Chapter 18: A Walk Through the Colony
Rina, Lina, and Kaiya sat in Kaiya's office, the air thick with silence and tension following the recent events. The weight of the execution lingered between them, an unspoken burden on their shoulders.
"Captain Kaiya, the execution wasn't part of the plan," Lina reiterated, her voice tinged with apprehension.
Kaiya took a deep breath, justifying her actions. "If other officers discovered earthbenders in the town, they would be far more bloodthirsty and less surgical," she declared, her tone resolute. "They would aim to gain favor with the Fire Lord themselves. I'm trying to handle this matter with as little bloodshed as possible."
Despite her explanation, the tension in the room remained palpable, the gravity of the situation pressing down on them.
"It's quite stuffy in here. Let's go for a walk, clear our minds," Kaiya suggested, breaking the silence with a touch of casualness.
Rina and Lina hesitated, their concern evident. "With martial law in effect and heightened tension in the town, is it wise?" Rina questioned.
Kaiya offered a reassuring smile. "It's a good thing I have formidable twins by my side," she said, her voice confident. "And let's not forget, I am Azula's protégé."
The twins nodded, albeit reluctantly, and rose to follow Kaiya out of the office, their steps heavy with uncertainty.
* * *
The sun was setting as Kaiya took a walk along the narrow stone paths of the colonial town, flanked by the ever-vigilant Rina and Lina. The golden rays cast long shadows, bathing the town in a warm, orange glow. The air was cooler now, a gentle breeze rustling the leaves of nearby trees, adding a touch of serenity to the otherwise tense atmosphere.
As they walked, Rina spoke up, her tone tense. "Captain, with martial law in effect, it might be best to avoid areas where Earth Kingdom citizens are in the majority," Rina urged, her voice low.
Kaiya nodded thoughtfully. "Agreed. We shall take the path towards the parts mostly inhabited by Fire Nation civilians."
The trio adjusted their course, moving towards the district where the crimson robes of Fire Nation citizens created a sea of red. As they walked, Kaiya was met with many happy citizens who lit up with joy at the sight of her. Their faces bore expressions of gratitude and relief, a welcome change from the unease that had permeated the town earlier.
A war veteran, his demeanor scarred and his gait unsteady, approached Kaiya with a look of determination. "Captain Kaiya, I'm glad someone finally has the guts to root out the earthbender threat," he said, his voice gruff. "I was injured by those earthbenders. It's about time someone took action."
Kaiya nodded solemnly. "Your sacrifice is not forgotten. We must ensure such threats are eradicated for the safety of all."
A mother, holding the hand of a young child, came up next. "I'm so happy that you're in charge now, Captain Kaiya. You're making the town safer for our children," she said, her eyes filled with gratitude.
Kaiya gave a small, respectful bow. "It is my duty to protect our citizens. Your safety is my priority."
A little girl, no more than eight years old, tugged at Kaiya's regal attire, looking up at her with wide, admiring eyes. "I want to be like you when I grow up, Captain Kaiya. I want to kick earthbender butt!"
Kaiya's expression softened, and she knelt to be at eye level with the girl. "Hopefully, there will be no earthbender butt for you to kick when you grow up," she said, giving her cheek a gentle squeeze.
As they continued their walk, Kaiya responded to the kind words and gestures of the Fire Nation citizens with short, eloquent remarks, her demeanor composed and regal. "I intend to continue my work to make this town a safe place for all," she stated firmly to a small gathering that had formed around her. "Your trust in me is not misplaced."
Each interaction bolstered her resolve, a reminder of why she had taken such drastic measures. Kaiya felt a renewed sense of purpose. She walked on, her steps confident, with Rina and Lina flanking her, their presence a silent assurance of loyalty and support.
* * *
As they continued their walk, Kaiya commented in jest, "I must say, I was expecting Fire Nation citizens in the colonies to be much more uptight. They are far more approachable here, quite different from the rigid nature back in the capital."
Lina gently reminded Kaiya, "It's a different atmosphere here in the colonies, Captain. But let's not forget, we also have Earth Kingdom citizens to look after."
Kaiya nodded, her expression thoughtful. "Indeed, Lina. Rest assured, once the earthbender threat is dealt with, I will devote my attention to the needs of both Fire and Earth Nation inhabitants. It is my duty to ensure that all under my command can live in peace and harmony."
The twins nodded in unison, though their expressions reflected their lingering concerns.
As they continued their walk back to the garrison, the night was dark, save for a few torches flickering on the buildings, casting shadows on the narrow stone paths.
Suddenly, a masked man emerged from the shadows, launching a direct attack at Kaiya. Rina and Lina reacted instantly. Lina positioned herself defensively near Kaiya, using her firebending to deflect the incoming earth projectiles. Her eyes scanned for any further threats, while Rina went on the offensive, her martial arts and firebending skills keeping the masked attacker at bay.
The earthbender sent a barrage of rocks hurtling toward them, but Rina deflected them with precise firebending strikes, her movements fluid and controlled. "Stay close, Captain," Lina urged, positioning herself protectively in front of Kaiya.
Kaiya centered herself, her breathing steady and controlled. With deliberate grace, she raised a single finger, channeling her chi into a concentrated stream of fire. The flames erupted with fierce intensity, a torrent of brilliant heat that lit up the night.
Despite its power, Kaiya's control was precise, ensuring the fire did not spill over and endanger the surrounding buildings. As soon as the torrent of flames approached, the masked attacker hastily erected a barrier of earth, the ground rising to form a solid shield against the relentless blaze. The air crackled with energy as fire met earth, showcasing Kaiya's formidable power and restraint.
Rina seized the opportunity, flanking around the barrier with swift, agile movements. Just as she was about to land the final blow, the earthbender created a thick dust cloud, obscuring their vision. The trio coughed and squinted, trying to locate their attacker, but he had already vanished into the night.
The dust settled, leaving an eerie silence in its wake. Lina remained on high alert, her eyes darting around for any signs of movement, while Rina returned to Kaiya's side, her breathing heavy but controlled. "Are you alright, Captain?" Rina asked, her voice laced with concern.
Kaiya nodded, her expression stern. "I am unharmed. We must return to the garrison immediately."
The twins nodded in agreement, their resolve hardening as they resumed their walk back to the garrison, now more aware than ever of the dangers lurking in the shadows.
Back in the garrison, the servants swiftly attended to the trio, carefully removing their dust-covered armor. They handed each of them bowls of water and soft towels, allowing them to rinse the grime from their faces and refresh themselves.
"We knew this walk was a bad idea," Lina muttered, her voice barely audible.
Kaiya, however, simply smirked, a confident gleam in her eye. "Quite the opposite, Lina. This attack has provided me with the leverage necessary to eradicate the earthbender threat once and for all. They have sealed their own fate."
The twins looked at her in confusion, their brows furrowing. "What do you mean, Captain?" Rina asked, her voice tinged with apprehension.
Kaiya's smirk widened, her eyes glinting with determination. "All of this will end tomorrow."
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone