Trial by Fire
Chapter 13: New Horizons
The boat chugged along at a good speed out of the nearly empty harbor and into more open waters. Mai and Zuko along with Ty Lee watched as the Fire Nation's main island, their home for all of their brief lives, faded from view.
"Wonder if we'll ever go back," the prince mused. He was prone to fits of brooding. Well perhaps brooding was too negative sounding a term. Zuko was introspective and emotional, often wondering aloud about whatever situation he found himself in. "I wonder how much it will change while we're gone." He sighed then and leaned heavily on the railing, resting his chin on his hands.
"I'm sure it will still be here at least," Mai stated dryly as she exchanged a look with Ty Lee.
"You can be so gloomy, Zuko, even gloomier than Mai sometimes." The acrobat spun on her heel then performed a perfect cart wheel across the narrow deck. When she was right side up again, she caught the narrow eyed gaze that Mai was shooting her. "Sorry, Mai, but you can be gloomy sometimes." She put a hand on Zuko's arm and grinned. "You're going on an adventure. Be happy!"
"I think you're happy enough for all three of us," Zuko retorted, but a small smile tugged determinedly at his mouth. Ty Lee had that effect on people.
"Do you think Master Piandao is handsome?" Ty Lee asked her two friends. "I'll bet he is, all swashbuckling and charming, with his sword and his…"
From behind them, Iroh chuckled while Katashi shook his head.
"I can assure you, Ty Lee, that Piandao is a good looking man and charming as well. I'm certain that all three of you will like him very, very much." The former general chuckled again, muttering something about young girls.
The acrobat practically swooned. "His story is so cool," she reminded her friends.
"Remember young lady, that Piandao is a deserter. That's not something that should be romanticized." Katashi crossed his thick arms and peered sternly at Ty Lee. And Katashi peering sternly was very intimidating. His face was not a soft, compassionate one. His face terrified even the most hardened criminals. Ty Lee's lip began to quiver.
"Uncle," Mai scolded. "Please don't. And are you going to question Piandao like one of your prisoners?" He could be embarrassing sometimes, especially when he got a little bit over zealous.
Katashi cleared his throat. "It won't be an interrogation, exactly. It will be two men discussing, um, things. I promise you, Mai, that I won't alienate this Piandao character. I might make him a bit uncomfortable though." He grinned and rubbed his hands together in anticipation.
"Great," Mai sighed.
"Don't worry; it takes a lot to upset Piandao. And he'll be happy to answer your uncle's questions. Now, I'm going to see about rustling up some tea." Iroh headed towards the small galley. "I have a few supplies in my trunk. Would anyone else like a cup?"
"Sure," all three of the kids answered before turning back to the seascape.
The breeze was refreshing and cool, a nice change from the pretty well perpetual heat of a Fire Nation spring and summer. The thick black fringe of hair on Mai's forehead danced in the wind and the rest of it, hanging loose down her back, soon joined it. It felt so good to have her hair down. She would only tie it back or put it up when training or if it irritated her; no more stupid hairstyles that she hated. It was a small rebellion, but an important one for Mai.
The boat did not stray far from the coastlines of the many islands of the archipelago and there was always something interesting to look at. The children could spot villages and fishing boats, bigger towns built along the water, small plantations that grew many tropical fruits and young children playing on beaches, shrieking with delight.
"Like the view?" Katashi asked his niece as he joined the group at the railing. "You've never been anywhere outside of Capitol City besides Ember Island, have you?"
"Yeah, it's pretty and no." Mai sidled over a bit closer to Katashi; she craved the feeling of his warm, solid bulk against her much frailer frame. It was difficult for her to express in words, but her uncle's support meant so very, very much to her. When she thought about it, and what eleven year old, much closer to twelve now, thought about their blessings often, she was fortunate to have so many good people in her life. She knew that both Zuko and Ty Lee were friends in the truest sense of the word, Zuko even more, and that Iroh had her back completely. And her uncle, well, he'd always been there for her, for as long as her memory went back. She loved him with a ferocity she found overwhelming at times.
Placing a kiss on her dark head, he pulled her even closer. "You'll be fine; and I'll visit and write. I like the idea of being closer to you." Usually a man of few words, much like his niece, and those words often harsh, rough ones, all this expressing of emotions and talking had tired him out more than a week's worth of the hardest training sessions would. He let his eyes slide shut for a moment and felt sleep encroaching.
Mai noticed the change in his breathing and gave him a nudge. "Tired?" she asked. "Go have a nap or something." No one would expect the powerful, domineering Warden of the Boiling Rock to nap. No one would expect him of having so much love in his heart either, or compassion. But it was there, beneath the hard, seasoned exterior. One simply had to inspire it. And Mai definitely had.
"Uh," he grunted, his eyes popping open again. "Maybe a little lie down wouldn't hurt." He unwrapped his arm from around her and headed over to a wooden bench, stretching his length our as best he could. He was out within seconds.
"And I was just going to offer him some tea," Iroh muttered when he appeared again. "Oh, well, there will be plenty of time for that when we get to Piandao's." Setting the tray and tea service down, he called the three youngsters over. "Tell me if this isn't the best tea you've ever tasted."
Mai rolled her eyes while Ty Lee giggled and bounced across the deck and Zuko smiled faintly at his uncle. Everything was as it should be.
After the boat trip and a carriage ride halfway across the small outer island, Piandao's estate came into view. It sat, a majestic looking bit of white and red, amongst a sea of green covered mountains. The house itself, large and seemingly composed of several much smaller buildings, was at least four stories high and sat upon a huge rocky outcrop, the end of the road, so to speak. Several miles from the nearest settlement, the estate was isolated and private, surrounded by beauty, and absolutely perfect.
"Wow," Ty Lee exclaimed, her eyes almost bugging out. "It's awesome."
The carriage slowed down as it approached the solid stone wall that surrounded the entire estate. At the wall's centre was a massive red and gold door, three times taller than even Katashi. Door knockers carved to look like fierce dragons graced each of the door's panels.
"I kind of agree with her," Zuko whispered to Mai. "Wow."
"Yeah, it's…" Mai muttered, unsure which adjective to use.
"Spectacular," Iroh supplied. "I told you. Now, everyone out; take your bags and go knock on the door.
He didn't have to tell Ty Lee twice. She leapt from the carriage, large, overstuffed trunk in tow, and ran to the door. Without waiting for the others, Ty Lee dropped her luggage, grabbed hold of one of the knockers and banged against the door with all her might.
"Enthusiastic little thing, isn't she?" Katashi observed drolly as he rolled his eyes.
"I find it charming," Iroh stated. "How can there be anything wrong with enthusiasm for life?" He smiled as Ty Lee wailed on the knocker once more. She was bouncing on her toes now, her entire body pulsing with energy.
"Wow, Ty Lee," Mai droned, "excited much?" Smirking, she joined her friend at the door and waited patiently.
It was merely a vacation for Ty Lee, while for Mai and Zuko it was the beginning of their new lives. If the acrobat didn't like it at Piandao's, she could go home. If Mai and Zuko didn't like it, they would have to endure. But Mai had a good feeling about the man and the place both. Besides, Zuko would be with her and that was worth almost anything.
The carriage turned around and left the group of five standing by the door, bags in hand. Zuko stood between Mai and Iroh and when the door opened, he reached for her hand, a quiet show of love and support. The man who opened the door had a belly that rivaled Iroh's. Dressed in a simple maroon tunic, the edges gold trimmed, he had receding gray hair and huge sideburns. His expression could best be described as neutral.
"Hello, Piandao is expecting you. My name is Fat." He opened the door wider, letting the group walk by and then closing the door behind them. Iroh he addressed separately. "Good afternoon, General Iroh. I trust your journey was a comfortable one?"
"Good afternoon to you, Fat. And yes, my journey was quite comfortable. How is Master Piandao?"
Iroh stepped forward and walked with the butler, the pair engaging in small talk.
A huge courtyard, all light coloured stone that was almost blinding in the intense sunshine, greeted them first. There was nothing besides the occasional shrub to break the brightness. The children followed along behind Iroh and Fat while Katashi brought up the rear.
"Being a deserter pays well," the warden grumbled, taking in the obvious wealth. Still he was pleased that Mai would have such a safe and secure home, with plenty of space, a home that maintained the standards she was accustomed to.
They walked through another gate, up a set of stairs and finally stood before the main entrance to the house itself.
"Master Piandao is in his meditation room. Each day he spends an hour there at least, if he can, taking in the view or practicing his calligraphy or actually meditating. You," he turned to Mai and Zuko then, "will most likely be doing the same shortly."
"Ah," Iroh exclaimed. "Meditation is a wonderful practice. It can help you in so many ways."
"That's what the master says," Fat agreed. "Now, I'll leave you in the main sitting room," Fat pulled open the door, "while I let the master know that you're here."
The butler led them to said sitting room, with the promise of tea and a snack to come shortly, and a suggestion to leave their trunks by the window. He shuffled off to find his employer, leaving the five to take in their surroundings.
"So, Katashi," Iroh began softly, "what do you think so far? It's a lovely place, isn't it?" The former general leaned back into the comfortable sofa and sighed grandly. "I could spend a lot of time here, a lot of time."
The warden grunted, a sound Iroh was not sure represented agreement or disagreement. "How does giving lessons in sword fighting pay so well? I'm the warden of the Boiling Rock, far more responsibility, and I couldn't live like this…ever."
"He makes his own custom swords as well, beautiful things, works of art really. They fetch a hefty price. And his lessons aren't cheap either, for those who can afford the cost. But, he will take on a promising student, even if he cannot pay. He's a good man, Katashi, and he's worked hard." Iroh sat forward again and fiddled with the pieces on a pai sho board that sat in the centre of the table.
"Bah, whatever; I still want to talk with him." The warden shrugged his considerable shoulders and then caught Mai's eye; it told him to not ruin this opportunity for her. And he wouldn't. Katashi planned on showing restraint.
"Ask me anything you like, Warden," the man in question offered as he glided gracefully into the room, his voice the paradigm of reasonableness. "You're leaving your precious niece with me. I understand your worry. Fat will be along with tea in a few minutes." He was a tall man, dressed in a tunic identical to Fat's, handsome, with dark skin and dark hair, trim beard and moustache and a neat top knot. His narrow silver eyes were kind but studied everyone in the room carefully, especially Mai. "Hello, Iroh, it's good to see you again." He gave the older man a slight nod before greeting Prince Zuko. The boy nodded respectfully, thrilled to finally meet the man behind the legend. "Ty Lee, I take it," the master stated to the acrobat. "The pink gives you away." She blushed and giggled and bumped against her girlfriend. Piandao stopped before Mai last and examined her face unflinchingly. She didn't mind. It was better than people turning away. "Mai," he said, bowing deeply, "I'm honoured to meet such a brave young lady and I look forward to teaching both you and the young prince."
"Oh, thank you," she replied. Her tongue seemed unusually heavy in her mouth and the words had a difficult time making their way passed her lips. She bowed her head, partly out of respect and partly to hide her reddened cheeks.
"Warden; the floor is yours." The sword master took a seat facing Katashi and waited.
"I appreciate your willingness to answer my questions." Katashi seemed almost nervous now with all eyes upon him. He swallowed hard a few times. "I'm curious about all the white lotus symbols all over your home."
Piandao wasn't expecting that question. "Ah, you noticed," he chuckled. "That symbol is very important to me and to Iroh too."
"Oh?" Katashi wondered.
The children were interested now as well and leaned forward, eyes wide and hands folded neatly, waiting for the explanation.
"Hmm," Piandao thought, stroking his chin. "How best to explain this?" He shared a look with the former general. "Both Iroh and I belong to an ancient secret society called The Order of the White Lotus. National boundaries do not matter to the Order. We seek beauty and truth and philosophy. War is anathema to us. I became a member after my 'desertion' as you like to call it. I prefer to call it 'coming to my senses'."
Katashi's next words were spoken harshly. "This order, does it supersede duty to your own country? What about the Fire Nation and its future? Do you think about that? What kind of country will be here when Mai is an adult, when her children are grown?"
Fat chose to make his appearance then, putting the tea service on the table and pouring everyone a cup. "There are some lovely pastries here as well," he offered, "and some fruit."
"Thank you, Fat. You may go now. Why don't you check the guest bedrooms again? I want everything perfect." Piandao smiled tightly at the butler and waited until he was long gone before answering the warden's questions. "Katashi, I care very much about the Fire Nation and its future and so does Iroh. We want our country to prosper but not at the expense of other nations. We want peace for the future generations, not war. We want to travel the world without fear of reprisal. How can that be wrong?"
Katashi had no real answer for that. He hummed and he hawed and he took a gulp of tea. "I can't argue with your vision for the future. But I still believe that desertion is wrong and ignoble. Couldn't you have found a better way?"
"No, I really couldn't have, Katashi. I'm sorry that you believe my leaving the army was the wrong choice. We'll have to agree to disagree." Piandao paused and then looked at Mai's uncle with the greatest sincerity he could muster. "I promise you that Mai will be well cared for by both Iroh and me. She will learn to think for herself. Neither Iroh nor I will push our beliefs on her."
"Please, Uncle…." Mai whispered softly.
He could see that his niece already liked it here at Piandao's. Why would he spoil that for her? "It's fine, Mai. I'm not going to take you away from here. I, well, I trust Piandao and Iroh to look out for your best interest. But I will be checking up on you often." Giving his trust to others, putting his niece's well being in the hands of those same people, saying those words, they were all difficult things for Katashi. But he managed them anyway.
"You are welcome any time," the sword master answered graciously. "Now how about we finish our tea before heading upstairs to check out your rooms?"
Mai, Zuko and Ty Lee gulped down their tea, shoved some food in their mouths and then looked for permission to leave.
"Go," Piandao urged. "Climb the stairs and look for Fat."
His words had hardly been spoken before the three stampeded out of the sitting room and onto the staircase.
"Kids!" Iroh declared affectionately.
"Indeed," both the warden and the sword master replied. They shared a quick glance and then chuckled.
Perhaps there was hope for the two of them.