Wickedly sharp slivers of ice darted in every direction. One closed in on the princess before she could react.
Everything stopped. Azula's eyes faced down a shard that was millimeters from decapitating her. Throughout the whole training hall, thousands of shards of ice were floating in the air for a brief second before falling to the ground.
The princess released a breath she didn't realise she was holding. Before Azula could speak a familiar bubbly voice rang out.
"Hey guys! That was awesome!" The words were accompanied by a rampant clapping.
Azula turned her direction to the sound and spotted two figures by the door. One dressed in peak with a beaming smile directed at her, the other dressed in royal garb, jealousy hidden within his eyes.
"Hello Ty Lee." Azula calmly responded. "Brother." She sneered.
/
The Royal Gardens
Zuko was frustrated. It was noon and he had spent the vast majority of his day hunting for a certain annoying friend of his. He had already been down to their estate when Master Piandao had informed that Percy had left long ago.
He searched the length of breadth of the palace at this point. The labyrinth of hallways, the maze of rooms and courtyards. He still couldn't find him.
"Hey Zuzu!" A far too cheery voice shouted out to him.
"Ty Lee." He replied curtly, his eyes narrowing. She was the first person outwith the royal guards or servants he had seen. He wished it was Azula's other friend who called to him
"What ya up to? You usually don't come over this end of the palace." The bubbly acrobat asked.
"It's none of your business." He replied with a glare.
"You're trying to look for your dreamy friend aren't you?" Ty Lee teased.
He wasn't even going to try to unpack the dreamy comment. "So you know where he is?" Zuko pressed.
"Maybee." Ty Lee sing-songed with a smile.
Zuko raised an eyebrow. "Stop playing games. Where about is he?" The prince quizzed.
"You're no fun Zuko." The girl in pink pouted. "Come I'll show you."
The two walked off through the gardens. Ty Lee led the way through a narrow collection of paths, slowly guiding them to one of the quietest parts of the palace. It didn't take long for the prince to realise exactly where they were headed.
Azula's private training hall. A gift from their father to her when she had mastered firebending by the age of twelve. Zuko hated the building, a constant reminder of the respect his sister commanded from the Fire Lord. It mocked him for his inabilities.
They arrived at a set of doors and could hear the noise coming from within.
"Let's sneak in." Ty Lee whispered. "I want to watch."
Zuko simply nodded. The two entered as quietly as they could. Carefully manipulating the door to not let it creak or bang. Once they entered they were shocked by what they saw.
A tidal wave of water that churned and boiled clashed against a wall of blue flames. Neither element budged. It was a spectacle.
Zuko looked in the direction of his sister. Her face was blank but long ago had he learned the ability to read through her facade. She was angry, clearly Percy had found a way to already piss her off.
He watched her get into a familiar stance. One he wished he could learn but had never been capable of. Electricity danced on her finger tips, and arc of lightning escaping them in the direction of Percy.
Before Zuko could look in the direction of his friend he watch as the lightning clashed with another bolt in the middle of the hall. One made of ice.
The two bolt exploded, slivers of razor sharp ice rocketed in all directions. Several thundered towards them.
Before Zuko could raise his hand all of the ice had stopped, floating in the air. They fell to the ground just as fast as they stopped, the girl next to him exclaimed.
"Hey guys! That was awesome!"
Ty Lee was correct. It was an incredible display, but Zuko couldn't help but feel the bubbling of jealousy deep within. He knew his friend was talented, but to make lightning out of ice…
"Hello Ty Lee." The cold voice of his sister replied.
"Brother" Her words dripped with venom.
/
"Sister." He spat in return.
"Why have you interrupted us?" Azula pressed.
"Here to see Percy, don't flatter yourself. Don't forget we have the war meeting shortly." Zuko retorted.
"Don't worry brother. I haven't forgotten." Azula replied with a cold smile.
There were the briefest moments of silence before Percy quickly piped up.
"So does that mean an end to the fight?" He asked with a pout. He had been enjoying the duel against the princess.
"For now. There will be plenty of them this week however. If you're going to be by my side I need to understand how you fight." Azula replied, looking into Percy's sea green eyes.
"Good. I'm looking forward to it." He smiled at her warmly.
Zuko watched the interaction with narrowed eyes.
"You can catch up with my bodyguard after the war meeting, we should probably get heading." Azula glared at him.
"Perseus, don't go to far. When I return I want to see your ice lightning form." Azula commanded.
"Sure." The son of Piandao replied with a lopsided grin, it was the first time she actually referred to him by name. "We'll catch up shortly Zuko, don't worry."
Zuko smiled at his friend. "I'll see you soon, Perce. I'll try not to get taken to lessons again and actually show you some cool places in the palace."
"I can't wait." His friend replied happily.
"Let's get moving Zuzu!" Azula growled as she forced her brother along.
Percy watched as the two siblings made their leave. His attention turned to a familiar girl in pink who had casually been watching them all from a handstand. He was taken aback but was impressed at how effortlessly she was holding the position.
"That's pretty cool Ty Lee. How you doing?"
"Heya Percy. I'm doing great. How's all the fighting been? Yous have been stuck in here for hours." Ty Lee replied.
"It was really fun. Got nothing else to do for just now though. Want to grab some tea?" Percy asked kindly. If he was to spend the majority of his time around Azula it would help him to get to know her friends.
He watched as she calmly flipped herself up right and on her feet. She was beaming at him. Before he knew what was happening he felt her arm loop round his and he was being dragged out the training hall.
"Where we gonna go for tea? Can't go too far, we don't want to annoy Azula." Ty Lee chimed bubbly.
/
Percy knew exactly where to go. He had taken himself and Ty Lee to the spot he had met Uncle Iroh the day before. It was a small gazebo the older man had converted into a tea spot. A place of respite from the harsh realities of the royal palace.
Percy might not have had spark rocks to start a fire. But changing the temperature of water came with ease to him. He began to brew some puuer tea he found hidden away, following the rituals uncle iroh taught him long ago.
"That tea smells soo good!" Ty Lee chirped.
"It does. Hope Iroh doesn't mind me stealing some." Percy laughed.
Ty Lee joined with lighthearted giggles. She began to sit up as the son of Piandao filled her cup. The strong earthy smell wafted through the air.
Ty Lee took a sip, it was incredible. The old man definitely had a good taste.
"So Percy." Ty Lee started with a smile. "Why did you decide to tryout for Azula's bodyguard?"
Percy took a sip of his tea. He knew it was inevitable that she would ask his reasonings.
"I wanted to live. I didn't see any other way of not being executed for my bending than showing my loyalty to the royal family." Percy started to explain.
"But I also wanted to explore the world, see things, meet people. I've spent my whole life locked away at Shu Jing. I just want to see it all, every wonder of the planet."
Ty Lee looked at him with a smile, she understood wanting to be free.
"And I don't really know. I heard about it and it just felt like it was destined. It was my calling." Percy finished thoughtfully, trying to explain so much without going into too much depth.
"I think I know a bit about having a calling." Ty Lee replied with a small smile.
/
The War Assembly, Royal Palace
"Nephew. Niece." The jubilant voice of Iroh spoke out.
"Uncle." Zuko replied warmly.
Azula narrowed her eyes. "I'll see you two inside." She replied curtly before entering the war room. Iroh looked at the princess as she left with a sad look.
"Zuko. How are you feeling ahead of your first war meeting?"
"I'm excited uncle." Zuko smiled.
"Are you sure, these war meetings are dreadfully boring." Iroh joked.
"If I'm to rule this nation one day I need to learn these things." Zuko replied.
"Very true nephew. But promise me one thing. Don't speak. These old folks can be a little sensitive." Iroh looked at him carefully.
Zuko bowed his head. "I understand uncle." The two entered the war room together.
/
Zuko sat in between his uncle on his left and his sister to his right. In front of him and the other generals was a carved map of the world. Figures made of Fire and Earth kingdom insignias showcased the ever changing tides of war.
A general across from him stood speaking, the room silent except for his voice and the flames that surrounded the throne.
"The Earth kingdom's defences are concentrated here." He pointed at figures by the great walls of Ba Sing Se.
"A dangerous battalion of their strongest earthbenders. I recommend we move the 41st against them." He stated.
Another general, one with a long white beard spoke. "The 41st division is our newest recruits, how do you expect them to defeat the Earth kingdom's fiercest regiments?"
The first general who was directly across from Zuko answered with an evil smirk.
"I don't…. We will use them as a distraction. Our stronger forces will attack from the rear of the Earth kingdom guard once they focus on the 41st. What better bait than fresh meat?"
Zuko felt sick to his stomach. These generals had no remorse for sending hundreds of soldiers to die. He felt his uncle grab on to his left arm but he had already shot to his feet before he could be held back.
"You can't sacrifice an entire division of soldiers like that!" The prince exclaimed, all eyes pointed on him. "Those soldiers love and defend their nation. How can you stand there and betray their loyalty!"
None spoke.
The fires that surrounded the throne roared, reaching all the way to the roof far above. The ruthless cold voice of his father boomed.
"ZUKO! You dare speak against my general and show such disrespect!"
The young prince was fearful of the Fire Lord's voice. He could only look at him with a frozen, panicked expression.
"There is only one way to resolve this. Agni Kai, at sunset." His father spat venomously.
Zuko turned to face the general he had spoke against.
"I'm not afraid." He declared. Zuko couldn't help but notice the smirk on Azula's face.
"Everyone begone!" Fire Lord Ozai roared.
/
Agni Kai Arena, Caldera
Percy did not like the sight in front of him. His friend Zuko was at one end of the arena. Wearing the traditional garb of the fire duel, he was shirtless except for a red cloth that hung over his shoulders.
On the other side was not the general his friend had told him about. It was the Fire Lord. Zuko's own father. He was a behemoth of a man, far taller than the average and had a body hulking with muscles.
'Oh Zuko what have you gotten yourself into?' He thought to himself. He didn't know how he was going to fare against the most dangerous bender in the world. He didn't know if Zuko could even stand up against his father.
The gong boomed across the chamber. Father and son stood to face each other. Percy watched as his friend froze, fear marring his face.
Ozai slowly walked towards his son menacingly. Zuko fell to his knees in a deep bow.
"Please f-f-father…" his voice begged.
"You will fight for your honour." The Fire Lord spat.
"I didn't mean disrespect. I only have our nations best interests at heart-" Zuko pleaded.
"You will stand and fight!" Ozai commanded.
Zuko looked up towards his father, Percy could see tears streaming down his checks. "Father I won't fight you. I am your loyal son."
"You are weak!" Ozai barked. "You will fight!"
"Father." Zuko whispered.
"You will learn respect, and suffering will be your teacher."
Percy saw the Fire Lord's right hand engulfed in flames, he turned away before it connected with his friend's face. A horrifying scream echoed in the room
/
The Royal Throne Room
"Daughter." Her fathers voice was venomous. He had been in a foul mood since the events of the previous night.
"The nobility saw the pathetic display of your brother. We must not let them convince themselves that we are as weak as he is." Azula listened to her father's words carefully. Not daring to utter a word.
"He has been banished from the Nation, commanded to hunt the Avatar if he wishes to regain his honour." Azula knew how impossible a task that was. a fruitless enevour.
"As the new Crown Princess you are to go on a tour of the islands. Remind them who they serve."
"As you wish father." Azula replied quietly.
"After the tour you set sail on your first campaign. Quell the uprisings in the colonies. You know what failure entails." Ozais cold voice ruthlessly warned. Embers flickering on her fingertips.
Azula was stoic but a primal sense of dread filled her as she gazed upon those orange flames. 'Weak' a horrifically familiar voice mocked her internally.
"I won't fail you father." Azula bowed. She feared what would happen if she faltered.
/
Authors Note
So that's chapter 9. We got a continuation of Percy's and Azulas fight from the previous chapter. Also more Ty lee who's her ever kind bubbly self.
Also wanted to be as faithful to Zuko's banishment as I could, whilst making the slightest changes to account for the age difference. Ozai continues to be an abusive ass, and Azula's royally screwed up. Percy's got a lot on his hand.
Wanted to thank everyone who's followed and favorited since the previous chapter, can't believe we've already passed 100 faves and nearing 150 follows.
As always I want to personally reply to reviews.
Trife: mate literally just caught your review before going through a final check through! happy I'm getting to reply to you. Massive thanks for continuing to read and leave reviews dude love hearing your thoughts.
It was difficult writing that resolution to his bending but I'm happy you've enjoyed how it's played out. He and Azula are going to go through a lot of conflict and disagreements, especially around morals in war. Their path to becoming a couple isn't going to be easy but he's going to challenge her constantly so it's going to be interesting.
I really enjoyed writing the fight at the end. Had to continue it into this chapter. She doesn't go down easy. Definitely want them to be quite similar in power, but influence and push each other to new lengths. Like Percy's taken inspiration from irohs lightning bending and made his own form. Kinda want to explore that with Azula learning from a waterbending form. But it's not fully set in stone yet.
Look forward to reading your next review Trife.
Superhero01: cheers man! I really appreciate your continued support and reviews. With it only being his first time losing his connection I wanted him to struggle with it but still find resolution in a timely manner. Hope you've enjoyed this chapter, I think Azula and Percy are going to go through a rollercoaster.
Ltbutterfly287: yeah I get what you mean. The gods are cosmic beings and it operates differently in PJO. This is a whole different universe that exists out with the Gods but he will eventually find out about his heritage. I don't see waterbending forms as limiting, what he controls with just his finger tips takes a master bender decades to do. Yes he is a demigod and is going to be immensely powerful. But he's lived in a world where all he's ever known is that he's a waterbender. It'll come in time.
Things will be picking up the pace now. The majority of these chapters are fundamental in settings up the characters and who they are. As well as how things are going to operate within the story.
Percy's proud of his title as son of Piandao. It's a valid way to refer to him still. It's gotten more use in the last couple of chapter because I refused to call him waterbender when he disconnected from his element. But I don't think anyone noticed that.
Massively appreciate you taking the time to leave reviews as you were reading the story though mate, and I do hope you've enjoyed this one. Looking forward to reading thoughts on it.
/
If you've made this far please follow and favourite if you've enjoyed, and leave a review. It only takes a moment but I love reading and replying to them. Want to hear what you's are thinking about the story.
Take care,
Admeto