"Uninvited guests," the guard slowly said. He is visibly uncomfortable to be the one to report it. No details were spared when describing the people who intruded.
A fist formed. The Khan's narrowing eyebrows did not go unnoticed by some members of the feasting congregation. Even the two guests invited by Batu cannot help but occasionally glance at this way.
"Don't let them in, I have no interest to entertain their incantations," the Khan's tone darkened. He tried to drink some fermented milk to ease the rising anger, but the trembling guard appears unfinished.
"They are already in the camp. They landed their steed right next to ours."
Custom code demands a certain level of etiquette to be fulfilled. In pure frustration, the Khan threw his bowl to the ground, immediately garnering the attention of everyone in this room.
After the rage dissipated, the Khan calmed himself. "They have grown very bold. Uninvited guests are still guests, are they not? Let them present themselves right here, in front of the entire clan and our two guests. We shall see what matter is so important that demands the disruption of this wonderful evening!"
He stood up, imposing a tall stature. With a loud booming voice, he shouted across the tent, with the noise alone conjuring an intense current of air that moved entrance flap. Clearly this violent tendency will not bode well for those who arrived uninvited.
...
Orange robes quietly strolled through the camp with light footsteps. They went past plenty of vacant tents and Sky-Bisons that are sleeping near the field. Occasionally, a few of the beasts would watch them secretly, curious about these strangers who do not appear threatening.
The four of them soon arrived at the center. Sounds of laughter and drunken fever did not stop for them. The smell of dead animals roasted on fire remains strong and permeated throughout the air. While the nomads feasted and danced, the ascetics pay them no heed.
A drunken man accidentally stumbled into one of them, who gently laid the fellow to side for a good rest. Without much quarrel, they continued to the large tent's entrance.
The guards watched quietly. Despite the seemingly lack of interest, their hands are always near their weapons. These newcomers in long, orange-colored robes stood out from the feasting crowd. Despite the distracting bonfires, their necklaces made of wooden beads are unmistakable.
Ganbaatar sipped a bowl of fermented milk as they entered through the entrance flap. Almost immediately, the uninvited guests became the focus of the tribe's ire.
"What are they doing here?"
The mere presence of the four stirred an immediate reaction from everyone within the tent. No more can the mood of feasting continue, as the murmuring grow with ever more suspicion at the cloaked figures.
Batu's face scrawled instantly. If it wasn't for his sister's presence, the boy might have acted rashly regardless of the Khan's wishes. As for the two guests who have earned the chieftain's trust through merit, they sat and watched quietly.
The mighty Khan remains seated, refusing to greet the four in full customary manner. He even intentionally prepared a large roasted animal leg just to further insult those who barged in uninvited.
"It seems that time has not been kind to you," he said to the cloaked figure that seems to be the head of this delegation. "Growing thinner every year, and for what?"
One person removed his covering, revealing the blue arrow on the forehead. Mayumi almost gasped upon realizing the identity of the man. It's a monk! He is old, donning a bald head with a beard that has greyed significantly. Despite being a tall figure, many years accumulated on his spine has also made him frail.
But the passage of time is not the only thing that is cruel to this esteemed individual.
"You came at the wrong place, at the wrong time," the Khan continued. "Yet, it seems that not even senility can truly dull your arrogance."
The bald elder did not reciprocate with the same unfriendliness. "It has been a while, Temujin. I hope you are doing well."
This simple response has further incurred the Khan's wrath. Perhaps rudeness would have been preferable to what he perceived as the works of a condescending tongue.
"Do not toy with me using such feign pleasantries, son of Aang," the chieftain addressed in a murderous expression. The Khan refrained from using the guest's actual name.
Satchiko cannot help but utter her own shock, which was quickly hushed down by Mayumi. Oral traditions from their village elders have spoken about an important event of their island's history. One of Avatar Kyoshi's reincarnation saved their village from a Fire Nation raid, drawing the powers of the mighty serpent and rain down water for the people. It was indeed auspicious, a clear and absolute testament to their founder's everlasting protection. Of course, that was such a long time ago. Aang has also passed from this world. It has since been intertwined into legend.
"Skip the formalities!" the Khan demanded. "What has happened between our people shall not be discussed here, not in the Kurultai. My people have no interest in sutras and meditation."
"I do not believe my answers will satisfy your request, but I do think I can still convince you to reevaluate your own philosophies." The elder spoke very calmly. No signs of fear were detected from the sentence. Despite a whole room filed with armed warriors, the bald man remained serene and undisturbed. They don't conform with the deceitful people perceived by Batu. From what Satchiko observed, they appear rather harmless.
"Why bother with eating grass?" The Khan took a large bite out of a meaty leg. He remarked the thin body and extra wrinkles crossing the elder's face, reminding everyone else about the details. "You are so slim, that I think a gentle breeze is all it takes to knock you over."
"Our bodies are our temple," the elder smartly riposted. "Filling it with nothing but what is unhealthy would only defile its functions."
"So, you are telling us to eat grass like you?" Temujin sneered. "Your diet would make a warrior weak. While you lot spent your days lazily sitting around in temples, the rest of the world concern themselves with actual problems. How can one swing a sword or pull a bow by eating food that is only barely keeping them alive? What are we? Cattle? How are we going to kill those who wish harm upon us if my warriors march on empty stomach?"
"A valid point," the elder remarked. "Your way of life demands you to hunt and gather resources from the wild."
This unexpected response temporarily confused the Khan, who didn't expect such agreeableness. However, the elder's next sentence is not as tolerable. He demeaned Temujin for what he believes to be a great transgression. Criticizing the rogue way of life that stands against the spirits, against tradition, and most importantly against everything that represents an Airbender.
The elder did not hold back in his scathing remarks.
"Regardless, true Airbenders would never indulge in the taking of lives!" He stated, denouncing the Khan and the hunting customs. "That is a perversion of what it means to be an Air Nomad! It is disgraceful, a sacrilege to everything my father has hoped for!"
The Khan is incensed. Other men within the tent were also riled up by the emissary's words. Sarangerel almost lost her grip on an even more erratic Batu. Many reached for their sabers and bows, the air within the room is suddenly tensed, and that is a literal change.
"Enough!" The Khan lifted his saber, forcing everyone to immediately quiet down and behave themselves. He turned to the newcomer with a furious gaze. "What makes you think your ways are better than ours, son of Aang? You expect us to walk towards the path of peace, even though it was your people who failed us in the beginning. How can we make peace in a dog-eat-dog world that only serves the strong? The last time we relied on your help, my people paid dearly for it!"
Satchiko and Mayumi could notice the struggle through the old monk's sudden faltering expression. He is forced to answer the Khan's question, perhaps their history is tied with Batu's personal grievances towards the Air Nomads.
Temujin then asked a very confronting question. Without much context, outsiders cannot fully understand this feud.
"Tell me, son of Aang, why is it that your people repeatedly fail at their self-proclaimed duty? You sent out little children to deal with bandit hordes that burn down towns and pillage these lands. Tell me, why is it that when I was the only one that trusted you, I am rewarded with nothing but incompetence!"
Satchiko eyed the old monk, wondering the nature of their debate. It is no secret that countless conflict is plaguing this vast continent. In times of chaos, wondering brigands and peasant rebellions are common occurrence.
With a light sigh, the elderly monk spoke. "Your hometown was under siege, and you and your people had nowhere to go." He paused, drawing the Khan's ire.
"Go on, don't leave out any details." The chieftain ordered, taking another bowl of fermented milk and drinking it leisurely.
"The governor of your state refused to send reinforcements, and you requested the help of my people."
"I did," the Khan said, trying not to compliment the old man's remarkable memory. "My people were intentionally targeted. With only bows and arrows, I stood to defend them. But as you know, I couldn't hold out against the raiders forever. I also grew desperate and tried everything, including asking for the help. And what did you send to me again? What was the number of reinforcements? Two?"
The room fell silent, it seems no one wishes to utter the statistic out loud. Sensing this strange mood, the naive younger sister chose to speak out her own thoughts.
"Two hundred?" Satchiko said.
The Khan and the elderly monk turned to that youthful voice. Sensing trouble, Mayumi immediately covered her sister's mouth. It would be an absolute nightmare if Satchiko successfully invited the Khan's rage. But that consequence thankfully never manifested. Instead, the silence ensued as the whole room tried to process Satchiko's proposed number. It was just an educated guess, harmless but also too optimistic.
A loud laughter thundered across the tent. Satchiko and Mayumi are confused as the Khan reacted with humor.
"Two hundred! Ha! If you thought that's what they had given us back during my people's plight, then we wouldn't even be having this conversation! But do you want to know the true number they gave us?"
"Two, only two!" Mayumi speedily answered in Satchiko's place. It was an effort to mitigate potential disputes.
Temujin drank his beverage in satisfaction, pleased that the Kyoshi Warrior said the correct number. The Khan relished in the old monk's sorrow.
"Precisely, these out of touch fools sent us two youngsters to fight an army of thousands, now that is just pitiful." The Khan smirked at the elder. "My request was clear and concise, but it seems that someone has misjudged the situation. He sent two juveniles, thinking they can somehow miraculously fend off the raiders. I sure do wonder who is the real drunkard between us?"
The other nomads laughed. Mayumi made sure to keep Satchiko quiet, as the younger sister might speak out against this sort of behavior. Certain situations demand a silent mouth.
"Look at these warriors around me," the Khan continued as he pointed at the men in the room. "I remember their hopeful eyes when I told them the Air Temples would send help. Son of Aang, you should have seen their disappointment when we realized that only two teenagers were sent. The worst part is that the two idiots didn't even do anything helpful! They were nothing but opportunistic, taking anyone that can bend air and escaped!"
The elderly monk wanted to say something to counter the Khan. But nothing left his mouth. Perhaps debating the fierce nomad leader would only lead to more bloodshed. Nevertheless, he did try to diminish some misunderstanding.
"Those two disciples of mine truly tried to help your people," the frail voice said carefully.
"Help?" the Khan mocked. "All you monks have done is to collect as many Airbenders as you can!"
Temujin stood up, wishing to once again offend the monks. This time with a new tactic.
"Those two," the Khan gestured the Kyoshi warriors with words of praise. "Our esteemed guests, both lacking bending, have performed excellently today! Unlike your nitwitted disciples, they actually helped my people while risking their lives. Such merit outweighs the deeds of your sanctimonious teachings."
Akin to being ordered by a signal, the crowd clapped their hands loudly, commemorating the heroic actions of the two Kyoshi warriors. Satchiko's face remained neutral throughout all of this, not wishing to appear too receptive to the acknowledgment. The two sisters have obviously not anticipated this level of praise. Yet, Mayumi cannot help but feel this is just another act to insult the Air Nomads present.
As everyone continued to clap, Satchiko noticed that one of the figures in orange cloak is staring at her. She pretended not to notice, drinking a bowl of fermented milk before vomiting the content.
"The people who tried to wipe us out many years ago were no ordinary raiders," the Khan lamented. "Since you Air Nomads stubbornly hold on to your naive ways, I will show you how it should be done!"
He brandished a blade, shouting Ganbaatar to bring in a prisoner.
Huo is pushed into the tent. Restrained by metal chains, her Firebending shouldn't be capable of harming others. She is suspiciously quiet.
"See for yourself, son of Aang!" the Khan lashed out. "The Acolytes of San Bao showed no mercy, and they continue to threaten my tribe's existence! I shall reciprocate their unbridle hostility by beheading this one right here!"
The elderly monk quickly intervened, stating that such a cruel act is not necessary.
"Put down your murderous weapon!" the old monk pleaded. "We understand your misgivings. But please, allow us to amend this mistake! The Air Nomad culture welcomes all, we can still assist you and your people to attain spirituality that cannot be found in a life of danger."
The Khan refused, denouncing the Air Nomad's pacifist nature.
"Not everyone wanted to receive bending," Temujin scathed. "My people do not need the teachings of the Air Nomads."
The elder tried to present his own reasoning. According to the monk, Airbenders who hold true to the ways of the Air Nomads are much more amplified with the element. The importance of spirituality cannot be overstated.
"So, you're saying we are not true Air Nomads?" The Khan is unimpressed, but nonetheless partially acknowledged the old man's belief. "It is true that those who are more spiritually intoned can perform much better than those who are not. The one named Zaheer is indeed a good example."
"That man does not represent us at all!" the old monk immediately raised his voice. "No matter that rogue's mastery, it does not excuse his transgression against the Avatar!"
"Was it because that man is willing to take the lives of others?" the Khan challenged. "Perhaps the duality of his immense mastery and willingness to kill have upset your view of the world."
Temujin then examined his weapon, mocking the monks before them. He chastised their foolish adherence to peace instead of pragmatism.
"Do me and my people look like criminals?" he asked them. "This blade in my hand has taken the lives of many, all who wanted to harm my tribe. Sometimes, the best way to save a life is to take one. I may be a barbarian chieftain roaming these lands, but the history of the Air Temples never eluded me. Any monks who selflessly sacrificed their own peaceful values to help others were ostracized. The Fire Nation destroyed the once living monasteries despite the peaceful teachings of the monks. History almost repeated itself if it wasn't for a Ba Sing Se general saving the Western Air Temple from a pirate horde. What did peace ever give your people and culture besides living like cattle waiting to be killed? You should abandon the folly notion that the Airbenders under my leadership would give up their weapons and join the monastery. Now, son of Aang, leave."
"Absolutely not!" The elder fiercely refuted. "As Air Nomads, we have a duty to-"
"Laughable!" the Khan belittled. "Dwellers of stationary temples call themselves wandering nomads while folks like us live in tents. Your irony amuses me."
Temujin shifted his body language like a homeowner trying to kick out unwanted visitors. He ordered a few guards to evict the four monks.
"Wait!" The elder demanded. "If you simply allow us to explain-"
A blast of air pummeled the delegation. The Khan's volatile nature unexpectedly reared itself as the chieftain lost his patience. Food and drinks are blown off the table, and many covered their faces. Under such powerful force, Mayumi can only protect her sister by shielding the head. The entire tent is slightly lifted upward.
The old monk struggled, trying to formulate his own protective barrier with the power of air. But at last, age worked against him. It is only until another member of the delegation took over can the elder kneel to the ground for rest.
Sensing that his Airbending failed to push back the four, the Khan stopped with frustration.
"Do not test me," he warned.
A few guards entered through the flaps, brandishing their own weapons. But they would not act without an order from their leader.
"We are not your enemies!" shouted a younger voice. "We are not here to undermine your way of life!"
It was a woman under orange cloak. As the air current calmed within the tent, she also relinquished the barrier.
"Give me one reason why we shouldn't just cut you all down," the Khan demanded coldly.
Everyone else focused on their conversation, except for the hunter named Jargal, who is trying to salvage whatever that remains in his hotpot broth. Meanwhile, a middle-aged woman revealed her face, attempting to ease the tension. She is an Airbender, also possessing a distinctive blue arrow tattoo.
"It is not our intention to lecture you, my father is simply a bit carried away," she said with sincerity. "Regardless of our differences, there is still a greater purpose that all of us must aspire to fulfill. And we cannot proceed without seeking your permission first."
Apparently, the delegation is not here to partake in philosophical quarrels. The woman claimed that they need to interact with all the children within the tribe, a proposal that worried many parents.
The Khan entertained their little quest. But the audience are nonetheless surprised by the true purpose of their arrival, which confirmed the theory of the two guests.
"I can understand your hesitation," the woman said. "But this matters the fate of the entire world."
"Preposterous!" Khenbish yelled. With a walking stick, he entered the tent. "Our children do not need anything from you!"
The Khan held up one hand, demanding silence in his court. The woman in orange garb spoke on.
"As you all know, the world has gone on for too long without an Avatar."
The first line alone has captivated everyone's ears, none interrupted her speech.
"Chaos, unrighteousness, and most important of all, imbalance, is plaguing this land. At this time of evil, only the Avatar can quell the turmoil. This time, the next incarnate shall be reborn within the Earth Kingdom, we seek your permission to find the chosen one that might be living in your tribe."
A dry laughter echoed across the room.
The Khan chuckled. "Childish!" he proclaimed. Sipping a bowl of fermented milk, the man belittled their commitment to what he believes to be a lost cause. "You people are the last ones that should complain about such problems. Don't forget whose idiocy led to this land now plunged in wars. Ignoring the stupidity of the last fool in this cycle, the Avatar is already no more."
Satchiko gasped. It was loud enough that everyone in the room can hear. Since she did not know much about recent history, this news felt more than shocking.
"It is the duty of all people to find the Avatar," the Airbending woman asserted. "I firmly believe that we will find the incarnate, even if it's difficult. There is still hope."
Temujin is once again humored. "It seems that even the children of Aang are susceptible to a false prophecy. I thought only the Earth Sages are gullible enough to believe the words from that ascetic. No matter how convincing a prophecy may be, I doubt the Avatar will ever return."
Despite the Khan's remarks, there is no faltering in that woman's resolve. She unraveled a piece of cloth, revealing many toys, proving Mayumi's hypothesis.
"With your permission, we hope to check any of your people who might be the Avatar." The woman kneeled, demonstrating the ultimate sincerity. "I know that there is a very low chance, but we cannot exclude your people from the search. We simply can't ignore the possibility that the Avatar might reside here amongst your tribe."
"The White Lotus lapdogs have been searching for many years, they have not succeeded, and neither will you," the Khan rebuffed harshly. "Your fruitless endeavor will just be a waste of time. I do question why you even bother."
The woman demonstrated a surprisingly determined gaze, catching the Khan off guard.
"Why?" she asked. "If the Avatar has reincarnated, we would do everything to locate her! I, would do everything to locate her!"
Satchiko felt that the woman's statement is imbued with more personal motivation rather than a sense of duty. The Avatar is venerated and respected, which is why most will simply see them as deities. Yet, there is something about their quest that made her sympathize with their struggles. Even without much understanding about the past, locating an incarnation of Kyoshi is still paramount.
"There is no accomplishment in retrieving an incarnation of a fool," the Khan insulted the woman's dedication. But the elderly monk stood up, refusing to let this rudeness go ignored.
"She has accomplished more in her lifetime than any past Avatar!" The old man rebuked. "You and your people have the power of air because of her!"
The Khan unleased his own arsenal of words. With a good salvo, he presented his view on the previous Avatar that shall intentionally harm the elder's spirit.
"Son of Aang, surely you are not blinded by your favoritism? Your greatest disciple is rash and bold, lacking in intellect and easily misled. She was nothing but an aggrandizing weakling, bolstered by ingratiating words while possessing none of your father's merit. As for being given the power of air, since when did the people of this world asked for such a burden? She claimed to act in the interest of all. While at the same time remaining ignorant on the way of life besides her own brutish behavior. I am a mere barbarian chief, a leader of a bunch of herdsmen. Yet even an unsophisticated bore like me feel like a scholar when compared to that impulsive creature driven by primal lust."
Many people are grimaced by this unapologetic speech. The two Kyoshi Warriors are appalled by this lack of respect towards the Avatar. The Khan does not care if others do not agree with his little critique. It seems the only matter that concerns him is whether or not the old man would succumb with pure frustration. The elder monk did cough uncomfortably, much to leisure of Temujin.
"Temujin," the old man spoke in a frail voice. "Did you leave the Order of the White Lotus because of your dissatisfaction?
"I left because no self-respecting person would choose to be part of an organization that has become weak and senile," the Khan said. "Why would I want to serve as a glorified bodyguard to the Avatar if they are supposed to be strong? The whole world saw how the Avatar died. She was weak despite being born lucky."
Satchiko's hands gripped when the Khan openly voiced his disrespect. Mayumi reminded her to stay silent, as they are guests in someone else's court.
"Now then, if you four wishes to test any member of my tribe, I would gladly allow it, since it might alleviate an old man's dying wish." The Khan also issued a warning, a threat backed up by force. "If my people even hear one word of Air Nomad incantation, your tongues will be pulled out."