3 years ago, Northern Water Tribe
Mai's hands were so cold, they felt hot. For a moment, she wondered if this is what it was like to firebend. She stared at the white land surrounded by the icy blue ocean. The wind numbed every part of her body. Her white parka prevented her body from freezing... just.
Next to her was an overly excited girl her age, also clad in white parka. Her name was Suki. Her big eyes stared at the winter wonderland unfolding before them. Mai's eyes drifted to the older woman at the front of the boat, Master Kenata. Her white hair matched her parka. As a leader of the Order of the White Dragon, navigating the secret society through war times, Mai guessed it made sense to prematurely grow white hair. Master Kenata couldn't have been more than a day over forty-five.
Another lady, the master's assistant, hugged the only sack that contained the few articles of clothing four of them were allowed to bring.
Eventually, the boat came to a halt. Still in the middle of the sea, Suki's confused face looked at Mai's. Mai nearly smiled. She saw her best friend, Ty Lee, in this Suki girl. Maybe being a duo with her wouldn't be so bad after all.
The two girls met just a week ago, when Master Kenata inspected the Royal Fire Academy for Girls. She was seeking for one who had a determined inner flame yet do not bear the power to produce fire. Master Kenata saw preadolescent girl, tall for her age, she possessed the sharpest eyes the Master has ever seen. And yet, they softened in the presence of the young prince.
Master Kenata's lips slowly moulded into a smile, as she recalled her own adolescent years, when she lived within the Fire Nation Court. And her eyes would bright up at the sight of young Prince Iroh. The Master shook her head as she tried to shoo away the thoughts that occupied her mind.
She followed Mai for days. She watched her leave her friends to train with the Prince. She watched her hold those stiletto knives with intense precision. So much potential. She could definitely be groomed into a well refined warrior.
The day Master Kenata approached her for the first time, Mai was waiting for Prince Zuko behind one of the hundreds of pillars at the Fire Nation Palace. For what seemed like hours of waiting, the little girl didn't mind. She'd usually be bored. But she was waiting for Prince Zuko to train with her, she couldn't help but imagine all sorts of scenarios. She was entertained by those fake moments she made up in her head. It wasn't until the mosquitos started biting at dusk, when she realised, he wasn't coming. But she still didn't move an inch.
"You seem to be in deep thought." An unfamiliar warm voice spoke up in the dark.
Mai stopped leaning against the pillar and reflexively went into a well-balanced stance. She stayed quiet as she observed the owner of the unfamiliar voice to reveal herself from the shadows. Mai analysed the woman's clothing, and they seemed to be very expensive robes, only bought in central Caldera City. She must be from Court.
Mai immediately softened her posture and bowed, "I'm sorry. I should not be in the gardens this late at night. My parents must be looking for me. I'll see myself out. It won't happen again."
Before Mai could move from her position, the older lady spoke with melodious voice. "He's probably still with his tutors."
"Huh?" It took Mai a while to get what she meant, "Oh, uh. I- I don't know what you're talking about."
The older woman chuckled at the flustered Mai, "It's okay!" The woman's eyes gleamed, "I used to be just like you. Waiting in the dark for a secret rendezvous. The tutors are a pain with time management though. Never let them out early."
Mai scrunched her eyebrows together. Master Kenata sensed her confusion and elaborated, "I was General Iroh's Mai."
Mai blinked. Then her face went red. "W-what are you implying?" She choked out.
The Master threw her head back in amusement, "What I'm trying to say is. I'd protect him with all I can... even now." Kenata smiled kindly at Mai as she witnessed the girl relax.
Mai stayed quiet. She was still confused as to who this random lady is. She should be home by now, it is way past her curfew. This conversation was weird from the start. But... she didn't have a reason to disagree with the lady. That's when Mai realised that she would lay down own her life for the Prince, in a heartbeat.
"Come walk with me. We have to keep moving otherwise the mosquitos will feast on us." The two girls spoke for what seemed like hours under the moonlight. When she arrived home, Mai did get an earful from her mother about punctuality and the dangers of people questioning a young girl's virtue if she were to stay out late at night.
But that didn't matter. Master Kenata just revealed to Mai what seemed like her life purpose. Being the prince's protector. Training to be a warrior. Becoming part of a secret organisation. Her. Her grey life just got a little more colourful.
Within three days, Master Kenata was able to forge a faux excursion trip to Ember Island for a week. Only the 'most elite' girls were invited and of course, Mai's mother found this as another reason to brag to the other wives. She immediately agreed. As for her father, he was barely home, working double shifts to get into the good graces of Firelord Ozai, no doubt.
Master Kenata kept their destination a secret, which made it so much more exciting for Mai. It was her first time leaving her home country. Master Kenata also failed to mention another girl her age who was also a trainee like her. Suki.
Mai tried to smile at the new girl. She really did. But Mai never smiled, making her a bit rusty on that subject. Her 'smile' must have turned into a grimace, considering this Suki girl didn't even try to approach her, even though she seemed like the outgoing type.
Two days of sea travel was enough to make Mai wish she didn't agree to this. To be fair, Master Kenata did emphasise that this is not a pleasure trip. It is exactly the opposite of that considering they've only been eating fruits and nuts for days now. And they been taking their waste on the ocean, as well.
It was only when it started getting colder Mai realised there was a big chance they were heading to the Northern Water Tribe. Master Kenata's assistant, Do, opened her mysterious sack to reveal white parkas. Mai has never worn a parka before. They smelled like the animal they were harvested from. At that point, Mai wanted to vomit. And she didn't know if it was from starvation, sea sickness, the smell of a dead animal pelt or the fact that they had to relieve themselves in the ocean.
Master Kenata told them stories. The origins of the Order of the White Dragon. Its laws, its system of ranks, its purpose. The more Mai heard, the more she felt she was destined to be a part of this secret society. She craved to be a part of it and a little sea sickness isn't going to keep her from joining.
Mai wondered of Zuko every time she looked at the sun in the distance. She wrote Azula and Ty Lee, and Zuko a scroll, and asked one of her servants to deliver it to them. Knowing how nosy and sometimes unreliable the servants are, Mai wasn't sure if her friends received her letter.
When the small group had reached their destination. The two trainees were confused as to why the boat stopped in the middle if the ocean. It was still very far away from the nearest iceberg seen in the distance.
Mai's ears perked at the sound of crackling. She whipped her head to look at the surrounding water. The water around the boat started freezing. Both Mai and Suki became aware of this and instinctively stood up from their positions. Luckily, the boat barely rocked, since it was already mostly frozen. Master Kenata's face was smiling at the far distance, a hint of nostalgia and familiarity was evident in her eyes. Do was still fiddling with something from inside their sack, it seems like she has done this a few times too.
Master Kenata put up a hand and looked at the two young girls over her shoulder, signalling them to calm down and have a seat.
"Oh, yeah," Do pressed her glasses closer to her face, "You might want to sit down for this."
Doe eyed, the two young girls looked at each other and obeyed. Within seconds, their boat sped up a triple the speed they were going and jetted north. The icy water sprayed in their faces, numbing it. But Mai could not care less. Mai and Suki hanged onto the boat and each other for dear life.
After what seemed like forever, the boat stopped once again. The two young girls opened their eyes to big slabs of ice walls. Mai's jaw dropped to the floor as the walls broke away from each other to reveal the Kingdom of the Northern Water Tribe.
It was majestic. Mai couldn't peel her eyes from the view. It was the complete opposite of the Fire Nation aesthetic she was used to. But was perfect in its own way.
Before she knew it, their boat was pulled to the side docks of the city. It seems that they entered from the 'backdoor' of the city. It was peculiar but seeing as Mai does not even know the true purpose of this trip, she decided to keep quiet.
An old thin man, with a strong posture and thinning white hair approached the boat with a frown. Judging by the creases between his eyebrows, this seems to be his favourite facial expression.
After Do had finished tying the boat to the dock, Master Kenata swiftly exited the boat and came face to face with the old man, same exact serious expression on her face. Mai watched them closely. Did they know we were coming? Do they know we are from different nations? Do they know I'm Fire Nation?
But instead of doing what Mai thought, both of their faces pulled into a happy knowing smile and bowed to each other.
"Kenata." The older man acknowledged, "It has certainly been a while."
"Indeed." The Master closed her eyes as she nodded her head.
"Welcome to the Northern Water Tribe."
The group was led inside the tall igloo structures. As the two young girls stared in awe, Master Kenata discussed relevant matters to the older man, Master Pakku. Eventually they reached their destination, a medium sized igloo located at the edge of the city. Master Pakku expressed his farewell and left the group to freshen up. Inside the igloo were stairs leading down to an even bigger room.
"Girls, this is where we will be staying. This is the Order's Headquarters in the Northern Water Tribe."
Suki opened her mouth in excitement and shook Mai's arm. Quickly realising what she had done, she blushed, mumbled a sorry and dropped her grip. Mai just tried a smile to reassure her that it is okay. She was excited too. This was a totally legit organisation and out of all people, she was chosen as a new recruit!
"There are sleeping quarters in the lower floors, pick which ever one you'd like. However, since this headquarters is the least visited by our members, it might need a little cleaning up." The girls nodded.
"Tomorrow we head straight into training. I have witnessed both your skills and you do have potential, I have chosen you, after all." She looked at both girls. "But you will go through intensive training to further sharpen your skills. We are within war times, ladies. It is pertinent we can defend ourselves, our team, and most importantly, the throne we vowed to protect."
Mai heard victorious music flowing in her ears, determination filled her eyes. This was epic!
"Master Pakku will meet us tomorrow in his private courtyard to train. He is part of our brother society, The Order of the White Lotus. They are also a secret society like us, they have their own traditions, but we have always stayed on the same side. We fight for the good."
Mai's narrow eyes widened and spoke mentally, 'There's another secret society?!'
"Do will be introducing you to the basics as I will be searching for potential candidates tomorrow. Freshen up, explore the place and we expect you to be up and ready before sunrise."
And with that, the two girls ran down the narrow staircase. The top floor was practically just a reception area that lead to stairs going down. The second level down were rows of tables, a kitchen and a sitting area. The level below that were the sleeping quarters. The sleeping quarters were surprisingly roomy and had two beds on each room.
"Wow," Mai whispered to herself, as she and Suki stared at the long hallway of rooms.
"We could fit at least fifty people in here! I've never given it much thought but... that would mean there's more of us, right?" Suki opened the first door in the hallway, revealing two beds, a vanity mirror and a desk.
"I guess so," Mai replied back, she looked at the girl next to her and then looked at her feet. "Um, Suki?" This was nerve-racking, she has never tried to make friends by herself before. She was chosen to be the Princess' companion due to her position as a noble lady. She never had to put that much effort into finding friends of her own.
"Yeah?" The big-eyed girl looked at her.
"Since there are two beds in each room. Do you want to share with me?" There. Mai said it. This was so unlike her. But she knew she had to try if they were to be colleagues.
"Yeah!" Suki nodded her head fast with a big grin. "I call dibs on this one!" She ran to the bed furthest from the door.
Mai chuckled in relief, it almost shocked her. "I guess I'll have this one." She said quietly, sitting down on the surprisingly soft bed.
The next day, Mai and Suki watched and repeated the steps Do was demonstrating to them. Despite her shy outward appearance, Do's fighting style was flashy and was definitely impressive. Mai was not used to moving her body excessively, because of this, she was already feeling her muscles retract after spending two hours practising the routine. Suki, however, was a natural.
"Great formation, Mai! There! You're getting it!" Do praised her.
Mai dropped her form, "Is it meant to hurt this much though?" Mai grabbed her shoulder and pulled, intending to relax her muscle.
"At first." Suki replied as she kept her form perfectly. "You have to keep doing it to get really flexible."
"Yup, that's right." Do agreed. "Practice makes perfect. If your muscles are straining, take a break and drinks lots of water. That will help with the pain."
Mai huffed silently, "I'll do that."
Do and Suki resumed the training while Mai walked behind the water fountain of Master Paku's courtyard to access the water flasks they brought with them. As she was about to pick one up, she saw a silhouette in her peripheral vision. She quickly looked at the intruder. She found nothing but a large potted plant. Mai tilted her head. And a white-haired girl tilted her head at the same time to look at her. She was hiding behind the potted plant.
Mai looked at Suki and Do behind the water fountain, seeing if they noticed this girl as well. Mai looked back at the girl to find her pointer finger pressed against her lips. Mai raised a brow. Who was this girl hiding from?
Mai opened her mouth to speak, but before she could, Master Kenata stepped inside the courtyard space, making the girl retreat back behind the potted plant.
"Master." Mai acknowledged her with a bow.
Master Kenata placed the satchel she was holding on the nearby bench, "Mai," she smiled, "How's training?"
"Uh, good." Mai's eyes darted to the potted plant. Master Kenata's face was confused for a second. Then Mai tensed her eyebrows and looked at the pot again. Master Kenata stepped back a couple of steps, and this revealed the white-haired girl behind the potted plant.
"Princess Yue!" Master Kenata exclaimed, surprised.
Mai's lips parted in shock, Princess Yue?!
Do and Suki must have heard the noise and they approached next to Mai.
The Princess timidly revealed herself from behind the pot, "Hey," She said weakly, with a shy wave.
"Princess, what brings you to Master Pakku's training ground? And-" Master Kenata looked around the secluded courtyard, "-how were you able to get passed the guards?" Master Paku's estate was surrounded by his own guards and servants. His estate did host two secret societies.
"I-I sneak away from my own guards sometimes. I've done it so many times, I guess I've gotten quite good at it," She smiled sheepishly. Her cheeks were rouge from being interrogated in front of the others.
"Is that so?" Master Kenata looked at her with a calculating stare. The Princess shuffled her feet at this. "Come walk with me."
Master Kenata led the Princess in a separate area in the estate, the Princes complied with a quick glance at Mai and the others. When they disappeared in the corner, Mai's eyes met Suki's and they both shared a shrug.
Little did they know, their duo would become a trio.
A/N: Hey guys! Sooo, I thought it was important to give background information about the Order of the White Dragon. And I really want to show the bond between Mai, Suki and Yue. In the TV Show, these girls didn't interact at all. I think they would have been great teammates if given the chance.
Also, Zuko hasn't shown up for like two chapters now. I'm missing him, hahaha!
I'm back at school, guys. This means I won't be able to update as often. But I hope you still stick with this story because I definitely am. I still plan on updating at least once a month. I'm so sorry for this :(
Don't forget to favourite, follow and review! It would mean a lot to me!