17 replies to this topic

[Lunacyde]

Shiva stepped back staggered from the heat. A massive wall of blossoming fire rose monolithically in front of her, reaching towards the sky and then collapsing in on itself. A flurry of fire blasts emerged from the falling flames. Shiva skillfully dodged each blast as it passed by her bursting and arcing in violent plumes of cobalt and azure. With each passing rupture of light and flame she closed the gap, barraging Azula with powerful strikes. Azula sunk into her defense evading and countering Shiva’s swift attacks.

“Not bad, you have a lot of potential”, Shiva remarked offhand. “Too bad your skills are unrefined.”

Suddenly everything shifted, Shiva began to blur as she delivered hits even more ferociously than before. Her assault was unrelenting. For every blow Azula blocked four more would land with unstoppable force and flawless precision. Excruciating pain erupted as she was pelted with strikes, stumbling backwards. The onslaught climaxed with a bone-rattling roundhouse sending Azula to the grimy alley floor.

“It’s over.” Shiva said. “Pity too. I can see you have talent, despite your clear lack of proper training.”

Blood ran from Azula’s nose, a thin drip of scarlet collecting above her lip, loose bangs draped across her defiant eyes. Shiva turned to deliver a death blow, but Azula kicked her legs in a circle, spinning like a top and sending a cyclone of fire out in all directions. Caught off guard Shiva tried to dodge, but it was too late, the rippling flare caught her squarely, lifting her off her feet and sending her skittering across the dirty asphalt.

“Enough.” Azula breathed, smoke curling from her nostrils. She rushed in unleashing a massive tidal wave of fire. Shiva rolled to the side attempting to use the dumpster as a shield. A colossal explosion rocked the metal hulk and sent it tumbling, pinning Shiva to the ground beneath a ton of twisted metal. Light glinted off the scorched jagged wreckage as it smoldered.

“Now it’s over”, Azula smiled though glaring pain. She held her side delicately. “Let’s cut to the chase. What is inside this case and why do you want it?” Azula held a small flame in her hand, inches in front of Shiva’s face.

“You don’t need to threaten me kid. I’ll talk. This mission wasn’t particularly near to my heart anyway. They’re subcutaneous nano-processors, built for mind control. The subject swallows them unknowingly and they attach themselves to nerve endings, allowing you to control them like puppets. Whoever you work for doesn’t tell you much do they?”

“The Penguin is afraid of me”, Azula replied eying Shiva contemplatively. “However I will need a teacher if I am to rule over Gotham.” She paused for a moment. “You will train me.”

“What exactly makes you think I would do that? I’m not exactly your biggest fan right now.” Shiva retorted masking the pain on her face.

“I’m sure Ras Al Ghul won’t be happy when he finds out you not only lost the package, but his daughter died on your watch as well.”

“I’m not afraid of Ras Al Ghul. I can defeat anyone he sends after me”, she strained breathing deeply.

“Oh, I’m sure you would under normal circumstances, but I doubt they would have a hard time if they found you like this”, Azula claimed as she ran her hand across the seared metal.

“What is your offer?” Shiva grunted, knowing even she would be lost if she was found in this condition.

“Join me and become my personal trainer. All I ask for is your word. I will pay you well when I can.”

“And until then?


“Consider this a down payment”, Azula said kneeling over. An intense torch of fire sprouted from her hand as she used it cut away the ruins of the dumpster.
_______________________________________________________________________________

Some Time Later…

Azula could see the decadent glow of the Iceberg Lounge in the distance. She counted the streetlights as she passed them, grabbing her side carefully as she limped along. She passed a darkened side street, noticing as a black car emerged silently from the dark. As it pulled up beside her she could see it was a well-polished limousine its tinted back window rolling down a crack, and a familiar voice rising from the depths inside.

“Where have you been?” He questioned gruffly.

“Got ambushed by Lady Shiva and Talia Al Ghul” she replied wincing in pain.

“You don’t look too good”, came the emotionless reply.

“You should see them”, she quipped trying to plaster a faint smile over her pain-soaked demeanor.

“Sorry, I had to interrogate David Cain, and when I got down there you were gone. Nothing left but a smoldering wreck. You sure made a mess.”

“Didn’t have a choice”, she collapsed against the side of the car.

The door swung open hurriedly, Deadshot stepping out. “Come on, get up and in the car.” He grabbed her by the shoulder pulling her to her feet as she cringed her shoulder throbbing. He pushed her quickly into the car where she sat facing the Penguin, cool air blowing on her face.

“Deadshot said he entrusted you with the success of the mission. I take it you still have the package my dear?” He inquired impatiently.

Without saying a word she produced the case, handing it to the Penguin.

“Very well, you’ve earned some rest. Deadshot here will escort you to your new quarters.”

“No thanks”, she opened the door, moving slowly. “I already have a place”. She shut the door with care, hobbling away from the car.


The Penguin and Deadshot watched her disappear into the murky Gotham night, her silhouette melding into the gloomy city shadows. As she disappeared from sight they failed to see the crooked smile spreading across her lips as she straightened her posture, golden eyes radiant in anticipation.
_______________________________________________________________________________

One Month Later…

The Gotham Heights Roller Rink sat aging and decrepit. It had been closed for years now. Outside it showed all the signs of vacancy. Gang tags and pot leaves were scrawled across its shambling walls. Dirt and grime caked the grungy brick façade, and the once bright neon letters sat dark and colorless. There once was a time when they glowed cherry red, beckoning youth to come and skate. Now the capital “R” hung upside down, swinging and creaking with each passing gust of wind. Beaten planks of weathered wood covered the windows like stiff bandages on a lifeless cadaver. Thick layers of cobweb ruffled in the flowing breeze like cotton drapes. Years had passed since anyone had set foot in the place. Yet tonight, if one were to look closely they would see a ghostly blue light shifting in the murky cracks of splintered boards.

The black expanse of the hardwood rink was deep and gloomy, interrupted only by the soft cerulean glow from a dozen wax candles. They were arranged methodically, perfectly positioned in a large circle. In the center a shadowy form swayed back and forth in the flickering light. Slow and deliberate, they shifted their weight through the stances, transitioning from form to form. Baiting the Tiger, Hidden Talon, Dancing Dragon: each move precise, every stance flawless. There was a rhythm to this kata, steady and purposeful; like a beating heart. The flames of the candles would rise and fall, growing with each deep breath. As time passed the tempo began to increase. Each passing series would compound upon that before it. The strikes and blocks became more crisp and rapid. The flames danced higher and higher, revealing Azula’s furrowed brow from the cloak of darkness. Her face was framed in deep concentration, beads of perspiration growing on her forehead.

“Hajime”, cried a voice from the shadows shattering the growing silence. THWIP THWIP, two arrows lashed out of the darkness like vipers. Their sharpened arrowheads gleamed as the razor edges caught the glistening light.

The dark-haired princess snatched the first arrow out of the air with her hand, deftly deflecting the other with a forearm block. She listened to the sound of creaking boards, the rush of air, energy all around her. Everything melded and flowed as she sunk into a state of hyper awareness. Action became reaction, vision anticipation.

THWIP THWIP THWIP. Three arrows this time, coming from different directions. A spinning reverse roundhouse to snap the first, catch second and third. She appeared a cyclone of motion, devouring the incoming projectiles.

Two attackers rushing from shadows. THWIP, another arrow. Guide first attacker into path, disarm second. Sweep the legs, finish. The arrow struck the first opponent with its blunted end dropping him. In a flash of light she had grabbed the second attacker, easily prying the katana from his grasp. He hit the floor like a sack of apples as she broke his stance.

Pick up dropped katana. THWIP, slice arrow. THWIP THWIP, two more. She brandished the polished blade in a figure eight, cutting the arrows perfectly down the middle. Tiger stance. PSSSSSHT, smoke grenade. Listen closely, feel your opponents. A billowing plume of smoke engulfed the battle. Behind you, one attacker; clumsy. Duck wild attack, palm to throat. She dropped her assailant with a crushing palm strike to the larynx. Two more to left and right. Sheath sword, sidestep spear, shatter with front kick. Catch kick from second assailant, use weight against him. She grabbed his foot as it extended toward her face using his momentum to catapult him into first attacker. THWIP THWIP THWIP THWIP THWIP THWIP. Barrage, don’t get hit. Back handspring to mid air twist. A flurry of arrows burst from the darkness missing her contorting body by inches. One last shot barreled straight for her head as she flew through the air. Her hair swished to the side as she snatched it neatly out of the air. Stick landing to tuck and roll. She hit the floor, bending and rolling with her own inertia.

New opponent. Much quieter, moves quickly; Shiva. Use arrow to foot; too slow. She stabbed toward Shiva’s foot with the arrow, but it moved at the last second leaving the arrow to lodge in the hardwood floor. Catch kick, block jabs. Losing ground, duck roundhouse, front roll, sweep leg. Not fast enough. Azula attempted to block another series of strikes, but they were too fast. She took two lightning jabs to the side. Pain clouding focus. Think clearly. Deflect jab, sidestep knee, flow with her attack. She frantically countered each rapid blow. Path of least resistance. Dodge palm strike, dip beneath reverse roundhouse, evade elbow. Backflip to create space, use environment. Shiva pressed toward her so fast it could barely be seen. WHAM. On floor, didn’t even see that coming.

“Merlyn, Shado, Assassins, enough.” Shiva walked over to Azula as she sat on the floor. “You’re improving”, Shiva remarked matter of factly. “I actually broke a sweat this time.” Her face was stern, but the compliment was sincere as she reached out to help Azula off the glossy hardwood floor.

CRASH The red double-wide doors exploded open, nearly torn off their hinges as Killer Croc buried his shoulder into them. Azula strode to meet her guest as if she had been expecting him. She stood tall, walking with a deliberate importance, clasping her hands patiently behind her back.

“Ever think of knocking first?” She retorted eying the burgeoning beast up and down. She paused for but a second taking in his silence before adding “Of course not”.

“Penguin wants to talk to you” he hissed ignoring her remark.

“Everyone wants to talk to me Croc, I’m a busy person.” She smiled pacing back and forth in front of him. “You can tell the Penguin I wasn’t home, he’ll have to call another time.”

“I’m sorry my dear, but this a matter of great urgency and importance.” The Penguin seethed as his plump silhouette appeared in the doorway, flanked by Deadshot and a dozen armed men. “Croc, I said to get her you great buffoon.”

“Is this how you treat your loyal subjects Penguin? She raised her voice. Is this what we can expect from you? Breaking down our doors and attacking us in the middle of the night?”

“Loyal? You seem to have a loose grip on the English language”, he squawked, his eyes bulging behind his large monocle.

“You would dare accuse me of treachery?” She feigned anguish, clutching at her heart.

“I do”, he exclaimed brandishing his umbrella.

“Well you are right”, she rolled her eyes. “Was it that obvious?”

“I am in no mood for games child. I suggest you consider the gravity of your situation.”

Suddenly her demeanor changed. “No Penguin. You should consider the fact that you are a failure.” The venom in her voice reverberated throughout the gloomy space. “You have let yourself go. You squander your immense resources on petty gratifications. You do not deserve our loyalty. You are not worthy.”

“I will not have this from you. You will pay for this outburst, you insolent cretin.”

“What? Are you going to kill me because you can’t control me?” She taunted. His eyes grew wide above his snaggled teeth and crooked nose. “Like you tried to control us all?” I know about the mind control devices Boss. If it was up to you we’d all be mindless puppets right now.”

“Of course you know about them”, he interjected. “You stole them from me.” The veins that snake across Penguins forehead were bulging, his fist clenched tightly around his umbrella, his deformed hands white at the knuckles.

“To save us from your schemes”, she pointed a finger at him. “You would have us mindless slaves to your every whim.”

The armed men began to murmur around him as the Penguin felt the rage building in every inch of his misshapen body. He turned to Deadshot to find himself staring down the barrel of a wrist gun. “So boss, is it true?” His low calculating voice showed no emotion.

“Of course not”, The Penguin exploded. “She’s trying to undermine me. Can’t you see it? His face flushed red with anger. “Deadshot, I demand you shoot the traitor.”

“Not sure if I’m not looking at him right now”, his reply was cold and emotionless as he stood there unmoving, the muzzle still inches from Penguin’s face.

“I will pay you double to shoot her”, the Penguin crowed in exasperation. Deadshot lowered his weapon, but kept his gaze upon Penguin’s face.

“Tsk, tsk.” Azula shook her head as she stood there practically beaming. “You know Penguin, you shouldn’t make promises you can’t keep.”

“What are you talking about?” He raged striding powerfully towards her.

“I did my homework Penguin.” She leered. “I talked to your accountants, financial advisors, everyone.” She paused a few seconds to let it sink in. “With the Calculator’s help I hacked your bank accounts. All of your wealth is now under my control.”

“You little degenerate thief. That’s what you’ve been after this whole time.”

“You sad little man, I don’t want your money.” She leaned in close, her amber eyes gleaming with excitement, “Here is the beauty of it all. I am going to give you a chance to earn your money back.”
“It’s my money you twisted woman!” He growled.

“What a sense of entitlement”, she exclaimed shaking her head slowly.” It is no longer your money, you pompous oaf. It is mine, and so will be your empire if you don’t have the guts to stand up and defend it.”

“I said shoot her!” he barked looking at Deadshot.

“Sorry big guy, you’re going to have to deal with this one on your own.”

“One of you men, shoot both of the traitors.” He demanded turning to the mass of goons as they stood there motionless.

“I challenge you Penguin, to unarmed combat for leadership of the organization. No fire, no weapons, no help; just you and me.”

“You have no claim to leadership child.”

“The wolf has no claim to the sheep’s life.” She glared at him trying to suppress a cunning smirk. “If you refuse my generous offer I will take your entire empire by force, just as I took your wealth. I am giving you the opportunity to show that you deserve the power you wield. You should thank me.”
“I will not brawl in the streets like some kind of hoodlum.”

“I don’t think you understand Penguin. I have eliminated the channels through which you bully and manipulate others. You have nothing left to lean on.” She walked over Shiva’s jacket as it lay draped across a bench, pulling a silk scarf from the delicately embroidered pocket. “Besides, to make it more interesting I will fight blindfolded.” She flourished the scarf in the air, letting it catch light from the flames.

The Penguin looked around him. His men stood there silently watching, faces sullen. Some folded their arms. “Looks like you don’t have a choice.” Deadshot’s voice confirmed what Penguin already knew.

“I guess not”, he muttered. “Would you permit an old bird one indulgence?” His lip curled wryly.

“What is it?” she questioned sharply.

“May I keep my umbrella?” The request seemed simple enough.

“Sure”, she laughed. “Why not?” She turned away facing the candles. “Let me know when you’re ready”, she called over her shoulder confidently.

Shiva looked at her curiously. “You do know that he has weapons built into that umbrella?”
“Of course, but he doesn’t know that I know that. Besides it will make it that much more convincing when I beat him down.”

“Clever”, Shiva remarked almost as if it was a compliment.

Shado emerged from the murky black grabbing the blindfold from Azula’s hand. “Good luck kid”, she commented as she fastened the blindfold tightly around Azula’s head.

“I’m not a kid, I’m twenty-two.” Azula rejoined adjusting the blindfold around her eyes.

“See anything?” Shado asked as she waved a hand in front of Azula’s face.


“No”, Azula responded coolly, grabbing Shado’s waving hand.
______________________________________________________________________________

Ten minutes later…

The half-burnt candles were replaced by hearty burning fires, sprouting from intricately carved bronze discs. Elaborate calligraphy decorated the outsides of the dishes, the carved metal symbols gleaming in the heat of the indigo inferno. Eerie blue light was cast over the hardwood arena from their roaring blazes.

“I am ready charlatan”, the Penguin crowed, his voice sounding hoarse. The color had faded from his crimson cheeks, the fuel of rage replaced with doubt and fear.

“Then let’s get this over with”, she said sinking into a defensive stance. She stood there focusing, her ears perking to every breath, her skin feeling every touch of heat. “What’s wrong Penguin? Don’t know how to fight a blind woman?”

With that he felt the rage welling inside him again. He rushed her with all the speed and grace his awkward body would allow. His umbrella drew surprising quickly from his side, a honed blade projecting from its tip. The blade shown brilliantly against the blooming flames, but she could not see it under the darkness of the blindfold.

[Callisto]

Learn More About
Princess Azula
Read more about Princess Azula at Wikipedia
Official Site: Nickelodeon Links: Azula's Wiki Article Distant Horizon Official Site

Penguin
Read more about Penguin at Wikipedia
Official Site: D.C Comics Links: Wikipedia Comic Vine Dark Knight

[LoneWolf]

I can see you are building Azula up to take on stronger challengers in the future by having her train with Shiva. I only noticed one error near the beginning--> She passed a darkened side street, noticing a black car emerging from the. Other than that, it was a very well written set-up with some good descriptive language. I think Penguin won't last more than a few seconds against Azula's new found martial arts mastery.

[Vankarnage]

Ok fire bending prodigy vs. A mutated midget? Is this supposed to be funny?

[Lunacyde]

Did you even read the set-up?

Also I'm doing these matches from a story-telling perspective, not from a pure match-up perspective. In the arc I had planned this showdown had to happen, and this was the best way I could see it happening for both story and a match-up.

[DSkillz]

Another nice chapter for your Azula arc, Lunacyde. Nice layout showing the story's progression to Azula's betrayal.

As for the match, Penguin might may this interesting using the gagdets in his umbrella against a blindfolded Azula that (probably) won't firebend. Knowning Shiva's brutal, often deadly training methods like I do, though, the former Fire Nation Princess is more than ready for this. In fact, I'd bet that Azula might've even made this a good battle without Shiva's training.

The stout avian aficionado goes down here, and probably hard.

[Lunacyde]

I tried to make it as even as possible, but really there is no way to make this a fair fight. I just had to do it for the sake of the story and move on.

[skadoosh]

I appreciate the fact you made this fight for the sake of the story and not the match, that's good, but what's best is how you tried to make it as even a match as possible despite that. However, Azula does win this, albeit with some difficulty due to the blindfold and the Penguins trick umbrella and undoubtedly nasty tactics.

As for the set up, it's pretty damn good. I liked the thought process during the fights, that was interesting, and very cool, and i like how Azula is kinda ballsy. The description was good, and i didn't like Shiva, she annoyed me, which either means you write annoyingly or you write annoying characters well. I'm betting it's the latter. You get a Good form me, dude.

[Hayesmeister5651]

Best arc I have read in a while. Keep it up.

With all this activity going on, are we going to see Batman soon?

[skadoosh]

That could be interesting...

[Lunacyde]

I appreciate the fact you made this fight for the sake of the story and not the match, that's good, but what's best is how you tried to make it as even a match as possible despite that. However, Azula does win this, albeit with some difficulty due to the blindfold and the Penguins trick umbrella and undoubtedly nasty tactics.

As for the set up, it's pretty damn good. I liked the thought process during the fights, that was interesting, and very cool, and i like how Azula is kinda ballsy. The description was good, and i didn't like Shiva, she annoyed me, which either means you write annoyingly or you write annoying characters well. I'm betting it's the latter. You get a Good form me, dude.

I really had a hard time getting into Shiva's character. Since I haven't read her in more than a handful of stories I tried to do research, but I just feel i didn't connect particularly well with that character. Here's hoping i improve in the future

[skadoosh]

I really had a hard time getting into Shiva's character. Since I haven't read her in more than a handful of stories I tried to do research, but I just feel i didn't connect particularly well with that character. Here's hoping i improve in the future

I don't blame you for making her annoying, it proves you can write a diverse range of personalities. And i get what you mean, i have to be emotionally connected to the characters i write to write them well. There's room for improvement, but when is there not with writing? Keep up the good stuff, dude.

[Lunacyde]

Haha if only I had meant to make her annoying. Then again I did mean to make her cocky and arrogant in her abilities so that may have translated to annoying.

Haha I have a long ways to go.

[skadoosh]

It works, dude. You got the unjustified arrogance down, and that's what i find annoying. We've all got ways to go.

[RakaiThwei]

I am going to say Azula.

-Rakai'Thwei

[Callisto]

Match Final Results
USER RATINGS
A
A Excellent story. Poor Penguin... he has no business being a villain anyway, so I don't feel that bad seeing him put out of his misery.
A
A Nice story progression!
A
A Nice, in-depth set-up.
B
SCORE
Princess Azula: 28
Penguin: 12
FPA: 3.9

[xlab3000]

azula would own penguin