After several months of training with Bumi - sometimes with the entire city of Omashu watching, to ensure she wouldn't have a problem with the attention her unique appearance would draw - Cadence had finally gained complete control of her Earth Bending. This was not to say she was a master. Bumi was quite insistent that she was far from a Master. However, she knew enough that she could develop further from self study, and he could guarantee it wouldn't get away from her.
However, during her last training session with Bumi, something else had happened that set a new course for Iroh and his other-worldly daughter.
"That's it, Cadence," Bumi instructed. "Bring me my tea. You can do it."
Cadence, for her part, was doing her best not to scream in frustration. She was carefully bending a stone disc with her on it towards Bumi, while balancing a tray with a ceramic cup filled with hot tea on her horn. This - balancing the bending motions and her own body weight to not spill the tea - would have been hard enough, but several of Bumi's Earthbending guards lined the path, and randomly hurled stone discs her way that she had to dodge, and Bumi had ensured that the pattern of thrown discs would never repeat. Also, she was blindfolded, because Bumi felt she needed even more of a challenge.
Just as, for the first time since she was given this training, she nearly reached Bumi, a stone disc knocked the tray off her horn, sending the cup flipping through the air, the tea cascading outward. "No!" Cadence screamed out in frustration as she pinwheeled off her own stone disc as it fell, her movements both strong and fluid as she fell.
What wasn't a surprise was when the ceramic cup slammed into Bumi's hand. What was a surprise was when the spilled tea swirled up into the air before it hit the ground, spiraled around Bumi's head, and deposited itself in the cup.
As everyone stared in surprise, Cadence pushed her stone disc off and lifted her blindfold. Seeing Bumi holding the full cup, she gasped happily. "Did I do it?" she asked desperately.
"That you did," Bumi agreed. "And not at all how I expected you to."
Cadence raised an eyebrow. "So...how did I fail to think outside the box this time?" she asked in resignation.
Smirking, Bumi lifted the disc he was standing on into the air. Taking the cup, he emptied its contents into his mouth before placing it on his head. He then blindfolded himself and bent his disc up and around himself into a sphere of stone before floating around the course, the thrown discs deflecting off the sphere. When he landed, he unwrapped himself, took the cup off his head, and spat the tea back into the cup. "Ta dah!"
Both Cadence and Iroh were making disgusted expressions. "W...why would I do that to good tea?" Cadence demanded in revulsion. "Who would want to drink tea that had been in my mouth? I was supposed to serve the tea to you!"
Bumi tilted his head in thought. "Hmm...now why in the world would I want an indirect tongue kiss from a cute young girl with my tea, hmm?" He then proceeded to cackle and snort.
Cadence scooted away nervously. "You're...weirding me out..."
"Then I'm doing my job!" Bumi proclaimed proudly. "After all, I'm the fun but creepy Uncle who always leaves you feeling a little unsure what's deliberate and what's crazy, and is tons of fun in small doses!" He cackled madly again, snorting a couple times.
Cadence couldn't stop the giggles that followed that pronouncement. Unable to hold herself back, she had hugged Bumi around the neck and kissed his eyebrows.
"Hey!" he proclaimed angrily, pointing accusingly at his eyebrows. "Stop stealing all the smooches!"
After that, Iroh and Bumi had discussed the revelation of Cadence's apparent ability to bend Water, in addition to Fire and Earth. While it was no real surprise that a spirit creature would not be bound to the same rules regarding bending as humans - after all, it was the Light Spirit being bound to the Avatar that allowed him or her to bend all four Elements in the first place - one thing was certain. If she could bend three Elements, she would have to be able to bend all four, or her spirit and life force would be out of balance with itself. She had also learned to control her Fire and Earth, and Water had awoken in her. She would need to learn control Water as soon as possible, and then some way would have to be found to teach her Air.
It was for this reason that Iroh had made for the northern coast as soon as they'd left Omashu. Bumi had already made arrangements via albatross messenger with another member of the order to have a ship waiting to transport them to the North Pole, where Cadence could learn Waterbending. However, Bumi had warned Iroh that it would be up to the two of them to convince that member - who was of quite high standing - to actually teach Cadence. In Bumi's words, "He's an old stick in the mud with the stick of 'culture' so far up his ass he can taste it." Of course, Bumi didn't say that around Cadence, merely describing this 'Master Pakku' as a stubborn old fool where she could hear, along with instructions not to tell Pakku he'd said that.
Iroh was quite surprised that the boat waiting for them - hidden from all prying eyes - was crewed entirely by Northern Water Benders. He idly wondered what sort of favors Bumi had offered or called in to get this level of cooperation. Cadence, however, was quickly enthralled by the actual bending the crew of the longboat was doing to speed them across the waves towards the north, and began mimicking their movements, attempting to bend the water as well. Most of the crew either smiled indulgently or stared incredulously, although a couple took the time to either pay her compliments for her efforts or offer a pointer or two.
By the time they actually reached the Northern Water Tribe a week later, Cadence was contributing effectively to speeding the boat along, and was informed she could probably propel herself and Iroh back to the Earth Kingdom under her own power when she left, though it would take longer.
While they were both given a quiet welcome to the Northern Water Tribe, their reception by Master Pakku was...less than ideal.
"No," Pakku replied firmly when Iroh broached the subject. "We do not train women to water bend here in the Northern Water Tribe. It is our way, our customs. Women are not trained to fight."
"I'm not asking you to teach her to fight," Iroh replied calmly, despite Cadence's hurt look. "I'm asking you to teach her control."
"Then she can learn healing with the other women," Pakku replied firmly.
"She has not demonstrated talent for healing," Iroh pointed out. "Even amongst those who can waterbend, that ability is not exactly common. She has, however, demonstrated the ability to manipulate water. If she does not learn control, there is no telling what could happen."
"Then you should take her back with you," Pakku stated bluntly, "and make sure that it happens far away from this country."
"But-"
"There is nothing you can say to change my mind," Pakku interrupted firmly.
"Please?" Cadence begged, arranging her features into her cutest, most heart wrenching begging face.
"No," Pakku replied firmly without even looking. "Nothing you can say will make me change my mind either."
Cadence frowned, glaring up at Master Pakku. "Nothing I say...what if it's something I do?"
Pakku raised an eyebrow. "Explain."
"I propose a game between us," Cadence suggested. "I win, you make an exception and teach me Waterbending, since - despite being female - I am technically not a woman. You win, we leave, and seek my teaching elsewhere."
Pakku frowned deeply. "And why should I even accept this proposal?"
"Because if you don't, I'll go to the spirit spring and tell the Moon and Ocean spirits that you're being a big, mean, stubborn, poopyhead," she replied easily. "I can sense them from here. They want me to come play with them."
Iroh did his best not to burst into laughter, both at Cadence's threat and at Pakku's face in response. He couldn't tell if Pakku was horified or amused. "Fine then," Pakku replied at last. "I shall accept your terms, if you swear to abide by them absolutely. Should I win, you both leave immediately."
"Fair enough," Cadence agreed, reaching into Iroh's bags.
"So what game shall we play?" Pakku asked, his frown once more firmly on his face.
"Pai Sho," Cadence replied, pulling out the tile sets. "I've grown quite fond of the game." She reached for the portable board.
Pakku promptly threw his arms up, causing a Pai Sho table to take shape and rise up out of the ice between them. "You should have chosen a different game," Pakku pointed out. "I am undefeated in my tribe."
"Then perhaps you can see your way to giving me the first move as a handicap?" Cadence asked innocently. Iroh's eyes widened as he began to see where she was going with this.
Pakku shrugged his shoulders. "Very well," he allowed, pulling out his own set of tiles. "I see no way you can be skilled enough to win either way."
Smirking, Cadence placed her White Lotus tile smack dab in the center of the table.
Pakku stared in open mouthed shock for a time, then spoke almost as though unaware of his words. "I see you favor the White Lotus Gambit," he stated ritualistically. "Not many still cling to the ancient ways."
Cadence smiled softly. "But those who do can always find...a friend."
Pakku nodded. "Then let us play..."
Pakku began placing out the tiles in the ritual pattern, Cadence keeping up every step of the way, until the lotus pattern was shaped on the table with the last two tiles. Pakku stared at the pattern for a long time before finally speaking up. "Welcome, sister. The White Lotus opens wide to those who know its secrets."
Cadence smiled widely. "Have you reconsidered teaching me?" she asked softly.
"I must," Pakku replied ruefully. "As a Master of the White Lotus, I am honor bound to share my knowledge with other members who have need of it...and you have need of my knowledge of Waterbending." He turned to glower at Iroh. "You could have mentioned you had inducted her into the Order so I didn't make myself look like a fool!"
Iroh shrugged his shoulders. "You did not exactly give me a chance."
Pakku sighed. "Fair enough. Training starts tomorrow night after sundown. Meet me outside the Spirit Spring."
Cadence smiled happily, and bowed low. "Thank you for agreeing to teach me, Master Pakku," she said sincerely.
"Don't push your luck," Pakku countered grumpily, though he was inwardly pleased she didn't rub it in.
Chuckle.
Chuckle chuckle.
I'm loving this one.
So now Cadence is mastering water bending with Pakku? I think the only problem she'll run into, is finding someone that can teach her air bending. After all, at this point in the timeline, Aang hasn't been freed from the iceberg.
Well, Bumi's description of Pakku was dead on. That is why I like the mad king.
Tiny ripples making a huge wave in the future.
Cadence has learned well if she can resort to going to a higher power as a threat.
Another enjoyable chapter. Good job.
Such a stick in the mud.
6448152
Not really.
Katara isn't a member of the Order of the White Lotus...which is secret, so Pakku won't mention anything involving it to anyone who isn't a member.
So much awesome .
6448187 Oh. Sorry. *goes back to the corner*
I bet we'll see the Moon and Ocean Spirits soon. Might be interesting to see some personality from them this time around.
Ah, I remember that episode. That dumb Pakku...
Maybe she can learn from the sky bison. Also, that moment when Cadence threatens to tell the Moon and Ocean spirits is pretty funny.
6448187 yeah. The first mention of the White Lotus the gang gets is from Sokka's sword master.
You missed your chance for an " I need an adult " reference. You put so many TFS refs in your stories, I am surprised you missed this chance.
6448346
I don't intend to use any in this one. I intend to use other references for humor.
Well this is going to be awkward for Aang.
Uh, moreso than the whole '100 years an ice cube' thing.
Cadance is right. She isn't technically a woman, well in the sense of his species, so there's a bit of a loophole...unless he's just saying it for females in general. I gotta give it to Pakku. Saying no to something that might possibly be a spirit creatures isn't something one does.
I think airbending will be her signature mark though, given her pegasus heritage. {Confirmed by Meghan McCarthy actually.}
Cadance isn’t actually a spirit, so how could she sense other spirits or even know what spirits are?
Even if Cadance is later able to airbend, she won’t be able to learn how to properly without a teacher, and Aang is the only Airbender left, who is currently stuck in an iceberg. The only other person who knows about airbender culture is Guru Pathik, but he is only a spiritual advisor on the Avatar State; he can’t actually air bend or teach it.
6448411
In answer to your first question, Magic. (Think a bit before answering).
In answer to your second question, who says her teacher has to be Human?
6448416 ...why do your readers keep questioning stuff like this? Seriously it's actually kind of annoying. Magic can be used to explain a lot of stuff. And when it's a cross between magics from two different worlds they are bound to have some kind of reaction.
6448416
In response to your second question, spirits can't bend.
Ahh, I can see Cadance's and Pakku's friendship slowly blossoming like a lotus.
Cadence really tested the waters there.
Talk about going with the flow.
Least she didn't land herself in hot water there.
6448481
A Spirit doesn't have to bend to teach her to bend. For example, if she made contact with the Air Spirit, said spirit could simply infuse her and pass on the knowledge. (I won't be doing that, but you get my point.)
6448482
Chronologically? about 16 months. Physically? About 7.
6448509
Spirits don't actually bend. The very first benders were lion turtles, who originally bent the energy inside themselves and later evolved it to bending the elements and they passed it on to humans. But if you plan on Iroh and Cadance meeting the last lion turtle, know that lion turtles only give others the ability to bend, which Cadance already has, instead of teaching them.
6448567
You're completely missing my point about how a Spirit could teach bending without being able to bend themselves.
6448140 Who says she needs to learn from a person? I imagine a trip to the Southern Air Temple is in order to train with Master Momo.
6448481 What about animals? How else do you think the first masters learned? Badger Moles, Dragons, The Moon (Technically the moon bends the water with the tides). If nothing else, Cadance seems to learn pretty well from watching others. She could at least get the basic forms down by looking at scrolls in the abandoned temples.
So how long do we have until Zuko's banishment?
6448619
Just under two more years. It won't be until after Cadence and Iroh return to the Fire Nation.
6448485 Is your entire existence puns?
Corny ones at that, the comments section is saturated with them.
6448485 keep them up..he he keep em comin.
Ah Bumi. He's just hilarious and disturbing at the same time. The "Big Dumb Poopyhead" like cracked me up. I was wondering who was going to teach Cadence air since Aang is still a human popsicle at this point.
Man you write Bumi so good I can't help laughing my butt off like I was watching the original.
Nice play on Cadence's part there at the end. I was wondering how she'd convince the ol codger.
That was fun, may I have another? Looking forward to more.
Keep up the good work. Deus tecum.
Do it anyway, the guy is a douche and needs to get scolded! And the image of Cadence playing with the spirits is awesome. I really hope Yue doesn't have to take the Moon Spirit's place... but if she does can she manifest to play with Cadence??????
Heeheehee, an awesome chapter, well done dude, nice job on this!
6448714
They probably will not manifest until Anag has awoken.
I LOVE ALL YOUR CHAPTERS INCLUDING THIS ONE
You have perfectly captured the language of a child well done IT has a really amusing affect that only wanted me to read more to see what other silly sentences can be produced by the AMAZING young Cadence.
Aside from There's Nopony I'd Rather Be Than Me, this is probably my favorite out of your stories.
6449146 That pretty much makes sense.
Cadence is adorable!
I'm honestly hoping Pakku becomes that kinda grumpy-but-proud teacher.
6448667 Someone has to pun it up and hey, I've come up with much worse on some other stories. Trust me.
6449256 same on both counts
NO!
The light spirit did not bind itself to him until AFTER he got all four elements from the Lion-turtles!
6450041
Chalk that up to a mistranslation in the stories being passed down.
6450049 As long as you have Cadance find the truth and explain it to Iroh at some point.
Maybe find it in fragments in a mixed-up order
6448346 huh, I agree, but in this case it feels like it'd be out of place. How it is said works better.
All right.
Oh?
Getting a Yoda vibe from his loco.
To be fair, Cadence, you're not always going to be able to predict the opponent, and well, Toph is blind, yet she's a great Bender, she can feel the earth under her, if you can do that, you'll have that much more of an advantage.
What the? Teabending? That's, a new one. Wish I could hot chocolate bend.
It's less thinking outside the box, and more thinking in a box that Bumi wasn't aware of.
Bumi! Gross!
A cute young girl who HAPPENS to be the daughter of a VERY powerful firebender who is highly protective of his family, not to mention, SHE'S NOT EVEN HUMAN!
You and Discord would get along like a house on fire. Probably because you two set the house on fire in the first place.
Ah, right, the Legend of Korra explanation.
HEH! But, yeah, it'll be fun to see Cadence try to convince Pakku, and maybe she can learn water bending healing while she's at it as well. And who knows? Maybe she'll get some Spirit Water as well.
Impressive. She learns quick.
Of course.
Here we go again.
He's got you there.
Oh? Cadence? Puppy Dog Eyes.
Puppy Dog Eyes?
Puppy Dog Eyes.
Puppy Dog Eyes!
Damn.
Go on.
She's got a point.
THIS IS THE GREATEST!
Oh really?
Oh really?
Cadence, you Magnificent Bitch I read your BOOK!
Indeed.
Achievement Unlocked! Outgambitted: Tricked Pakku into teaching Cadence Waterbending.
You never asked.
That, and you probably found the idea of Pakku being made a fool hilarious.
Right, waterbending is strongest at night.
Relax, she's too nice for that.
6448667
He's usually either making puns, or correcting spelling mistakes.
6448322
Agreed.
Yes, Avatar originally claimed that the Flying/Air/Sky Bison where wiped out along with the Air Nomads, but Korra then said that Aang found an isolated island with a herd of them.
Perhaps Iroh and Cadance find the island and the latter learns airbending from them, but they keep the island's existence a secret like how Iroh did with the two remaining dragons.