Avatar Percy Jackson Chapter 1

Chapter 1

With an even look upon his face Long Feng strolled into the throne room of the Earth Kingdom with four Dai Li agents at his back.  Princess Azula of the Fire Nation stood directly in front of the throne confidently as if this moment were destiny.  She offered a sinister smile towards the head of the Dai Li while Long Feng strode out to meet her, “Now comes the part where I double-cross you.  Dai Li, arrest the Fire Nation Princess.”

Azula seemed completely unphased by the order, and a look of amusement now seemed to cross her features as Long Feng repeated his orders and received no movement from his men, “It’s because they haven’t made up their minds.  They’re waiting to see how this is going to end.”

Long Feng paled as he glanced over his left shoulder, “You have no idea what you are talking about.  They know exactly how this is going to end.”

“I can see your whole history in your eyes.” Azula promised, “You were born with nothing, so you’ve had to struggle, connive, and claw your way to power.  But true power, the divine right to rule, is something you are born with.  The fact is they don’t know which one of us is going to be sitting on that throne and which one is going down.  But I know and you know.”  The fire nation princess said as she slowly took her seat on the throne enjoying the look of panic cross the Earthbenders face, “Well?”

“Please, you don’t know what you are getting yourself into.  Leave this palace at once, and don’t ever-”

Suddenly the man’s hands shot to his throat as if he were choking.  Azula watched the man with suspicion at first, but then her eyes began to widen as the man was lifted off the ground, “Well Princess you were right about one thing.”

The Dai Li immediately created a path right down the middle for a man who had entered the room from somewhere around the back of the hall.  His steps were so light they were silent, and his stealth was a clear indicator of how he had entered unnoticed.  Azula shot back to her feet, clearly realizing something wasn’t right as Long Feng's face entered a shade of purple.  She eyed the newcomer who was wearing some type of strange looking bronze armor with nothing, but a simple ballpoint pen in his hand.  His voice was confident, and strong, but the thing that had her prepared to start throwing fire blasts at him was the way his eyes pulsed with power.  The sea green in his eyes swirling as if they were tides in the ocean, “The right to rule is a divine right.  A right that I have held over this Kingdom, and these men since my arrival.”

The young man walked to the front of the room now looking distastefully at the man who had slumped into unconsciousness.  With the flick of his wrist the man flew across the room hitting a pillar hard, “Tut-tut, you disappoint me Long Feng.  After everything I did for you.  No matter.”

His eyes returned to Azula who looked angered by his words, “You see Princess the real reason my men haven’t attacked are because they are waiting to see what their real leader would do.  They wanted to see how I acted before pledging any sort of allegiance to anyone, but me.  I am afraid if you want the Earth Kingdom, my home, then you will have to take it through fire and blood.”

At the word blood the Dai Li all snapped into fighting stances, and Azula took a defensive step backwards, “You seem to have me at a disadvantage.  You know who I am, but who are you?”

“I am the guardian this nation needed.  The one that will keep the Fire Nation from genociding another group of people.  Sent directly by the ancient spirits of this world.  My name is Percy Jackson, and your dreams of conquering this nation, and Ba-sing-se end here.”  With those words the ballpoint pen in his hands turned into a three foot elongated bronze blade that seemed to glow in the lights of the throne room.  The Dai Li also summoned chunks of the earth from the ground around them prepared to attack the Princess at a moment's notice.

Azula’s thoughts raced quickly trying to come up with a battle plan.  Even if this Earthbender was a nobody she would have to defeat the dozen or so Dai Li in the room on her own.  Her friends will have been escorting the water tribe boy, and the blind earthbending girl to the catacombs.  She was on her own, but she wouldn’t back down now.  With a quick wave of her hand a blast of lightning immediately hurled towards Percy, but he merely held out the point of his sword, and deflected it into the ground.  She was shocked by the move, and barely had time to follow up before he was upon her with his sword at her throat, “Bad move Princess.  You underestimated me, so I won’t carve you up this time, but don’t test my patience a second-”

Before he could finish his words a blast of fire shot from her right hand knocking him backwards several feet before he flipped up in the air and skidded to a stop as he touched the ground, “Not bad, and because I like your spirit I won’t kill you.  I think I will settle with you bowing to me.”

Azula scoffed, “You think I am going to bow to some lowly-”

Before she could finish the sentence her body lunged forward to its knees, and she lost her ability to speak or move.

“That’s a good girl.” Percy said as he strolled back towards her.  Placing a hand below her chin making her look at him he whispered, “Don’t feel bad princess.  You were never even a player in the game for the Earth Kingdoms throne.  It seems my time of hiding in the shadows is over.”

The man couldn’t have been far outside of teens, and as Azula felt control return to her own body she turned to face him in horror as he sat down on the throne, “You are a blood bender.”

“My lady, I am so much more than that.”  The man said with a cold smile. “Now Dai Li, put this one in chains, and let us reunite her with her brother.  I have a feeling this is about to be quite the family reunion.”

Azula did not even attempt to fight the Dai Li that had come to put chains on her.  She knew the blood bender could have her on her knees again at a moment's notice.  It was near impossible to fight someone like that one on one, but perhaps when she met up with her friends or her brother she could take him on in a more fair fight.

She allowed the four Dai Li agents to push her towards a staircase that would lead them down to the catacombs with their leader close behind.  He had sent the other Dai Li to make sure there were no other infiltrations throughout the city, and did not seem worried about the fight that was surely ahead.  Desperate to learn about this new player Azula spoke, “So how is it a blood bender ends up leading the Earth Nation from the shadows?”

She couldn’t see the look on the man’s face, but she could tell by the tone of his answer he was smiling, “A fair question princess, but currently I am not in the sharing mood.  Perhaps if you survive this day, and I secure all of these prisoners we will see what we can do about an intelligence exchange.”

The way he questioned the fact that she would be alive at the end of the day sent a cold feeling down her back.  For the first time she perhaps realized the danger she was in.  If she and Zuko couldn’t take down this monster of a man then she would in fact die a very long way from home.  What if Zuko wouldn’t fight with her?   What if this man and the Avatar were allies?  Even with her brother it seemed fighting the two of them could possibly be within his realm of capabilities.  Doubts plagued her mind as they arrived in the catacomb that her brother had been placed in with the waterbending girl.  Perhaps the two had managed to escape somehow together?  Clearly they weren’t there now as the Dai Li looked around nervously, and Percy strided to the front of the group looking for an answer.  His eyes locked on an area in the back of the catacomb and he frowned for a moment, “It seems a fairly powerful earthbender managed to help the Fire Prince, and the waterbender escape.  Most likely the Avatar.  I can sense they haven’t gotten far.  Let us pursue our guest further.”

Without a hint of urgency he began striding forward, and the Dai Li roughly pushed her to follow.  From behind she had a moment to study the man.  He was built like a statue.  Easily a head taller than all four of the Dai Li men, and much wider in the shoulders and chest.  His armor seemed impossibly light on his frame, and he hardly seemed bothered at all by the weight it must have come with.  With the combination of his messy dark hair, and the eyes she had seen earlier she knew the man was what most would consider attractive.  His looks meant nothing to her however.  It was the aura of power she felt wash over her when he took control over her body via bloodbending.  It was unlike anything she had ever felt, and it even made the presence her father commanded seem tame in comparison.  If she had known, or been given time perhaps she could have made a very valuable ally of this man.  It was clear she had only seen a fraction of his capabilities, and she wondered what could be done to salvage the situation.

Before she could ponder the line of thought much further they entered a large cavern with a stream of running water, and large crystals decorating the room.  On the opposite end of the room it seemed her Uncle Iroh was playing peace negotiator between the Avatar and her brother with little success.

The Dai Li stopped at the entrance to the cavern while Percy turned and nodded at each of them.  The golden eyes met green for a moment, and there was a silent warning in them.  Speak before I allow it, and you will regret it.

Azula was never one to follow orders or take threats well, but considering everything she had witnessed over the last thirty minutes she decided to humor the warning look.  For now.

Percy strolled across the room with the same stealth Azula had witnessed minutes before when he had entered the throne room.  If the man wanted he could have attacked them, and pushed his advantage, but instead he leisured up within 10 yards of the group and waited until he was noticed.  Iroh was the first to do so, and he looked confusedly at the man, “Percy?”

“Hello General Iroh.  I suppose it does no good for me to feign ignorance to your identity any longer.” Percy said with no malice in his voice.  He almost sounded like he regretted delivering the news which confused Azula.

Zuko however stepped forward aggressively, “Why are you here?  Who are you?  How did you know who my uncle was?”

Percy held his ground, but shook his head, “You gentlemen weren’t exactly subtle Prince Zuko.  Casting the fire for the lower city girl was quite the romantic gesture but I am afraid it was quite foolish.  General Iroh using firebending to heat up your tea so close to a window is also probably ill advised when trying to keep your cover.”

Zuko blushed heavily at Percy’s words, and Azula raised her eyebrows at the insinuation.  Mai would not like to hear that tidbit of information.  Zuko may just find himself castrated if he isn’t careful.  Regardless of that Zuko trudged on, “If you knew who we were, why didn’t you say anything?”

Percy held out his hands in a casual gesture showing he himself was unsure, “You are refugees to this great city like me.  I had my men watch you carefully in case the two of you chose violence, but I was content to keep an eye on you for the time being.  I even helped get your shop setup in the upper city to keep a close eye on you.  I am sorry you were forced to reveal yourselves, because it seems to me your intent was nothing, but to run a successful tea shop.  You have my condolences.”

Percy offered a slight bow of the head, “But times are changing, and there is no reason you two can not go back to your quiet lifestyle. I am willing to spare all of your lives.  I merely request that the Avatar and his friends depart this city once the dust settles, and that you two remain under my watchful eye.  The time for the Earth Kingdom to fight back is upon us, but we will not do so under the banner of the Avatar.  It is not the duty of a child to take back these lands.  I have seen that road paved in blood before, and I will not watch it happen again.”

At this Percy’s eyes went to the bald twelve year old that he knew must be Aang the Avatar.  Percy was very surprised at the thinly veiled anger hiding in the eyes of the young man.  The female waterbender that Azula had dealt with earlier stepped forward aggressively, “Who even are you?  You act as if you speak for the Earth King when we all know you don’t.”

The young man smiled as he began to pace.  Five steps to the left.  Five steps to the right, “Something you should understand miss-”

“Katara.” The girl said seemingly offended that she was not recognized.

“Miss Katara” Percy said with a slight incline to his head, “The Earth King was a good figurehead for peace.  As I am sure my predecessor Long Feng told you, the Dai Li however are in charge of all military operations.  Long Feng was merely a puppet to me however.  He communicated with the five generals on my behalf, and has been silently building up our forces for the last few years.  He ultimately failed me when he nearly lost the loyalty of our men to the Fire Nation Princess, but that is of no matter any longer.  The time to attack the Fire Nation and end this war is upon us.  Stand aside, and let the adults handle this.”

The Avatar had finally had enough, “Because you all have done such a great job over the last 100 years.”

Percy stopped at his words, and motioned something behind him.  As one dozens of Dai Li agents began pouring into the room.  Azula was also pushed forward by her escorts to where she could be seen by everyone gathered, “You are correct in that my dear Avatar, but you misunderstand.  I was not here for the last 100 years.  The Earth Kingdom lacked the power, and the leadership to launch a successful assault on the Fire Nation, but this is no longer the case.”

Zuko gasped at the sight of his sister, “Azula?”

The girl gave him a sideways smile, “Hello ZuZu.  Uncle.  It seems the time for your loyalty to be tested is among us.  This man is a threat to the safety of the Fire Nation.  The safety of our family.  Help me, and we can leave here as conquerors.  We can all be redeemed in the eyes of the Fire Lord.  We could all be greatly rewarded.”

Percy turned to face the girl with an amused look on his face, “Oh Princess.  You didn’t learn earlier did you?”

A wave of fear struck the girl, and clearly panic was written on her face as her brother and uncle did not step to her aid.  Suddenly she found herself thrusted back onto her knees, and she cried out when she hit the ground.  Zuko immediately roared out, “HEY!”

Before letting loose a fire blast at the unsuspecting man.  To the surprise of everyone a wave of water rushed from the side deflecting the fire, and the Dai Li quickly scrambled forward to attack, but were halted by the wave of Percy’s hand.  Katara looked at the man in shock.  He hadn’t even moved his hand to defend himself.  It was as if the water refused to let him be harmed.

The room was tensley silent for a moment before Percy smiled, “It seems we are at an impasse.  The Avatar needs to be shown that the war can be fought without him, and the two Fire Nation royal children need to understand just how hopelessly outclassed they really are.  I think a demonstration is in order.”

With a snap of his fingers the Dai Li undid the chains binding Azula, and she jumped to her feet, and all but ran to her brother's side.  Getting into the stance of a martial artist she called to her brother, “This is our opportunity.  We kill him, and the Dai Li will turn.  They will serve us if we can defeat him.  We can still go home heroes.”

Zuko looked uncertain for a moment, before nodding, getting into his own stance.  Iroh seemed prepared to fight beside his niece and nephew but Percy held up a hand, “General Iroh.  There will be no interference from you in this fight.  If you were to interfere my men will join the battle.  I assure the odds are already not in your favor, but with the intervention of my men I cannot see any of you walking out of this alive.  Do not interfere, and I may show your family mercy.”

Suddenly Iroh looked very worried.  He seemed to recognize the confidence that Percy held.  He recognized it because he once held it.  A feeling that you were the most powerful bender in the world, and that everyone else was below you.  That sort of confidence did not come from nothing.  Iroh turned to his nephew, “Zuko, do not do this.  You are facing an unknown enemy, with no idea of his capabilities.  This is madness.”

Zuko however didn’t even glance at his wise uncle, “I have to do this.”

With a roar Zuko surged forward throwing fire blast after fire blast with his fist while Azula threw a massive blast of lightning at the man.  With a flick of his wrist however the entirety of the water source in the catacombs leapt to his defense, and absorbed the onslaught of attacks heading his way.  Before either of the two could react the water surged forward to grab the two, but with a combined blast of fire they managed to incinerate the surge causing the room to fill with steam.  The two siblings tried to follow this up with further fireblast, but the man had disappeared.

Iroh, sensing danger, called out, “Back to back Zuko.”

Following the instructions of his uncle the two firebenders immediately stood together facing opposite ways.  Laughter filled the cavern for a moment before it began to rumble.  Azula’s eyes widened, and Zuko roared out, “No fair you said your men wouldn’t interfere waterbender!”

Azula’s mind raced with possibilities.  The man had told her he was so much more than a bloodbender.  He had obviously proven that with his water abilities, but what if…what if he could control multiple elements?

Before she could voice her thoughts a wall of rock appeared from the ground below their feet knocking them apart hard.  Before either could react the water rose up and enveloped them, and walking out of the tidal wave completely dry was Percy Jackson.  He smiled at them confidently, “Well that was fun.  A little less exciting than I had hoped for, but nonetheless the message has been sent, and now that you are both soaked…”

As if to complete his thought he raised one hand, and two shards of ice formed from the water on the ground, and levitated until they were pressed into the throats of the two siblings, “I will now accept your unconditional surrender.”

Zuko looked stunned by the turn of events.  He looked desperately towards his uncle who had a grave look upon his face, and once he saw the man would not interfere slowly began to raise his hands.

Azula on the other hand stared at the man with an unreadable expression.  She whispered out just loud enough for Zuko and Percy to hear, “What are you?”

“I am this world's avenger.  I will bring death and destruction upon those who seek to harm the innocent.  Now Princess Azula of the Fire Nation make the right decision and surrender.  You have already defied me more than any I have ever allowed to live.  Consider yourself lucky that I believe you are merely blindly giving loyalty to your family or you would already be dead.”

The ice shard disappeared from the neck of Zuko, but the one on Azula dug deeper, drawing the slightest bit of blood that fell down to her dark robes.  She didn’t even wince at the pain, but continued to stare at Percy as if he were a particularly difficult puzzle that she desperately wanted to have all the pieces too.  After a moment's hesitation where Percy thought he may just have to run the girl through she raised her hands, and the shard disappeared.

Percy clapped his hands, “Excellent.  Truly excellent.  Dai Li take these Fire Nation Citizens into custody.  They are to be granted rooms in the palace, and guards will be on them at all times.  Keep them close to my quarters in case I am needed to snuff out any pockets of resistance.  Find the Princesses two friends as well, and make sure they don’t escape.”

Turning towards the Avatar and his friend Percy offered a slight bow as Iroh, Zuko, and Azula were placed back in chains and escorted from the room.  All three taken in separate directions, and all three taking glances at one another, and their newest dungeon master.

“Avatar and Katara.  I am sorry you had to see that, and I am sorry we have not had a chance to properly meet.  As I said earlier my name is Percy Jackson, and I am the true leader of the Dai Li here in Ba Sing Se.”

The Avatar looked uncertain before he said, “My name is Aang.”

Percy grinned at the boy, “Well like I said I am sorry we had to meet this way, and I hope you don’t take it personally when I said you need to leave this city.  It’s nothing against you, but I think the people need to see that they are capable of fighting for themselves.  I am hoping that by fighting this war my way,  the Avatar today, and the future Avatars will not be relied upon to bring about world peace and balance.”

Katara jumped at that, “But Aang is destined for that.  That is what all Avatars are destined to do is keep peace and balance.”

“It is because of that belief,” Percy said tightly, “That the world has descended into a 100 year war with no clear victor and an entire civilization was genocided without repercussion.  I am not saying the Avatar is unimportant, I am merely saying that the Earth Kingdom does not need him to fight their battles.  They will have me, the Dai Li, and the good soldiers of the Earth Kingdom for that.”

“We have a plan to take down the Fire Lord.” Katara said

Percy frowned for a moment, “Yes I have heard your plan.  It is risky, but it is not without merit.  The Day of The Black Sun.  The five generals are discussing it, and I believe we will send a force, but keep in mind Princess Azula knows of this plan.  If she managed to find a way to communicate this back to her father you can bet there will be an ambush.  It is likely many innocent lives would be lost in the battle.

“It is the best chance we have.” Aang said with some determination.

“Perhaps.” Percy said without much enthusiasm, “Regardless I would like to welcome you as my guest up at the palace.  We will make sure you have proper supplies before we send you on your next journey.  I assume you intend to link up with the Water Tribes people?”

Percy gestured for the two to follow him, and Katara answered his question, “Yes my father is leading what is left of their forces.”

“Hakoda is your father?  Well wonders never cease to amaze me in this world.” Percy said with a slight smile.

Katara’s eyes widened, “You know my father?”

“We had a run in a few years back.” Percy admitted, “When I first arrived here I thought all the water tribe people were water benders.  When I sought out the leader of the southern Water Tribe I was a little disappointed to learn there were no water benders in his area.  It seemed that wasn’t completely true, and I respect him for keeping the secret.  It’s not easy to lie to someone like me.”

Aang wasn’t sure if the stranger before him was being arrogant or not, but shook his head, “There are several good water benders in the North Pole, why didn’t you try to reach out to them?”

“Oh I did.  I made it all the way to Ba Sing Se before I had my first run in with the Dai Li, and began to learn of the deception happening here.  Ba Sing Se is the closest thing to my home in this world, so naturally I was a little protective of it, and wanted to do what I could to help.  I had every intention of going to meet more water benders, but I never got around to it.”

Katara immediately asked, “That is the second time you have mentioned this world, what does that mean exactly?”

Percy stopped, and turned to face her, “That question is more complicated than you might think.  For now let’s just say I am not from around here.  We won’t leave it at that forever, but believe me I have been searching for answers for a long time, and I haven’t quite put all the pieces together yet.  What I can promise you is that I am here to help.  I want to see the end of the Fire Nation’s tyranny as much as anyone.  Stopping them here in Ba Sing Se I think will have made a huge difference.”

When they reached the top of a staircase that led them back into the palace they were greeted by a pair of Dai Li along with a water tribe boy, and a blind girl that Percy’s intel said was a very powerful earthbender, “Twinkle Toes!  Katara!”

The four friends embraced, and Percy offered them a slight smile, “Well friends my men will show you to your quarters.  I must address the people, and speak with the king before we all dine together.  Perhaps there we can come to a better understanding of our futures together, and what we can do to put an end to this war.”

Aang looked worried at his words, “You aren’t going to kill the King are you?”

Percy looked to Aang in surprise and then laughed, “No dear Avatar I am not going to assassinate or even imprison the king.  I am merely going to have him step aside.  Let me put it to you this way.  Tonight when I address the people if they refuse to fight then I won’t force them.  I will merely do what I can with the Dai Li, but I think when they are told of what is really happening out there they will jump at the opportunity to bring peace back to the lands.  Not everyone is as blind as they would want you to believe.  Now go rest up and we will speak more soon.”

With that Percy nodded towards his men, and began walking away.  The first thing he heard behind him came from the water tribe boy, “Who the heck was that?”