Percy Jackson & The Sapphire Flame by Silas-theSith 05 (PJO/ATLA Xover)

A Percy fic in which he is sent to the world of the Avatar, because Poseidon didn't want him to be involved in any more prophecies or something like that. He eventually pairs with Azula and is close friends with Zuko.

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What if Poseidon sent his son away from the PJO universe to the world of Avatar? When an opportunity to travel the world arises, Percy takes it. But is guarding Azula really his best idea? Taking place over Seasons 2 & 3, just how much does Percy shake up the entire ATLA storyline when he's on the bad side. And who ever said fire & water didn't mix? Based off Percy & The Princess

WC: 134k+

Website: Ffn.net

Chapter 1

The Lord of the Seas watched with a heavy heart from his palace in Atlantis as his son slew the Minotaur, for he knew the truth of this great achievement. Percy Jackson had just joined the world of the gods and monsters. Poseidon knew better than most what life for a demigod child of his usually brought: a short, tragic life. Unlike most of his brethren, Poseidon cared for his children and mourned all their deaths. His sulking was interrupted by his nephew.

"You know, there is an alternative. You could send him away, out of our's, and the monster's reach. Better alive than a pawn on the chessboard," the messenger god offered, watching the young demigod collapse into unconsciousness atop Half-Blood Hill, emotionally wrecked from seeing his mom get kidnapped, or in the son of Poseidon's eyes, die.

"You would have me leave him alone and untrained? He would be out of my reach and easy food for monsters. No, he is better off at camp, even if he ends up being used by Zeusand the others," Poseidon growled at the god beside him.

"I'm not talking about Alaska, Uncle," Hermes said, a sly smirk adorning his face, the very same look that made those around him nervously check their pockets for wallets he had already swiped.

"Where do you suggest, then?" came Poseidon's reply, a faint hope blossoming in his chest as he looked towards the god of thieves.

"Do you remember the world where the mortals hold sway over the elements?" his nephew questioned him.

Poseidon chuckled. "We haven't been able to go there in 2,000 years. Raava and Vaatu were quite mad when Zeus, Hephaestus, Hades, and I blessed people to wield our elements. I daresay it was the first time in millennia those spirits agreed on anything." Poseidon quickly sobered though, "I would never have the chance to talk to him there. He would be gone from me forever," he said, his voice lowering as he went.

"Well, I wasn't born then, and never blessed mortals with ridiculous power, so the spirits have no reason to dislike me. I could always let you talk to him in dreams. I'm not the god of travel for nothing. Sure, it wouldn't be that direct, but you'd still be able to help him with his struggles in his new world." Hermes assured. Then, he snickered. "I always wondered why none of you ever went back. The spirits were so fun to hang around with. Tell me, did they try to blow Zeus up, or what?"

"It was 'or what' for sure. Those spirits had one mean temper." Then, on a more morose note, he asked, "What about the prophecy? Is Percy not the one it speaks of?"

Hermes shrugged his shoulders. "Truthfully, I don't know uncle, I'm not Apollo. But, you and I both know that the Fates don't start games without all the pieces on the board. The Titans haven't risen in eons, the Fates won't start one of their precious tapestries without the champion that the prophecy speaks of. Your son doesn't need to be that pawn, nor have that destiny."

Poseidon pondered for a few minutes before talking. "I will not send my only half-blood son into that world without a weapon. You will deliver Riptide to Hephaestus so he can enchant it to destroy mortals and spirits as well. I know not if humans still live side by side with the spirits," the Earthshaker ordered.

"Of course, Uncle. When the boy wakes, he will be in a new world where the Fates cannot curse him with a hero's tragedies," Hermes replied as he exited Atlantis in a golden flash of light.

"Good luck, my son. I hope you will find joy and happiness in your life. Always remember you are a true child of the sea" The god whispered as he watched his son's body disappear from the infirmary in a flash of golden light. A passing thought entered the sea god's mind. I wonder how much a single demigod can impact an entire world. After thinking about it for a moment, he concluded. "Nope, not even my son can change that much." Besides, Poseidon had other things to worry, about like the wrath of Sally Jackson. Tartarus hath no fury like a woman scorned, and sending her only child away was going to put Poseidon through Hades.

The Earthshaker greatly underestimated his son's refusal to play by the rules, for Percy Jackson was about to change the bending nations forever

Chapter 2

"Of course, Uncle. When the boy wakes, he will be in a new world where the Fates cannot curse him with a hero's tragedies," Hermes replied as he exited Atlantis in a golden flash of light.

"Good luck, my son. I hope you will find joy and happiness in your life. Always remember you are a true child of the sea" The god whispered as he watched his son's body disappear from the infirmary in a flash of golden light. A passing thought entered the sea god's mind. I wonder how much a single demigod can impact an entire world. After thinking about it for a moment, he concluded. "Nope, not even my son can change that much." Besides, Poseidon had other things to worry, about like the wrath of Sally Jackson. Tartarus hath no fury like a woman scorned, and sending her only child away was going to put Poseidon through Hades.

The Earthshaker greatly underestimated his son's refusal to play by the rules, for Percy Jackson was about to change the bending nations forever.

( - )

Percy was having the most messed-up dream of his life. First, his best friend had become half donkey/goat, then his mom got killed by some bull dude in tighty whities, and now to top it off he was at the bottom of the ocean with some guy in a Hawaiian shirt and khaki shorts claiming to be his dad and a Greek god. So, he did what any sane person would do when talking to a guy at the bottom of the ocean

He reached out and poked the bearded Hawaiian's nose.

The man let out a long sigh, "Please do not poke me in the nose again, Perseus—"

"It's Percy," he interrupted out of habit before offering a sheepish apology, "Sorry."

The man smiled at him this time. "It's fine Percy. As I was saying, I'm sorry but this is not a dream. I am your father, Poseidon, Lord of the Seas & Elder Olympian." He paused briefly as if to gather his strength to keep talking "Your mother has been taken by Hades, but I will get her back. This is the last time I will ever truly speak with you like this." He let out a deep sigh, "You're probably going to be furious with me, but I am sending you away to another world to keep you safe. The Fates would use you as a pawn, your life would be raised on war and loss. You are only 12 and you are my son, I will spare you from this destiny."

"Another world like Mars or what?" Percy responded, deciding it's easier to just go along with the crazy dream until he wakes up.

"Not quite my son, more like another dimension with different people and ways. When you arrive there I will not be able to visit or protect you."

"Thanks but no thanks I've been fine without your protection for 12 years." Percy spat suddenly angry. "If this is real then you owe me. You left me and mom, you have to save her, you owe me."

The man winced, "Percy please ancient laws forbade me from seeing you or your mother when you were born. You have my word on the River Styx, I will get your mother back safely. I just want to help you please heed my warning." He pleaded, "This new world is very different from our own. The world is divided into four different nations I'm told by Hermes. The Earth Kingdom is a strong hardy people with the power to control the earth. The Fire Nation is an ambitious cunning people with the power to control fire. The Air Nomads are peaceful people who value peace and freedom with the power to control air. And finally, the Water Tribes are determined and highly adaptable with the power over water."

After this massive amount of information dumped on him, the young half-blood responded in the usual way, "Ummmm okay?"

"Percy, this is very important, when you discover this world you must tell them this. Tell people who ask that you are from an isolated island who lost his mom in an attack. It will explain why you have almost no knowledge of the nations." The man sighed again, "I wish I had more time to say goodbye to my son. Know that I love you, and I am proud of you. Do be careful with the pen." He ended with the same troublemaker smirk Percy saw when he looked in the mirror. That same smirk that scared all teachers since elementary school they just signed up for chaos.

"Wait what?" Percy had no clue what was going on and honestly just wanted this dream to end so he could wake up.

"Oh and remember no matter how many times they tell you you're a waterbender, you are my son. The son of the Storm-bringer, the Earth-shaker, and Lord of the Seas. You're more powerful than you imagine." The man's eyes suddenly sparkled, "And remember even the strongest flames yield to the untameable ocean." As the dream world faded away Percy could still see that same mischievous look in those deep sea-green eyes.

( - )

It was a quiet night off the eastern coast of the Fire Nation. All that could be seen for miles was the stars reflecting off the glassy water of the ocean almost as if it was being kept calm for an extra special purpose. The Fire Nation battleship completing the last leg of its journey home was the only thing marrying this serene image.

"SIR... SIR!" The young soldier called out to his commanding officer.

"What is it, soldier?" Snapped Lieutenant Lee as he approached the railing of the ship that the soldier was staring over.

"There's a kid in the water sir!" Exclaimed the soldier as he pointed at the boy adrift on the wood.

"What in Agni's name are you waiting for?! Get him on board, and if somebody wakes the prince he will want to know about this and also alert the ship's doctor the kid may need medical attention...NOW!" The Lieutenant thundered to the crew as they ran off to complete their orders. Throwing down coils of rope and netting to pull the boy onto the ship as the deckhand rushed to alert the sleeping prince and doctor.

Several minutes later the aged prince of the Fire Nation approached the medbay with the deckhand and ship's physician in tow. The Dragon of the West looked with a critical eye as the strangely clothed boy that was brought onto the ship. The boy looked to be about the age of his nephew, with dark black hair and tanned skin. However, the child was small and scrawny like someone who didn't get enough to eat. But the prince was not one to be deceived by appearances, he could sense the waves of power rolling off him like a great beast.

He looked to his Lieutenant standing in the room, "Report Lieutenant Lee." He commanded in a tone that left no room for argument.

Lee snapped to attention, "The kid was spotted drifting in the water General."

"We

"We'll leave him here in the medbay for now after the doctor has inspected him for injuries. I have a feeling that there is more to this boy than meets the eye, Lieutenant Lee." The general said calmly.

As the doctor went to inspect his new patient the crew went back to their assigned duties already discussing and theorizing on who this boy could be and how he ended up in the middle of the ocean all alone. Only Iroh seemed to notice that the boy was completely dry after just being pulled from the ocean.

( - )

Percy woke up with a pounding headache and the worst sense of vertigo he had experienced in his young life.

"Arrggghhhh," He moaned aloud, that dream was wild even by his standards and he had a pretty high tolerance for that kind of stuff. He finally opened his eyes fully expecting to see his room with clothes strewn all over. What he found when he glanced around was not his room in his small Manhattan apartment, but a metal-plated dorm with an unhealthy amount of red adorning the walls, bed, and well, everywhere he looked.

"Ahem," The polite cough alerted him to the older man sitting in the chair next to his cot sipping tea, wearing, you guessed it…. more red. The first thing Percy thought to ask was who are you or why are you watching me sleep but instead he said, "What's with all this red?" He internally cursed his ADHD for the millionth time.

The man seemed amused by his comment rather than offended as he smiled while sipping his steaming hot tea. "Before we start all the questions you might find a nice cup of tea will help make this easier." He replied sagely as he handed the young demigod a cup of hot tea.

As Percy took a sip of the tea his ADHD mind was working overdrive noticing the rocking of the room and the sound of the waves. They were on a ship and by the smell of coal and smoke, probably an old one.

"My name is Iroh and to answer your question young man, the reason for all the red as you put is because this is a Fire Nation ship." The man, now named Iroh answered as if it explained everything. Suddenly then Percy's dream rushed back to him, the weird conversation about the Fire Nation with the Hawaiian guy claiming to be his dad, and what happened before too. Oh gods, if that was real then his mom, his mom was kidnapped. He felt like breaking down then and there, he would be forced to live with smelly Gabe. But then he remembered what his Dad (might as well go with a dream dad now it can't be weirder than the rest of this) said to him, he was in another world. He would never see Manhattan or Grover again, but his dad was going to rescue his mom.

Iroh must have noticed the look on his face because he put a comforting hand on his shoulder saying, "If you want we can talk later, you can rest for as long as you like." Rest was the farthest thing from Percy's mind, he needed answers and he also needed to provide them to this guy without sounding like a crazy person. So steer clear of the whole beach god for a dad and another world topic.

"No, it's fine." He croaked out his voice thick with emotion. He took a deep breath to steel his nerves before continuing, "What's going on exactly, where did you find me?"

"We found you drifting in the open ocean. We are on the way back to the Fire Nation." He gave me a moment to absorb this new information before going on to ask. "Would you mind telling me how someone so young managed to end up alone in the sea miles from land?" He asked politely.

"Okay Percy you can do this, it's just like lying to the teachers at Yancy." He thought to himself, "I was on a small boat with my mom and best friend. We got attacked by some sort of creature and they didn't make it." He thought it would be best if he kept it as close to the truth as he could.

Iroh gave a moment of silence before pressing on, "I'm sorry for your loss but I must ask, is your father around? Do you have someone to take care of you?"

"No, my father left before I was born so there is no one left to take care of me. We lived on a very small island off the coast of the mainland." Percy thought it would be best to leave out that the mainland he was talking about was not the Fire Nation.

The man hesitated for a moment as if considering his options before replying, "I will have to think about what I can do to help you, but until then your belongings are on the table by your bed as well as a change of clothes for you to change into. I'll speak with you again before we dock."

Percy nodded silently, already drained from the whole ordeal. As the man left the room Percy tried to think of his next move, but it was pointless as his body was still exhausted from his fight with the Minotaur. He fell into a deep slumber only moments after the door closed.

( - )

Prince Iroh was deep in thought of what to do about the young boy that had just lost everything. His heart went out to the boy, reminding him of his son Lu Ten. He wanted to help the child, but it was going to be difficult. The boy was obviously from the Fire Nation, any Earth Kingdom or Water Tribe ships would have been spotted if they ventured this deep into Fire Nation waters. Not to mention the only landmass anywhere near here was the many small islands that dotted the Fire Nation's territory, so his story was checked out.

This led to the problem that he didn't look like a Fire Nation. He looked Water Tribe except for those sea-green eyes. In all his years the prince has never seen eyes like those, they seemed to swim with power and mystery. This combined with the way the water had reacted to him meant he was most likely a waterbender and a powerful one at that. He couldn't just be placed in any Fire Nation orphanage. They would kill him, claiming him a spy if they found out he was a waterbender. But at the same time, there was no safe way to bring him to one of the Water Tribes.

Iroh was lost in thought for a long time until his eyes stumbled upon his Pai Sho table, more specifically the white lotus tile. A wide smile snaked across his face. Maybe it was time to call an old friend. After all, he was looking for a new student last the prince had heard.

Chapter 3

Percy was staring with a look of utter confusion as he tried to comprehend what had just happened. The pen that was in his pocket when this whole crazy thing started had just transformed into a wicked 3-foot long glowing bronze sword with the inscription Anaklusmos in Greek along the blade. Disregarding the fact that he somehow knew the name meant Riptide, he was still trying to figure out how the seemingly ordinary ballpoint pen had turned into a goddamn sword! As Percy was trying to process this new information a knock sounded on the door of his room, and like any 12 year old with something he shouldn't have about to get caught, he panicked and did something dumb. He fumbled with the blade for a moment before the door started to open and in a moment of sheer and utter ADHD-inspired stupidity, he threw the blade out his window into the sea.

"Prince Iroh wants to speak with you boy. He's in his quarters, don't make him wait." One of the skull-masked soldiers said gruffly. Percy flashed him what he hoped was an innocent smile but just ended up with a guard looking him up and down like he was carrying a bomb before leaving. Percy rushed to the window staring at the sea like the sword would just be floating alongside. He face-palmed himself, how could he just throw a magical weapon into the ocean. After another minute to gather himself, Percy glanced around his room, eyes lingering on the Minotaur horn. It had been fished up with him and the soldiers thought it was a keepsake of his. He had been on board a few days now since he had first woken up, and he had interacted very little with the prince or the crew, besides their conversation when he first woke up. However, Percy had learned a lot about the world he was in simply by listening to the crew gossip during meal times. He knew that the Fire Nation was at war with pretty much everyone and winning, he also knew that they had a new Fire Lord and that he was Iroh's younger brother (something the crew was not happy about).

On the way to the Prince's chambers, Percy was greeted by suspicious stares from Prince Iroh's entire crew. He looked like a savage native from the Water Tribe or something, as some of the crew members were so kind as to tell him. Once he made it to Prince Iroh's door he did a quick once over at his clothes (he was meeting royalty) the dark red tunic with black highlights. It looked weird to him but was normal for the people of this world. He sighed wondering if the clothes came in blue, but with the obsession, this country seemed to have with red he doubted it. Percy knocked on the door and waited politely for the prince to answer.

"Come in," Iroh spoke in a strong voice.

As Percy entered the room his nose was immediately filled with the smell of tea. Prince Iroh's room was similar to his own in many ways, only bigger with more silk, furniture and it boasted a balcony which gave a great view of the ocean as it had for the past 4 days. Honestly, whoever thought it was a good idea to build a balcony on a ship cabin was beyond him. Iroh was sitting at a desk with two cups of tea set out. Percy walked over and sat down taking a sip from what he assumed was his cup. He had to admit, Prince Iroh's tea was amazing.

"We are nearing the Fire Nation and will make land by noon tomorrow. Do you have any thoughts on what you will do once we land?" The prince asked aloud. As the prince said this Percy realized two things. One, he already knew they were getting close to land; he could somehow sense the ship's position in the ocean. Two, which was more concerning, he had no clue what he was going to do when they docked. He was 12, he had just arrived in the world 4 days ago for gods sake.

"I haven't thought about it, sir," Percy muttered with a frown.

"Well if you don't mind, I have taken the liberty of setting up some accommodations for you with an old friend. Although you would have to be willing to work for the right to stay. He doesn't tolerate freeloaders." Iroh said with a kind smile, as though it were never a doubt he'd help Percy out.

"That would be very kind, but I don't know how I can thank you, sir," Percy said copying a stiff bow he had seen some of the crew do to show his gratitude.

Iroh smiled at him, "I have a very good feeling that you're worth all of this. I'm sure one day it will be me thanking you, I feel it in my belly." Iroh chuckled, patting his stomach. "My friend will meet us at the dock once we land in the capital, that will be all until then Percy." The man said with a jovial smile and a dismissive wave.

( - )

Percy was back in his room pacing back and forth, full of nervous energy trying to figure out what this friend of Iroh's would be like. He can't be worse than smelly Gabe, Iroh is such a nice guy, he thought to himself. As he was pacing he thrust his hands in his pockets finding something he didn't think he'd ever see again. The pen was back. The magic pen that turned into a sword and then was thrown into the ocean was somehow back in his pocket. After uncapping it to confirm that, yes this was the same pen/sword, Percy decided to test it out.

He opened his cabin door and walked down the narrow metal halls for a few meters, carefully stashing the now recapped sword in a small hidden alcove next to one of the lamps illuminating the corridor. After the pen was safely stowed away, Percy returned to his room and waited. After a couple of minutes, it had happened again. The pen had returned to his pocket and a wide grin spread across the young demigod's face as he clicked it and once again the glowing sword was in his hand. Percy smiled broadly, "Okay this is fucking awesome."

( - )

"LAND!" came the excited call from the ship's sentry. The ship instantly came alive like a disturbed buzzard-wasp nest, all of the crew rushing around anxious to finally get home. The prince watched from the balcony of his room as all of this happened but his mind was elsewhere. His thoughts rested on the meeting today, between his fellow White Lotus member, and the young boy residing on his ship. He was certain his friend would bear no ill will towards the child for his bending. It had become even more obvious to Iroh as the boy seemed at home on the boat, even in strong waves that would shake a sailor's legs out from under them. The boy's bending was not an issue, but possibly rather his personality. He was filled with constant energy, never sitting still for more than a moment. While the Dragon of the West was kind, going to such lengths as to reach out to a high-ranking White Lotus member to look over a child had a bit of an ulterior motive. The prince could sense the vast power Percy possessed, and if he could sense it, then he knew others would be able to as well many men who would see the child as nothing more than a weapon, destroying his innocence and corrupting his kind heart. This was something he could not allow, the boy's wonder and sense of humor, and grew a soft spot in the general's heart. No, Percy needed to be with someone Iroh could trust, someone to guide him as he could not. These thoughts were interrupted as the ship passed through the great gates of Azulon.

Iroh made his way towards Percy who was staring out at the harbor, holding the strange horn that he had been found with when they pulled him from the sea. He was fidgeting even more so than normal as his gaze darted around. Iroh placed a comforting hand on the young boy's shoulder, getting his attention.

"Stay close to me, I will introduce you to him once we have docked and been with you on the way to your new home." Percy gave Iroh a shocked glance wondering how the prince could have known what he was thinking, but a single raised eyebrow from the man in question was all it took to tell Percy how obvious he had made his nervousness.

( - )

As the crew disembarked from the vessel, Iroh could see Percy's awed face from the corner of his eye as the boy took in the sights of the grand city for the first time. The prince chuckled at the boy's childish wonder as they walked towards a dark-skinned man with black hair and goatee, clothes in dark flowing robes with gold trim.

"Hello, Prince Iroh." The man greeted as the pair drew near, bowing low to the pot-bellied prince.

"There's no need for any such formalities, old friend," Iroh said with a twinkle in his eye as he brought the younger man in for a hug.

"So this must be the boy you told me about in your letter." He stated warmly as he looked over the child before him. His sharp eyes noted the boy's small frame and the way he kept glancing around taking a full account of his surroundings every second as he shifted his weight from foot to foot. The robed man smiled, he could work with this.

"He seems a little small to be a swordsman." The man's voice suddenly changed dripping with condescension. "He doesn't look like a Fire Nation, more like a Water Tribe savage than anything."

Percy grit his teeth in frustration as his eyes locked onto the unnamed man, his eyes swirling with power and rage. He hated bullies and this man was already looking down on him and insulting him. He'd only known him for a minute for god's sake.

Percy bowed stiffly, "Well I am a 12-year-old child...sir." The sarcasm dripping from his tone was clear as the younger man smiled inwardly looking at the boy.

"Agni's beard, this kid has balls, and I can see what Iroh meant about the power the boy holds. It's almost tangible how the air thickens with his emotions." The robed man thought to himself, silently agreeing with his old friend that this boy would make a fine student indeed.

And suddenly the man's voice was kind again, "Your training will begin tomorrow morning at dawn. My butler, Fat, will escort you to the castle after buying whatever you may require for your stay with us."

Percy blinked at the sudden change in voice, he thought he was about to get lectured for sure. It only took another moment before he blurted out, "Your butler's name is Fat?"

The dark-haired man chuckled aloud this time. "Well, we can't all have unique names. My name is Piandao child, and I think it would be best if you didn't say anything about his name." Piandao smiled at the child before turning to Iroh as they began walking.

A man with grey hair and mutton chops stepped forward addressing Percy. "Master Piandao has business in the city. I will escort you to the castle and begin purchasing the proper necessities for you young master Perseus."

Percy was still too stunned by Piandao's sudden change in attitude to react to the use of his full name. All he could do was nod dumbly and follow the man. He didn't notice prince Iroh chuckling with Piandao to his side.

"You weren't joking Iroh, that kid has a lot of fire in him. You're sure he's a waterbender?" Piandao questioned the prince. Iroh smiled as he spoke up, "I'm quite certain my friend. I shouldn't have been surprised his very first question to you was if your butler's name was real." Iroh chuckled aloud as they walked together.

( - )

1 Year Later

Percy was currently getting his ass kicked by the butler...again. Both he and Fat were completely decked out in training gear and held wooden training swords. Percy was drenched in sweat and covered in bruises from the current match. Fat on the other hand looked more bored than anything, but Percy couldn't afford to lose today, Piandao had finally agreed after months of pestering to let Percy start to train with a real sword. All he had to do was beat Fat in a duel. Fat, the same guy who has been training with a sword longer than Percy had been alive, the same guy who had won every duel against Percy since they began training.

Percy scrambled to block a swing sent at his head only for Fat to change direction striking at his ribs at the last moment causing Percy to jump backward. He was exhausted, Fat would slowly wear him out even if he was able to keep dodging. Percy's gaze darted around the training arena until his eyes caught on a barrel of rainwater nearby.

"Bingo," Percy thought to himself as he thrust his left arm out and concentrated, feeling the familiar tugging sensation in his gut. The barrel exploded as Percy pulled his hand back to his side while making a grabbing motion. The water shot towards Fat giving him no chance to react as it froze him solid leaving only his head and arms from his elbows down free. Percy sauntered towards the trapped butler, his training blade hanging loosely from his hand as he tapped Fat lightly on the top of the head with it.

"I believe that makes us 144-1 now, I'm catching up with you." The young demigod crowded with a triumphant smirk across his face as Piandao walked down the stairs towards them. Once he arrived Percy bowed low, hands clasped in the Fire Nation gesture for respect. Only once he rose from his bow did he notice master Piandao scowling at him displeased with the way he ended the fight. Percy quickly released Fat from his bonds hoping to ease his teacher's mood.

"You cheated Percy." Piandao chastised with a pointed look.

"Well technically master you said a swordsman should use anything and everything to their advantage during a fight..." Percy's rebellious nature showed through his shame.

The master hesitated for a moment before smiling and saying warmly, "I suppose I can't argue with my teachings, so I will let you get away with it this time. But the next time you are tested there will be clear rules in place to prevent this from happening again." Piandao finished sternly looking at Percy.

"Yes, Master Piandao!" Percy practically shouted with joy, "Does this mean I can finally start using a real sword?" He asked with excitement in his voice.

"Patience young one, patience. Go get cleaned up and meet me in my study in half an hour." Piandao said with an amused smile adorning his features as he watched his young ward sprint up the stairs towards the bathhouse.

"He's something special isn't he sir?" Fat asked once he had finished stretching his sore muscles.

"That he is, I don't think I've ever seen someone so naturally gifted in the way of the sword in my life."

"I was referring to the way he controlled a barrel full of water and froze it solidly against me with only a hand movement, and no training to speak of in waterbending." The butler said with dry sarcasm. The swords master only gave a wry smile and patted his friend's shoulder before walking off to his study.

( - )

Percy watched with mild fascination as the hot water from the bathhouse healed and rejuvenated his body. His bruises faded away in moments. When Piandao had first seen the way water healed Percy he was dumbstruck, but only for a moment the old swordsman had quickly regained his composure and told Percy he was, "A very special boy indeed." Percy smirked at the memory, being half-god will do that for ya. Percy stretched and dressed in his robes, almost identical to master Piandao's attire.

When had learned that his master's other student, Prince Zuko (Prince Iroh's nephew, and a boy his age) was allowed to pick his clothes Percy had tried to argue that he should be allowed to as well. That particular conversation ended with a stern and boring lecture about Fire Nation culture and the importance of nobility keeping up appearances. That was another thing Percy was still getting used to, having money. Percy was used to living in a small, dingy apartment. Now he lived in a lavish estate because as it turned out, Master Piandao was from an important and rich noble house in the Fire Nation.

After a few minutes of walking through the castle, Percy arrived at his master's study. Once again forgoing his manners Percy walked in without knocking unable to keep his excitement at bay. He saw Piandao sitting on the floor in front of an open window practicing his calligraphy.

"I'm ready, master," Percy said with a hasty bow remembering his manners at the last moment.

Piandao spoke without looking up, "Before you begin training with a real sword, you will need a sword to call your own. Your sword must be an extension of yourself, a part of you. Tomorrow my young protegee, you will make your sword." Once Percy heard this the only thing he could think of was how Riptide felt in his hand. Riptide was a part of himself, as light as a switch.

When Percy didn't respond Piandao looked up. He knew his young ward quite well now, and he was never silent. He watched as Percy's gaze darted anywhere but his own and began to fidget. He put down the quill and sighed deeply. "What aren't you telling me Percy"

Percy jerked suddenly at his question. He paused for a moment before blurting out "Um master, I kinda already have a perfect sword and I was going to tell you but I was worried and then.." Piandao cut him off, "Percy. Slow down and explain yourself. I would like to see this sword you speak of, as well know how you got it considering your only possession when I met you was that strange horn." He asked with open skepticism.

"That wasn't all sir, I also had this." Percy took a breath to steel his nerves 'just say you don't know where it came from' which in a sense was true since he still didn't know how he got it. His heart beat rapidly as he pulled the pen from his pocket. Although to master Piandao who had never seen a pen, it was just a strange metal cylinder.

"Percy, are you feeling alright?" Piandao asked, honestly slightly worried about his ward's health. That was until the young boy flicked the top off the strange object with his thumb. Then the impossible happened. The little metal stick grew into a wicked 3 foot long, double-edge sword unlike any he had ever seen before. The blade was wide like that of a Dao sword but came to a sharp point like the jianJiande he favored. The blade was almost leaf-shaped, an inscription in a language he had never seen before and the blade almost seemed to glow a soft bronze color.

This was the first time Percy had seen his master lose his composer for so long. His slack-jawed look of pure disbelief made it pretty hard for Percy to not break out into laughter. It took all his willpower to stifle the laughter bubbling up from his stomach.

"I don't know where I got it, it was in my pocket when Prince Iroh fished me out of the ocean. I was going to tell you I just forgot?" Percy finished lamely as he watched his master. To Piandao's credit, he was able to gather his thoughts rather quickly. He noticed the way Percy gripped the handle comfortable and his whole body seemed relaxed yet engaged while he held the sword. This truly was the blade for him.

Piandao looked at Percy sternly, "The next time you have something important to tell me like the fact you're carrying a sword around in your pocket, and don't tell me you will run laps from sunrise to sunset." Piandao took a breath before continuing, "Tomorrow we will begin the next step in your training. Oh and we will be making a proper sheath to keep your sword in, otherwise the whole world will be after your weapon." Percy could see the truth in that statement. Busting out a magic sword out of nowhere every time he got in a fight was a fast way to draw way too much attention to himself. Besides keeping the sword's ability secret was an ace in the hole if anyone attacked him "unarmed."

"I'm sorry for not telling you master," Percy spoke up quietly. "It's okay Percy. Why don't you take the rest of the day off, I'll see you during supper." Percy smiled at him before scampering out of the room leaving Piandao with his thoughts.

The boy was full of surprises. Water healed and strengthened him. He had control over water only seen by masters but with no real training. And now he was breaking out spirit swords. Piandao smiled, it had only been 6 months but his fondness for the boy couldn't be understated. The only thing Piandao could think of to explain what he had just seen was the weapon had to be some sort of spirit sword. It was obvious what he had originally thought to be the bastard child of a Fire Nation woman and Water Tribe man was something else entirely.

Piandao smiled broadly, the last 6 months had been some of the most eventful in his life, only time would tell what other trouble Percy would cause. "Iroh what have you gotten me into this time?" He said to the empty room with a dry chuckle.

( - )

1 Year Later

Percy was in a heated duel with Prince Zuko, literally heated as Percy ducked out another arc of fire. After being trained nearly every day in the way of the sword for a year and a half, along with his natural talent, Percy had the prince completely outclassed in swordsmanship. Zuko, while gifted, wasn't on Percy's level and besides that rarely got time to train with Piandao and Percy due to his firebending teaching and duty as a prince, Not to mention that his father didn't approve of the skill as it took away from his firebending training. All of this meant that their duels had been getting boring for Percy and frustrating for Zuko. In the wake of another defeat, Zuko challenged Percy to a duel with his firebending as well. This proved a problem for Percy because Zuko wasn't going to let Percy get another advantage by using his bending as well. Which allowed Zuko to firebend all he liked, and Percy could only use his sword.

"That all you got Zuko?" Percy taunted as he tried to think of a way he could get past the waves of fire the prince was bombarding him with. He finally saw his opportunity when the Prince moved to take a deep breath to send even larger waves of fire at the green-eyed swordsman. Percy darted closer, dragging Riptide through the dirt before flicking it upwards at Zuko's face as he went to unleash a new wave of fire. Zuko was distracted from his attack as he covered his eyes and coughed through the dirt cloud. Without the waves of fire to keep Percy at bay, he moved in close as Zuko recovered. Zuko tried to drive him back with wild swipes of his Dao blades but Percy expertly fended them off with Riptide. Percy lashed out with a strong overhand swing at the prince forcing him to cross his blades over his head to keep his skull from being cut open. While Zuko grunted holding the swords locked above his head, Percy delivered a powerful kick to the prince's chest, knocking him off his feet and to his back.

His swords scattered as Percy stood over him with Riptide. Percy went to help his defeated friend up; he noticed the prince lacked his signature scowl after a lost duel.

"You don't seem to be disappointed about getting your ass kicked again. Finally gotten used to me wiping the floor with you?" Percy teased his friend with a smug smirk.

"Never." The young prince proclaimed with an excited grin, "I'm too excited to be disappointed. Tonight there's going to be a war council meeting and dads going to let me join it. After all, if I'm going to rule this nation one day, I should start learning all that I can."

"A bunch of old men sitting around talking about supply lines and math. Sounds boring to me." Percy replied grinning at his friend.

"That's because you're just a Water Tribe savage. No respect for the art of war." Zuko teased with a grin adorning his face. Percy responded in a much more dignified way. He rolled his eyes and stuck out his tongue. The two friends dissolved into laughter and spent the rest of their day goofing off and getting into trouble as 13-year-olds do.

( - )

It had been only a day since Zuko's banishment and just two days since the last Percy had seen his friend. Iroh had spoken with Percy about what had happened at the war council and how Zuko was scarred and banished for it. Needless to say, Percy was pissed. No one messed with his best friend and got away with it. It took a direct command from Piandao to stop Percy from his ridiculous plan to attack the Fire Lord. Even so, he tried to join Zuko on his quest to find the Avatar, but his friend had stubbornly refused him.

(Flashback)

"I have to regain my honor by myself, Percy," Zuko said, obviously not in the mood for talking.

"You're not the one that lost your honor, your petty excuse for a father can't take something like that away from you!" Percy shouted in frustration at his friend.

"You will not insult my father, he is the Fire Lord and you will respect him." Zuko snarled in reply.

"Hell no, people have to earn my respect, and I certainly don't respect abusive assholes who burn their kid and exile them at age 13!" His voice dripping with anger.

The prince didn't reply to that. He turned and began to walk away, up the loading ramp. "Goodbye Percy." The scarred prince stated coldly as he left without so much as a hug.

(End Flashback)

While he hadn't parted with his friend on the best of terms, he still missed him. Zuko was his best friend, his only friend in this world. That night Percy cursed the Fire Lord for the first, but most certainly not the last time.

( - )

1 Year Later

Percy was walking into the nearby town of Shu Jing, Riptide strapped into a sheath on his back when he heard the news. The princess of the Fire Nation (Zuko's little sister) had been nearly killed by Earth Kingdom assassins the night before. Percy was shocked, the war had always seemed so far off. He always thought the Fire Nation was untouchable. But a girl only a year younger than himself was being targeted by grown men with the intent to kill. And it wasn't just anyone they tried to kill though, it was Zuko's little sister, his best friend. Zuko never talked much about his family and Percy got the sense that he wasn't close with them. He had sent letters to Zuko for the first few months but he never replied. Percy still conversed with Iroh though who kept him updated on his friend. Those were the thoughts running through Percy's head when he overheard two soldiers talking.

"Did you hear that Fire Lord Ozai is looking for someone to protect princess Azula?"

"No, what the hell does she need a bodyguard for anyway? Isn't the palace surrounded by tons of guards?"

"Yeah, fat lot of good they did against those assassins. The Fire Lord wants something better like an elite warrior or something around her at all times so he's hosting a tournament to find the best fighter in the nation."

"What the hell is a tournament gonna do? What's to stop some mercenary or worse an Earth Kingdom sympathizer from joining it just to get access to the princess?" The other soldier smacked him upside the head for his stupidity before hissing out.

"The Fire Lord most certainly is not a dumb ass like you Lee, not just anyone can join. You need a sponsor, like from one of his generals or an important noble."

"I wonder if I could find someone to sponsor me" Lee mused

"Ha... you up against some of the best benders in the nation. You wouldn't last five minutes, I can't imagine your face afterward."

"Hmph like you could do better." Lee groused to his companion.

As Percy walked out of range of the bickering soldiers, he started to think about what they had said. He had been starting to feel restless, confined to the castle and the small village next to it. He was 15 now and would turn 16 soon. Piandao had gone out of his way to discreetly procure waterbending scrolls for him to practice with. He had poured over the scrolls, but they could only teach him so much, the rest was his own experimentation. He had trained relentlessly over the past year to improve. He could now handle Fat in a duel and give Piandao a run for his money. He was a demigod born for adventure, not to mention as a son of Poseidon he was as restless as the seas, naturally hating to be restrained.

What better way to get out into the world than to be a protector, to guard the little sister of his best friend. Percy made up his mind, when he got back to the castle he would convince Piandao to sponsor him. After all, Piandao was an important noble and he could also request Iroh to do the same in his next message. Percy left town with a smile on his face and a spring in his step. He was ready to finally strike out into the world, to use his training for good.