N/A: Hi, I'm back in your life as your ex XD.

Baahubali: And he will be more lost now that he finds someone like Percy.

The science emperor: To tell you the truth, writing Percy always makes it difficult for me, especially with how unpredictable he is. But I try to make him as true to the books as possible, as someone carefree and easygoing, but also sarcastic and insolent. It's hard to find a good balance.

Guest: They don't question why Percy spared their lives because, for now, they just think he's a soldier following Zuko's orders. And Zuko promised to spare their lives if Aang would turn himself in.

Warthog525: Yeah, sorry about that. Small typo. And believe it or not, I also think deeply about the impact Percy leaves on both the world and the characters, which is why I decided to change my writing style to how it was from the beginning of the story. I want the characters to see and react to Percy's presence in the Avatar world. It's something I really love.

KumaNoIkari: And with the surprises that will happen later on, they will be less enjoyable.

DARK WRAITH 2001: Even you had a typo in your typing XD The irony.

Gamelover41592: As I said, the first meetings between Percy and the Gaang will be tense and intense.

Freestoryideas: That's right. The point of Percy wielding such a heavy sword is that only he can do it, since he's a demigod blessed with the curse of Achilles. If anyone else tries to wield the Dragon Sword, they won't be able to do it.

surya25addanki: And their encounters will be more intense from now on.

FrostyPunkin: Personally, I liked the Sokka from the live action. Although, obviously, his character needs to be developed more, which I hope they will do in the following seasons. Likewise, I plan to do the same in my story. Sokka will have his own character development, although it will happen later on.

erikbassey: Believe me, they'll get worse later on.

Bob: Avatar seasons are divided into "Books", which I've done in my own story. And the reason Riptide managed to hurt Aang is because, when Aang enters the Avatar State, he becomes one with the Avatar spirit (Raava) and connects with all his past lives. That's why, when Percy cuts him with Riptide, he not only hurts Aang, but also Raava and all the previous Avatars.

shira286100: He didn't control the water because he didn't want to expose himself. No one besides Piandao and Fat know that Percy can control water.

GRNauman: Thanks for the high praise, man.

mad thought: I have something special in mind for when Aang encounters a monster from Percy Jackson's world. And trust me, it won't be pretty.

GuardianOfTheUniverse: Relax, Luke's plot will be revealed later.

CRUDEN: It was the first and it won't be the last.

omiguh: I mentioned that point in the past, and I'm glad you bring it up now, considering I brought up the new age of the characters in my story. I will clarify the point of Azula's arranged marriage when she reappears in the story. And as for the other thing, I can only say... you are one sadistic son of a bitch (no offense intended XD) Yes, I want to make this story a bit darker than compared to the original cannon, but it will be by Zuko's hand. He's not capable of doing something so cruel and wouldn't kill an innocent civilian in a cruel way just to prove a point.

Now, before we start, I want to inform you that this chapter is quite long. At first I didn't plan it to be that long, but that's how you like it... XD

Well, no jokes, I hope you enjoy the 16,000 word chapter! And one of the epic battles of this story.

And without further ado... Let's go!

---

Chapter 18

Avatar vs. Demigod

Anyone would expect that after being separated from your loved ones for three years, you would be happy to be reunited with them. Especially when it is a beloved member of your own family.

This was not the case for Percy.

His father didn't look the same as he remembered. He looked older and tired. He had some wrinkles on his face that he didn't have before, gray hair, and a beard.

"Percy..." Piandao muttered as he approached his son and looked at him from head to toe. A sad smile formed on his lips. "You have grown so much, my son."

It was true. Percy had grown to his father's size. Before, he had to look up to see him. Now he looked into his father's eyes instead. This detail only emphasized the time he had been away from his father and the sadness that pounded in his heart.

"Dad..."

Percy felt the words choke and his heart twist in his chest.

"Even your voice has changed. I can see the years have changed you, but..." Piandao placed a hand on Percy's shoulder and smiled. His eyes reflected sadness, but also relief and happiness. "In your eyes, I see that you are still the same noble-hearted boy. Deep down, you are still the same. I am very happy to see that."

Percy felt something break inside him and couldn't help but embrace his father in a tight hug that took him by surprise. Piandao returned the hug with a small smile.

Father and son rejoiced in their reunion after three long years of separation.

"I missed you, dad," Percy said, his voice cracking slightly.

"I missed you too, son," Piandao said, grabbing Percy's head and holding him tightly as if to make sure he was really there. "More than you can imagine."

When they parted after almost a full minute, Piandao turned to Zuko and bowed.

"It is a pleasure to see you again, Your Highness," he said. "Forgive my lack of manners in not paying my respects to you first. It's just that I was overwhelmed with the excitement of seeing my son again."

"Don't worry, master," Zuko replied, bowing in the same respectful manner. "I understand perfectly."

Piandao smiled at his son, though Percy did not share his smile.

"Dad... Why are you here?" he asked.

Piandao's smile slowly faded, giving way to distress.

"I knew you'd ask that..." he sighed before turning to Qiang. "Would you mind leaving us alone for a few minutes?"

"Of course, master," Qiang nodded and bowed to Piandao. Before leaving the tent, he looked at Percy and Zuko one last time. "It's good to see you again, guys. And if it's okay with you, Percy, I'd like to duel with you again. Let me show you how strong I've become."

Qiang left the tent, leaving Percy, Zuko and Piandao alone.

"Dad, what's going on?" Percy asked, his voice reflecting the growing anxiety and despair he felt. "Is it true that you are leading the swordsmen squad you trained? Why?"

"Because the Fire Lord wanted me to," Piandao said to Percy and Zuko's surprise.

"My father?" Zuko asked, his eyes widening.

Piandao nodded and walked over to the large table where the map of the southern region of the Earth Kingdom was displayed. He placed both hands on the table and looked carefully at the figures representing the Earth Kingdom's army and the Fire Nation's army.

"A few months ago, I reported to Fire Lord Ozai that I had taught my students everything I could," Piandao said. A small, proud smile formed on his lips. "They have all exceeded my expectations. Each of them has a remarkable gift that makes them unique. But they all share the same passion for the sword. And when I suggested that they follow the warrior's path, they accepted with great enthusiasm. Teaching them is one of the few good things I have done in my life."

Percy knew how much the art of the sword had meant to his father, and how comforting it must have been for him to be able to pass on that same lesson to people who had proven themselves worthy. He was glad that his father had found pride in a task that had originally been thrust upon him with no chance of refusal.

"When I felt they were all ready to serve the Fire Nation, I informed Fire Lord Ozai," Piandao continued. "They had become a truly elite group of swordsmen, as was expected of them. All they needed was real combat experience to solidify their status. When I began to form this squadron, I expected you to lead it, Prince Zuko."

"Me?" Zuko pointed at himself, confused.

Piandao nodded.

"Who better to lead an elite squadron of swordsmen than a member of the Royal Family who has trained alongside them and demonstrated remarkable skill in swordplay? I expressed my ideas to Fire Lord Azulon himself, who was interested and accepted them. I always believed that even after his unexpected death, his wish would remain. But fate had other plans..."

Zuko put his hand to his face where the scar was. He knew what his master meant. That Agni Kai he had had with his father had changed everything.

"The squadron needed a leader," Piandao said in a distant voice, "And Fire Lord Ozai thought the best person to lead them would be me, since the second person to lead them had also left the Fire Nation."

Piandao looked sideways at Percy, who was surprised.

"Me?" he muttered. "But... I don't know anything about leading."

"Believe it or not, you have the makings of a great leader, my son. I know you can become one."

Percy wasn't quite sure. He had never seen himself leading anyone, mostly because he didn't like taking orders. The only reason he followed Zuko's orders was because he didn't see him as a leader or the prince of their nation, but as a friend.

"What about Qiang?" Percy asked.

"I have thought about it. But despite his remarkable swordsmanship, he is overzealous in proving himself. He would make rash and dangerous decisions. Perhaps later, when he has more experience or someone proves to have the necessary qualities to lead them. Until then, I'll be the one to do it."

Percy looked sadly at his father. He knew with absolute certainty how much his father disliked having to go back to the war. A war he had given up many years ago when he saw first hand how cruel it could be. And now he was forced to return to it, not for himself, but for someone else.

In these last three years of traveling the world, Percy had seen what war had done to this world. Whole villages destroyed, either by fire or by the land itself. Homeless people wandering in search of a place away from the fighting, while others surrendered in despair in the dark, isolated alleys of a remote village.

He had never been directly involved in a battle of the war, but he was constantly surrounded by the remnants of it. The death, destruction and misery it left in its wake.

And now his father was part of it. In the back of his mind, Percy thought:

'What if his father ends up being one of the tens of thousands of casualties of this war?'

He shook his head. His father was a strong man, the strongest swordsman in the Fire Nation, and he had fought in many battles. He would know how to face any battle.

"Enough about me," Piandao said, looking at Percy and Zuko expectantly. "Tell me, how has your journey been so far? I have heard many rumors, but I would like to know if they are true. Sit down, we have a lot to talk about."

Piandao motioned to the chairs around the table. He sat down in the chair at the head of the table, and Percy and Zuko sat on either side of him.

"It's... a long story," Percy said, not knowing where to start.

Piandao smiled slightly.

"We have time."

Percy and Zuko looked at each other and there was an unspoken agreement between them. Given the events of the past few days, there were very few people they could trust. But they both knew for sure that they could trust Piandao. He was Percy's father, Zuko's teacher in the art of swordsmanship and a very close friend of Iroh. If there was anyone they could trust blindly, it was Piandao.

With that in mind, the two began to recount the events of their three-year journey.

---

When they finished, Piandao's expression reflected utter disbelief.

There were few times Percy remembered seeing his father speechless, completely shocked. He couldn't blame him, though, considering what had happened.

"The Avatar... Has he returned?" he muttered in disbelief.

Zuko nodded.

"I saw him with my own eyes," he confirmed. "He's a teenager, an airbending master. I don't know why he looks that age, but I have no doubt that he is the Avatar. After three long years of searching, I have finally found him... And he's escaped right in front of me!"

Zuko clenched his fists in frustration and anger. He had been so close, but he had become overconfident. A mistake he would not make again.

"Don't get impatient, Prince Zuko," Piandao advised.

"I can't help it! The Avatar is out there, and the more time passes, the more people may come after him! Commander Zhao could easily find him with all the fleet he has at his disposal!"

"But it wasn't Commander Zhao who found the Avatar, it was you. And you did it through persistence and discipline. Don't be impatient and don't give up on those qualities."

"But... How can I compete with Zhao's resources?"

"No matter how difficult it may be, there is always a logical and optimal solution," Piandao said solemnly. "Remember it in times of turmoil, when you are tempted to act recklessly."

Zuko frowned, but took a deep breath and nodded.

"Yes, master..."

Piandao nodded smugly.

"Remember your greatest weapon, Prince Zuko. It is not troops or resources, but your determination. The same determination that led you to find the Avatar."

His master was right. Despite the new difficulties in his mission, he would not give up. Especially now that he had found the fruit of his relentless search. His resolve was stronger than ever.

"Rest tonight, regain your strength," Piandao suggested. "Tomorrow, you can continue your journey."

Although he did not like the idea of resting, Zuko accepted his master's suggestion. He was tired and had not been able to rest properly in the past few days. Besides, even if he wanted to go after the Avatar, he couldn't. Their ship was damaged and needed repairs, so they would have to stay in port for a few days.

Zuko retreated from the tent, leaving Percy and Piandao alone, knowing they both wanted to enjoy a moment alone as father and son. Before he left, Zuko turned and looked at them. His gaze reflected a longing to see his father again and to reunite with him, as Percy was doing.

His look of longing turned to bitterness, and he left the tent, ready to rest.

Once they were alone, silence fell between them. Percy didn't know what to say to his father, for never in his wildest dreams had he imagined the possibility of seeing him on the other side of the world.

"How is Fat?" he decided to ask, remembering his family's beloved butler. He feared that Fat had accompanied his father, knowing that he was perfectly capable of doing so.

A small smile tugged at Piandao's lips.

"Oh, he's okay," he replied, "The last time I saw him before we left, he told me that he was going back to Shu Jin to look after our house. He said that he was stressed out just thinking about how neglected and dirty it was."

Percy was happy to hear that. At least one of his loved ones wasn't on the front lines of the war.

"That's good," he sighed.

"He'll be glad when I send him a letter to let him know you're okay. He's been worried sick about you ever since the rumors reached the Fire Nation."

Percy raised an eyebrow in confusion.

"Rumors? What rumors?"

"Did you think news of your exploits on the journey and the spirits you killed wouldn't spread?" Piandao asked before looking over Percy's shoulder at the hilts of his swords. "You have a strange sword. I don't remember you having it when you left the Fire Nation."

Percy stirred, somewhat uncomfortably. He reached behind his back and drew Riptide. Piandao stared in fascination at the gleaming blade of the sword, which glowed faintly.

"Where did you get it?" he asked, looking a bit shocked.

"I... I've always had it," Percy replied. "Or rather, you always had it until you gave it to me the day I left the Fire Nation."

Piandao looked at him, confused.

"I don't remember giving you that sword."

"That is because it was not a sword then, but a ring. It was the same ring that was in the box that belonged to my mother."

"That ring? How did it become that sword?"

"I don't know," Percy admitted. "Perhaps a spirit's blessing? I'm not sure. What I do know is that when I faced an evil spirit named Nian, the ring transformed into this sword. Its blade can wound and kill spirits."

Piandao seemed truly perplexed. He looked at the sword with curiosity and frowned.

"So that's why they call you 'Spirit Slayer'," he mused before looking up and meeting his son's gaze. "Percy, you should know that you are holding a very dangerous weapon. Spirits are extremely dangerous and unpredictable creatures. Having a weapon that can kill them is not a good thing."

"I know. I tried to get rid of it by throwing it into the sea, but it came back to me," Percy revealed, much to his father's surprise. "And when I fought some spirits, and they threw it away, the sword kept coming back to me in the form of a ring. I can't get rid of it, dad."

"It is... disturbing. It's a really strange sword."

"Yeah..." Percy looked at the blade of the sword and could see his reflection. "Why would my mother have such a thing?"

Piandao looked at his son with concern and sadness before hesitantly speaking.

"Tell me, Percy... Have you learned anything about what you want?"

Percy knew what his father was talking about. Or at least he guessed.

"Not exactly," he replied, sheathing his sword, "I haven't figured out why... I'm like that. But some spirits I met called me 'demigod'."

"Demigod? I've never heard that word before. Do you know what it means?"

"No, but I have an idea where I can find out. It is said that there is a library in the middle of the desert that contains all the information of the Mortal World and the Spirit World."

"The Library of Wa Shi Tong," Piandao admitted. "I have heard of it. It is buried in the desert sands of Si Wong. Many archaeologists have searched for it for decades, but have never found it. Some have even been buried by the desert sands themselves. It is very dangerous to go there, Percy."

"I know," Percy sighed. "But it's the only lead I have."

"Don't despair, my son," Piandao comforted him, placing a hand on his shoulder. "You will find the answer you are looking for."

Percy smiled slightly, even though he was sad and a little afraid to see his father in this place. He was also glad to be reunited with him and to have his unconditional support.

"Thank you, dad."

Piandao nodded and gave him a firm squeeze on the shoulder before standing up.

"Tonight, join us, son. You and Prince Zuko," Piandao offered. "The boys will be happy to have you join us for dinner."

"Of course," Percy agreed, "I'll tell Zuko. He may not accept, though. He... He's changed. He's not the same since he left the Fire Nation."

"That was to be expected. Prince Zuko's life has not been easy these past three years. But now he needs help more than ever. Keep supporting him, son. Guide him on the right path."

"And what is that path?"

"I cannot tell you. You must both find out for yourselves."

Percy looked at his father blankly. Of course, a cryptic answer to a cryptic question was to be expected. It had always been like that with Piandao. He would never give you a clear or direct answer; he wanted you to find your own. He would only guide you, but you would have to walk the path.

It was an admirable trait, but also somewhat infuriating.

---

Dinner took place in the middle of the camp, around a campfire. Piandao's disciples, known as samurai, shared bowls of food prepared by Mifune, the group's cook. Although it was nothing fancy or glamorous, the vegetable and legume broth was quite good. It was certainly better than the food the army provided for its soldiers.

"I never thought that Mifune's culinary skills would come in handy," commented one of the samurai as he happily ate his bowl of food.

He wore the same uniform as the others. His face was sharp and his eyes were slanted so that they seemed to be closed. His black hair was pulled back into a low ponytail, with a few strands falling down the right side of his face.

"I agree with Ling," said another samurai who was identical to Ling. They had the same complexion and the same hairstyle, the only difference being that his hair fell on the left side of his face. "But I'm not complaining. Mifune's food never disappointed."

"And now I agree with you, Yao. You know, Mifune, you could follow the path of food if you ever leave the path of the sword. You'd do quite well."

Mifune laughed.

"Thank you, boys," he said as he poured a new bowl from the pot boiling on the campfire. "Here, General Iroh."

"Thank you, my boy," Iroh said with a smile as he gladly accepted.

Iroh had decided to join them for dinner when he found out that Piandao was the leader of the samurai. He was very happy to meet an old friend again, and they lost no time in getting acquainted. The old General was warmly welcomed by the entire group, who knew of his close relationship with their master.

"Mmm, it's very good," Iroh praised as he tasted a spoonful of soup. "They are lucky to have a cook as good as you."

Mifune laughed in embarrassment.

"You flatter me, sir," he said. "My father always said a man must be prepared for anything. And knowing how to cook with the ingredients at hand is one of them."

Qiang looked at the bowl in his hands.

"I never had to worry about this at home," he thought thoughtfully. "Our servants always cooked for our family. And when we were training under master Piandao, it was Fat who always cooked for us."

"The fact that you realize that shows how much you've grown," Iroh pointed out.

"I had a good teacher."

Qiang looked at Piandao who was quietly eating his bowl of food.

"You have to give yourself credit, Qiang," he said. "A master is only a guide, but it is you who decides to follow your own path. I have known students who have strayed from their master's teachings. They have turned their backs on their guides and followed the path of self-destruction."

Iroh nodded in agreement.

"You must be aware of your life and your own actions," he added. "Then you can shape them to create a better future."

"But how can I do that?" Qiang asked.

At that moment, everyone looked at the old General, who put his bowl on his lap and smiled kindly. When he spoke, he was not only addressing Qiang, but everyone.

"You must look at yourself objectively. Analyze yourself and be honest. Face your weaknesses and don't try to hide them. Instead, develop your skills, improve and grow. Only in this way will you forge a better future."

The crackling of flames was the only audible sound as Iroh's wise words echoed in the minds of everyone present.

A small, sad smile stretched across Qiang's lips.

"I see... Now I realize how lucky I was and how unlucky others are," he said. "When I think about it, even this simple plate of food tastes delicious to me."

Percy looked at him sideways. It still puzzled him how much Qiang had changed, especially considering that they almost got into a fight the first night all the Piandao disciples dined together.

"You really have changed, Qiang," Percy commented. "It's... kind of strange."

Xiuying snorted after swallowing a mouthful of food.

"If makes you feel better, Percy, he's still the same fool," she said mockingly. "You should have seen him in our first fight. The fool almost died when he challenged the leader of an Earth Kingdom bandit gang to a one-on-one duel."

"That man didn't keep his promise to face me in a fair duel!" Qiang replied indignantly, "How was I supposed to know those bastards had no honor?!"

Everyone burst out laughing, including Percy. Zuko was the only one who didn't look amused as he ate in silence.

Percy nudged him lightly with his shoulder as he sat down next to him.

"Hey, buck up," he encouraged him. "After three years, we're back with our friends. Let's enjoy it."

"I would enjoy it more if I had captured the Avatar, and we were finally going home," Zuko muttered bitterly, so low that only Percy could hear.

"Hey, Percy, Zuko, tell us," Xiuying said, looking back at them. "How was your journey? I assume you searched the four nations for the Avatar. Did you find any clues?"

"No," Zuko replied immediately and emphatically. "We found nothing."

Although they had agreed to reveal the truth about the Avatar's return to Piandao, Zuko had been reluctant to tell the others. He didn't want too many people to know, for fear that the information would get out. If that happened, it would be harder to capture the Avatar because the entire Fire Nation army would be after him.

"That's... a shame. Although we've heard about your travels, especially from you, Percy."

"Yes," Qiang agreed. "We've heard a lot about you, Mr. Spirit Slayer. They say you killed a spirit the size of a house all by yourself."

Percy laughed uncomfortably.

"They exaggerated. It wasn't that big," he clarified.

"Were they exaggerating when they said you killed it in one fell swoop by cutting off its head?" Ming asked.

"Ah, no... That part is true."

"And when they said you faced a horde of spirits in the form of bird-women?" Ling asked.

"That is also true."

"And when did you chase a giant snake out of the ocean with just a look?" Yao asked.

"They made that up," Percy replied. "I've never faced a giant snake. I doubt I could."

'Maybe if I...'

Percy quickly dismissed the idea. It sounded ridiculous, even to him. Besides, he doubted there were any giant snakes around.

The rest of the evening was relatively quiet. Percy told them stories of their travels, and they told them how things had been going in the Fire Nation since they left. Percy and Zuko showed visible interest when they told them that Azula had been going to Piandao's house to continue her training and perfect her blue fire. And, surprisingly, to play games of Pai Sho.

"Pai Sho?" Zuko asked, puzzled. "She goes to play Pai Sho with you?"

"She did it a few times a week," Piandao replied, sipping a cup of tea that Iroh had prepared. "It was her way of relaxing from training and her duties as the nation's princess. She has a very keen mind. No doubt, she will become a great strategist."

"And how did her training go?" Percy asked curiously.

"She has far exceeded my expectations. Her ability to control fire at her age is... unprecedented. Coupled with the control she has over her blue fire, it has made her a master of firebending. In a few years, she will be one of the most powerful firebenders in the world. Perhaps the most powerful..."

Hearing such praise from Piandao, Zuko and Percy were stunned, knowing that he was speaking as objectively as possible.

Percy smiled slightly, happy for her, knowing how much it meant to Azula to be an outstanding firebender. And apparently, she had succeeded.

"She's read all your letters," Piandao commented, looking at Percy, "And she's heard about the things you've done, the reputation you've built. She may not show it, but she hopes you'll come back some day."

Percy was surprised to hear that. Even though he had sent letters to Azula, Mai and Ty Lee over the past three years, he had never heard back from them because they were always traveling. It was nice to know that Azula was still thinking about him, and that maybe she missed him.

"Did you hear that, Percy? The princess wants you back," Ling said, sitting down next to him and nudging him teasingly with his elbow. "Now you must go back to the Fire Nation and marry her!"

"M-Marry her?" Percy muttered.

"Yes!" Yao agreed, sitting down on the other side and putting his arm around Percy's shoulders, "You have to go back and show all those suitors that she has the upper hand!"

Ling stood up, unsheathed his sword, which was half a Dao sword, and raised it high.

"Stand back, you shabby nobles!" he bellowed in a false, theatrical voice. "The only one who will betroth the princess is me, Perseus, son of Piandao!"

"Not so fast, Perseus!" Yao shouted, imitating his voice. He drew his sword, which was the other half of the same Dao sword, and stood in front of Ling, challenging him. "If you wish to betroth the crown jewel, then you must defeat me, Zuko, firstborn of the Fire Lord, in a fair duel."

"Do you dare stand in the way of our love, Zuko?"

"You must prove yourself worthy of my sister, and only then will I accept you as her husband!"

"So be it!"

Ling and Yao engaged in a theatrical fight in front of everyone, much to the embarrassment of Percy and Zuko, who looked at each other uncomfortably.

When they finished eating and were ready to sleep, Piandao offered to let Zuko and Percy stay in one of the tents. At first, Zuko wanted to refuse and return to his ship, but he finally gave in to Iroh's insistence.

Percy lay down on a simple but comfortable futon. At least he didn't notice the small stones under his body. As soon as he lay down, he fell asleep. And as usual, he had a strange dream.

---

It was in a ruined and abandoned room. Judging by the cracks in the burned walls and the plants seeping through them, along with the shattered pieces of ceiling where the sunlight came through, it had been abandoned for many years.

The entire room was littered with skeletons in Fire Nation armor. The design of the armor indicated that it was ancient. They all stood around one skeleton in particular, wearing yellow and orange robes that were tattered by the passage of time. It was a monk of the Air Nomads. Around its neck was a wooden necklace with the symbol of the Air Nomads.

But what caught Percy's attention was that the Avatar himself, Aang, was kneeling before the monk's skeleton. The boy covered his face with his hands as he wept weakly.

"This can't... this can't be..." he moaned, his voice cracking with tears. "Gyatso..."

The boy was crying for the loss of what Percy assumed was an acquaintance of his. And apparently someone very dear to him.

At that moment, someone else appeared in the room. Percy recognized him as Sokka, the Water Tribe boy he had fought.

"Hey, Aang, did you find any food yet? Oh, damn..." Sokka shut up when he saw Aang crying on his knees in front of the skeleton of an Air nomad. "It's okay, Aang. It's going to be okay."

Sokka placed a gentle hand on the boy, intending to comfort him, but gasped in surprise and some fear as Aang's tattoos began to glow.

"Oh, no..."

A strong wind began to blow throughout the place with great intensity, even pushing Sokka backward. The walls began to crack, and Aang slowly rose as if flying. Soon, a tornado formed in the room, tearing out the walls and completely shattering the ceiling. At the center of the tornado, flying supernaturally, was Aang, his tattoos and eyes glowing brightly. His face showed a fierce and angry expression.

"Aang!" A female voice, which turned out to be the same Waterbender girl who had boarded Zuko's boat, shouted, "Aang, listen to me, you have to calm down!"

But he didn't. The tornado seemed to get bigger and bigger, completely tearing out the walls and cracking the ground beneath his feet. Aang seemed to be in a trance, driven by the pain of loss.

Fighting against the strong winds, Katara slowly approached Aang, covering her face.

"Aang, I know you are angry!" she exclaimed, trying to make her voice heard over the intense wind. "And I know how hard it is to lose the people you love! I went through the same thing when I lost my mother! Monk Gyatso and the other airbenders may be gone, but you're not alone! You have Sokka and me! We're with you, Aang!"

Her words seemed to reach Aang. The wind began to die down. The tornado faded and Aang began to slowly descend until he touched the ground and lay still.

Seeing that Aang seemed to have calmed down, Katara and Sokka approached him.

"Katara and I will not leave you alone," Sokka promised.

Gently, Katara grabbed Aang's hand to show her support. Aang's tattoos and eyes stopped glowing, and the young Avatar showed a look of sadness and regret. Katara managed to hold him up, preventing him from falling, and made him sit down next to her.

"I'm sorry," Aang apologized in a tired voice.

"It's okay, you don't have to apologize," Katara reassured him. "It wasn't your fault."

"You were right. If the Fire Nation found this temple, they found the others. I think..." The words choked in Aang's throat, and a single tear fell down his cheek. "I think I'm the last Airbender..."

Katara said nothing, just hugged him to show him support and comfort him. Likewise, Sokka placed a hand on his shoulder as the young Avatar cried silently for the loss of his people.

---

This time, the dream changed. Percy was no longer in a wrecked room full of Firebender skeletons with an angry Avatar. Now he was standing on what looked like the edge of a cliff at the bottom of the sea. Darkness surrounded him, and though it was only a dream, he could feel the cold seeping into his bones.

For as long as he could remember, Percy had always been able to see underwater as if it were daylight. Despite being at the bottom of the ocean, he had always been able to see clearly. However, he could not see what was at the bottom of the cliff where he was standing. It was as if he saw absolute darkness, and that filled him with an overwhelming and strange feeling of dizziness and... uneasiness.

He felt that if he looked down the cliff for too long, he would fall into absolute darkness.

Before he could step back with the intention of walking away, Percy heard a sound. It was a distant sound, slow but steady. If he listened closely, it sounded almost like a heartbeat.

Then a small light coming from the abyss caught his attention. It was a bright red and orange light, like lava, flickering to the rhythm of the slow heartbeat heard in the distance.

Percy stared intently at the light at the bottom of the pit as the sound of the heartbeat grew louder in his ears.

---

When he woke up, Percy could hear the commotion from outside the tent. He turned to see Zuko's futon empty, neatly folded and placed in a corner. Like all the Firebenders he knew, Zuko was an early riser, up with the first light of dawn. A trait Percy never shared. If he had his way, he would sleep all day.

He slowly got up, rubbed his eyes, wiped away the remnants of sleep, and yawned loudly, wondering what that strange dream had been about.

He couldn't think about it because the flaps of the tent opened and Qiang entered, fully dressed in his battle armor except for the strange mask hanging from his waist.

"Oh, you're awake," Qiang said. "Good. Because we're about to leave."

"Leaving?" Percy said, his voice slightly hoarse from sleep. "Where?"

"To our mission. Master Piandao will be back any minute with the battle plan he discussed with Commander Zhao. We must be ready when he returns. So get your lazy ass moving."

Reluctantly, Percy stood up and strained his back. He grabbed his swords and put them on his back before leaving the tent.

The whole camp was preparing for the mission. The samurai were getting ready for battle, putting on their respective armor, and checking their weapons and supplies. Percy saw Ling and Yao helping each other tie the straps of their armor. Xiuying was sharpening her Dao swords, while Ming and Mifune were preparing the supplies they would need for the mission and loading them into different bags.

Percy looked around the camp for Zuko, but he was nowhere to be found.

"Do you know where Zuko is?" he asked Qiang.

"He went back to his ship to oversee repairs," he replied. "He left just after dawn."

"I see. Then I guess I'll go with..."

"Hey, Percy, will you join us?"

He turned to see three samurai approaching, all wearing the same red and black armor.

The one who spoke was a man Percy recognized as Yang, the tallest of the three. He carried a Jian sword across his back. His black hair was pulled back into a tight bun and he had a neatly trimmed beard, except for a line on his right jaw where he had received a sword cut. A small accident during a training duel that Percy was ashamed to admit was the cause, though Yang considered it a wound worthy of a warrior.

"Join you?" Percy asked, confused.

"On our mission."

"That's right, it would be nice to have you with us again, Perseus," the second samurai, who was the only girl, added. "You've been missed for the last three years."

Percy recognized her as Sung, one of only three girls who were samurai. She had long, straight black hair that fell down her back and was tied up with a ribbon at the end. Many might find her attractive, as she had a serene expression on her attractive face, although her tall, muscular build intimidated many, which was at odds with her calm and extremely kind personality. But the most peculiar thing about her was that although she was part of a group of swordsmen, Sung was the only one who didn't use a sword to fight, but a naginata.

"Yeah, it'll be nice to have someone in the group who doesn't always seem to have a stick up his ass," the last samurai commented scathingly with a grumpy expression on his face.

Of all the samurai, Xiao was the smallest, measuring 5'3" tall. His brown hair, which matched his brown eyes, was tied back with a red band on his forehead to keep it out of his eyes. Of all the samurai, Xiao was the only one who carried a pair of Shuang Gou swords. They were a pair of swords with a hook-shaped curve at the tip, crescent-shaped guards, and a hilt that ended in daggers.

"Xiao, don't be rude," Sung reprimanded gently. "They are our companions. It would be nice if we could all be together again."

Xiao said nothing, just snorted and crossed his arms as he looked away.

"Although that would require Prince Zuko," Yang pointed out.

Sung's shoulders slumped a little, and she looked a little dejected.

"Yes, it's true... Prince Zuko has his own mission."

"Oh, speaking of Prince Zuko..." Qiang pointed out, turning his gaze to Zuko, who approached them with a stern expression. Next to him were Iroh and Piandao, who was wearing the samurai armor Percy had seen in his tent last night.

"He doesn't look very happy," Yang commented.

"Nah, that's Zuko's usual expression," Percy replied.

"Percy! We have to go now!" Zuko shouted, clearly impatient.

"What? So soon? Has our ship been fixed yet?"

"Not yet, but we can't waste time. Zhao has..." Zuko trailed off, glancing at the samurai before speaking more carefully. "He went to confront the pirates we encountered a few days ago. We know where they are, so we have to go now."

"The pirates?" Percy raised an eyebrow in confusion. He didn't remember ever encountering pirates, but when he saw the intense look Zuko gave him, he understood. "Ah, yes. Those pirates. But how are we going to hunt them if our ship is damaged?"

"You can use ours," Piandao offered.

Percy looked at his father with surprise.

"You have a ship?"

"How do you think we got here from the Fire Nation?" Qiang asked. "Swimming?"

"I doubt it. You'd drown from the weight of your muscles," Percy replied.

Qiang grinned as he patted and flexed his right bicep.

"You wish you had those. I have 245 pounds of pure muscle. I am the strongest samurai!"

"You mean the idiot samurai," Xiao replied.

Qiang grumbled as the other samurai laughed at him. Even Sung let out a slight chuckle as he covered his mouth.

Zuko, on the other hand, frowned and growled in impatience and annoyance.

"Enough!" he snapped. "We don't have time to waste on nonsense. Uncle, Percy, let's go."

Without waiting for an answer, Zuko turned and headed for the docks.

"Please excuse my nephew's lack of manners," Iroh said in an apologetic tone. "These years at sea have been hard, especially for him."

"Well, it comforts me to know that he has people to be by his side," Piandao commented, looking at Iroh and Percy. He walked over to his son and put a hand on his shoulder. "I am immensely glad to see you again, my son, even if it was only briefly."

"Me too, dad."

Percy did not hesitate to embrace his father. In the past, when he hugged him, his head barely reached his chest, giving him a sense of comfort and security, as if nothing bad could happen to him. Now, even though their heads were side by side, Percy was glad to see that the feeling had not changed at all.

---

As the samurai ship sliced through the waves with its iron bow, Zuko stood on the deck, staring fiercely at the horizon. Though impatience, anxiety and fear swirled within him. Fear of being too late and losing everything he had longed and fought for: the chance to return home. The Avatar represented that. And now he might lose it all.

"'Blade of Dawn'," Percy read, looking over the ship's railing at the name etched into the bow. "Dad always had a flair for the dramatic."

"He could have picked a faster ship instead of giving it a ridiculous name," Zuko growled impatiently.

"Surprisingly, this ship is just as fast as ours," Iroh pointed out as he approached them. "If we keep going at this speed, we'll catch up to Commander Zhao's ship in no time, even though they set sail hours before us."

That fact did not seem to comfort Zuko, who seemed more impatient and restless than ever.

"Everything that can be done is being done," Iroh said. "You have waited three years. You can wait a little longer. Patience is a virtue. And it was through this virtue that you found the Avatar."

Zuko closed his eyes and took a deep breath, trying to calm his troubled thoughts. His uncle was right. In these moments, he had to be patient, as painful as it was.

"Three years. Three... years..." he murmured in a desperate voice. "I thought I would never find the Avatar. But now that I know he is near, the situation is worse. For I can finally return home."

Unlike before, when he had to be patient in his search for the Avatar, hoping to find him one day, it was different now.

The Avatar had returned. He had seen him with his own eyes. He had found him. And the possibility of returning home was more real than ever.

Just thinking about it made his throat tighten, and he felt an indescribable longing in his heart that was almost painful.

Iroh walked over and put a hand on his shoulder.

"Hope can be so cruel sometimes," he said.

"But that's why we're here today, isn't it?" Percy pointed out with a small smile.

"Hope..." Zuko murmured, remembering the same words his uncle had told them so long ago. "When all else is lost..."

Zuko had hope, but it was that hope that caused him so much pain.

"Land Ho!" shouted the lookout who watched the sea from the bridge. "Kyoshi Island in sight!"

"Bring me a telescope!" Zuko ordered.

Immediately, a soldier brought him a telescope, and Zuko used it to look beyond what his eyes could see. As he did so, he saw the patch of land in the middle of the sea known as Kyoshi Island, named after its creator, Avatar Kyoshi.

But what caught his attention was that he saw a Fire Nation ship docking on the island's beaches, with an entire battalion of soldiers coming down the gangplank at the bow.

"We're too late," Zuko growled. "There's no avoiding Zhao."

Iroh stared at Zhao's ship docked on the island, but there was something else that caught his attention.

"In Pai Sho, moving first isn't always best," he said, his tone cryptic. "Knowing your opponent and where they can go is more important than speed."

Iroh pointed to another area of the island, a little further away from where Zhao had docked. Following his gaze, Zuko noticed the large statue standing near a cliff. Looking at it through the telescope, he recognized it as the statue of Avatar Kyoshi. And unless his eyesight was failing him, he could see a few people there.

Zuko blinked as he lowered the telescope.

---

After leaving the Blade of Dawn anchored off the coast of Kyoshi Island, Zuko gathered a small group of soldiers to capture the Avatar.

The group consisted of Percy, Lieutenant Jee, Tao, Hui Ying, Xing, and Shun. His uncle had decided to stay on the ship, feeling that he would not be of much help in the battle.

As they climbed the steep terrain toward the cliff where Avatar Kyoshi's statue stood, Zuko noticed someone watching him from above. Judging by the colors of her clothing, she belonged to the Water Tribe.

As their gazes locked, Zuko narrowed his eyes and stepped up his pace.

When they finally met, the girl stood in front of them, taking a vague and hesitant fighting stance while looking at the entire group of firebenders, especially Zuko and Percy, with a slight fear.

"You..." Zuko growled as he recognized her. It was the same Southern Water Tribe peasant who had been there the day the Avatar had escaped from his ship on that giant, furry, flying animal. "I will pass one way or another. What happens to you is your choice."

That was his warning. Just as he had done when he arrived at the Southern Water Tribe village, Zuko was giving them a warning and a chance to get out of his way.

Despite his words, Katara did not move. Though she seemed unsure and a little frightened, she stood firm in her waterbending stance.

With a small nod, Zuko ordered his soldiers to deal with the peasant.

Katara waved her arms and water from a small stream rose and swirled around her before she forcefully pushed the water towards the soldiers in one fluid motion, hitting them hard and sending them to the ground.

All of them, except one.

Percy watched as the water Katara sent at them split apart just before it hit him, leaving him completely dry.

"Mmm... I see you've improved a bit," Percy commented, watching as the blow stunned the others before turning to Katara and smirking, "But you didn't hit me. Looks like you still need a lot of practice."

Even Katara was surprised. She was sure that she had performed the correct movements that she had practiced dozens of times to send a powerful jet of water with the force necessary to knock a person down. She had practiced her aim, but... she hadn't hit Percy.

Percy drew his sword. The blade made a sharp sound as it came out, causing Katara to take a step back.

"Better luck next time, water girl," he said before charging forward.

Katara panicked, waving her arms frantically. The water from the stream suddenly rushed towards Percy, trying to hit him, but just like before, it deflected without even touching him. It was as if the water refused to hurt him.

When she was within his reach, Percy swung his sword, intending to hit her with the flat side and immobilize or knock her out, but Katara reacted in time and took a step back. However, she tripped on a branch and fell to the ground. Before she could get up, Percy's sword was inches from her neck.

"Give up," he said. "I don't want to hurt you."

Katara watched him, eyes wide. Fear was reflected in her blue eyes as she breathed heavily, causing Percy to feel a pang of sorrow in his heart. He didn't want to hurt her, let alone kill her. Was she someone who stood in his way? Yes, but she wasn't a threat. She was just a novice waterbender. She wasn't a threat, especially to Percy.

Before Katara could say or do anything, a figure suddenly landed a few feet from them, causing the ground to shake and a strong wind to force Percy and Zuko to back away. When the wind died down and they both looked up, they were stunned by what they saw.

It was a tall, very tall woman wearing a long green kimono. She had long straight brown hair. On her head, she wore a headband with a golden fan-shaped headdress. But the most peculiar and striking thing was that her face was completely covered with white face paint with a large red and black outline, giving her an imposing and intimidating appearance. To top it off, she had bright white eyes that Percy had only seen in one person.

"What the hell...?" he muttered.

"Impossible..." Zuko muttered as he recognized the person in front of them.

It was the same person he had studied for so long in his quest to find the Avatar, for she had been the Avatar over 400 years ago.

The longest-lived Avatar known to man: Kyoshi.

Kyoshi slowly removed a pair of metal rods from her waist. With a flick of her wrist, the bars expanded to reveal a pair of golden fans.

Her glowing golden eyes locked on Percy and Zuko, alerting them both. In a fluid, abrupt motion, Kyoshi fanned her arms and a powerful gale was sent their way, throwing them hard. Zuko slammed into the trunk of a tree, while Percy skidded across the ground until, as he dug the blade of his sword into the ground, he looked up just in time to see Avatar Kyoshi begin to run and, surprisingly, rise. She was running like she was flying. Looking closer, Percy saw that small particles of dust and dirt swirled beneath her feet with each step he took.

Avatar Kyoshi rose above the treetops and, with a wave of her arms holding her fans, propelled herself further out of sight. From the direction she was flying, Percy knew she was heading for the village in the center of the island.

"I can't... believe this..." Zuko muttered as he struggled to his feet. "It's... Avatar Kyoshi."

"Kyoshi?" Percy said in surprise. "But... she's supposed to have died over four hundred years ago!"

"The Avatar must have found a way to summon one of his past lives."

Percy glanced over to where the Avatar had disappeared into the treetops. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw that Katara had slipped away and followed the Avatar back to the village.

"I guess that makes sense," he said, sheathing his sword. "Considering we're on Kyoshi Island."

"I have to go after him," Zuko growled.

"Or her," Percy corrected. The Avatar was a woman now? It was very confusing.

Zuko struggled to get to his feet, but it was clear that the blow had affected him quite a bit.

"Hey, take it easy," Percy said. "I'm going after the Avatar. Rest for a moment."

"This is no time to rest!" Zuko snapped through clenched teeth. "I finally have the Avatar within my reach, and I won't stop until I capture him!"

Percy put a hand on his shoulder.

"And you will, but catch your breath first. We're no longer dealing with an inexperienced teenage Avatar, but a fully grown adult Avatar. Get your energy back."

Zuko didn't seem very convinced by the idea, but in the end he nodded reluctantly.

"Good," Percy nodded, satisfied. "Now..."

He reached for the hilt of the Riptide, sensing that he would need it if he had to face the Avatar.

"Let's see what this Avatar can do."

---

Upon reaching the village, he was confronted with something that stunned him.

The Avatar, who looked like Kyoshi, found... herself? In the middle of a tornado made up of the four elements: air, water, earth, and fire. The Zhao soldiers surrounding it were swept up in the vortex of elements that the Avatar controlled. There were a dozen of them, and the tornado continued to grow in size and power.

"Wow, so this is what a full Avatar can do..." Percy muttered, staring in amazement at the tornado of the four elements.

The Avatar continued to control the tornado, drawing in more Zhao soldiers, until suddenly the tornado dissipated in a loud explosion that sent the soldiers crashing into the houses of the village.

Where the eye of the storm was, Avatar Kyoshi looked defiantly with those menacing, glowing eyes at the man leading the soldiers who had dared to disturb the peace of her island.

"Go back... go back to the ship!" Zhao shouted, taking a step back.

The fallen soldiers quickly followed their commander's orders. They stood up as best they could and began to retreat, pitifully. They were all frightened by the Avatar's display of power, which began to form another tornado, frightening and scattering Zhao's soldiers.

All the villagers were glad that the soldiers had left their village, but they were worried that one of them had not, and was instead moving closer to the tornado created by the Avatar, wielding a shining sword.

"Oh, no..." Sokka muttered uncomfortably when he saw who it was.

"Sokka, do you know that soldier?" asked a girl dressed exactly like Avatar Kyoshi, except she was wearing armor that covered her torso and shoulders.

"He is not just any soldier, Suki. He's the only one who could hurt Aang."

"But... he's not Aang anymore. This is Avatar Kyoshi. One of the most powerful Avatars of all time!"

Suki firmly believed that Avatar Kyoshi could not be defeated by a mere swordsman. After all, she was the longest-lived known Avatar and one of the most feared and respected in history. Not only had she created an island named after her, but she had also created an elite group known as the Kyoshi Warriors to protect that island. Suki herself had trained her entire life to be a part of this group, and now led it.

She had grown up hearing about the great deeds of Avatar Kyoshi. And now, she watched as this legendary figure stood tall and crushed a group of Firebender soldiers as if they were nothing. She was certain that no swordsman would stand a chance against her.

Avatar Kyoshi began to slowly dissipate her tornado, but her eyes narrowed as she saw Percy standing defiantly in front of her.

"You..." she growled in a feminine, imposing voice. Clearly, the one standing before him was Avatar Kyoshi, not Avatar Aang.

"Oh, you remember me?" Percy asked, spinning his sword with a flick of his wrist. The gleam of the blade drew the attention of everyone watching expectantly. "Then I assume you remember this sword as well."

Kyoshi eyed the sword Percy was holding cautiously. She still remembered the pain she had suffered when she had been cut by that blade. A pain that not only the current Avatar had suffered, but all past Avatars as well.

Deciding to act first, Kyoshi gathered a large amount of water from a nearby stream and hurled it at Percy with great speed and force, like a geyser. Instead of dodging the attack or showing any concern, he simply stood still and let the water wash over him, not caring that it was strong enough to knock down a komodo rhino. But for Percy, it was like getting a refreshing splash.

Kyoshi watched in utter bewilderment as the attack didn't seem to affect Percy in the slightest, and he simply spat out a stream of water from his mouth.

"Thanks for the shower, it was refreshing," he said, brushing his hair out of his face. "I see you're a better waterbender than that Water Tribe girl. Of course, you're the Avatar, master of all four elements, aren't you?"

"How... can you even stand?" Avatar Kyoshi asked. "That attack was strong enough to hurt even the Unagi."

Percy grinned and rested the Riptide blade on his shoulder.

"Well, maybe you're not as strong as everyone thought."

Kyoshi narrowed her eyes in irritation, stomped her foot, and suddenly raised her arms. The earth itself responded to her call, and dozens of massive pillars of earth rose up, one after the other, heading toward Percy with the intention of hitting him.

Instead of running or avoiding the attack, the swordsman decided to charge straight in. He jumped and used the same earth pillars as a base to step on, skillfully dodging them and moving closer to Kyoshi. When he was only a few feet from her, the Avatar brought her arms together and moved them upward, creating a high barrier of earth that prevented him from advancing.

While her opponent was momentarily blinded, the Avatar stomped her foot and slammed her palm forward, using the same barrier she had created to propel it forward with the intention of striking Percy.

She didn't expect him to use one of the pillars she'd created to propel himself upward and jump over the attack Kyoshi had sent his way.

Surprised by his quick reflexes, the Avatar released a powerful burst of fire while Percy was still in the air. He opened his eyes in alarm and crossed his arms to protect himself, but the attack hit him directly.

Everyone watched as the flames completely engulfed Percy's body, thinking he had been badly burned, but they were shocked to see him emerge from the flames with no signs of burning on his body and the shining sword raised high, ready to bring it down hard on Kyoshi.

The Avatar's eyes opened in utter surprise, and she could only react quickly enough to pull out her metal fans and use them to shield herself from Percy's sword. When the blade of his shining sword struck the fans, the force of the impact was such that it not only brought the Avatar to her knees, but also caused the ground beneath her feet to shake slightly, cracking it slightly.

Everyone present, the villagers, the Kyoshi Warriors, Sokka, and Katara watched the scene with varying degrees of shock and disbelief.

Percy had just brought the legendary Avatar Kyoshi to her knees.

"Who... Who are you?" the Avatar growled through gritted teeth as she struggled with Percy under his strength, being pushed further and further down.

"I already told your bald version," Percy replied, pushing Kyoshi even further to the ground. "You seem to have gone senile, considering your age."

"You insolent boy..."

Kyoshi swept her foot across the floor, shifting it and managing to throw Percy off balance. She fully extended her fans and swung them like circular blades. Percy quickly backed away, but the fans were very sharp and managed to cut through his clothes.

Percy brought a hand to his chest, right where the sharp fans had managed to cut through his clothes without touching his skin, making him shiver. If that fan managed to cut through his weak spot... he dreaded to think what would happen.

Kyoshi stomped, taking a wide, firm stance and holding her fans like blades. No one would think that those things used as props were a deadly weapon.

"Alright then..." Percy growled and took his Fire Stance. He didn't care if he was facing Kyoshi, Aang, or all the past Avatars. He would kick their asses if necessary. "You want to dance? Let's dance, granny."

Kyoshi glanced at Percy's posture inquiringly, recognizing the uncanny resemblance to a Firebender's. And he demonstrated that same similarity as he attacked without hesitation, just as a Firebender would. The blade of Percy's shining sword met Kyoshi's golden fans in a deadly clash. Each slash, cut, and stab met the other's weapon.

Though it was the first time in his life that he faced someone with such an unorthodox (and extremely deadly) fighting style, Percy managed to keep up with Avatar Kyoshi, demonstrating not only his remarkable reflexes, but also his skill, strength, and speed with the sword. He had trained for years in the art of the sword. And for the past three years, under Iroh's tutelage, he had focused on honing his Fire Stance, perfecting it to a point that would make even Azula proud.

Wielding Riptide felt so natural to him, as if it had been made just for him. Instead of a sword, Riptide felt like an extension of his own body.

Kyoshi gritted her teeth and stifled the grunts of pain that tried to escape her mouth with each stroke of Percy's sword. They weren't very serious wounds, but they were deep enough to draw blood and begin to weaken her attack. She didn't understand how this young swordsman could not only keep up with her, but also overcome her defenses and overpower her. Obviously, he was an exceptional swordsman and far surpassed her in his ability to wield a weapon. Not only was his stance similar to that of a firebender, but so was its ferocity.

Percy swung his sword hard and collided with Kyoshi's retracted fan, forcing him to fall to her knees again. Clearly, his strength was not normal. The Avatar decided to use this moment to attack with her other outstretched fan, ready to cut her opponent's throat, but was surprised when he stopped her attack by grabbing her wrist.

Surprised by the young swordsman's strength, Kyoshi did not expect what happened next; Percy delivered a powerful headbutt directly to her face.

Kyoshi grunted in pain, it was clear that she hadn't expected the blow. Percy took advantage of her stunned state to perform an intricate wrist movement with his sword and managed to disarm her, sending her fan flying away. Percy used the moment to swing his sword hard at the Avatar's body. Kyoshi tried to step back to avoid the attack, but Percy still held her wrist in an iron grip, refusing to let go.

Riptide's blade managed to cut Kyoshi's chest, tearing her green kimono. The Avatar managed to free herself from the grip and stepped back, holding the spot where Percy had cut her.

"You escaped by the skin of your teeth," Percy said. "If you weren't wearing that chain mail, I would have cut you."

Indeed, when Kyoshi removed her hand from her chest, it was clear that she was wearing thick chain mail under her kimono. But even that armor was not unscathed, as it was deformed to the point of being nearly destroyed by Percy's attack.

"You're... more of a threat than I thought..." she gasped. The intense exchange of blows had left her breathless, unlike her opponent, who did not even look agitated.

"And your feet are a lot bigger than I thought," Percy replied, looking at Avatar Kyoshi's large boots. "The history books don't mention you having such big feet. Now I understand why they were afraid you would kick their asses."

Kyoshi's eyes narrowed in annoyance. She held out her hand, and the fan Percy had disarmed flew towards her as if pushed by a strong wind. The Avatar kicked hard, and a pillar of stone rose sharply from under Percy's feet, sending him flying backward. He flipped in the air and managed to land on his feet. Looking at Kyoshi, he saw her begin to lift hundreds of small stones that floated menacingly in the air until they nearly blocked out the sun.

Knowing what she was about to do, Percy could only mutter one word:

"Shit..."

The Avatar lunged forward, and the hundreds of small stones were hurled at Percy at a terrifying speed, like projectiles.

Knowing that he could not escape an attack of this magnitude, Percy crossed his arms over his chest and lowered his head to protect his one weak spot, clenching his teeth as he felt the hundreds of small stones hit him hard. Though they failed to penetrate his skin, he still felt the force and burning of the blows.

When the attack subsided, Percy uncrossed his arms, revealing that his clothes were torn, but his body was not scratched.

For the first time, Avatar Kyoshi showed disbelief and concern as she looked at Percy.

"Who...? No... What are you?" she asked, truly confused.

"I could ask you the same thing," Percy replied, wiping the remains of dust and dirt from his body. "When I met you, you were a nice bald boy of fifteen, one hundred and fifteen according to him. And now you are a terrifying woman, over seven feet tall, who has been dead for over four hundred years. But if you want to know who I am, my name is Perseus, son of Piandao. And I am... a demigod."

Hearing this, Kyoshi widened her eyes in utter shock.

"You're... a demigod?" she asked, cautiously and somewhat fearfully.

"Many spirits have called me that," Percy shrugged. "To tell you the truth, I never knew what they meant. Evil spirits aren't very communicative." He narrowed his eyes at her. "But judging by your reaction, you know what it means."

"Yes... I know very well. Tell me, who is your divine parent?"

"Divine... parent?" Percy asked, confused. "Well... My father is Piandao..."

"I see... so you don't know your true parentage." Kyoshi closed her eyes, as if relieved by something. When she opened them again, she looked at Percy intensely. "Then I must eliminate you here and now, before you become a threat to this world."

"Wait... what?" Percy stammered. "What do you mean?"

Kyoshi didn't answer. Instead, she spread her golden fans and began to spin them around her body, pulling pieces of earth, water, fire, and air into what could only be described as a tornado.

"Oh no... this doesn't look good," Percy muttered, watching uneasily as the massive tornado of elements grew larger and larger.

The intensity of the wind was such that he had to use his arm to shield his eyes.

At that moment, a large fireball slammed into the tornado of elements created by the Avatar. As everyone turned to look, they were shocked to see Zuko in a firebending stance.

"Zuko!" Percy stammered. "What the hell are you doing?!"

"I'm here to do what I came here to do!" he replied, glaring intently at Kyoshi, who was standing in the eye of the tornado. "Capture the Avatar."

Zuko made an intricate motion with both hands and struck hard, sending a powerful burst of fire into the tornado, but it was quickly extinguished by the combination of elements controlled by the Avatar.

Narrowing her glowing eyes at the sight of the exiled prince, Kyoshi spun, pulling her fans and condensing the tornado of elements that she sent straight at Zuko. His eyes widened in panic as the combination of the four elements swirled like a drill intent on piercing him.

"No!"

Zuko felt Percy grab him and wrap his arms tightly around him, turning his back on the Avatar's attack, which had hit them hard enough to rip their feet off the ground and push them violently into one of the houses. Percy and Zuko's bodies crashed through the wooden walls and didn't stop as the tornado of elements continued to push them violently into the forest. Zuko gritted his teeth in pain as he felt his back slam into the trees that crossed their path.

Though his invulnerable skin remained intact, Percy felt the muscles in his back tear and his bones crack with each blow he received from the combination of the compressed air and the pieces of earth that kept trying to pierce him, as the fire did not affect him beyond warming his skin and the water did not even damage him. In fact, it was the opposite, as water was the only one of the four elements that gave him the strength to withstand the devastating attack.

When they stopped slamming into the bark, Percy and Zuko saw that the Avatar's attack had carried them to the edge of the island and pushed them off the cliff. The elemental tornado dissipated, and they both fell into the sea.

Anyone else would have been terrified to see themselves plummeting into the sea from a height of more than 160 feet, as Zuko had been. But not Percy. He turned his body, turned his back to the sea, and hugged Zuko tightly, trying to protect him from the fall.

As they both fell into the sea, Percy took the full force of the impact. Instead of his body being torn apart by the waters, they welcomed him with open arms like an old friend as he sank into the depths, quickly healing all the damage he had suffered in his battle with the Avatar.

---

Avatar Kyoshi relaxed her stance and began to slowly dissipate the tornado of the four elements that was swirling around her. Looking at the place where she had sent Percy and Zuko and seeing that they had not returned, she closed her eyes and let out a long sigh.

"So another one has appeared..." she muttered. "And it is someone much stronger. This does not bode well..."

A strong gust of wind completely covered her body and after a few seconds, it dissipated, revealing Aang's teenage body. His brightly glowing arrows extinguished, and the young Avatar collapsed to the ground, exhausted.

"Aang!" Katara ran to him, screaming in concern.

Sokka and Suki quickly followed, showing similar concern.

Aang slowly stood up between groans of pain as everyone surrounded him, including the villagers of the town and the other Kyoshi Warriors.

"Aang, are you okay?" Katara helped him to his feet.

"I'm... fine," he said, a grimace of pain on his face. He looked around and saw the destroyed and burned houses, the result of not only his battle with the Fire Nation soldiers, but also with Percy's. "I... I caused this."

"No, that's not true. It's not your fault. The Fire Nation did this."

"But they did it because they were looking for me. They attacked this village because I was here! Because the villagers were protecting me..."

A bitter look appeared on Katara's face.

"Maybe... we should leave" she suggested. "I know it is wrong to run, but if the Fire Nation is after you, they will leave this village alone if we leave."

"Katara's right" Suki supports. "The best way to protect the village right now is for you to leave."

"But we can't just leave," Sokka protested, looking at Suki. "Not after the destruction we caused by being here."

"The Fire Nation caused the destruction," Suki said, smiling gently at Katara, Aang, and especially Sokka. "Your presence here has done nothing but bring joy and happiness to our village."

Sokka's eyes widened in surprise. A slight blush graced his cheeks as they met Suki's.

"We've lost nothing we can't replace," an adult woman said. Though her hair was disheveled from the battle, she still had the striking presence of the village matriarch. "And you've given us something far more valuable in return. A reason to believe again. In our village, in ourselves, and in the Avatar."

"My mother is right," Suki agreed. "The Avatar represents that for all of us. Hope. And now it's time for you to share that hope with the world."

One by one, the villagers bowed to Aang in respect and gratitude. He also bowed to them in respect and gratitude.

As everyone approached Aang to express their gratitude, Sokka took Suki's hand and led her to a secluded spot where they could talk in private.

"Listen, Suki..." Sokka said a little hesitantly. "I wanted to apologize to you."

"Why?" Suki asked confused.

"All my life, I believed that only men could be warriors, but I was wrong. You showed me that girls can be warriors too. And I apologize for treating you like a girl when I should have treated you like a warrior."

"Sokka, I am a warrior," she said, smiling and taking his hands gently. "But I'm also a girl. And I want to thank you."

This time, it was Sokka's turn to be confused.

"Why?"

"For showing me the world."

Sokka was stunned and Suki gently placed a hand on his cheek before kissing the other gently.

As they parted, Suki handed Sokka one of her fans and walked away. Sokka held the fan in his hands, still feeling the warmth of her lips on his cheek.

As Aang, Katara, and Sokka climbed on top of Appa, all the villagers gathered around to say goodbye. And as Appa flapped his massive tail and soared into the air, the villagers shouted good luck and waved goodbye.

As they rode through the sky on the massive back of the ten-ton bison, Sokka looked closely at the fan Suki had given him, running his fingertips over it with a small smile on his face.

"I like her," Katara commented, looking at the fan appreciatively.

"Yeah... she's great," Sokka said.

A slight moan of pain drew the siblings' attention, and they looked up to see Aang holding their arms.

"Aang, are you okay?" Katara asked.

"I don't know," he said, turning to face them. "I don't have any wounds on my body, but I feel like I just walked through a forest of thorns."

Aang pulled up his clothes and everyone saw that his arms had numerous bright red cuts. Katara grabbed Aang's arm and examined it.

"That looks like..."

"Sword cuts," Sokka finished with a grim frown.

"But how is that possible?" Katara asked. "Aang hasn't been cut."

"I think that the wounds I received when I became Kyoshi somehow remained when I returned to myself," Aang guessed with a worried look on his face.

"I have to admit, that trick was impressive... and a little scary," Sokka said. "Will we see more of it?"

"It's possible. Although Kyoshi told me that I can only summon a past Avatar in their shrine. The only reason she decided to help me was because she felt her island was threatened by the arrival of someone very dangerous."

"Someone dangerous? You mean... Perseus?" Katara asked, a little worried.

Aang nodded fearfully.

"Yes, he is... someone very dangerous. We have to be very careful if we meet him again."

Katara frowned, worried, remembering how her waterbending didn't even touch him and the confrontation with Avatar Kyoshi.

"How was he able to withstand those attacks?" she asked, her voice reflecting her concern. "The water didn't affect him at all. The fire didn't seem to hurt him, and the rocks that hit him didn't even leave a scratch."

"And I doubt that last attack killed him," Sokka added. "It's like he was... invulnerable."

Aang lowered his gaze in fear and concern. As Kyoshi took control of his body and fought Perseus, he could feel a strange sensation swirling deep within him. As if he was trying to remember something he had forgotten and wanted to remember when he faced Perseus. It reminded him of something he had forgotten.

As he flew on Appa, the wind whipping against his face, a single question echoed in his mind:

Who was Perseus really?

---

The surface of the sea cracked as Percy emerged from the depths, holding Zuko, who was barely conscious. Not only from the attack they had received from the Avatar, but also from falling directly into the sea from a cliff over 160 feet.

"Come on, hotman, this is no place to die," Percy said.

"The Avatar..." Zuko muttered, almost unintelligibly.

"Yes, you must capture the Avatar. Don't give up, man."

"I have to capture him... I have... to get home..."

"That's true. You have people waiting for you to return. You can't die. I won't let you die here."

Just as Percy was about to command the waves to push them toward the shore of the island, a wooden ladder fell in front of him. Looking up, he saw the bow of a ship with the words 'Blade of Dawn' on it.

On the deck, he recognized the figure of Iroh, who had thrown them a ladder.

"Hang on!" he shouted. "We'll get you up!"

Percy smiled as he grabbed one of the steps and held onto Zuko. He felt his body rise as they pulled up the ladder. When they reached the edge of the deck, the soldiers of the 41st Division helped them up.

"Sir, are you okay?" Lieutenant Jee asked as he helped him to his feet.

"I'm fine..." he growled, pushing his hand away. "Where is the Avatar?"

"He fled on his flying bison. We saw him heading northwest."

"Follow him immediately. Don't let his trail go cold. We must capture him before Zhao knows where he's going."

"Sir... Commander Zhao is here."

Lieutenant Jee stepped aside and Zuko saw that Zhao was indeed there with a group of his soldiers, talking to Iroh.

He approached them with an angry expression on his face.

"Commander!" he roared. "What do you think you're doing, standing in my way?"

"Standing in your way?" Zhao asked, arching an eyebrow. "I was simply responding to reports of unrest on Kyoshi Island. I didn't know it was the Avatar, or that he had returned. But you did, didn't you, Prince Zuko?"

Zuko didn't respond, only narrowing his eyes, confirming Zhao's suspicion.

"The Avatar is the only thing standing in the way of the Fire Nation's victory," Zhao continued. "Instead of informing me of his return, you chose to withhold such vital information for our nation. I see that your loyalty is not to the Fire Nation, but to yourself."

"You dare you question my loyalty?!" Zuko shouted indignantly.

"Yes, I do. That is why I will be in charge of capturing the Avatar from now on."

Zhao turned his back on them and started for his ship, but nearly fell to the ground when it shook violently.

"What the...?" Zuko muttered.

The Blade of Dawn shook as something hit it from below, and everyone watched in growing panic as a massive creature rose from the depths of the sea, towering over them all.

It was like a giant eel. It had smooth, dark brown skin. Pointed fins on the back of its body and a large dorsal fin on top of its head. The diameter of its body was similar to that of the ship itself. And it's mouth, with rows of pointed teeth, was large enough to devour an entire canoe in one bite.

The massive creature hissed and brought its head closer to the deck of the ship. Its bright green eyes watched them like predators.

'Humans... You dare to invade my territory?'

In the past, Percy would have been surprised and even frightened to hear a voice in his head. But on his journey through the sea over the past three years, he had discovered that he could hear and speak to all sea creatures. From simple fish to whales. He attributed it to the same blessing he had received from the spirit that made his skin invulnerable.

Everyone but Percy took a defensive stance. The firebenders took a firebending stance, and the non-benders grabbed their weapons.

"Attack!" Zhao commanded, sending a huge fireball at the giant eel.

The sea creature screamed as the fireball hit its face, more in anger than pain.

'You miserable land bugs!' the eel roared, though only Percy could understand it, as the others heard only a sharp hiss. 'I will devour you alive!'

The eel opened its huge jaws to devour them all, but Percy stood in its way.

"No!" he shouted, spreading his arms.

The giant eel stopped suddenly and looked at Percy questioningly. The eel slowly moved its huge head toward him, its slit pupils narrowing to slits as they looked into his eyes.

'You...' the eel hissed. 'You are... different. I can feel the sea inside you, as if it were calling to me... Tell me, human, can you understand me?'

Knowing that he couldn't answer verbally in front of all of them, Percy nodded almost imperceptibly.

'Interesting... So you are the human who can communicate with sea creatures. I have heard of you. My instincts absolutely refuse to attack you. I realize that you are no mere human and that you have a deep connection to the sea. It was your presence that drew me here.'

The massive eel towered over them, demonstrating its imposing size.

'Very well, I will not attack the ship you are on,' the eel declared before turning its gaze back to Zhao's ship. 'But that ship will not escape my wrath.'

With surprising speed for its massive body, the eel dove into the sea and swam toward Zhao's ship. Its massive dorsal fin protruded from the surface, tearing through the water in its wake.

"No!" Zhao shouted as he watched the eel rise to the surface and tower over his ship.

The soldiers tried to attack by throwing fireballs, but the eel opened its mouth and released a powerful jet of water that swept away everyone on the deck, even cracking it. The eel then wrapped its long body around Zhao's ship like a snake around its prey and began to crush it. The enormous pressure the great sea beast exerted on the metal caused it to buckle and shatter.

Zhao could do nothing as he watched his ship slowly sink to the bottom of the ocean, all the men on board sharing the same fate.

The massive eel let out a loud hiss before sinking back into the depths, leaving a tense silence among those present.

Iroh said a silent prayer for the dead soldiers before looking at Zhao.

"If you wish, you may accompany us to your base, Commander Zhao," he offered. "After all, we were planning to return and stay there until we could fully repair our ship."

Zhao clenched his fists in frustration, but finally nodded reluctantly.

"I will accept the offer, General Iroh," he said, his mood evident.

"Excellent, I will prepare some jasmine tea to make the journey more bearable. It is my favorite."

Zhao looked at Zuko and Percy with annoyance and disdain, indicating that he did not share the same enthusiasm and optimism as the old General.

---

The trip from Kyoshi Island to the military base took only a few hours, although it was made much longer by the tense atmosphere that was felt among those present, especially between Zuko and Zhao. Percy took advantage of the moment to take a refreshing nap. After the intense battle with Avatar Kyoshi, he felt exhausted.

When they landed, Zhao wasted no time getting off the boat and began shouting orders to his men.

"Gather the search party and prepare a boat! We must capture the Avatar!"

The soldiers quickly set out to fulfill the order of their Commander, who began to walk toward his command tent.

"Commander Zhao, it is my mission to capture the Avatar!" Zuko reminded him.

"You've already had your chance," Zhao snapped. "From now on, I will be the one responsible for capturing him."

"I will not take a step back when I finally found him! I've been searching for him for over three years!"

"And you failed to capture him when you found him at the South Pole!"

Zuko gritted his teeth in anger, but before he could lash out at the Commander, Percy stopped him with his comment.

"We captured him, but the Avatar escaped," Percy pointed out, looking at Zhao without trying to hide his displeasure. "Unlike you and your men, who ran when you saw him. Zuko may have failed that time, but he didn't run away like a coward."

This comment angered Zhao, who gritted his teeth in anger. A growl escaped his mouth and he was about to lash out at Percy, but one of his soldiers put a hand on his shoulder and whispered in his ear.

"Sir, this boy was able to stand up to the Avatar at full power... We should not underestimate him."

Zhao opened his eyes for a second, surprised, but quickly recovered.

"I admit... I did not expect the Avatar to appear, let alone the legendary and fearsome Avatar Kyoshi," he said. "I was not prepared to face an Avatar in his full power. But I will not underestimate him again. I will use whatever means necessary to hunt him down and capture him in the name of the Fire Nation."

"Not if I do it first," Zuko challenged.

That statement made Zhao laugh in an amused and dismissive manner.

"You? Impossible."

Zuko stepped forward, defiant.

"Do not underestimate me, Zhao," he said, dropping the formalities. "I will be the one to capture the Avatar."

"Prince Zuko, stop it," Iroh said, putting a hand in front of his nephew to calm him down, but it didn't seem to work.

"You are no match for me," Zhao declared, looking at Zuko condescendingly. "I have hundreds of warships at my command. What do you have? You are but an exiled prince with a mediocre crew. You have no home, no allies. Not even your own father wants you, which is why you were banished."

"No, you're wrong," Zuko replied, looking intently at Zhao. "Once I bring the Avatar to my father, he'll welcome me with honor and restore my place on the throne."

"If he truly loved you, he would have let you return years ago. With or without the Avatar. But to him, you're nothing but a failure and an embarrassment to the Fire Nation. The scar on your face is proof of that."

"You want me to make you like that?" Zuko snarled and took a step forward.

Zhao grinned.

"Is that a challenge?"

"Agni Kai, at sunset."

"Very well," Zhao agreed, turning and preparing to return to his ship. "It's a shame your father won't be here to see me humiliate you. Though your uncle and your men will be able to see the pathetic child they follow."

Zhao retreated to his base, and Zuko glared at him from behind as if to throw a fireball at him.

Iroh, on the other hand, just stared sadly at his nephew.

"Prince Zuko, have you forgotten the last time you challenged a firebender to an Agni Kai?" he asked.

Zuko put his hand to the scar on his face, clearly remembering how he got it.

"Believe me, Uncle, I will never forget..."

---

At dusk, soldiers from Zhao and the 41st Division gathered in a dueling arena in the middle of the harbor. It was a large venue surrounded by high stone walls, the perfect place for two firebenders to face each other.

Both combatants had stripped off their armor and were wearing only a pair of pants, leaving their torsos exposed.

Kneeling with their backs to each other, Zuko and Zhao waited for the gong to sound, signaling the beginning of the duel.

"Remember the fundamentals of firebending, Prince Zuko," Iroh advised. "They are your greatest weapon."

"I refuse to let him win," he declared, standing up straight.

"That's the spirit," Percy commented, smiling happily to see that his friend was neither afraid nor insecure. "Now go kick his nasty ass."

Zuko nodded and faced Zhao in a firebending stance.

"This will be over quickly," Zhao declared, taking a firebending stance of his own.

The two combatants stared at each other fiercely. And when the gong sounded, signaling the beginning of the match, Zuko was the first to attack. He lunged forward, sending out several fireballs that Zhao was able to dodge and even deflect, but that didn't discourage Zuko, who continued to attack fiercely, intent on overwhelming his opponent.

Zhao stood firm against Zuko's attacks, deflecting them with his hands. Even when Zuko sent out a powerful bolt of fire, Zhao managed to split it in half, unharmed.

Zuko took a second to catch his breath and looked at his opponent, trying to figure out a strategy to defeat him.

"Basics, Zuko!" Iroh reminded him. "Break his root!"

Zuko kept his uncle's advice in mind as Zhao attacked, sending out a powerful fireball that he managed to split, but gave way when he took a step back. Zhao attacked again in the same manner, but with greater intensity. Zuko managed to split the fireball, but he slowly lost ground until Zhao launched a powerful fireball with both arms.

The attack overwhelmed Zuko, not burning him, but knocking him to the ground. Zhao took advantage of the moment to approach him with a great leap, landing in front of him and stomping hard, sending a powerful fireball flying.

Zuko opened his eyes in alarm, but managed to react in time to dodge the fireball by turning his body and using his low position to sweep Zhao's legs, sending him to the ground as he stood up and stomped hard to regain his balance and a solid base.

He used his feet to send flames of fire at Zhao's feet. Knowing that he would lose the duel if he was burned, Zhao backed away, but Zuko did not let up in his attacks and continued to send flames at his feet, causing Zhao to stumble backwards, unable to regain his balance.

Iroh watched with pride as Zuko's strategy demonstrated a deep knowledge of the arts of firebending.

Zuko kicked hard at Zhao, sending a fireball that he could barely deflect, but when Zuko screamed and sent an even more powerful fireball, the Commander was overwhelmed by the intensity of the attack and fell to the ground.

Zhao tried to get up, but Zuko quickly positioned himself in front of him, ready to deliver the final blow that would give him victory. However, he did not attack immediately, but kept his stance firm and alert.

"What are you waiting for?" Zhao asked. "Do it!"

Zuko launched a small but concentrated fireball at Zhao's face, but instead of burning him, it burned the ground beside him. Zuko had missed on purpose.

"That's it?" Zhao asked. "Your father raised a coward!"

"The next time you get in my way, I promise... I won't hold back," Zuko declared, sending a clear warning.

He turned his back on Zhao and walked toward his uncle, his friend, and his men, who watched him proudly.

Zhao stood up and turned his back, but instead of retreating, he screamed in frustration and anger and kicked in Zuko's direction, launching a fireball at close range. The fireball would have hit him had Percy not stepped in its path and deflected it with a quick swing of his Dragon Blade.

Zhao opened his eyes in surprise, not expecting his attack to be stopped like that, and he was helpless as Percy struck him square in the chest with his palm, sending him to the ground with a groan of pain.

"He attacked him from behind!" Tao pointed out, clearly annoyed.

"Have you no honor?!" Shun asked indignantly.

"That was despicable and dishonorable," Hui Ying commented, glaring disapprovingly at Zhao.

"Enough, you three!" Lieutenant Jee rebuked firmly, but even he didn't look happy to see a prominent commander of his army attacking an opponent from behind.

Seeing that they were trying to attack him from behind, Zuko growled angrily and wanted to finish their duel properly by burning his opponent. And he would have, if not for Iroh, who stood in his way and stopped him by grabbing his shoulders.

"No, Prince Zuko! Do not taint your victory," he advised wisely.

Zuko heeded his uncle's advice and relaxed, though he still glared at Zhao with the urge to burn him.

Iroh turned to look at Zhao, who slowly rose to his feet, clutching his chest in pain as he coughed heavily.

"So, this is how the great Commander Zhao acts in defeat?" he asked, looking disapprovingly at the fallen commander. "Disgraceful. Even in exile, my nephew is more honorable than you."

Zhao narrowed his eyes in his direction, but remained silent as he took a breath. Clearly, the blow had destabilized him.

"This is where our paths part, Commander" Iroh said, turning his back and walking towards where the members of Division 41 were. "It was a pleasure to share such delicious tea with you."

Zhao watched them leave, and his eyes met Percy's. He shivered as those green eyes stared at him with a cold intensity. It reminded him of the sea beast that had watched them before destroying his ship. Like a predator watching its prey.

With a slow, fluid motion, Percy raised his sword, making Zhao tense at the thought of him attacking him, but he relaxed when he saw him sheath his sword and turn his back to join Zuko, Iroh, and the Division 41 soldiers.

"You really think so, Uncle?" Zuko asked.

"Of course," Iroh replied. "I told you, ginseng tea is my favorite."

A small smile appeared on Zuko's lips.

"Well done, hotman," Percy praised, giving Zuko a friendly nudge on the shoulder. "You put that idiot in his place."

"You shouldn't talk about Zhao like that, Percy," Zuko said. "Despite his unpleasant personality, he is a Fire Nation Commander."

Percy snorted.

"He is a coward without honor. Proof of that is the way he ran from the Avatar instead of staying to fight, and the way he attacked you from behind when you were unaware."

Zuko said nothing, accepting that his friend was right.

He looked at him, remembering the devastating attack the Avatar had launched against them, driving them from Kyoshi Island. Despite the full force of the attack, Percy had been unharmed. He also remembered how he had driven away that massive sea beast. If it weren't crazy, he could almost swear that they were communicating somehow.

Before he could ask him anything, they saw someone approaching them quickly. Percy and Zuko recognized the samurai's unique armor. They also recognized the person rushing towards them.

"Qiang?" Percy asked, puzzled by the state of his fellow swordsman. "What happened?"

Qiang looked like he had been in the middle of a hellish battle. His armor showed signs of blows, and his clothes were torn, revealing his red and bruised skin. His face was covered in mud, and he had an ugly scratch on his right side.

"Where is Commander Zhao?" He asked, panting for breath.

Percy pointed with his thumb.

"He's over there. Zuko just swept the floor with his butt in an Agni Kai."

Qiang's eyes widened in surprise.

"Prince Zuko and Commander Zhao were fighting in an Agni Kai?" He shook his head. "Never mind, I have to report to the Commander!"

"Hey, calm down. Tell us what happened."

Qiang took a second to catch his breath.

"We were ambushed..." he revealed. "We ran into a squad from the Earth Kingdom. Even though they were all Earthbenders, we were able to hold our own. If it had just been them, we wouldn't have had much trouble, but..." A grim expression graced his face. "Everything fell apart when a pack of giant black dogs appeared. They attacked all of us, whether we were from the Fire Nation or the Earth Kingdom. Many were injured, but fortunately none of them suffered a fatal wound. The Earth Kingdom soldiers weren't so lucky..."

Percy was glad that none of them were seriously injured. However, he felt uneasy at the mention of those black dogs, as he guessed what kind of dogs they were.

"Those... dogs took the bodies of the soldiers they killed," Qiang continued. "When they left, they left us and the Earth Kingdom soldiers alone. Master Piandao proposed a truce, but the captain of that squad refused, and since none of us died, he accused us of being responsible for the deaths of his men. They attacked us. Although none of us died, we were still badly injured. That's why Master Piandao ordered us to retreat."

"I see..." Iroh nodded. "It was a wise tactic, considering the unfavorable situation."

"I suppose so," Zuko agreed. "Thanks to that, everyone made it back safely."

Qiang shook his head sadly.

"Not everyone," he revealed before looking at Percy in distress, making his heart skip a beat. "Master Piandao stayed behind to help us escape. The Earthbenders captured him and took him to their headquarters."

...

..

.

---

And that's all for now, dear readers!

What did you think of this chapter?

I hadn't originally planned to make it this long, but when it came time for the battle between Aang (in Kyoshi mode) and Percy, I wanted to give them both enough credit. Avatar Kyoshi is one of the most feared and respected Avatars, so I wanted to give her the spotlight she deserves. Percy has his own merits as well. However, I decided to make the final outcome ambiguous, as Percy chose to save Zuko from an attack that was clearly meant to kill him, the same attack that Aang almost used to kill Ozai at the end of the series before he came to his senses. Also, Percy didn't use his powers, just his sword skills. If he used his powers... well, the outcome would have been different.

Now, Team Avatar knows that the most dangerous person they will have to face in the future is Percy. And Avatar Kyoshi knows who Percy is, or rather what he is. This indicates that she has encountered another demigod.

Percy will find out later who he really is. And why he is in this world, and he will do it in his own way.

Likewise, Aang will also discover who Percy is in his own way, so his perception of what a "demigod" is may be slightly different.

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed the chapter.

And without anything else to say... Until next time, beautiful people!