Previously on the Legend of Perseus: Bender of Oceans.

"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.

/

The Legend of Perseus: Bender of Oceans

Chapter 4: A Swordsman Needs a Calling

Yu Dao, Governor's Estate (97AG)

"So Princess, what did you think of Yu Dao?" The governor asked nervously.

"The food was subpar, and the entertainment offerings were dreadful. I'm going to my chambers, Ty Lee. Let's go." The princess sneered.

"Thank you Mr Governor." Ty Lee's bubbly voice chanted as she rushed to catch up to the Princess.

"You didn't have to be so mean Azula." Ty Lee stated.

"This city is a stain to the Fire Nation Ty Lee, there's no luxury in this dingy backwater. I can't believe father sent us all the way out here to 'promote loyalty'." Azula huffed,

"Well we only have one more colony to seev and then we head home." Ty Lee grinned.

"Oh fantastic." Princess Azula sarcastically replied. "Another backwater to visit."

"Being in a huff the whole time isn't going to make it any more enjoyable. Better to have an open mind to the whole experience."

"I gain favor with my father, that's all that matters in this…" Azula smirked.

Ty Lee sighed. The two began to enter the Princess private wing, when the walls around them exploded.

/

Piandao's Estate, (97AG)

"Dad, that's me heading to town." Perseus shouted over to his father who was meditating in a courtyard.

"Remember Percy-"

"Yeah Dad I know. No bending, no fighting, be respectful, and don't cause trouble. You tell me every time I go to town.

"Just be careful son." Piandao warned.

"I will be. I love you dad." Percy replied warmly.

The teenager left the estate, saying goodbye to Fat in the process. He began his trek down the paved path towards town, soaking in the beaming rays of the sun. His silk robbers billowed ever so slightly in the wind, and his gold jewelry glimmered and shined. His father constantly reminded him that he needed to look every part of a noble's son when he left the estate. Percy thought it was all faff but he understood that he was a representation of his Dad.

It took him no time to arrive at the bustling town of Shu Jing, and Percy knew he wanted to head straight to the markets. 'Being a noble son did have its occasional perks.' He smiled to himself.

As he headed to markets he passed by a firebending academy led by a local renowned master. He carefully slowed his steps so he could get a look at the courtyard. Percy watched as the firebenders worked the way through katas, jets of fire shooting from every kick and punch.

'I could wipe the floor with them and they don't even know.' Perseus thought to himself. He chuckled quietly before picking up the pace as he found himself closer to the markets.

The teenager began hopping from stall to stall appreciating the offerings in front of him. As he was about to begin bartering with a vendor a conversation between two soldiers caught his attention.

"Did you hear about the assassination attempt of the Fire Lord's Daughter?"

"I did, apparently the fire lord is seeking an elite warrior to become the Princess's bodyguard. You have to win five duels against his top generals' sons to even be considered."

"What good is five duels? What if a mercenary or enemy tries to chance their luck?"

"Don't be stupid Lee, you need to be sponsored by a noble house before you can even duel, and the fire lord is only devoting a week to the fights."

"I wonder if I could find someone to sponsor me.." One guard mused.

"You against the best firebenders in the nation. You would get your ass beat."

Percy decided it was time to head back to the castle, and have a very difficult discussion with his father. As he exited the boundaries of the town he began a sprint to the castle.

In Piandao's Study

"Surely you realise what a stupid idea you've conjured." Piandao scorned.

"Dad please, I'm tired of being cooped up in the castle. I want to go out and explore the world. Do good. I can't spend an eternity in an endless cycle of training and sleeping." Percy begged.

Piandao sighed, he understood his son's desire to explore and be free. He himself wasn't much older than Percy when he first ventured out into the world.

"Perseus-"

"Dad its surely the safest way to reveal my bending. We have to at some point, what better way than showcasing loyalty to the Fire Lord, and protecting the crown Princess. With you and uncle Iroh sponsoring me surely I have a shot at least." Percy pleaded.

"The Fire Lord can and will question your loyalty, and may even choose to execute you."

"Whether he finds out now, next year, or the year after that I might be executed. I can't keep living like this. If I am fated to die I would rather face that fate head on then cower away from it. You taught me that dad." Percy tried rationalising.

"Don't use my own words against me son." Piandao sighed. "You do make a fair point though. I will write to Iroh, but you must promise that whatever decision we come to you will accept." Piandao decided.

"Thank you so much Dad."

The Royal Palace, Iroh's Quarters

Iroh's quarters were luxurious beyond comparison. Artifacts and war trophies from conquests recent and long ago littered every wall and cabinet. Tapestries depicting such conquest and war mongering hung upon the walls. Once a source of pride now just memories of a time that seemed so long ago. The elder man was sitting by a window, drinking a cup of his favorite tea but failing to enjoy it. A hollow pit had replaced his stomach.

There were two letters left on his desk. The words long ingrained in Iroh's mind after multiple readings. A labored sigh escaped the man. One letter was from an old friend. The other was from said old friend's son. A day he had been fearing for years may be sooner on the horizon than anticipated. He thought over the words from young Perseus' letter and knew the teenager's mind had been decided, whether he or Piandao liked it or not.

Young Percy's letter had detailed how tired he had become of the daily monotony of his life. How he had been growing restless to life in the castle and had been wanting to explore the world for a long time. The boy knew that as a waterbender he would be executed as a spy swiftly should he attempt to join the army, but Percy also understood he couldn't keep his bending hidden forever. It would inevitably be revealed, but fighting in the five duels may give him an opportunity at a free life. A life without looking over his shoulders constantly.

What surprised Iroh was that Percy felt a calling, that this was to be his duty. Percy claimed he felt in his spirit that this was to be his destiny. If it would allow him to explore the world he had no qualms with protecting the Princess or enacting her orders.

Iroh refilled his tea, the writings of the other letter grew heavy on his mind. Piandao saw things differently to Percy, but that was to be expected. Piandao expressed his understanding towards his son's frustrations and sympathized with him. He said he understand the need of duty and the desire for freedom but he was unwilling to take the gamble just yet.

Piandao explained his hesitations. Percy was still young, younger than he or Iroh ever were before their own expeditions. His son had never had to actually fight anyone yet. Whilst he was confident in his sons capabilities, and the power he commanded at his fingertips with ease. War changed people, conquest killed sons. Piandao wasn't ready for that.

Iroh was staring down the blades of two bad choices. Supporting Piandao would leave Percy jaded and possibly better. The feeling of restrainment that had already been fostering could become consequential. Supporting the young boy would leave Piandao immensely angry and disappointed with his friend. The swordmaster could even feel betrayed by the action.

Iroh was hesitant. As much as he disliked it Perseus was correct about one thing. The Fire Lord finding out about him was surely inevitable. Whether it be today or next year, the fire lord would eventually hear word of a waterbender claiming fire nation descent. It would be more than likely Ozai would demand Percy's head and do everything to hunt him down.

Action would have to be taken now. Fate was a tricky mistress. Iroh learned that lesson the hard way. He would have to try and convince Fire Lord Ozai that Perseus was more valuable to the fire nation alive than dead. Such a thought made Iroh sick. It would put Percy directly into his brother's twisted, manipulative hands. But Iroh would do everything in his power to guide Percy through the political minefield of the royal palace safely. He had failed his niece and nephew, he would not fail his friend's son as well.

Just maybe being by Azusa's side could keep far away enough from the Fire Lord as well. She was the pride of the Fire Nation, the prodigal daughter of the Fire Lord, wielder of the blue flame. It was inevitable she would be sent on conquest for the glory of the nation just as Iroh and Ozai had when they were younger.

Iroh filled his cup once again. Maybe Percy could even succeed where he had failed, and save his niece from the clutches of her brother. He had seen the brutal manipulations and how Ozai molded his daughter. She was slowly becoming more cold and cunning every day, and the assassination attempt on her life did not help that.

The boy was like the ocean. It would take the entire force of the seas to wear down the unconquerable volcano that was his niece. He could help her find her own path in this world…

Piandao was going to be upset with him. But Iroh could for his niece, just as he did with his nephew and Perseus. It may be selfish putting the young boy in the path of Ozai. But it was the only option Percy had to possibly survive.

Iroh had to take that risk.

He stared out his window one last time. Soaking in the rays of the moon and relaxing himself in the cooling winds. He stood up and dusted himself down. It was time to have a difficult conversation with his brother.

/

The Fire Nation Throne Room

"Fire Lord Ozai." Iroh bellowed with a deep bow.

"May Agni tell brother why you choose to bother me at this time." Ozai sneered.

"I am here to inform you of a great weapon within our noble ranks. A boy who wishes to fight in the five duels." Iroh replied carefully.

"If you are sponsoring a fighter surely this could have waited until the morning. I have more important matters to attend to!" Ozai commanded.

"Fire Lord he is the son of Piandao, the-"

"The master swordsman of Shu Jing. I am more than aware of the noble families brothers. If he already has a sponsor then why are you wasting my time." Ozai spat.

"Because he is a prodigal waterbender."

"HE SHALL BE EXECUTED AS A SPY IROH!" Ozai roared and the flames of the throne room bellowed with his rage.

"Brother he is a fire nation citizen and the eldest son of a noble house. You will not execute him without him having a fair opportunity to prove his worth!" Iroh barked and Ozai glared at him.

"You dare speak to your Fire Lord in such a manner!"

"Brother he is the same age as your children, he is young and only knows the fire nation. I have seen his bending with his own eyes and he is incredible, he could cut down any waterbending master that stands in our way. I have made sure of his loyalties; we do not need to concern ourselves with that. But if he is by your daughter's side, together they can conquer any city of the earth nation or water tribes at your command." Iroh charmed. The art of manipulation did run in the family after all. His brother was not the only one blessed with the talent.

Ozai returned to his seats and was clearly considering his brothers words. He did not care about the boys age or his nobility. If they boy showed any disloyalty he could be executed in a heartbeat.

"You have seen this boy's talent yourself?" Ozai questioned, suspicion in his golden eyes.

"Piandao is an old friend, your son has even met the boy. He kept his bending secret because his father was protective of him. His mother was a water tribe savage who had passed away after giving birth to the boy. But Piandao told the boy to show me his bending hoping he could secure the boys safety. He is prodigal, much like your daughter. Let him fight and prove himself to the fire nation." Iroh answered confidently.

Ozai was deep in thought. The potential was intoxicating. If his brother was telling the truth then the boy could be the key to securing victory against the Northern Water Tribe once and for all. His daughter, the jewel of the Fire Nation and a prodigal waterbender. Two weapons to bring the destruction of cities at his command. The world, under one banner. Where his father and grandfather failed he would succeed.

"I will allow him to fight the five duels." Ozai started, his glare never wavering.

"He will fight on the seventh day. Should he fail. Should he falter, or show any weakness. He will be killed on the spot. Should he succeed. He will have proven himself a fire nation citizen, and be allowed to live. I'll keep my word and his duty will be to my daughter." Ozai spat.

"Thank you for giving him an opportunity brother. I will inform Piandao." Iroh bowed his head.

"Leave my sight now Iroh. You have given me a lot to think about." Ozai glared.

"It is my honour to serve our great nation." Iroh bowed once again and vacated the room.

Ozai was deep in thought and a maniacal laugh escaped his rigid frame. 'Perhaps you aren't so useless brother. You might have failed at Ba Sing Se. But the key to the north may soon be mine.'

/

Several days later, Piandao's Estate.

Percy knew the letter was from Uncle Iroh. Outwith Prince Zuko, he was the only person who would have a Royal Family Member seal. The teenager watched his father cool facade, looking for any break in character to inform him of the contents of the letter.

Piandao sighed and Percy knew he was just about to get his away. The swordsman directed his attention to his son.

"Pack your bags son. We make way to the capital at first light."

Percy was ecstatic.

/

Authors Note

And that is chapter 4. I'm really enjoying the setup so far, I do think it's all going to be important once we get later into the story. We've introduced Azula and Ozai into the story. Ozai as always is cunning and cruel, and the only way to rationalise with him is stroking his ego and sate his hunger for destruction.

Azula is going to be a complex character, this is only a short introduction to her. We're going to see plenty of her and her fathers manipulations will become apparent.

I wanted to thank everyone for following and favoriting so far. This story has been really fun for me. Its sparked my enjoyment for writing again, and I do hope you've enjoyed reading, action will be coming soon don't worry.

Thank you to shadesslayer and superhero01 for leaving reviews. I highly appreciate it.

To superhero01: Hope you've enjoyed what has been set up in this chapter. Percy is going to have a very difficult time with the princess but if anyone's going to be up for it. It's him.

Once again I hope you've enjoyed the chapter. Please leave a review with your thoughts or questions I do love reading them, would love to surpass 10 reviews for the story so far.

Take care

Admeto