In the Southern Water Tribe Capital City, a biweekly boat from Republic City was arriving. The boat arrived at precisely noon at the end of every other week, delivering cargo, mail, and passengers and collecting cargo, mail, and passengers two times a month every month, weather permitting. It had done so for years now, so that it was now part of the routine for those that lived amongst the ice and snow of the South Pole. Some looked forward to it- either expecting letters or packages from friends or family living in the north or elsewhere in the world, or eagerly awaiting the shipments of various goods that were an integral part of the growing tribe's economy.
In addition to these material exports and imports, there tended to be cargo of the human kind aboard the ships- never a large amount of people, mostly just those who were unable to wait for the passenger liners that made far less consistent journeys south, with some making the trip aboard the standard cargo vessel to avoid the pricey fare associated with higher end people-transporting ships.
The boat was owned and operated by one Captain Rikkan, an older Water Tribe man who took great pride in the famed punctuality and speed of his vessel. He seemed to those around him almost like a caricature of a seasoned sailor- with a great bushy grey beard, a proud captain's hat, a long coat and a carved pipe made from the rib bone of an elephant koi. He was a harsh but fair man, subjecting himself to the same rules he expected his crew to follow and lived a simple life with no wife or children. Today the captain was going through the final motions of his biweekly voyage, calling out orders to a number of seasoned crewmen and making the last preparations that were necessary before they arrived at the harbor.
It was a routine trip, one that every crewmember aboard Rikkan's ship was familiar with, and as the mighty vessel pulled into the icy port, a figure clambered up the stairs to the bridge.
The Captain turned to face the new arrival, who bowed immediately and unnecessarily. It was a youth of no more than seventeen or eighteen that now stood before the proud owner of the boat, clad in the traditional red of the Fire Nation. His face was tinged with the faintest hint of green and he was shaking slightly, both clear indicators that this young man was not familiar with sea travel or the cold weather of the South Pole.
"C-Captain Rikkan." the youth stammered slightly despite his best efforts and the warm red coat he wore. "It has been a pleasant voyage, and I appreciate you allowing me aboard your ship at such short notice."
"No' a problem." replied the seasoned sailor, his accent thick. "Though I daresay more pleasan' fer me- the seas were mighty calm, but no' calm enough for the likes o' your stomach!"
The old man chuckled heartily, grinning at the younger passenger through his beard. The passenger in question paused for a moment, unsure of how to reply, before deciding that a simple nod would be enough.
"We'll be docking in a minute 'ere, you've got yer things?" queried the grizzled seaman.
"Yes, out by the gangway."
"Tha's good, wouldn' want ta keep y' here longer'n necessary. The men hate scrubbin' vomit offa the decks."
With this the friendly captain slapped the seasick youth on the back and went back to shouting commands at the crew, as the green-tinged face of the young man turned and walked back down the stairs he had previously come up. He headed in the direction of the cargo hold before coming to a stop beside the massive metal door that would soon open, letting in the cool air and bright sunlight of the Southern Water Tribe. He did not carry much with him, only a small knapsack with various personal items and a larger bag with warm winter clothes, all dyed the same shades of red signifying that their owner was affiliated with the Fire Nation.
Only moments after the Fire Nation youth had gathered all of his meager belongings and stood near the door, a loud clanging could be heard echoing throughout the hold of the ship, signifying that arrival was imminent and that the large cargo door would open soon. The red-clad boy stood to the side as crewmembers of every nationality and both genders rushed about the large chamber, finishing up last preparations before the end of their voyage. This went on for several minutes before a resounding thud echoed up from the stern of the ship, indicating that it had made contact with the snow covered beach and that the cargo could now be unloaded. As the massive door swung downward, the traveler stepped towards the opening, watching as it settled to the ground.
As soon as he was sure it was safe to disembark, the former passenger stepped swiftly from the bowels of the ship and onto the cold beach, greeted by the sight of the Southern Water Tribe.
It was a beautiful city, lit by thousands of lanterns and composed primarily of snow, ice, and some rock and wood- all building materials that were viable in the cold climate, keeping warmth in and the cold out. The outside temperature was only above freezing during the middle of summer, and during these warm weeks the days tended to be long, the nights short if at all present, and the houses in need of constant tending to avoid any issues with meltwater.
The sun shone bright upon the vast city, reflecting off spires and buildings, causing the massive frozen lighthouse to shine brightly, as though it were a great pillar of fire reaching up from the depths of the earth. The pier that the structure sat on was composed of stone raised up from the seabed, likely with the aid of some powerful waterbending, and had individual spokes jutting out to accommodate a vast array of vessels. It was busy at this time of year, with fishing ships hauling their life, slippery cargo, to and fro as well as other businesses- all bustling about the crowded docks. People of every nation now helped to load or unload massive crates and boxes, carrying them both to other ships or down the pier and into the city.
It was this way the young man now headed, occasionally referring to a small slip of parchment clutched in his still-shaking right hand. There were only a few words written on the paper and it would seem to the casual observer that this obviously lost boy was using the paper for directions, as he would constantly look down and unfold its well-worn creases, reading the contents before returning it to one of the many pockets sewn into his thick red cloak.
It should be here somewhere… he thought to himself, glancing at the signs above each and every building he passed, seeing some residential buildings in addition to a wide variety of shops.
Let's see… an apothecary, a Tailor, Shoemaker, market, and… Here!
The traveler paused before a small, humble building distinguished only by a large White Lotus symbol above the lintel. He ducked inside, glad for the warmth given by the fire burning in the hearth a few feet away, and examined his surroundings. He was standing in a wooden room, with a ceiling that rose only a foot or two above his head and wood panelled floors and walls. There was a counter on one side of the room, the side opposite the fire, and it was attended by a bored looking man wearing the white and blue robes that the traveler knew to be standard uniform for the Order of the White Lotus, the not-quite-secret society that owned this small pseudo-embassy in the frozen city.
The disinterested attendant glanced up at the new arrival in his lonely domain and started, scrambling for the pen that sat next to him and standing ramrod straight.
"Sir!" gasped the attendant. "Y-You're earlier than anticipated, sir!"
The traveler frowned, having not expected much of a welcome at all. This level of formality was unexpected, and he wondered if there was some mistake.
"I'm not sure you've got the right per-" he began before being interrupted by other man.
"Sir, you are the one they call Prince Roku, yes?" he queried, speaking rapidly and fearfully, obviously wary of the youth's apparent royalty.
"Err, well, yes, I suppose I am, but-" The so-called Prince began, before being interrupted again.
"So sorry for interrupting you, sir!" the attendant stood at attention, managing to stiffen up even more than before. "Your transportation will arrive momentarily, sir!"
Roku sighed, dropped the larger of his two bags, and motioned for the man to relax.
"That's enough formality for now, Mr…?"
"Katsu, Sir."
"Mister Katsu. I would appreciate it if you were to avoid calling me sir in the future."
"Yes si- err, Prince Roku!" stammered the man, obviously confused by this request.
"I would also appreciate it if you were to avoid using certain titles, if at all possible. I would prefer it if my heritage were to remain, well, unknown, if possible." the incognito royal paused for a moment. "Do you understand?"
"Yes, Mister Roku. I understand."
"I was under the impression that you White Lotus fellows were a bit less strict with rank than normal militaries." frowned Roku. "Or was I incorrect in this assumption…?"
"No sir, errr, Mister Roku. Sorry, I'm a bit new." the guard stumbled over his words, apparently quite nervous. "I used to be a member of the Fire Nation Military, you see, and it's a bit more strict…"
"I see." said the Prince, frowning. "I know what you mean, Katsu. I of all people should be familiar with the level of formality expected from our military."
"Yes, sir. Exactly, sir. Errr, sorry for calling you sir." the man was still obviously nervous, despite the traveler's attempts to calm him. "I'll just stop talking..."
"I'm afraid I can't allow you to do that, Katsu." grinned the younger of the two men. "I will need more information about this place, about my job."
"You mean you don't know, sir…?"
"What do you mean?"
"You don't know what you're here for?"
"No, or at least I don't know as much as I would like." Roku sighed, taking a seat in one of the chairs near the fire and motioning for the attendant to do the same. "I was just told to go to the Southern Water Tribe, and that I would be working with the Avatar. Normally I would ask for more information, but it was a bit of a rushed decision, as my only other option was life as a Fire Sage or some sort of dignitary, or a member of the military. But none of those appealed to me, and when the option to come here came up…"
"You took it." Katsu nodded sympathetically, sitting in the indicated chair. "I understand that. Adventure and mystery and the great unknown, the appeal of traveling the world, that sort of thing. As for what exactly you'll be doing here, I suspect that you will get more information from the higher ups. I don't know much, just try to do my job, but I think it's got something to do with the Avatar not having anyone to spar with that's on her level, presumably in regards to bending. You some sort of firebending prodigy?"
"I wouldn't go so far as to say prodigy," grinned Roku, "but I hold my own. I guess that would explain why it was my grandfather who told me to make the trip down here. He always had a knack for giving good advice, at least in my experience. But I was under the impression that the Avatar lives in some sort of fortress or something like that, isolated from the rest of the world. How am I gonna get there?"
"I'm afraid there are no roads, or satomobiles that can drive on snow, or any sort of motorized vehicles to take you to the Avatar's compound." replied Katsu apologetically. "Most of the trek will be on foot, weather permitting, and there will be a guide accompanying you. The compound is in the mountains to the south, not too far, though you may need to use some of those firebending skills of yours to keep warm."
There then came a knock on the door, a great rapping of fist on wood, and shouting from the outside of the small building.
"Katsu!" cried the deep, commanding voice. "Is our Fire Nation friend in there with you?"
"Yes!" called out the attendant. "I cleared all of his papers, he's the one you need to bring up to the compound!"
Roku frowned momentarily. He had not seen any papers signed, checked, or cleared. The man had merely accepted him for who he claimed to be with no real questions asked and sent him on his way.
"Good!" called the voice. "Send him my way!"
Katsu the White Lotus desk attendant gestured to the firebender, his manner far more relaxed than it had been when they had first met.
"Good luck, Mister Roku." he waved as the young bender gathered his belongings and headed to the door, back out into the cold polar air. "Remember my name if they ever ask you who around here could use a promotion!"
Outside the small snowclad building there was a large, burly man dressed in robes identical to those of his friend inside. He had a large beard, similar to Captain Rikkan's, though it had more color and revealed the muscular man to be of a far younger age.
"My name's Gopan." grunted the man. "I'll be your guide, an' take you to th' compound."
Roku only nodded, following the massive man up the winding, ice covered road. It eventually dwindled into a winding, icy covered path, that took the quiet pair up over the sprawling Southern Water Tribe capital city and into the mountains, slowly getting further and further away from civilization.
It took three hours for the young firebender and his quiet, hulking companion to reach the compound. They had seen it first about half an hour before, the two shiny guard towers flanking the massive gate and the strong snow walls that marked the perimeter of the near fortress-like collection of buildings. As they had neared those massive walls, new features gradually became apparent- the wooden watch towers surrounding the entirety of the camp, the presence of guards atop the thicker and better fortified primary turrets, and the blue carvings adorning the front of the main gate.
Roku was unfamiliar with the carvings, though he correctly assumed that they had some significance to the Water Tribe or to the Avatar, and he found himself marveling at their intricacy and level of detail.
Those must have taken quite a bit of time to carve. he mused, staring up at the gates as they finally stopped, waiting for the guards to let the two in. Most of the other more permanent fortifications are natural, or at the very least obviously made with bending. But these looked to be hand-carved; not an easy feat.
As the massive face in the center of the two halves of the gate slowly split open, Roku was swiftly ushered in, and he saw the massive face of Gopan glaring down at him in a manner not unlike that of the carving on the two doors they had just passed through.
"You're gonna want to talk to the White Lotus masters," grumbled the surly man. "They'll get you sorted out."
"Thank you." replied the incognito Prince, bowing politely to his former guide.
"Hmmmph."
Roku sighed and continued on, lamenting how ineffective his robes were when it came to keeping out the freezing cold of the South Pole. He had been forced to firebend on the previous walk in a futile effort to expel the cold, much to the apparent amusement of Gopan. He figured that he would need to swap out his apparently not-quite-warm enough robes for some of the White Lotus or local Water Tribe robes, both of which looked to be far better in terms of insulation.
As the firebender drew closer to the small wooden pavilion that Gopan had pointed him in the direction of, he began to scan his surroundings. There was some sort of wooden obstacle course to his left, full of ropes and nets and a wide variety of other contraptions. Beyond that there was a series of buildings with barracks for the guards, a cafeteria, and numerous houses that were apparently built for the more important people in the compound.
Finally passing the obstacle course, Roku was able to see a large, elevated sparring platform directly in front of his destination that was occupied by several firebenders all engaged in intense sparring, with jets of fire being hurled left and right as the three benders seemingly danced about each other.
That must be the Avatar, decided the young Fire Nation man when he saw one of the benders send her sparring partner hurling through the air with a particularly powerful burst. They expect me to spar with someone that fast!?
Roku continued to marvel at the spectacle before him as the Avatar swiftly dispatched the remaining firebender, jumping up and over the startled man's head to deliver a final, massive burst of flame, blasting the poor bender onto his knees. The man soon slumped over in exhaustion.
The young Water Tribe girl then cheered before running back towards the same wooden pavilion that the weary traveler was now making his way to, where she held a brief conversation with the people gathered there. He found that, as he neared the structure, he recognized only one of the bending masters there- Master Katara, and older woman clad in a thick blue parka. The others, all serious looking men and women were dressed for the most part in the classic White Lotus uniform, though there was a fifth man dressed in the red colors that Roku was most familiar with.
When the exchange between the Avatar and her teachers was over, she smiled, bowed, and ran towards what appeared to be a series of large animal pens, designed to house some large beast that Roku was likely unfamiliar with. Once she had turned away, the young firebender stepped towards the somber looking men and women cautiously, unsure as to what his next move should be.
"You there!" called out the shortest of the men assembled. "Who are you?"
"That would be our new guest." interjected Katara before the bender could speak. "Here on my invitation."
"What do you mean!?" cried out the man incredulously, glaring at the waterbending master. "Who is this boy?"
"I decided that Korra could use some companionship." she smiled. "Someone her own age, to spar with, someone that has been outside these icy walls. Someone who has seen the world."
"Then who is he?" queried the man frustratedly, glaring at the older waterbender. "And how did he get here?"
"I'll let him answer that." Katara smiled again, glancing at the newcomer.
"Err, well, my name is Roku." the firebender shifted awkwardly. "I'm not entirely clear on why I'm here. The guards seemed to know who I was, though, and that's how I'm here."
"There you have it."
At this point it was obvious that the old Avatar's wife was enjoying how frustrated her fellow teachers were becoming. She turned to young firebender, smiling at him, ignoring the other teachers as they began arguing amongst themselves.
"You can get started tomorrow. The Avatar is out right now, and I suspect that you'll be wanting some rest." she paused, noticed his shivering, and chuckled. "And food and warm clothes, too!"
"Thank you, Master Katara." Roku bowed, wondering what he had gotten himself into.
I suppose I'll have to find out.
Author's Note: So, you made it to the end of my first chapter. Great! This is the first of what I hope to be a great many chapters following the adventures of one Prince Roku alongside the Avatar (though the Avatar in question has not yet been introduced- she will be!). This is not my first attempt at writing fan fiction, but I did decide a while ago to abandon my old account, and when I felt the need to start writing again, well, I created this one. I apologize for any errors, as it is getting pretty late as I am finishing this up, but I hope you enjoyed what I have written! I cannot promise a constant update schedule, but I will try. Also, if any beta readers out there have a desire to beta-read this story, send me a message- I would love to work with you! So, if you liked the story, leave a review, subscribe, or favorite, and if you want to read more, I will likely have another chapter out within a week or so. Thanks for reading!