Disclaimer: I own nothing. Percy Jackson and the Legend of Korra belong to Rick Riordan and Nickelodeon respectively.
17 Years Later
(3rd P.O.V.)
The match started with a blast of flame from an expert bender wearing red training garbs, a blast that was promptly split by the female bender standing on the other side of the training grounds.
This was her test. Her test to determine whether or not she's ready to move on to the next and final training regime in her journey to master all four elements.
Three benders, members of the White Lotus organization, are testing the young 17-year-old girl on her capabilities as a Firebender.
She's already mastered Water and Earth and is hoping to soon have mastered the third element in her journey. Fire.
For she is not a normal bender. She is destined for greatness. To carry on the legacy of the Avatar, the only being capable of bending all four elements.
After jumping through the inferno, Korra began her own attack by kicking fireballs at her opponent.
The Firebender managed to disperse one of the blasts but was unable to counter the second, which launched him backwards and out of the arena, knocking him out for the rest of the test.
Turning around, Korra was met with the determined faces of her last two opponents.
The last two men standing each launched a large fireball at the young Avatar in conjunction with one another. Korra was able to effortlessly dispel the blast however, and immediately settled herself into a ready position, anticipating the next barrage of attacks.
One of her opponents did not disappoint, sending forth two balls of fire one after another at her, before charging at her to meet her head on.
Korra was able to duck out of the way of the first one and proceeded to literally punch her way out of the second one, before jumping away from a third fireball and then charging to meet her opponent in a fiery game of chicken while her current opponent continued to throw fireballs at her. Fireballs that she swiftly dodged.
Out of the corner of her eyes she saw her other opponent begin running to the side, in order to attack her on her flank while his partner continued his head on assault by jumping into the air and kicking more waves of fire at the young Avatar.
Seeing her opportunity, instead of meeting her opponent head on and jumping at him, she decided to dive into a somersault underneath him, and managing to hit his foot, causing him to lose control of his jump and tumble unceremoniously to the ground after spinning a few times in midair.
This gave the other man enough time to get into position and send torrents of fire at her at point blank.
Breaking the first wave and kicking back to knock her previous opponent back even further, she broke up one more blast from the bender in front of her, before returning fire with several powerful punches straight at the other man.
The man tried to block the first one but underestimated the amount of power the young Avatar put into her fire punches. The first blast shook him and made him an easy target for the oncoming second blast, which sent him flying closer to the edge of the arena.
The other bender who she kicked back just seconds ago managed to get back into the match and sent more fireballs at her, which she managed to dispel before repeating the same pattern back at this bender, sending him skittering to the edge of the training grounds again.
Korra turned back just in time to block a few torrents of fire sent at her by her other opponent and got ready to retaliate.
Once the blast was finished, she responded with her own, much more powerful torrent at the other bender which sent him flying out of the arena and on top of the gazebo which held the three elders of the White Lotus who have overseen all aspects of her training, her Firebending instructor, and her mentor and close family friend, master Katara.
The Firebender who was launched on top of the roof, smoking, promptly collapsed due to the sheer power behind the attack, and the utter exhaustion that came with fighting the Avatar while she effortlessly redirected almost all of his attacks, still smoking.
"She's strong," remarked master Katara upon witnessing how easily she was able to blast two experienced Firebenders out of the arena so quickly.
"She lacks restraint," the elder and leader of the White Lotus replied sternly with a cool expression and an unimpressed tone in his voice.
The last bender started running, sending a steady stream of fire towards Korra who was sprinting ahead to meet his oncoming charge.
Through the fire she ran, and upon exiting the inferno, used the body of her opponent to vault over him, knocking him slightly off balance, and turning into an appropriate position.
She performed a spinning kick, launching an arc of flame at her staggering opponent.
Taking in a deep breath, centering her flame, she extended both hands sending forth a massive torrent of flame at her unprepared opponent. The force of her attack so great that it propelled her backwards slightly, but sent her opponent rolling back along the training grounds.
When the blast ended, it revealed her opponent collapsed and passed out due to the exhaustion of the match.
"Woo-Hoo!" Korra exclaimed, pumping both arms in the air in celebration. To her, she just passed her Firebending test with flying colors.
The elders in the gazebo, however, were varied in their celebration.
The three elders of the White Lotus wore irritated expression on their faces while the Firebending instructor looked equal parts exasperated and resigned.
Master Katara, who was standing slightly apart from the main group, wore a soft, but proud smile on her face.
"Hey, why all the doom and gloom, people?" Korra said while running up to the base of the steps of the gazebo, where she proceeded to take her training helmet off, revealing a pair of vibrant cyan blue eyes and dark brown hair put up in three ponytails, two on either side of her head, and one at the back of her head, all wrapped in blue bands to make them stand up.
"We should be celebrating," she said with an excited smile. "Three elements down, one to go," she stated confidently, like a general ending an inspirational speech to their soldiers.
The elders, once again, did not share in her enthusiasm.
"You're getting ahead of yourself as usual, Korra. We haven't decided if you passed your Firebending test yet," said her Firebending instructor, dressed in the traditional red robes of the fire nation with a red overcoat to withstand the frigid climate of the South pole.
"Ever since you were a little girl," continued the elder of the White Lotus, dressed in the traditional navy robes of the Order of the White Lotus, "you've excelled at the physical side of bending but completely ignored the spiritual side. The Avatar must master both," he said firmly, yet softly, to a thoroughly uninterested Korra.
"I haven't ignored it. It just doesn't come as easy to me," she excused timidly. "Look at Percy. Everyone's said that he has some strong connection to the spirits, yet he still always mistakes Tui for La and vice versa!" she said, comparing herself and her shortcomings in the spiritual side of bending, to her best friend and confidant, Perseus.
"But that's why we should start training with Tenzin immediately. He's Mr. spiritual," she continued without missing a beat.
Master Tenzin is a council member for Republic City. But before all of that, he is one of the last Airbenders and the youngest son of the last Avatar, Avatar Aang. He is also a spiritual councilor, therefore, if Korra trains with Tenzin, not only does she learn Airbending, she also learns about the spirit world! Two birds, one stone.
The elder of the White Lotus turned to face Korra's mentor, master Katara, "Do you believe she's ready, master Katara?" he asked expecting Katara to agree with the rest of the elders, hoping that if Korra heard her own mentor telling her that she's not ready, that she'll back down and listen to what the rest of them were saying.
"Yes," she said immediately, drawing looks of surprise from the other elders which quickly changed to resignation knowing that Katara's words hold much more influence than anyone else's, and further convincing Korra that her years of training were almost over.
"If anyone can teach her what she needs to learn, it's Tenzin," Katara continued ignoring everyone's mixed reactions.
Exhaling tiredly, the elder turned back to the student in front of them.
"Very well, Korra. It's time for you to begin your Airbending training," he said neutrally, though secretly he, and everyone else were proud that she was moving on in her Avatar training.
Korra was ecstatic, jumping in the air and spinning in triumph, "Yes! Finally," she exclaimed, before freezing and remembering her current audience. Said audience, bar Katara, looked extremely unimpressed.
Sobering up, "I mean. . . ," Korra coughed into her hands to clear her throat, before assuming a traditional bow with her right hand raised in front of her in a fist and her left hand pressed against it with her left fingers wrapped around the knuckle over to the back of her right hand, closing her eyes and bowing her head, before bowing again with her body, saying, "Thank you all for believing in me," she said slowly and calmly, before chuckling awkwardly and turning to leave smiling and laughing in accomplishment.
Master Katara watched her run away with a fond, proud smile adorning her face.
Korra kept running until she reached a little burrow in the snow. "Naga, you should have seen it," she said as she descended the stairs and opened the wooden fence, entering the pen of her pet polar bear dog, Naga.
Upon hearing her voice, Naga rolls over and rises to greet her lifelong friend. Like all polar bear dogs, she had the rear legs of an athletic hound, and the large fore legs of a bear. She has a long hairy tail and the face of a dog, though considerably larger to fit her large frame. Naga has snowy white fur with chocolate brown eyes and stands close to 8 feet tall on all fours, making her a very large animal when compared to humans.
"I kicked some Firebender butt, and I passed!" Korra exclaimed excitedly as she ran up and hugged the polar bear dog who nudged her side encouragingly before starting to lick her face affectionately. "Tenzin will be here in a few days," Korra finished, giggling.
Deciding to go for a run outside the compound, Korra begins saddling Naga up to take her outside for some exercise.
Exiting the burrow, Korra leads Naga around the training yard at the center of the compound and is about to turn towards the towering gates when they're stopped by a familiar bark.
Running up to Korra from the side of the compound, from the barracks and residential buildings were located, was a rather unique creature to the world. It was a wolf. Nothing fancy, nothing else about it. It was just a wolf.
Standing 4 feet tall and with a coat of snowy white fur similar, yet whiter than Naga's, with sky blue eyes, Luna is to Korra's friend Percy what Naga is to Korra.
"Hey Luna, what's up?" Korra sked happily as Luna slowed down and started tugging on Korra's pant leg in the direction of the living quarters.
Korra was able to pick up on what Luna was trying to tell her and groaned in annoyance.
"It's past noon, is he still asleep?" she asked incredulously, to which the wolf nodded her head in affirmative and continued tugging on Korra's leg.
Letting out a frustrated groan, Korra dismounted Naga and indulged the wolfs plight, walking with her towards a house that she's been to countless times since first entering the southern compound.
The southern compound is a fortress build of snow and ice meant to keep the Avatar, Korra, safe while she trained to master the four elements, though it quickly started to feel more and more like a prison.
Since the facility is meant for Korra and her training, Percy doesn't need to live there, and uses every opportunity he can to get away from it, but he always made sure to be there whenever Korra was, especially for her bending tests. They're great sparing partners and even trained in Waterbending together with master Katara. Then, when Korra moved on to learn Earthbending, Percy stayed behind with master Katara to continue mastering his already exceptional Waterbending, to the point of him having to start teaching the legendary master Katara what he knows about the art.
Entering the hut, Korra opens the door and immediately, her ears are assaulted by to loud sounds of Percy's obnoxious snoring coming from upstairs.
Shaking her head in exasperation, she calls, "Wakey-wakey Percy," and receives no response after several minutes. Luna goes up after a bit and Korra can hear growling, barking and howling, which Naga joins in on after a bit, yet Percy still refuses to get up.
Eventually, Luna comes back downstairs with what can only be described as an annoyed look on her face as she goes over to her bowl and starts drinking some water.
Observing this, Korra gets an idea. She saunters over to a cupboard and pulls from it a bag of seal jerky, one of Percy's favorite snacks, and starts eating some of it. She pauses in her chewing briefly and calls Percy again, "Hey Perce, I'm gunna eat the rest of your seal jerky if its alright with you," she says, anticipating the reaction.
She's not disappointed, and if the sounds of a body falling, trinkets clattering, and the body falling again aren't any indication, then the hangry teen who suddenly appeared at the bottom of the stairs snatching the bag of jerky out of Korra's hand and then re-disappearing back upstairs should be enough to tell you that Percy was finally awake.
15 minutes later, Percy finally came downstairs wearing a navy-blue parka, yawning tiredly. Percy was older than Korra by a few months, standing almost a head taller than Korra at 6'2". He had a tan complexion and long messy dark hair that refuses to be tied down or put up into a traditional braid or ponytail. His most striking feature however were his eyes. Instead of the normal blue eyes of people from the Water Tribe, he had vibrant sea green eyes. And right now, he was looking at Korra with an annoyed expression on his face.
"Korra, why'd you have to wake me up so early?" he asked slowly, obviously still tired.
Korra just raised an eyebrow at him. "Early? It's the afternoon fish face! And I didn't wake you up, I just ate some jerky. You got yourself out of bed," she finished, crossing her arms and smirking at Percy's behavior.
"Okay first, details. Secondly, why'd you wake me up?" he asked again.
"Well, I just passed my Firebending test a few minutes ago, and I wanted to go for a run outside the compound. And you're coming with me, even if I have to drag you by your feet from Naga's mouth. You know I will," she finished smugly as Naga came closer to Korra when she said her name.
Percy looked from Korra to Naga, back to Korra before looking over to his lifelong friend Luna, who walked over to sit next to Korra, telling everyone that she agreed with the Avatar. After a while, Percy hung his head in defeat, muttering something about a traitor before relenting.
"Alright, fine," he said as he made his way outside, with Luna, Naga and Korra following him out in that order.
Swiftly, Percy mounted Naga before reaching his hand out to Korra to help her climb on, "C'mon. Climb up squirt," he told her, smirking at her nickname which he knew she hated.
"Can you please stop calling me that! I'm the Avatar for spirits sake, AND a master Waterbender to boot!" Korra complained as she accepted his outstretched hand, mounting Naga and sitting in front of Percy.
"Nope," he said, popping the 'P'. "Squirt is the nickname reserved for the one among us who is more incompetent at Waterbending. So, if you can be better than me at Waterbending, then I get the illustrious honor of being called squirt," responded Percy with a cheeky grin, not that anyone could see it.
"Urgh" Korra complained.
As they approached the gates of the compound, they looked up to see the guard at the top of the wall looking down at them, silently demanding they state their intended purpose.
"Just taking Naga out for a stroll," Korra said calmly. Percy however was far more eloquent in his statement.
"PRISON BREAK, WHATCHA GUNNA DO ABOUT IT!" he called boisterously, causing a number of people throughout the compound to roll their eyes or snigger at the green-eyed teens statement.
They both said this together and the guard just gave them a concerned look.
"Don't worry. We're not going far," said Korra, rolling her eyes at the protectiveness of the guard above them, while she heard Percy mutter "enough" quietly behind her causing her to smirk.
The guard relented and opened the gates for them. As the gates opened, Korra and Percy looked outside with wonder shining from their eyes as they gazed upon the horizon, a sight that they've both come to see as representing freedom.
Luna was the first to move forward, starting out at a trot forward before gradually picking up her pace, soon breaking out into a full-blown sprint which Naga struggled to keep up with.
Together, the four of them spent the rest of the day outside the compound, running around in the snow, playing around without a care in the world.
3 Days Later
As dusk approached, a sky bison was making its final descent into the southern compound. Sky bison are an exceedingly rare creature in the world, but it was its occupants that were of even more significant note.
Aboard the six-legged animal was an extremely unique family of 5 individuals. Three children, an older woman who was the mother of the children, pregnant with a fourth baby, and sat atop the head of the mount, was a tall man with a pointy brown beard, a bald head with a big blue arrow tattoo on his forehead. He also had a toddler's mouth chomping on his round head, but that's less important. What makes this family unique is that all of them, besides the pregnant woman, are the last Airbenders in the world! And the direct descendants of the last Avatar, Avatar Aang.
The constant noises of one of the young occupants could be heard the entire time it took for the bison to land inside the compound, incessantly and in seemingly one enormous breathe, repeatedly pestering the other occupants with, "Are we there yet?"
Upon landing, and after being affirmed that they had, in fact, arrived, the eldest two children jumped down from the beast's massive tail, riding on condensed balls of air called an 'air scooter,' to play in the nearby snow.
The entire family wore the traditional red and orange robes of the Air nomads.
There to greet them were three individuals. They were Katara, Korra and Percy.
Katara went to greet the family just as the man had climbed down, toddler hat still secured to the top of his head.
"Hello mother," the man greeted. He wore robes reminiscent of a cloak, ends strung together by a golden clasp. "I can't tell you how happy I am to see you," he said calmly as the toddler started tugging on his ears as if they were the reins to his improvised saddle. "Please help me," he said much softer.
Katara laughed as she made to remove her grandson of his toothy grip on her son.
"Unhand me, strange woman!" he shouted dramatically, flailing his arms around frantically.
"That's your grandmother, Meelo," the man said.
The now identified Meelo proceeded to vault over Katara's head, land with perfect balance and ran to go play in the snow.
Katara, for her part, was momentarily surprised by her grandsons' maneuver, before smiling and moving to greet the rest of her grandkids.
"It's so good to see all of you," she said.
The oldest, a girl with short brown hair and a bun off to the side of her head, stood with her feet together and her knuckles pressed together in fists in front of her. "Gran Gran, I've been reading all about your old adventures. I've been dying to ask you, what happened to Zuko's mom?" she asked eagerly.
"Well, Jinora, it's an incredible tale," she began explaining to Jinora before she was suddenly interrupted by the last child literally flying in front of her.
"Gran Gran, you look old. How old are you? And why's it so cold in the south pole? Can we make a campfire and all huddle around it and tell scary stories and make snowmen? And then can we make the snowmen move with Waterbending and chase us? Wouldn't that be fun? Huh? Wouldn't it?" asked Ikki, all in one breathe. The entire time, Katara, or as the kids called her, Gran Gran, had an incredulous look on her face as she couldn't keep up with the rapid onslaught of questions. Jinora started squirming, becoming more and more embarrassed the more her sister talked. Said sister never stopped jumping and clapping her hands excitedly.
This whole time, the last traveler, the pregnant woman, was carefully trying to descend off the back of the sitting sky bison. As she reached the bottom, the man rushed to assist her. "Pema, let me help you. Careful now. Careful," he admonished.
"Stop doting on me. I'm not helpless. I'm just pregnant," Pema reprimanded her husband lightly, settling to rest a hand on her swollen belly.
She moved to embrace her mother-in-law. Placing a hand on her belly, Katara commented, "The baby's strong. I see another Airbender in your future."
Pema looked momentarily horrified at Katara's prediction, before assuming a tired expression. "All I want is one child like me, a nice non-bender who doesn't blast wind in my face every five seconds."
Exactly five seconds later, Meelo proceeded to use his Airbending to blast a flurry of snow into his mother's face, calling himself, a 'snowbender' in the process.
"We're Tenzin and his siblings this crazy when they were kids?" Pema asked Katara hopefully.
"Kya and Bumi certainly were. But Tenzin has always been rather serious," she answered.
"Mother, please," the now identified Tenzin whined before looking behind Katara to the other two figures present to greet them.
Throughout the whole interaction, Korra had been subtly trying to draw Tenzin's attention by shuffling around and trying to put herself in the master Airbenders line of sight.
Finally, she was noticed.
"Korra?" asked Tenzin curiously. Immediately, Korra perked up and rushed over to stand directly in front of her future mentor. "Look at you, so big and strong. You've grown into quite the young Avatar," Tenzin complimented, placing his hands on his future students' shoulders.
"Kiss ass," hissed Percy playfully, making himself known to everyone present because he was starting to feel left out.
It worked. Instantly, Pema leveled Percy with an angry glare and motioned animatedly to her three young children who were playing in the snow, blissfully unaware of anything the adults were saying. Katara also turned and gave him a disapproving glance, agreeing with what Pema was trying to convey.
"Percy," huffed Tenzin annoyed. "Polite and proper, as always," he remarked sarcastically.
The only one who didn't react to his statement was Korra, who either expected it, or was too busy trying to tell Tenzin how excited she was to begin her Airbending training. It was probably a bit of both, honestly.
Percy moved to embrace Pema before standing next to Korra as she started talking. "Master Tenzin, I'm so glad you're here. I can't wait to get started," she said enthusiastically.
"Yes, well. . ." trailed Tenzin slowly, sighing, obviously not happy to have to crush her spirits so soon.
"You're going to have to tell her sooner or later," Pema told him, causing both teens to frown in confusion.
"Wait, hold up," Percy interjected. "Tell her what? What's going on Tenzin?" Percy asked concernedly, worried about Korra, knowing how much working with Tenzin means to her.
Katara spoke up, realizing what was coming. "You're not staying, are you?" she asked neutrally, internally disappointed that she wouldn't be able to spend more time with her family.
Tenzin sighed sadly, "I'm afraid not. We're only visiting for the night. Then I have to return to Republic city," he said morosely.
"But. . ." Percy trailed off, unable to comprehend what Tenzin was saying.
"No, you're supposed to move here," Korra said sadly, obviously in denial of what the man in front of her was saying. "Your supposed to teach me."
Tenzin placed a comforting hand on her shoulder as Percy reached to do the same. Percy understood and accepted what was going to happen and decided to be there for his friend. "I'm sorry, Korra. Your Airbending training is going to have to wait," Tenzin said, all but confirming Korra's worst fears.
Korra, Percy, Katara, Tenzin and three elders of the White Lotus, the same ones that oversaw Korra's Firebending test earlier that week, were eating dinner and discussing the Avatar's future training. Needless to say, Korra was not happy with how the discussion was going.
"So how long until you're ready to teach me Airbending?" she asked for probably the hundredth time that night. "A week? A month?" she asked frantically, panicking at the thought of having to delay her training when she was making so much progress beforehand.
"It could be much longer," was Tenzin's monotone reply, careful to not anger the distressed and emotional teen who also happens to be the Avatar. The single most powerful being in the world.
"I don't understand," Korra said sadly as Percy reached around to give her a reassuring side-hug. "Why are you making me wait?"
Tenzin straightened his posture and turned to avoid looking at her, "I have a responsibility to Republic city. I'm one of it's leaders, and the situation there is very unstable right now," he explained calmly.
"But you also have a responsibility to teach me," Korra insisted.
"Trust me Tenzin," Percy spoke up, interrupting the feuding pair and resting his arms on the table. "I'd be more than happy to help Korra find another Airbending teacher. Thrilled. Ecstatic even. But it just so happens to be our luck that the only one available is sitting as straight as the stick up his ass right across from me. And since I don't think I can convince the elder farts over there," he said indicating to the White Lotus elders sitting across from him, "to remove it for you, which would probably be about the only useful thing they've ever done, that I've seen," he quickly interjected, anticipating the incoming outburst from the scathing senior benders, "I may soon be forced to have to ask your lovely, sweet and caring mother over here," he was now gesturing to an amused looking Katara, "to slap some serious sense into you, so hard that the stick comes flying out of it's permanent resting place so fast it'll have Meelo bowing before you in reverence for the rest of our lives," he said.
The effect was instant. Tenzin turned crimson and started inhaling deep breathes, struggling to maintain his composure. The elders of the Order of the White Lotus were all screaming and yelling gibberish over each other, competing with each other to see who can do the best impression of a tomato. Katara was struggling not to laugh but failing miserably that she was forced to cover her mouth with her hand.
Korra's mood took a complete 180. She was rolling around on the ground, howling with laughter at the extremely accurate statement of her peer. Luna, who had joined the group for dinner as she was small enough to fit just behind the two teens who would occasionally toss some spare meat over their shoulders for her, had decided to join Korra in rolling around on the ground, mouth open obscenely wide and making loud wheezing sounds, reminiscent of laughter. (*)
It took about 15 minutes for everything to settle down and allow everyone to return to the serious discussion that was previously taking place.
"As I was saying," started Tenzin after a moment, fixing a smugly smirking Percy with an irritated glare, "There is no possible way for me to be in two places at once. I am truly sorry Korra, and as much as I wish there was, there is simply no other way," he said gently.
Korra's once happy mood was instantly smothered by a tidal wave of depression.
"Wait. There is," Percy exclaimed after a moment, drawing equal parts curious and angry glares from the tables occupants. "Tenzin, if you can't stay here and fulfil your responsibility to the world, by training the Avatar, then Korra should come back to Republic city with you!" he said excitedly.
Korra perked up enthusiastically at Percy's solution. "Yeah! It's perfect!" she exclaimed excitedly jumping up off the ground.
With a scoff, the White Lotus leader immediately made to squash the teens' plan. "Absolutely not!" he started, slamming his hand on the table roughly, causing everyone's plates to bounce off the table. "The city is far too dangerous. Avatar Aang tasked us with keeping you safe while you mastered the four elements," he stated, as if the very idea seemed ludicrous to him.
"That's a lie," said Percy seriously, causing everyone in the room to involuntarily shiver. It was no secret among those present that if the Avatar was the most powerful being in the world, then Percy was it's equal. Katara had long ago conceded the title of worlds best Waterbender to the green-eyed teen, and nobody could fault her for it.
Katara, at age 14, became the youngest Waterbending master in the world. Percy had her beat by becoming a master, capable of besting her, many benders in the White Lotus, and an adept Earth, Fire and Waterbending Avatar at the age of 10! Since then, he's devoted himself to bettering his own capabilities and even picking up a few hobbies which he takes very seriously. Especially close quarters and melee combat. Katara had already taught him everything she knew, but it wasn't enough for him. He needed to learn more.
One of the techniques he had developed was inspired by Toph, the legendary Earthbender and the founder of Metalbending. She was able to tell when someone was lying or telling the truth based of the vibrations in the earth. Percy could do the same thing by feeling for the difference in temperature around a person's body. If someone is lying, their heart beats faster momentarily. That's how Toph was able to detect the vibrations to indicate if someone was lying or not. The same works for Percy, albeit not as effectively, as the body heats up as the heart beats faster. If someone is really good at lying, then it's likely that Percy would not be able to detect the lie.
"Keeping Korra locked up is not doing anyone any good. Especially Korra. Why do you think I stay here whenever Korra's here? Because the staff here are five star?" he asked sarcastically. "Tenzin aren't you fond of saying that, "air is the element of freedom?'" he asked the red robed master.
"Yes, I am. And it is. Why?" he asked curiously. It always fascinated Tenzin how Percy was able to be so creative with his bending and develop new techniques that defy what should be possible with the element.
"Well, there's a reason that Korra and I refer to this place as a prison. Scheduled training, extreme isolation, set mealtimes, limited access beyond the walls of the compound, and even then they're extremely closely monitored at all times. I can't even relieve myself in here without like 10 different people hearing about it, and I'm not even the one being watched 24/7!" he ranted passionately. "She can't learn to bend the element of freedom while locked in a cage like some exotic animal. If you want Korra to learn Airbending, then it can't be here," he finished, sending a meaningful look at Tenzin.
That seemed to get everyone thinking. The White Lotus elders shared nervous glances with each other, well aware that Percy's arguments were, for the most part, extremely valid and they had no proper counter argument. Tenzin sat in contemplation, staring off into space, mentally acknowledging the young master's statements and opinions. But Tenzin was too prideful to admit that Percy may be right about how Korra should learn Airbending. Katara sent a proud smile towards her favorite protégé, appraising his knowledge and insight about the situation. Though secretly, she really just enjoyed watching him anger and outsmart the uptight elders of the White Lotus. Korra meanwhile, was looking back and forth between Percy and Tenzin, excitedly nodding her head along with what Percy was saying.
To her, this would be a chance to not only learn the final element needed to be a real Avatar, but it was also probably her best shot at seeing the real world anytime soon. If the White Lotus had their way, they'd have her locked up in a compound somewhere extremely remote where no one would ever find her, monitored 24/ - 'Oh wait. . .'
"Exactly! And if you want me to be the best Avatar I can be, then like Percy said I have to get outside and see the world! If I can do that, train to be an Airbender and learn from a spiritual leader like Tenzin about the spiritual side of bending all at the same time, then why shouldn't I? This seems like the best possible option for me!" said Korra ecstatically, in full agreement with what Percy was saying.
Sighing, Tenzin spoke, "You both make very remarkable arguments, but the fact remains that the city is not prepared for the Avatar's intervention. And I know this is difficult to accept, but it's simply not the right time for you to come to the city. I'm sorry."
Huffing in annoyance, Korra stood up to leave, "Whatever."
Once she had left, Percy turned back to face Tenzin. "If you're so busy in the city, then can't you get Jinora, Ikki and Meelo to like, tutor her? Or something?" he asked hopefully.
"No. They're not ready for the responsibility of teaching the Avatar. When the time comes, that will be mine and mine alone," Tenzin said firmly.
Huffing in exasperation, Percy said, "Come on Tenzin. What's the harm in having your kids teach Korra, who knows absolute zilch about Airbending, the basics? I'm sure they could handle a bit of instruction, right? I mean, I've had to start teaching her about Airbending. ME! A Waterbender, has started teaching the Avatar, an element I can't even bend! So, tell me, Tenzin, honestly. Would any of your children be better able to teach Korra Airbending than me?" he said challengingly.
"Why, absolutely they would!" Tenzin stated neutrally, though inwardly affronted that someone else had already started teaching her Airbending, no matter how limited. "But it's –"
"So let them start teaching her, and running her through the basics, so that when you eventually find the time to work with her, she'll already have a major head start. I really don't see why any of this is a problem," he finished, looking over the assembled benders, looking for someone to challenge him in his claims.
The White Lotus elders were quiet, and not meeting his eyes. Katara gave Percy an approving look, agreeing with all of his statements but otherwise deciding not to intervene. This debate, as much as she may wish it were, was none of her concern. Really, she was just there to make sure that neither Percy nor Korra exploded on any of the room's other occupants.
"I'm truly sorry Percy. But my decision is final," Tenzin said resolutely, ending the argument.
"Unbelievable," Percy muttered as he made for the door, Luna quick to follow him out before he slammed the door behind him.
The next morning saw Tenzin and his family leaving back to Republic city, without the Avatar.
As the sky bison, Oogi, flew over the barren expanse of the south pole, it was observed by a small group of friends sitting on an icy cliff as it flew overhead. Said group was also being closely observed by a White Lotus sentry, despite the elders claims that the two are not always monitored.
Naga was resting on all fours with a dejected looking Korra sitting with her knees pressed into her chest, sat atop her saddle. Laying against the polar bear dog's left flank was Percy, with Luna's head nestled comfortably in his lap, absentmindedly stroking her fur and scratching behind her ear, much to the wolf's content.
As Oogi flew overhead, the group collectively looked up at the sky bison and tracking it with their eyes, watching as it flew further and further away.
As the sky bison flew over the ocean, Naga and Luna started whimpering sadly, understanding that the bison's departure was the reason behind their companions defeated mood.
As the minutes tick by with nothing happening, the two teens are lost in their own thoughts.
Korra was busying herself with contemplating what she would do from then on in terms of training. She wholeheartedly believed in what Percy had said last night, in that she wouldn't be able to learn Airbending unless she felt properly free, something that was not going to happen so long as she remained in the south pole.
Percy, on the other hand, was simply waiting for Korra to do something that would definitely anger the White Lotus, to which he would happily support and assist, wholeheartedly.
That would end up happening sooner than he thought, as Korra's eyes narrowed in determination.
In the dead of night, very few in the southern compound were awake, and even less wanted to be outside in the freezing cold night.
But that didn't stop two extremely determined, and overly stubborn teens and a wolf, from making their way around the frigid encampment to the kennel of the last member of their entourage.
The light pattering of footsteps in the snow was what roused Naga from her nap, as Korra made her way towards the saddle mounted on a nearby post. Quickly taking the saddle and throwing it over the polar bear dog's back, Percy quickly rushed to the other side to help in securing the saddle for a long journey. Korra had just started working the saddle straps, handing some off to Percy to attach and mount, when they were startled by an intrusive voice, calling from behind.
"Nice night for an escape, isn't it?" asked Katara, startling the teens and making them, hesitantly, turn to face their favourite mentor.
Katara stood at the entrance of the burrow, looking calm as she confronted the teens who were nervous about what Katara had to say.
"I have to leave," Korra started saying. "Percy was right about everything he said last night. And I have to find my own path as the Avatar. And I don't think what Aang wanted for me is what I need," she finished.
"Besides," Percy said, "Tenzin's got a serious pride problem. That was clear as day yesterday when he shot down all of my suggestions. Even you can agree with me, that any of his kids could help teach Airbending, but Tenzin wouldn't hear it. He may even be downplaying the state of Republic city. Who knows? It might not even be that bad. But we wont know unless we go," he said seriously.
"Wait, when did you ask if the kids could teach me?" Korra asked, surprised and curious because she couldn't remember anyone mentioning it before.
"You had already left, and Percy stayed to try and convince the others to let you go," replied Katara. "And I know you need to go," she said, surprising the teens, who's surprise quickly turned into relief and happiness.
"Aang's time has passed," she continued somberly. "My brother and many of my friends are gone. It's time for you and your generation to take on the responsibility of keeping peace and balance in the world. And I think you're going to be a great Avatar," she finished, walking up to embrace Korra.
"Thank you," she said.
After a moment, they pulled back, and Katara turned her attention to Percy, who was just finishing strapping the saddle to Naga's back.
"And while I probably shouldn't be saying this about him, I agree with you too, Percy," she spoke, walking up to him after releasing Korra. "Tenzin has always been a bit prideful, and my grandkids have been learning Airbending since before they could even walk. Even you, who has spent time learning about Airbending to help you develop new techniques for your Waterbending, are perfectly qualified to instruct and teach future Airbenders. That is a remarkable gift," she said, placing a hand on his shoulder. "You will be instrumental on this journey. But don't let people forget about you, and the part you play in this adventure. If not for the Avatar, you are the single most powerful being I have ever seen. And I know that you are destined for greatness as well. Don't let anyone take that away from you," she finished, before pulling him into a hug.
"Take care of each other," she whispered into his ear.
"I will."
After leaving her pen, Naga proceeded to dig their way out of the compound. Once outside, Korra and Percy mounted Naga, while Luna ran a little ahead of the group, leading the way.
After saying goodbye to their parents, and making sure they had proper provisions, they left the south pole, looking ahead towards an uncertain future.
They managed to smuggle themselves onto a freighter, bound for Republic city.
That night, as they were settled in the back of the cargo hold, Naga and Luna were asleep, but Korra and Percy found it difficult to join their furry companions. Both were wide awake, staring off into space, each wondering what the future would have in store for them.
A/N
So, that was half of ep. 1.
Korra's got most of the elements down pat, Percy fights for Korra to learn Airbending, and the two decide to escape to Republic city.
I'm going to try and focus more on Percy's perspective because I don't want this to be a retelling of LOK with Percy added in as a side character with like, 1 or 2 lines per chapter, so I'll be shuffling between P.O.V. styles for a bit.
Other than that, I just want to get this out of the way, Percy is considered to be the best Waterbender the world has ever seen, even if people don't know it. And he is the best, due to his nature as a child of the sea. It was mentioned that he was an expert in Waterbending, and he'll prove that soon enough. This will be a very different Percy than what we're used to. Instead of fumbling around and hoping everything turns out ok, you'll soon see that he's actually quite competent and knowledgeable when it comes to bending.
If you have any ideas that you think I should incorporate, please let me know.
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AyeEnfield
(*) - imagine the wolf laughing meme