That one turned out to be surprisingly.. Long xD. I'm sorry for that, but i felt like there are a lot of stories to continue from the first twenty chapter, and i wanted to include them all in one chapter, it might not be the most exciting of chapters but at least no one can accuse me of continuity problems Lol.. I hope you enjoy nonetheless as i am explaining one of the biggest shockers of the story in the first POV.
Flashback "Hakoda"
The Day Of The Ceremony
The heat of the fire was uncanny, too many Firebenders shooting fire at once, and for what? Being the ruler of the world? Is power really worth all this murder and destruction, Firelord Ozai? Hakoda thought as he was crouching beside his wounded wife Kya, It wasn't long ago when Katara and Sokka left them to go help The Avatar inside the war room, they went in and promised to get him back alive, and now it was Hakoda's turn to fulfill his promise to his children and get himself and wounded Kya out of here alive.
He noticed his wife's wincing and struggling with the pain in her leg, "Please Hold on, Kya.. I'm sorry i brought this upon us, but i promise i'll get us out of here." Hakoda said worried for his wife.
Kya frowned at him, "Don't you dare blame yourself for this.. it's.. Nobody's fault but that treacherous.. Firelord Agh!" Kya scolded still holding her wounded leg, and Hakoda started rubbing her wounded spot to soothe her pain.
"I'm sorry.. Please, just hold on.. I'll get us outta here, but until then think of the good moments.. remember when Katara got her first tooth, and she bit my hand so hard i screamed loudly?" The chief tried to lighten up the situation, and his wife did chuckle at the memory, but her chuckle only ignited more pain, The chief rubbed her leg harder, but Kya was still chuckling nonetheless.
"I was sure you'll never forget that moment.." Kya said still chuckling uneasily, and Hakoda couldn't help but smile.
"Yeah. we really blessed the world with two beautiful children, didn't we?" Hakoda joked, and Kya tried to stifle her laugh to stop the pain, but alas she laughed again.
"Stop it, you are hurting me.." Kya said still giggling like a little girl, Hakoda kept rubbing her leg, but stopped abruptly when he heard an explosion nearby, Hakoda stood on his own two feet and took a fighting stance shielding his wife, suddenly a guy was blasted back their direction, he looked to be a firenation soldier soaked with water, so this guy was attacked by a waterbender..
should i be hopeful..? Hakoda thought, and his thoughts were interrupted when a young man walked in on them, he noticed Hakoda and got into a fighting stance too, only to drop it as soon as he assumed it.
"I know you. you are Chief Hakoda of the southern watertribe." The youngman said, Hakoda thought he saw him before, but in the heat of the moment he couldn't remember.
"And you are?" Hakoda asked.
"My name is Petu, I came here in the company of Chief Arnook... Late Chief Arnook.." The youngman said grievously, and Hakoda immediately dropped his stance as well.
The youngman Petu noticed Hakoda's wife Kya behind him, "Woah, you are wounded.." He bent the water from his pouch and settled it in his hands, "I am a healer, Let me help you." Petu said, and Hakoda looked at him uneasily not sure if he should trust him yet, but his wife's wincing and low moans made it clear that it's a Must to trust the guy.
"Alright.." Hakoda said making way for Petu, The youngman crouched beside Kya and looked at her wound, it was indeed a first degree burn, Petu cut more of her already torn clothes just enough to see the full wound, and he bent the water to the place of the wound, Petu kept moving the water up and down, right and left searching for Kya's chi points, Hakoda knew this because Katara kept talking about it none-stop, Hakoda might have been one of the few none-benders who loved listening to stories about benders doing bending, specially Katara's healing. Finally Petu finished healing the wound, as soon as he finished though, a sound of lightening was heard coming from the firenation royal castle, the sound was sick and cruel, it made Hakoda terrified to the core.
I wonder who got killed with that blast of lightening.. Hakoda thought as he knew exactly the severe damage that lightening can do.
Petu heard the sound as well and stood beside Hakoda, "We need to get out of here, Chief." Petu said, and Hakoda looked back at him sharply not expecting Petu to talk to him.
"How's my wife?" Hakoda asked the youngman.
"She will be fine, her wound wasn't serious, but the severe pain made her pass out, she will be alright as long as we are alright, so i see we have to run to the docks now, you carry your wife, i will protect you." Petu said, and Hakoda had to admire the youngman's sense of leadership, Hakoda nodded, he scooped Kya up in his arms, and he stood beside Petu who was looking at the road ahead.
"All clear, Let's go." Petu said and Hakoda followed him, they walked into alleyways, getting out of one to enter another, Even though Petu saved his wife, but Hakoda was still suspicious of the man, how does he know so much alleyways in The Firenation when he is apparently from The Northern Watertribe?
"You seem to know a lot about Firenation districts and alleyways." Hakoda said, and it seemed to Hakoda that Petu sensed his suspicion.
"I've been here multiple times, Chief.. i had many friends in the firenation, i was an escort for The Northern Watertribe Ambassador before i came to Chief Arnook's service, that's why he chose me to escort him to The Firenation.. i actually met your daughter Katara in The Northern Watertribe, we had a little dispute, well, i guess that's mostly on her part, as she wasn't too happy when i beat her in a sparring." Petu said, and Hakoda frowned as he did hear a similar story from Katara.
"Ah, you are the guy who beat Katara in a waterbending duel in the northern watertribe? It was more than just a dispute if you ask me." Hakoda said as Kya stirred a little in his arms and he held her tightly, the ice in his heart for Petu started to melt as soon as he heard that he was the one who made Katara look this miserable when she returned from the northern watertribe.
Petu chuckled at Chief Hakoda's remark, "Yeah, she was very upset to be honest, Sorry about that." Petu apologized as he entered another alleyway that looked to be a market with a large Firelord Ozai statue in the middle, it was disgusting to look at him.
"No need to apologize, son.. it was a sparring, i would have done the same.." Hakoda said, as he was still looking at the statue of Firelord Ozai as they passed by it, his arms started to tire from carrying Kya for so long, but he knew in his heart that he would go to the end of the world carrying her if he had to, so he never paid attention to his tired arms, he just followed Petu, and finally the docks came in sight, "I can see the docks, looks like we are here." Hakoda said somewhat happily.
"Don't get too optimistic, Chief.. we're still not sure if it's clear or not." Petu said, as they came to the fences of the docks, they went to the gate and their eyes finally settled on a ship that looked to be parting, Petu motioned for Hakoda to run for the ship on his mark, and Hakoda nodded, "1..2..3!" Petu said and ran to the ship, Hakoda in toe carrying Kya in his arms, they kept running to the ship until they were stopped by a ball of fire..
The ball of fire landed just inches away from petu causing both men to fall back with Hakoda holding tightly onto unconscious Kya and he took the fall for her, he struggled back to his feet with Kya still in his arms, and he waited until his view cleared to see three men with Firenation army attires assuming fighting stances, Hakoda looked at Petu to find him still crouching trying to clear his vision from the fire bomb that landed inches away from him, This is bad.. Hakoda thought as he was holding onto Kya with a helpless Petu beside him.
"You may go no further, No one is allowed to leave the firenation, Water Scum." The soldier in the middle said smirking, Hakoda didn't know what to do, if he kept Kya on the ground and fought two of them might keep him busy while the other goes around and hurts her, What will i do? Spirits help me. He mused frightened as the soldiers came closer, Fortunately the answer came shortly after, as the spirits seemed to hear his prayers.
Outta no where, a group of warriors jumped from the parting ship that Hakoda and Petu were about to enter and started attacking the firebenders, they were four women in green attires and makeup.. as the girls rounded up the firebenders and started attacking them, Hakoda kept staring at the fight in surprise, he was sure he saw those attires before, but where? Oh yes, Kyoshi. Sokka was talking about them none-stop. Hakoda thought, the girls kept jumping into the air doing acrobatic moves, and landing with punches on the unsuspecting firebenders, it would have been a sight to watch had he not been too worried for his wife, finally the girls dropped the last of the firebenders, looking at him in disdain, then they turned around to look at Hakoda and Petu whose vision started to clear and he came to stand behind Hakoda.
"Who are the chicks?" Petu asked looking at them in amusement, but before Hakoda could answer the girl who seemed to be the leader of the group came closer to The Chief, she wasn't wearing any make-up, and Hakoda identified her immediately, she was Sokka's date during the ceremony, she looked at Kya with worried eyes.
"Is she alright?" The girl asked worriedly.
Hakoda nodded, "Yes.. Thank you for helping us.. S-Suki, right?" The chief said struggling to remember her name, as he was busy planning for the firelord's meeting that he never paid attention to Sokka's date.
Suki nodded, "It is, Chief. My name is Suki and those are my fellow Kyoshi Warriors.. is Sokka alright?" Suki said worriedly and Hakoda looked on the ground sadly.
"I don't know, he went with his sister to check on The Avatar in the throne room, I haven't heard from them since." Hakoda said, and Suki looked at the ground sadly as well.
"I'm sorry, i understand both of your conditions, but we seriously need to leave this place before we get caught." Petu interrupted the moment, Hakoda and Suki nodded at the youngman and together with the kyoshi warriors in toe, they got on the ship and they left The Firenation, with each of them having their own vows.
but most importantly all of them vowed to get back at The Firenation for what they did to the world, and so began the friendship of Chief Hakoda, Suki and Petu who kept posing trouble to The Firenation ever since, with the latest trouble being setting Tolan free and capturing the ship he was on.
Katara
It was a strange looking city, a city Kat has never laid eyes on its kind before, It looked like a pyramid, and Katara was just awe-struck by the magnificent sight.
"Close your mouth or you'll catch a fly." Katara heard Master Tenzin's taunting voice as they were still on his bison when the city of Omashu came into view, she's grown used to the old master's presence as they have been travelling together for almost a month.
"I've seen a lot of strange-shaped cities, but this one definitely takes the cake." Katara replied still staring at the city in front of them.
Master Tenzin chuckled and said, "You definitely haven't seen Ba Sing Se yet." The old master said.
Katara nodded, "Yeah, never been there." Katara said bashfully, the idea of her lack of experience compared to all her friends still bothered her.
"Well, anyways, Omashu is a great city and you'll be more amazed to know the story to know the reason behind the city's strange shape." Tenzin told her.
"What?" Katara asked curiously.
"Tell you about it when we land.." The Master said as he started directing the bison towards the ground, they finally made it to the city, as the bison touched down, Katara and Tenzin hopped off it, making their way towards the guards, "This is the Omashu delivery system. Miles and miles of tubes and chutes. Earthbending brings the packages up, and gravity brings them down." The Master said as they arrived at where the city guards were, it looked like a deadend behind the guards as the wall had no gate or door, but eventually Katara brushed it off as they were met by the guards.
"State your business!" The Guard said in an unfriendly, Katara looked apprehensively at the guard but Master Tenzin took charge of the situation.
"We're here to see King Bumi, My Name is Master Tenzin of The Southern AirTemple, i was one of Avatar Aang's airbending masters and a current member of the elder monks council." The Master said and the guard looked unconvinced..
"Is that supposed to mean something?" The Guard said with no interest whatsoever about what Tenzin just said, Katara was getting angry at the guard but Tenzin was still as calm as an monk can be.
"I am a friend of King Bumi." Master Tenzin said.
"King Bumi knows no airbenders. and as you see, old timer, we are in a time of war, so The King's safety is responsibility number one, our job is to be suspicious of foreign bald headed old timers like you." The Guard said with a smirk on his face, and his friend beside him laughed.
That hit the spot, Katara got from behind the master and into the guard's face, she stared up at him as he was taller than her, but that made the look in her eyes no less dangerous, "Listen here, pillock. My name is Katara Daughter of Hakoda, Princess of the southern watertribe, and this man right here is Master Tenzin, one of the most important figures of the southern airtemple, King Bumi is pretty familiar with the both of us, and if he knew that two lazy boyscouts like yourselves prevented us from entering the city, what do you think he would do?" Katara asked with menace in her eyes, and the guard started gulping, clearly Katara just hit a nerve, "You don't have an answer, do you? Well, we are going into this castle one way or another, so for you own sake, let us in by the main gate." Katara concluded, and clearly the guard started sweating.
eventually, the threat was too overwhelming for the guard, and he submitted. "Alright, but we will have to send a couple of guards with you." The guard said.
"Gladly." Katara said, and the guards started opening the door for them, The wall is the door.. Katara realized with hidden amusement as the guards were earthbending the three walls open, behind the walls there were other guards who were helping with the process, and finally Katara and Tenzin made their way inside the city, and Katara got a better look at a the delivery system, it was even more astounding up close.
"Welcome to Omashu, My Lord and Lady. Please, follow us to the palace." one of the inner city guards told them as he came by with his company, Katara and Tenzin nodded and followed them, the inner city was initially a mountain, so all the way to the palace they looked like they were climbing stairs, They had to take a ride as the road to the palace was long.
"Get in, Please." The guard said as they arrived in front of what looked like a car made of rock, so Katara assumed the thing gets moved by Earthbending, Katara and Tenzin got in, and the earthbenders started moving the car towards the palace, it was a long and somewhat fun ride, with her and master Tenzin discussing the situation inside the car, and the earthbenders moving their legs and pushing the car up the mountain with their hands, but they finally made it to the outside of King Bumi's palace, it was one of the biggest palaces she has ever seen, and the decorations were brilliant too, Katara and Tenzin stepped inside the palace and followed the guard to The King's throne room.
The Guard opened the door and greeted the king, "Sorry to disturb your peace, King Bumi. But there are some people that asked to see your highness." Katara saw the guard motion for them to move and she finally got a good look at the king, he looked like at least a hundred years old, very apparent in his facial features but the shape of his body was still a mystery, he looked very big but Katara wasn't sure if it was him or his massive robes.
the king's eyes finally settled on Tenzin, and he looked at the guards sternly, "That's it for you, you can go now." He waved for his guards, and they immediately skedaddled on out of the room, his voice was as stern as his look, when his gaze settled on Tenzin again, it was a friendly gaze this time.
"Well, Well, look who is here, long time no see." The King said with a laugh, and every time he released a laugh it resulted in a snort, his laugh was creepy to say the least, but Katara was thankful that he had the spirit to laugh anyways..
Tenzin laughed with him, it was one of those rare times, "It's good to see you again, King Bumi." Tenzin said, the king stood up, he was one of the tallest men she's ever seen, even though his back was bent, he was still very tall.
The King's eyes settled on Katara and he smiled, "I am not one to judge, Tenzin.. but if you were thinking of bringing me a girl as a gift, at least bring one my age." The King joked, and Katara looked confused, not sure whether the king is joking or not.
"First of all, No one is your age, and secondly cut the joking, Old Man.. we have serious matters to talk about." Tenzin said, but not able to hide the amused smile at Katara's expression.
"There are serious matters in this world? I thought this whole world was a joke. Heh The More you know.." Bumi replied, his voice full of mockery as he turned to look at his throne, "I know what your serious matters are, Tenzin, You want me to join forces with you against The Firenation, correct?" The King asked, and Katara had to admire the man's intelligence, even though he didn't look intelligent at all.
"Well, Not exactly, i want you to join forces with The Avatar against the firenation." Tenzin said, and King Bumi turned about sharply, his look full of confusion and excitement.
"Are you serious?! He's Alive?" Bumi asked.
and Tenzin turned his look to Katara, "Thanks to our beloved Waterbender over here, the avatar has fully recovered and is ready to join the fray once again." Tenzin said, and Katara couldn't help the faint blush that graced her cheeks, she smiled coyly when the king turned his look to her.
"How did you heal such wound? I heard he was struck down by lightening." The King asked incredulously.
"Spirit Water, your highness." Katara spoke for the first time, and the king smiled in return.
"It was a very well placed Spirit Water then. What's your name, girl?" The King asked, and Katara felt stupid for forgetting her courtesies, she should have introduced herself to the king as soon as she entered the throne room.
"My Name is Katara, daughter of Hakoda of the southern watertribe, your highness." Katara said, and The King smiled yet again.
"Ah, the late Chief Hakoda, a good man he was, yes.. very good. Shame his place at the southern watertribe court was taken by a bunch of scumbags." The King said, and Katara tried as hard as she could to keep her emtions in check, she's been hiding her emotions about her parents ever since she left the firenation with Aang, but she felt like she was one mention of her parents away from breaking down completely.
"We're here to ask for your help to restore everything back to its rightful place, The Avatar is alive and well and he is willing to help us win this war, but we need your help." Katara uttered uneasily, which was understandable considering her inner struggle, but the king didn't seem to notice anyways.
"You say The Avatar is alive but he needs my help? When has The Avatar ever needed help to win a war? he has the greatest force in the world inside him." The King questioned, and Katara looked uneasily at Tenzin who shrugged in return, as if telling her it's your choice to tell him the truth or not, Katara felt compelled to tell him the truth, if we are looking to establish a successful alliance, we have to start it by being sincere.
"The Lightening that hit Aang during the ceremonies.. wasn't mild.." Katara started, again feeling uneasy to speak of such drastic event, "I managed to heal his body, but unfortunately we haven't been able to heal his spirit completely, so up until now, Aang is just a normal guy who can bend four elements, your highness." Katara said looking at the ground, fearing the reaction of the king, but when she looked back, Katara was astonished to find the king staring at the ground, a look of faint sadness appearing on his face.
The King looked back at her and said, "You know, i have only met this boy like once or twice, he seemed fun to hang out with.. like if we met back in my day, maybe we would have been best friends.. When i first heard about how Ozai betrayed him, i felt all kinds of sadness and anger and.. guilt" The King said out of nowhere, causing a look of sheer confusion to appear on Kat's face. King Bumi continued, "I felt like i should have been there to help him, to help all of them, instead i stayed right here because my illness prevented me from attending the cursed ceremonies while The Avatar and.. and Iroh got betrayed.." The King looked gutted when he mentioned Iroh.
"Iroh? As in Firelord Ozai's brother, Iroh?" Katara asked and The King nodded, Surprisingly Tenzin remained calm about this and never asked, which confused Kat all the more.
"He was my friend, you see.. we met at an old age but.. he was a great man, i admired him, and so did Pakku, Jeong Jeong and the rest of the order, there are a whole lot of them for an old man like me to remember." The King said with a snorty laugh, If Katara was confused before, now she is in a state of bewilderment.
"Did you just say Pakku?" Katara asked.
"Yes, your step-grandfather.. he didn't tell you we have some kind of secret group of old men?" The King asked, Katara looked back at Master Tenzin to find him looking back at her, he shrugged as if to tell her that he already knew about this, Kat turned to look back at the king and was starting at him like he was a crazy man, but then again maybe he is.
Southern Watertribe
Miki was on top of the world, The former Kitchen girl for the current Chief of the southern watertribe, Lord Voccak, has been Master Pakku's student for over a month now, not only that, but she's been top of the class to the point that Master Pakku told her that she reminds him of her idol, Master Katara, Dreams do come true.
After a couple of lessons with Master Pakku, the girl decided to dedicate her life to Waterbending, she resigned as Voccak's kitchen, a resignation to which Lord Voccak paid no attention to, but Miki didn't care if Lord Voccak noticed her absence or not, she has a new path to walk now, and Lord Voccak was busy during the elections days anyways, that's why he never paid attention to anything and it was far too easy for Miki to resign, she then headed to Master Pakku's school and told him of the news, he received it happily and decided to let her work for him instead, at first she refused his generosity, saying that she can fend for herself, to which Master Pakku replied "Who says anything about fending for you? I've been looking for a kitchen girl to serve in the kitchen of the school, I don't call that me fending for you, it's you fending for yourself." The response convinced Miki and since then she has been working in the kitchen everyday after her lesson.
A lot of recent events occured in the southern watertribe lately following the demise of Firelord Ozai, The elections took place and Voccak finally achieved his dream and became the chief of the southern watertribe, surprisingly nobody seems to be bothered by that, even the traditionalists are no longer rebelling against Voccak, it was strange at first for Miki but then she learned the reason from Master Pakku, his meeting with Voccak on that day she first met him, it wasn't just a meeting between old friends, Voccak made a deal with Master Pakku that Voccak will focus on the coming war with The Firenation on one condition, that he kills the traditionalists' movement against him, to which Master Pakku agreed, and since then the riots ceased to exist, Master Pakku is a real influential man, that was one of the many traits Miki loved about him, he had the charisma to become the chief of the southern watertribe, Miki hated the fact that he was born in the northern tribe and that made him ineligible for the elections, he would have been a great chief, and he would have solved all the problems in the place, including his own wife's problems with Voccak..
Lady Kana has been restless since Voccak's ascension to the top of the southern watertribe, her disdain for the man has been as clear as daylight, maybe her husband persuaded her to settle down for the moment until the disputes with The Firenation are over, but still Lady Kana still had eyes on Voccak, Dark and Hateful eyes.
At the moment, Miki is in the middle of a session sparring with another boy called Kai, with all the other students and Master Pakku watching, they sparred as if they were having a real fight, both of them fighting for Master Pakku's approval, the top of the class, Miki, and the second top, Kai, the boy kept sending water whips her direction, but Miki's style of bending was way too tricky, let the enemy believe you are down, and in their moment of pride, you strike, so Miki was having some fun with just dodging Kai's whips and jets, just jumping from one direction to the other, sending some strikes the boy's direction to cover her plan, to make him believe that she was sending desperate moves because she was about to go down, and not because she was manipulating him..
Finally, Miki decided to slow her pace, and at last she caught Kai smirking pridefully, Finally, that's the signal that my plan is working. Miki thought as she kept pretending to be panting heavily, and sending weak strikes Kai's direction, she noticed Kai's pace slowing down as well, that's when your pride takes you too far, you slow your pace down, as if being merciful on your opponent, and that's when your opponent decides to strike..
Miki straightened up in a sudden move, taking all the people in attendance by surprise, except for Master Pakku who knew her style prior to the fight, but she was most concerned about surprising Kai, and she did just so, Miki started launching real waterbending attacks on the un-anticipating boy, sending heavy water streams and ice spears his way, finally she decided to end this fight, she bent a huge stream of water, then she turned all the water to Ice spikes with Kai looking up at it, and with a shriek, she launched the ice spikes towards Kai who put his hands in front of his face trying to shield it, but then Miki stopped the spikes in the air keeping them standing..
"Yield." Miki said as she was putting the ice spikes on hold two inches from Kai's body, Kai looked at her looking so frightened that Miki almost felt bad for him, Almost..
"I yield." Kai said with the look of defeat on his face, Miki smiled and turned the spikes to water, and she dumped the water on Kai, the whole class laughed and clapped for Miki, and Kai looked as if he didn't even notice the water being dumped on him, the boy looked so defeated that he just stepped back and left the place, Miki looked at him, she wanted to yell his name but she was interrupted by Master Pakku..
"That was uncalled for, he already yielded." Master Pakku said with a scowl on his face as soon as he approached her.
"I know, i am sorry, he just got on my nerves during the fight, and i didn't know he would be that upset about his defeat." Miki said with an apologetic look on her face, her relationship with Master Pakku developed from a student-teacher to friends after two lessons with him, aside from being his student, she made him tea after the lessons, she spent time talking to him, learning the true ways of waterbending, and hence they became friends, but that doesn't excuse if she did something as disrespectful as what she just did.
Master Pakku considered her apology for a second but then he shrugged it off, "Well, i am sure he had it coming, i might talk to him tomorrow, but as of now.." The Master paused to look at all the students, "This lesson is over, you can leave now but don't forget to practice at home, maybe one of you will be able to match Miki's abilities one day." Master Pakku finished as the students left the place, some of them leaving with a look of disdain on their face, Miki didn't mean to make all those people hate her, in fact it hurt her that some people looked at her that way, but she had to prove to Master Pakku that she is worthy of training, and so it was inevitable to be hated by other people who want the same spot, but it didn't help her hurt feelings one bit, she still wanted to make it up to those students somehow..
"Are you going to keep staring holes at the entrance way for the rest of the day?" Master Pakku called, and Miki realized that she dozed off thinking about her classmates.
She turned her attention to Master Pakku, "Sorry, i was just thinking.." Miki said turning her look to the ground, but she needn't explain any further, Master Pakku already knew, he knows everything.
"About your classmates hating you? it's only natural, Miki.. this is what happens when you are the top of the class in a competitive subject, i was hated by all of my class not just a small group of people." Master Pakku said and Miki didn't even doubt it one day, Master Pakku could be a prick from time to time.
"But, Master.. I want to make it up to them somehow, it hurts me to think that there are people who hate me." Miki said ever so sadly.
"You are too sweet, Miki.. but if you think about everyone who hates you that way, you will never be able to defend yourself.. when you are in a fight you have to keep an open mind before keeping an open heart, and i saw how you handled Kai in the fight today, that was an amazing technique, you make me think of learning it one day." Pakku said praising the girl, who blushed in return.
"Thanks, i guess it's just my natural instinct." Miki said nervously.
"Good, Now i know you can handle yourself in battles." Master Pakku said with a pensive look on his face.
"Battles? what battles?" Miki said as she noticed the master didn't just say that out of the blue, he was hinting at something.
Master Pakku considered for a moment before saying, "Your battle with me if you don't heat some tea for me, Girl." Master Pakku said jokingly, but it doesn't take a genius to notice that he was avoiding the subject, Miki complied and went to make him some tea anyways, she made a cup for herself as well, hoping to let Master Pakku spill the beans during their conversation over tea.
She came back with two cups of tea, giving one to Master Pakku who mumbled his thanks and started sipping at his tea, Miki took a couple of sips as well before finally trying to address the subject.
"So, are you going to tell me about those Battles you mentioned earlier or..?" Miki asked, and Master Pakku somehow knew the subject was coming anyways, again he considered for a moment before deciding to address his fears with her.
"I've heard rumors that are yet to be confirmed, that there is an upcoming war with the spirits." Master Pakku said, and Miki almost choked on her tea, if that was possible..
"A war with what?!" Miki said, still coughing from the tea.
"A war with spirits, a couple of months ago, there were reports from the northern watertribes that people were being attacked by spirits, a while back before the ceremonies Avatar Aang said that he fears there is an upcoming war with the spirits and he was doing his best to avoid it, but the avatar is dead, so who is avoiding the war now? it only makes sense that there is an upcoming war.. I warned Voccak about it but he just brushed me off, he told me there is no such thing as fighting spirits and that we need to focus on what matters, But i know there is a war with the spirits coming sooner rather than later, Miki, i am sure of it." Master Pakku said, and Miki was going in circles right now, Master Pakku's words shook her to the core, she did hear the rumors of the late Avatar Aang's struggle with spirits, but she never believed they were true, mostly because of Voccak's neglecting of the subject.
"But you said the rumors are yet to be confirmed, so how do you know?" Miki asked, and Master Pakku looked to be thinking, as if he was considering telling her or not.
"Look, i am going to tell you, but you have to keep this a secret from everyone, this can't be discussed with anyone, not even Voccak, Ok?" Master Pakku said, and Miki nodded with genuine eyes, The Master then relaxed and started talking, "We have a secret order, called the order of the white lotus, it consisted of old masters from all around the world, at first our order was about philosophy and beauty and truth, but when we learned of the late Firelord Azulon's attempts to break the peace, we decided to interfere, but instead of engaging in an all out war, we decided to talk to the air nomads, to make haste with teaching Avatar Aang the elements even though the boy was only twelve at the time, it was the only way to avoid an all out war, and it worked, and we decided it was time to get back to the order's original ways of life.. until the cursed ceremonies and Grand Lotus Iroh's capture and later demise." Master Pakku said with a look of mourning for his former companion.
Miki was reeling at the moment, her head was spinning trying as hard as she could to get all these new pieces of information at once, this was a lot to take in one go, she realized. "White Lotus? Grand Lotus Iroh? Secret Order? What?" Miki asked and the look on her face somehow amused Master Pakku as he smiled afterwards, making Miki feel slightly embarrassed.
But Master Pakku clarified none the less, "You know Master Iroh, The late Firelord Ozai's late brother?" Pakku asked, and Miki nodded, of course she heard of the man, he was very popular all around the world, Master Pakku continued, "He was a grand lotus in our order, a Grand Lotus is the highest ranking an offical of the order can receive, only five people in the order have that ranking, myself included, but Iroh was the highest of us, he was our leader, but most importantly.. he was my friend.." Master Pakku said with teary eyes, Miki couldn't believe the emotions the old master was displaying, she has never seen him in such state before,
Iroh must have meant a great deal to him, Miki thought. Pakku continued, "The last words Iroh said to me were 'We fight not because we hate what's in front of us, but because we love what what is behind it'.. I will make sure Everyone gets the happy ending they deserve by fighting this crisis, because that's what Iroh would have wanted me to do." Master Pakku finished, and Miki couldn't help the tears that gathered in her own eyes, it was a very emotional speech that got to her very soul, it was very overwhelming seeing the old master that way, but what he said was very encouraging, and if fighting is the only way around this situation, then that's the road we're going to take, so we can see the things we love behind what's in front of us.
Suddenly a thought occured to Miki, she trusted Master Pakku completely, so why not fight beside him, "Master, I want to join your order." Miki said with determination in her eyes.
Master Pakku looked at her in surprise, "What?" The Master asked, Miki didn't believe, she actually said something the master didn't foresee and was surprised to hear, maybe that just shows how crazy her idea actually is.
Nonetheless Miki kept on her determined face, "I want to join your order, Master, you are right, this war isn't about us, it's about giving the people a happy ending, It's about saving the innocent lives that don't deserve such cruelty, it's our duty to protect them, and if i am to be of any help to this world during the war, i would prefer to do that by your side." Miki said with a smile, and Master Pakku couldn't help but to smile back at her genuine words,
The Master put a hand on her shoulder and looked the girl in the eyes with happiness in his eyes, "Your safety is top priority to me, we might have only spent over a month together, but now i see you as the second daughter i never had, this is why your safety is top priority for me, and this is why it's hard for me to say Yes." Master Pakku said, and of course Miki knew who is the first daughter he never had, it's Master Katara, he often told her that she reminds him of Katara, not just her looks but her behavior as well, and Miki couldn't get enough of Master Pakku comparing the two of them, it feels nice being compared to your hero.
Miki regarded the master with another smile, "And you are the father i never had, you know i never had a real father until i met you, and as i said, if i am to be of any help to the world during the war, i would rather do it beside you. you gave me a second chance at life by accepting to teach me waterbending.. please, allow me to return the favor." Miki pleaded remembering her own past before she met Master Pakku, she closed her eyes and a tear trickled down her cheeks, remembrance is a lot harder than she thought, moments later she felt the master's hand wiping away her tear and Miki opened her eyes instantly to find him smiling,
"Your convincing technique is truly remarkable, Miki.. I accept you into our order." Master Pakku said, and Miki laughed, she was on top of the world, she smiled as wide as the sea, her eyes an ocean of emotions, in a leap of faith, she hugged the master tightly in a never done before action, The Master himself was stiff and surprised at the action, but then he hugged back, awkwardly but better than nothing.. Miki thought, supposing the master has never hugged anyone in his life beside his wife.
Miki couldn't believe how the tables have turned, two years ago she was homeless and lived in a Orphanage, then she worked for Lord Voccak who provided her with a home but nonetheless her job was just being a kitchen girl when she knew her true potential was being a waterbending and being of great value to the world, now she achieved that dream as well, she became a member of an order that protects the world, Fate finally started to smile upon her, and its smile couldn't be any brighter.
Well, there it is.. if anyone is confused who Miki is, she first appeared in chapter 16 POV "The Southern Watertribe".. She's going to be a part of our story as well, so you better treat her as a real character, not just a random OC.. Just a suggestion.
See ya Later, Folks.
