Previously on the Legend of Perseus: Bender of Oceans.
"And what do you think of his bending?" Piandao enquired, skipping the small talk.
"It is unlike anything I have ever seen. You say he has had no teachings or scrolls?" Iroh replied.
"Yes Iroh, aside from standard tutoring for any noble son, everything related to waterbending he has learned himself."
Iroh nodded in thought. Perseus was an enigma of raw power and potential. He knew from his letters from Piandao and the many times he met the young boy that he was different. He had a strong inner fire yet was a prodigal waterbender on par with any master seemingly. Iroh knew the boy had an incredible future in front of him, but needed to tread wearily lest Perseus fall to the influences of Ozai.
"You told me when your found him he was bound in cloth upon the cliffs. With a letter decreeing him a son of the ocean?" Iroh questioned.
"Yes. I believe he is a gift from the spirits."
"I think so too old friend. When I return to the capital I will send a hawk on my return with scrolls for Perseus to train from. He must continue being nurtured wisely as you already have. I fear what Ozai or my father may try to do with Perseus if they come across him too soon."
'Thank you Prince Iroh."
The two enjoyed the rest of the night drinking tea and pai sho, as their conversations continued and verged off into different tangents.
/
The Legend of Perseus: Bender of Oceans
Chapter 3: The Students of Piandao
Shu Jing (91AG)
"Crown Prince Iroh, this is an unexpected visit. To what do we owe the pleasure?"
"Piandao my friend, I can't believe its been a year already. Your estate looks wonderful as always. Please forgive my nephew and I's intrusion. He was very adamant to meet you when I mentioned I was friends with the greatest swords master of the fire nation." Iroh answered, a kind smile gracing his weary face,
"So this young man must be Prince Zuko. Its an honour to meet you my liege." Piandao directed his attention with a bow of his head to the young boy who stood beside Iroh.
"Master Piandao, the honour is all mine." Zuko returned the head bow.
'You look to be the same age as my son, in my estate there is no need for formalities. Just call me Piandao."
"How is young Perseus? I'm looking forward to tea and a conversation with him." Iroh enquired.
"He is doing well my friend, his educational studies may not be his forte but he bears excitement to start his fighting studies." The nobleman answered the prince.
"When do his studies start?" Iroh pressed.
"After his birthday this weekend. I know he stays up at night already practicing, its time to properly hone his abilities."
"His birthday this weekend? How exciting. Its a good thing I already brought young Perseus a gift with me. But speaking of your son, where would one find him. I believe Prince Zuko wishes to speak to you alone."
Zuko was twitching listening to the two older men talk. He understood formalities but he wanted to cut straight to the point. He had heard a legend of the greatest swordsman in the fire nation. A non bender capable of gutting a squadron of trained fire benders. Zuko wanted to become his student and learn the ways of the blade. He was happy to hear that there was another kid his age here, maybe he could make his mother proud and actually make a friend.
"He will be currently returning from his studies, let us enjoy some tea whilst we await his return." Piandao warmly answered,
The three of them drank tea as the elders played a game of pai sho. Zuko didn't care for the game but was regaled in stories of reminiscent conversations of battle and war between the men. His Uncle Iroh was a wise man, and he could tell from his short time in the estate that Piandao shared that wise and philosophical mind. Zuko was lost in the stories of the two. Tales of conquest and exploration played in his mind, he wanted nothing more than to be just like the men that sat across from him. Maybe then his father would see value in him.
The young prince's thoughts were torn apart by a loud voice.
"Uncle Iroh!" It exclaimed.
Zuko looked up and was surprised by what he saw. It was a boy similar in age to him, with regal long black hair done in a top knot, with an ornate hair piece holding it together. The boy had a maturity to his face, a wisdom dancing in his emerald green eyes. Eyes that swirled like a storm analysing him in return.
"And you are?" The boy questioned with a tilt of his head. This must be Perseus, Piandao's son.
"Prince Zuko, son of Ozai and Ursa." Zuko retorted with a sneer.
'Forgive my son Prince. Now I believe you wanted to ask me some questions. Let's head to my study. Perseus, can you host Crown Prince Iroh in my wake?" Piandao commanded.
"Of course father." Perseus answered with a deep bow.
Prince Zuko and Piandao vacated the room, leaving the Crown Prince and young noble together. Perseus began brewing a fresh pot of tea and Iroh smiled.
"So how have you found the scrolls?" Iroh began his interrogation.
"They've been incredible uncle. It's opened my eyes to what actually might be possible with bending. I do enjoy the katas as well, there's something therapeutic about them. I feel at peace when I go through the motions." Perseus answered, a lopsided grin covering his face.
"I'm delighted to hear it. I brought a gift with me, another scroll but one that will be different to what you've seen before." Iroh replied kindly.
"Uncle there's no need to give me anything, you've helped me in countless ways already."
"It is nothing Perseus, I wish to pass these secrets to you. The last time we talked properly do you remember our conversation about inner chi? And where ones bending comes from/"
"Yes uncle." Perseus answered with a confused tone. Unsure what was actually being asked of him.
"Katas are one of the ways we guide the elements to our will, your body becomes a conduit for the movement of power. Those katas can transcend elements. You asked about lightening and the scroll I'm gifting you is a copy of my own kata. They were inspired by waterbenders so I am sure you can learn from them in some way. But I wish to show you the kata so you can fully understand it as you practice.
Iroh stood up and began a slow and careful showcase of the kata, explaining the reasoning of his movements in a deliberate manner. Perseus watched carefully, watching Iroh every move and breath, the way he elegantly moved with lightning dancing on his fingertips. Perseus was amazed at what he was seeing. Iroh's kata was graceful and purposeful. As Iroh finished his moves he pointed two finger tips out of the open window and a wicked blue bolt shot from his hands.
"That was incredible Uncle Iroh!" Perseus awed.
"You and I both know that was merely a small demonstration Perseus. Now, what did you notice?" Iroh quizzed.
Perseus thought to himself for several moments, replaying Iroh's movements over and over in his mind. There was elegance and glamor in every careful step and motion.
"You flowed Uncle. Like a stream dancing around rocks and riverbeds, or the waterfall that crashes down the rocks. You were in complete control, but it was natural." Perseus answered
Iroh nodded but Perseus continued.
"It was unlike any firebending I've seen. I've watched Agni Kai's in the town, seen firebenders practice. But none move with grace like you did uncle." Perseus finished.
Iroh was impressed by the young boy's musings. He continuously showed a wisdom and understanding of bending far beyond his years. "That's because it isn't. It's not fire bending, nor is it water bending as the katas may suggest. Its an amalgamation of both, two halves creating a new whole. Similar, yet different."
"As I said, katas can transcend bending, the only limits are in your mind. Some may see it as bastardisation, I see it as exceeding tradition. Continue studying your scrolls and this one that I am gifting you. But remember my lessons, remember your fathers lessons-" Iroh paused, taking a small breath.
"Your power Perseus is not a drop of the Ocean, you are the whole ocean in a drop. Continue being water, formless, ever flowing, and unchainable and you will conquer anything you put your mind to." Iroh finished, as he passed over a scroll that was contained in an ornate sheath.
Perseus held it reverently, gratitude indescribable at the gift he had just received. He loved these fleeting moments with uncle Iroh. Spiritual musings, tea, and pai sho were always great pastimes for the two to spend their time together. But a private demonstration of bending from a true master had been the greatest gift he could have ever received.
"Now, let's go find my nephew and your father, I wonder what's taking them so long."
/
The pair wandered the hallways of Piandao's estate. Passing numerous courtyards, statues, tapestries, and rooms. They made their way to the back of the castle where Perseus' father's personal study was located. As they got closer the doors burst open and Piandao and Prince Zuko stood in front of them.
"Hello father." Perseus warmly spoke.
"Percy my son, how was tea with our guest?" Piandao asked with a knowing smile.
"Incredible father.' Percy replied. "It was eye opening as well. We always seem to end up in conversations about philosophy when we have tea." Iroh smirked hearing the young boy's words.
"Yes Piandao, you have raised a wise young man." Iroh's voice revered with praise.
Percy blushed, and Zuko watched the familiarity between his uncle and Piandao's son with a jealous glint flickering in his eye. The young prince was shocked at how familial the two were, laughing and enjoying tea together. He would rarely see his uncle at such inner peace in the royal palace unless he was with his own son Lu Ten.
"Where will I be staying, Master Piandao." Zuko interrupted and three pairs of eyes turned their attention to him.
"Perseus, will you show Prince Zuko to the guest chambers? And please inform Fat that it will be four for meals for the foreseeable months." Piandao commanded his son.
"Of course father." Perseus directed his glowing green eyes to Zuko. "Well fire prince, let me show the castles many rooms, and never ending hallways. We don't want you getting lost if we're hosting you." The boy smirked.
The two young boys vacated the hallway outside Piandao's study. Perseus guiding the way several paces in front of the young prince. The water bender spewing facts on how many bedrooms, courtyards, and training halls littered the grand estate.
"Most importantly make sure you don't trample the flowers, I learned that lesson the hard way when Fat chased me around the whole castle with a broom." Piandao's sons roucous laughter echoed in the hallways as the two finally disappeared around a corner.
/
The Estate's Study with Piandao and Iroh
A strong aroma of ginseng tea stuffed the room as the men sat across from each other at a pai sho table. The sun was setting outside and brilliant hues of orange and red painted the sky. The rustling of leaves and bird song danced in their eyes. In a nation that had been at war for decades the two men were at complete peace in their surroundings.
"Those two boys will be good for each other." Iroh spoke out happily. "Zuko has a bit of a shell but if anyone can crack it, I'm sure it's young Perseus."
"My son has a way of doing that." Piandao glimmered. "This castle used to feel so empty and lonely. Even with the many students that have passed these halls."
Piandao paused. "But ever since he shown up everything changed for the better. He brings a liveliness and this castle is rarely quiet. But if anything I hope your nephew can hopefully help calm him down." Piandao laughed and Iroh joined him.
"You and I both know that nothings going to tame your boy." Iroh chortled. "The sea does not like to be restrained after all."
"Oh how I know that is very true. He already wants to go an explore the world but doesn't understand how truly precarious his situation is. I just want him to be ready before Ozai or Azulon inevitably get their hands on him." Piandao confessed.
"We also both know the day he goes out into the world will be sooner than either of us want." Iroh replied and Piandao nodded in agreement.
"The two of you need be more careful than ever before. The fire lord has decreed kill on sight of any southern waterbenders…" Iroh warned.
"Why would he decree such a thing? They live a tribal lifestyle, they are no threat to the Fire Nation?" Piandao questioned confused. He could not understand why such drastic measures were required.
Iroh sighed a weary exhale and leaned ever so slightly forward. A new weight finding itself on his shoulders.
"Iroh?" Piandao pressed.
"I have only heard rumours. But worrying rumours none the less." Iroh paused. "Apparently there was a prisoner, a women from the southern water tribe. She had been imprisoned for decades in one of the harshest waterbending prisons, and discovered a new form of waterbending before making her escape."
"What did she discover Iroh." Piandao demanded.
"Apparently some waterbenders can be driven to truly dark and horrific lengths Piandao." Iroh sighed. He leaned forward every so slightly once again. The weight on his shoulders growing heavier.
"Bloodbending." Iroh whispered.
"Impossible." Piandao quietly replied.
"I would have thought so too but more than ever before his bending cannot be seen. You must be vigilant. Zuko is a good boy, but I know the two you are more than smart enough to not reveal Perseus' waterbending."
"We will be careful Iroh, I'll personally make sure of it."
"You've raised you son well Piandao, you should take pride in that. You must be looking forward to training him with the sword."
"Oh he can't wait either, he's been begging for the last year. I've caught him making swords of ice and practicing." Piandao laughed.
"That sounds like Perseus. One again I wanted to thank you for taking my nephew as a student. I'm sure he is beyond excited to experience your tutelage." Iroh warmly spoke out.
"I must confess however he isn't the only reason I came to visit. I have been commanded to the front lines. I am to lead the seige on the walls of Ba Sing Se." Iroh confessed.
"I hope the spirits will protect you on the battlefield my friend."
/
Perseus Private Quarters
"-and for the coolest place in the whole castle. My room." Perseus proudly exclaimed.
"You still haven't shown me my room, or have you forgotten again.?" Zuko sighed, not even glancing around.
"You could at least seem interested." Perseus huffed. "Your room on the other side oof the courtyard. Our butler Fat will wake us for breakfast in the mornings."
"Okay, goodnight." Zuko retorted before exiting the room and crossing the courtyard.
/
Several months later
Grand Training Hall, Piandao's Estate.
"So Prince Zuko, this afternoon you leave us and begin your return to the capital." Piandao started.
"I think once again we will go over the virtues that make a righteous warrior, to make sure you boys have been listening in the lessons."
"Tell me Perseus, where does warriors honour come from."
"Warriors have only one judge of honour and character. That is ourselves. The decisions we make and how these decisions are carried out is a true reflection of who we are." Perseus answered expertly, a lifetime of philosophical teachings had taught him these tenets long ago.
"Prince Zuko, what is courage."
"Courage is when we stand up when we are most afraid, to protect what is right and those who can't protect themselves. We cannot hide from our duty, we must act." Prince Zuko shakily answered and Piandao smiled.
"Good answer young prince. Perseus, explain benevolence to me."
"Benevolence is one of our most important tenets. No action of the sword can be taken back, no blood that has been shed can be unshed. We have power and therefore we have a duty and respomnsibility to wield that power with benevolence." Perseus answered once more, a slight bow of the head as the considered the importance of his words.
"Good job son, Prince. What is sincerity."
"Sincerity is our spoken word. We do need to promise, nor do we end to give our word. If we say we will do something we will do it. Nothing will stop a warrior from standing by his word." Zuko replied a little more confidently.
"You've been paying attention well. My son, what is a warriors integrity."
"Integrity is our moral code. It is our every day actions, our honesty, our dealings with others. How we conduct ourselves on and off the battlefield. If there is lines that should not be crossed, we do not cross them. That is a warriors integrity." Perseus answered staring his father in the eyes.
"Fantastic answer Percy. Prince Zuko how does a warrior show respect."
"True warriors have no reason to be cruel. They do not need to prove their strength. We are respectful and courteous to all, even our enemies." Zuko answered with a slight smile, a surety in himself.
"Good stuff young prince. Now finally my son, what is a warrior loyal to."
"Warriors are loyal to their family and those they care for. Just as we have a duty on the battlefield, we have a duty to those we love."
"I'm proud of both of you boys. You show a true understanding of the code a warrior lives by. Remember, your words, your actions, and they way you conduct yourself define you as a person and as a warrior. Every day you must remember this and live by these principles to be truly righteous."
"You have come far in the art of the sword young Prince, those twin dao swords you train with are yours to keep. Consider them as a gift from my House to yours."
"Thank you master Piandao, I am truly honoured." Zuko replied gracefully with a bow of the head. "I wish we had time for one more duel Percy, I'm sure i'll beat you the next time."
"Surely you must be getting tired of having you ass kicked Zuko. I'm surprised to say I'm going to miss you." Percy bantered with the prince.
"I beat you that one time." Zuko warned. "And I didn't use my bending."
"Oh I'm sure you'll get me the next time fire prince. I'm sure our paths will cross once again."
"You should come to the capital someday, I can show you a proper castle." Zuko gloated playfully.
"Hopefully, I'd love the visit the capital someday." Perseus replied with a glance to his father.
/
Authors Note
And that's chapter 3. It's been incredibly fun to write this chapter, I had to cut some stuff out that I wasn't too keen on but I Hope yous have enjoyed. So Hama's actions in bloodbending is what causes Katara's mum to eventually be killed . The chapter has somewhat laid down the groundwork of the philosophies that make up Percy's bending. Obviously philosophy and spirituality is important in ATLA and I wanted to make sure there was a proper way Percy's power could make sense in the universe.
I love writing uncle Iroh and we've seen Perseus and Zuko meet and the start of a friendship forming, it wont be long now for the story to start progressing and Perseus begins his adventures with a certain Princess.
I will eventually revisit the first two chapters and tidy them a bit, but I do also just want to get to meat of the story.
If you've enjoyed the chapter please leave your thoughts and questions in a review, I really do enjoy reading them.
Special thanks to the kind words left by Joe Ell, Chaosmaker55, and ayerdehoy.
Take care folk,
Admeto.