A Ba Sing Se soldier presented a parchment to two generals standing on a tall, sandy hill that overlooked a narrow valley.
One of them carefully unraveled the scroll, mindful of his crippled kneecap.
"So, what does it say?" the other general inquired, brandishing his two-handed spear.
The parchment is a reply letter intended for General Li Zhu'er. The sender, a sworn brother and military commander in Xiao Zhong, promised reinforcements numbering thirty thousand men to rescue the nephew of warlord An Lushan. Even without deeply deciphering the clandestine message, it was clear that these thirty thousand soldiers are passing through the valley, not on a casual gallivanting field trip, but with a purpose.
"Hmph, I see that pig is reaping what he has sown. Idiots like him can blame no one but themselves." The crippled general mocked Li Zhu'er, then handed the parchment to the messenger who would deliver it to the Upper Ring. The high echelons of the grand city would find this letter most useful in the upcoming diplomatic frictions.
For more than twenty years, both Xiao Zhong and Jian Xin had never openly expressed their desire to challenge Ba Sing Se, but that didn't mean they do not secretly harbor ambitions. Under the heavens, almost all warlords during an era of warring states covet the grand jewel of legitimacy. It is the city itself, the seat of the undisputed sovereign, the physical proof for the Mandate of Heaven! It is believed that whoever controls Ba Sing Se will eventually control the entire Earth Kingdom, reuniting the fractured realm under their banner. This cycle has repeated with every dynasty in the past, it will not be different this time.
But for now, this valley would be scorched with the blood of those who dared to cross into Ba Sing Se's land.
"Sun Bin, I am sure that fellow could easily handle thirty thousand foes if we allowed him," the general with the lance jested lightly. "But as members of the council, it is imperative that we repulse all those who transgress Ba Sing Se's sovereignty. Can't let our juniors have all the fame."
"Of course, Tian Ji," Sun Bin replied.
The banners of Ba Sing Se fluttered defiantly in the wind as a large file of Xiao Zhong soldiers snaked into the narrow valley, a vast, dark green sea filling the deep ravine to its brim.
This is the perfect place for an ambush. Countless military treatises from the Earth Kingdom extol the virtues of using such advantageous terrain to vanquish an unsuspecting enemy. A general should wait patiently for the ample opportunity, and strike without hesitation.
"By the way, where is the fellow who tried to deliver the letter?" General Tian Ji asked.
A nearby soldier revealed that the Xiao Zhong messenger is still alive but had lost an arm. Upon hearing this, General Tian Ji ordered the man to be properly tended to.
"It's a futile gesture," Sun Bin said to Tian Ji. "When he learns that losing a piece of paper cost the lives of thousands, I doubt he will be able to live with that."
"We shall see," General Tian Ji chuckled. "We shall see."
General Sun Bin walked with difficulty, his missing kneecap hindering the stride. Yet this impediment did not stop him from demonstrating his prowess as a gifted commander. Standing atop the sandy peak, he waved a triangular flag, directing the distant troops to surround the ravine. Thousands of Ba Sing Se soldiers, their armor gleaming green and gold, swiftly took up positions on the high ground. Earthbenders unleashed a torrent of boulders onto the Xiao Zhong soldiers below, crushing them mercilessly into the earth.
Naturally, the relentless rain of boulders shattered the morale of the thirty thousand Xiao Zhong soldiers. Even more precarious was that the boulders blocked their escape route to Xiao Zhong, leaving the army stranded in Ba Sing Se territory. If they wish to flee through an alternative route, they will have to endure heavy casualties while being pursued.
"Now, let's finish them off," General Tian Ji declared. "The masked fellow should be wrapping things up on his end. It would be improper for someone of my rank to appear less productive."
He and Sun Bin shared a laugh. The opposing Xiao Zhong force had little to celebrate as a massive tide of soldiers wearing green and gold mustered. Despite often being labeled as decadent and lazy for hiding behind massive walls, Ba Sing Se's armies had a reputation for inexperience. Compared to the states constantly warring for supremacy, it is true that the lawmen from the historic capital hadn't seen much combat.
Yet, the Xiao Zhong soldiers found it hard to belittle a Ba Sing Se army twice their number. No matter how much the various petty states on this continent underestimate the grand city, there is no dispute to its formidable manpower.
Guiding his men atop a heavily armored ostrich horse, General Tian Ji led the charge with a fierce determination that radiated through his entire army. His five thousand cavalrymen followed, a formidable wave of steel and muscle ready to break the enemy lines. The air is thick with tension as earthen coins and arrows flew towards the Xiao Zhong host, a prelude to the chaos about to unfold. Amidst this barrage, Sun Bin, the mastermind strategist, issued a decisive command. Shock troops surged forward, aiming to destabilize and disrupt the enemy.
The Terra Team, an elite squad of Earthbenders, entered the fray in spectacular fashion, riding upon waves of earth that moved with the fluidity of water. Their power was unstoppable, movement forming a symphony of destruction. No shield wall could withstand their might. Xiao Zhong soldiers watched in helpless horror as the Earthbenders unleashed devastation, bending immense masses of earth that steamrolled through their ranks. Gigantic earthen pillars erupted from the ground, shattering any phalanx formation that dared to stand in their path, turning organized lines into chaos.
Embodying the philosophy of Neutral Jing, both Tian Ji and Sun Bin read the battlefield with uncanny precision, identifying and exploiting the weaknesses in the Xiao Zhong formation. Tian Ji's leadership was unwavering as he led the Ba Sing Se cavalry in a thunderous charge, puncturing the enemy's front ranks and sowing chaos and discord. Thousands of cavalrymen followed, slamming into the heart of the Xiao Zhong host with the force of a tidal wave, leaving the invaders no choice but to flee for their lives.
The ground quaked incessantly under the weight of the battle. In a single day, Xiao Zhong suffered a devastating loss, its soldiers falling in droves to a neighbor that was not even a sworn enemy. By the end of the morning, two of An Lushan's armies had been obliterated, their remnants scattered like dust. The people of Jian Xin would surely see this victory as a divine intervention, a gift from the heavens themselves.
...
Satchiko and Mayumi sat silently on a war chariot, its wheels creaking as it slowly rolled across the vast, open land. The aftermath of the battle that obliterated Li Zhu'er's army is still fresh in their minds.
Exhaustion weighed heavily on them, dampening even the slightest hint of adventurous spirit. Grateful just to be alive, Mayumi drank from a waterskin with desperate gulps, too drained to reprimand Satchiko for her reckless behavior. The brash decision to confront An Qing'en had nearly cost them everything.
"Don't ever do that again," Mayumi admonished with a weary sigh. "If it weren't for these people, we both would be dead."
Satchiko nodded faintly, her eyes fixed on the dull sands trailing behind the chariot. The somber mood was accentuated by the steady march of soldiers under the command of the Judge of Honghai. Occasionally, she glanced at their faces. Despite their victory, none of the soldiers looked jubilant or interested in celebrating. Their eyes, devoid of the joy of life, stared ahead blankly. Rigid postures making them appear as hollow husks encased in mountain-patterned armor, a faceless horde led by a man who never showed his real face.
The tassels on their polearms fluttered in the light breeze, their ji and dagger-axes still stained with crimson from the battle. As the three thousand-strong army marched through the endless desert, the prisoners walked barefooted, necks chained to the rails of the war chariots. Even General Li Zhu'er was not spared this humiliation. The seasoned Xiao Zhong commander, stripped of his armor, trudged alongside his captured men, humbled and broken.
The relentless sun beat down on their exposed skin, and the frail An Qing'en incessantly bemoaned his predicament. "I am a noble of Xiao Zhong!" the crippled scion pleaded, his voice trembling as he struggled against the chains that bound him to the back of an ostrich horse. "I want to see my uncle! I want to see my uncle! He will make sure that all of you pay for what you have done to me!"
Nearby, a charioteer swung his dagger-axe threateningly close to An Qing'en, the sharp edge glinting dangerously near his jaw. The young scion's screams intensified, a shrill symphony of terror that filled the air despite no actual harm being done. If the charioteer's intent was to silence him through intimidation, it had decidedly backfired.
Fortunately, the incessant noise of An Qing'en's cries was somewhat drowned out by the rhythmic clanking and creaking of the massive war machine that rolled alongside them. Even in their exhausted state, the two Kyoshi Warriors couldn't help but be awestruck by the gigantic steel behemoth. Unlike the other chariots, this one was not drawn by any animal. Instead, it moved on its own, a steel fortress on wheels. Tremors from its advance reverberated through the ground, a testament to its sheer weight and power. Siege bolts that struck it simply bounced off the armored exterior, impervious to the chaos of battle. Despite their curiosity, the sight of hundreds of Xiao Zhong soldiers crushed beneath its relentless progress served as a grim reminder for the horrors of war, obliterating any vestiges of battlefield glory.
"I don't even want to know how they built this thing," Satchiko muttered. "Or who." Her voice tinged with a mix of exhaustion and disbelief. The complexity of the engineering behind the war machine was beyond her comprehension, an enigma she had no desire to unravel.
Mayumi, however, held a different perspective. "It's incredible," she said, her tone reflecting genuine admiration. "The ingenuity and craftsmanship are astonishing."
Satchiko glanced at her sister, surprised. "You actually find this thing impressive?"
"Yes," Mayumi nodding thoughtfully. "It's a marvel of engineering, even if it's used for destruction. Understanding it could teach us a lot."
Having seen little of the outside world, the long, moving steel construct reminded Satchiko of bedtime stories she once believed to be mere fantasies. When they were younger, their mother would lull them to sleep with tales of legendary heroes from their island. Beyond the sagas of Avatar Kyoshi herself, Akahana would recount the adventures of their most recent folk hero, the Kyoshi Warrior who fought during the Hundred Year War. In the past, Satchiko had assumed that the vague descriptions of 'flying ships' and 'giant steel beasts' were simply metaphors. But now, after witnessing the wonders and horrors of their journey, she realized she had underestimated the tales of this past Kyoshi Warrior.
"The girls back home will never believe the things we saw," Satchiko murmured. "They would think we had gone mad." This elongated metal contraption, with its strange wheels and semblance to a moving building, was more surreal than the 'flying ship' they had seen in the state of Shang. Experiencing these marvels shattered her previous assumptions about the world, especially the ones she used to harbor.
This sentiment is likely shared by many rural inhabitants across the vast continent. In comparison to backwater fishing villages or remote farming settlements, the people living behind mighty walls appeared far more organized. They built earthen structures that didn't burn and crafted deadly war machines beyond the comprehension of simple folks. It was haunting to remember that this steel monstrosity alone had claimed the lives of hundreds of Xiao Zhong soldiers effortlessly, without the need for gritty melee combat.
However shocking the presence of the metal war machines, their curiosity was undimmed by the towering beast that loomed among the soldiers. The sisters vividly recalled the creature covered in brown fur, capable of a feat unmatched by any other in nature, which is the art of Earthbending. Encountering a second original master of the four elements is a rare blessing, though Batu had stressed that such creatures dwelled solely underground, making an encounter a true rarity.
"That thing, it's even bigger than the Sky Bison," Satchiko marveled. But her awe soon turned to a disheartening realization, feeling embarrassed that a mere creature outshone her in Earthbending prowess.
Mayumi placed a comforting hand on her sister's shoulder. Initially, she reassured Satchiko that there is no shame in not immediately mastering such innate talent. With dedication, Satchiko could unlock her Earthbending potential, making the rest of their journey comparatively easier.
"Besides, you have other matters to address," Mayumi's tone grew stern, hinting at her disdain for Satchiko's reckless behavior. Satchiko dared not meet her sister's gaze, the prospect of argument even more daunting. "What do you have to say for yourself after I explicitly ordered you not to endanger your life?"
"S-sorry," Satchiko stammered, attempting to temper her timidity.
The presence of the three thousand Ba Sing Se soldiers likely tempered Mayumi's inclination to be even stricter. While they are sisters, Mayumi's seniority meant her authority carried more weight than that of a typical trainee.
Despite the discomfort of their situation, Satchiko remained sympathetic to her sister's burden. While her actions to aid fleeing refugees from Xiao Zhong soldiers had been both brave and self-interested, luck had once again intervened in her favor. As for the border soldiers who confronted An Qing'en, not a single one had survived. Their own survival wasn't due to divine intervention or martial prowess, but simply chance, a stroke of fortune that had spared them for a second time, narrowly averting dire consequences.
Yet, Satchiko felt that this time was different. Though powerless against the overwhelming force of the Xiao Zhong soldiers, her intervention hadn't felt in vain. She provided ample opportunities for the refugees to escape, saving many that would have been killed. But it is also true that this endeavor almost costed their lives.
"I swear upon my name and the honor of our family that something like this won't happen again," Satchiko vowed, meeting Mayumi's gaze.
However, her attempt to evoke the honor of their clan didn't sway her older sister. On the contrary, Mayumi gently warned the young Kyoshi Warrior of the consequences. As the elder sibling, she felt compelled to emphasize the audacity of risking their family's reputation, launching into a lecture about their humble yet esteemed lineage.
Despite owning nothing but a humble wooden hut in a village often overlooked on maps, the sisters are burdened by the weight of their lineage. Descended from a long line of respected figures, their ancestors included talented Kyoshi Warrior duelists and revered village leaders who had shaped the island's history. Their grandfather had served as the previous chief of their small community, and their mother is considered the strongest Kyoshi Warrior of their era. To further cement their family's esteemed reputation, they are direct descendants of the village's folk hero, a prestigious Kyoshi Warrior from generations past.
Because their family has produced so many respected figures, some islanders even speculated that their distinct brown hair is a sign of their blood relation to the founder herself, though their family's genealogy book did not trace back to the island's creation. The unsophisticated folks of Kyoshi Island had only recently adopted the practice of documenting lineage from the mainland, with many of the older generations still unable to read and write.
"You can't just invoke our family's name in vain," Mayumi insisted, her voice firm. "We don't live in grand palaces, and we're certainly not nobles with personal fiefdoms. In fact, we're not even wealthy." She took a long gulp from the waterskin, quenching her thirst before continuing. "What I mean to say is, our family's prestige wasn't earned through wealth. We're simply a lineage of ordinary folks who contribute to the village as best we can. Trust me, sister, breaking a promise won't earn your respect."
Satchiko absorbed her sister's words, feeling the weight of their family's legacy press upon her. As a child, she had reveled in playing pretend games, imitating the tales of Avatar Kyoshi. But experiencing the harsh realities of massive battles firsthand was far less romantic than the stories had portrayed.
Far from being a deity capable of shattering Heaven and Earth, the young warrior lamented their mortality. While their revered founder, Avatar Kyoshi, had single-handedly defeated Chin the Conqueror and his overwhelming army, the only reward for her own youthful audacity was simply escaping the consequences. This is a luxury denied to the dead Ba Sing Se border guards.
"So, little sister, do you promise?" Mayumi extended her pinkie finger, surprising Satchiko with this gesture.
To the untrained eye, it might seem like a trivial 'pinkie swear' between playful children. But among Kyoshi Warriors, this simple gesture held profound significance, its meaning determined by the relationship between the two individuals. As a member of this esteemed order, Satchiko understood the gravity of the pledge. If she is truly committed to avoiding reckless behaviors in the future, there would be no need to fear the consequences.
Satchiko swallowed hard, intimidated by Mayumi's unwavering gaze. Her older sister is determined to keep her safe, even resorting to a firm tactic to enforce a promise. Though Satchiko wasn't sure what would happen to someone who broke this seemingly harmless ritual, she had good reasons not to test Mayumi's patience. Whether being forced to swallow a thousand needles was a metaphor or not remained unclear, and she had no desire to find out.
But forcing people to swallow metal needles is the favored execution method of Lady Oiwa, who practiced it on captured pirates and unfaithful spouses. The fact that this is the same woman who cradled an infant Satchiko in her arms and doted on a pet cat underscored the lesson that a Kyoshi Warrior should never be repeatedly disrespected.
Reluctantly, Satchiko raised her pinkie finger, but her trembling hand hindered it from reaching Mayumi's. Perhaps it is exhaustion from the earlier battle, or perhaps even a naive teenager like herself understood that this promise would not be easily kept. How could she sit idly by, hiding while innocent people are being killed? In her eyes, that is cowardice, a betrayal of her dream to become a fully realized Kyoshi Warrior.
Yet, there is still merit to Mayumi's perspective. She knew that risking her own family for the sake of outsiders wasn't the most pragmatic choice. Satchiko hesitated, slowly inching her hand closer to make the pinkie promise. Just before their fingers could touch, a loud shout rang out from the front of the column. Their chariot halted abruptly, nearly throwing them to the wooden floor.
After regaining their balance, Satchiko and Mayumi noticed that the five charioteers in the vehicle were entirely uninterested in their conversation. They stood like terracotta statues, gripping their dagger-axes tightly. The announcement from the head of the column had brought the entire army to a halt, with soldiers and ostrich horses frozen in rigid formations.
Five regular Ba Sing Se soldiers rode towards them, bearing the city's insignia on their banner. The leader of this group greeted the general and his main officers with a fist and palm salute, then proceeded to report that nearby garrisons had sent reinforcements to the battlefields, tasked with cleaning up the dead bodies of the Xiao Zhong intruders. Depending on the circumstances, the families of the fallen might be able to retrieve them.
"General Tian Ji and General Sun Bin have repulsed the Xiao Zhong reinforcements," the messenger stated.
"Anything else?" Qibi Heli asked.
"We recovered the bodies of our men," the border soldier replied, a faint tinge of sadness in his voice.
While the casualties from the morning border skirmish might seem minuscule compared to the bloodbath drenching this war-torn continent, the deaths of Ba Sing Se lawmen would always plague the families within the city's walls. Staying out of the war between Jian Xin and Xiao Zhong had not guaranteed their safety, especially as this conflict occasionally spiraled out of control.
The Judge of Honghai reined in his towering ostrich warhorse and handed a rolled parchment tied with light green strings to the messenger. Without a word, the messenger sped off towards Ba Sing Se, which lay beyond the horizon.
Mayumi narrowed her eyes, noticing a structure just ten li away. It is a series of fortified stone encampments and towers bristling with mounted crossbows. As the Judge of Honghai's army continued its disciplined march, they soon arrived at the military installation. The checkpoint is manned by a thousand Ba Sing Se soldiers, many stationed on turrets, ready to repel bandits and hostile forces from other states.
"Is this the wall of Ba Sing Se?" Satchiko asked in awe, noting that the walls are much higher than those they had encountered in the states of Yi and Shang. "It's enormous!"
Indeed, these walls are three times the height of those found elsewhere on the continent. As they passed through the heavily fortified gate, the Judge of Honghai presented a fish-shaped military tally to the officer in charge, who then allowed his three thousand men to pass.
Noticeably, the mood of the Ba Sing Se soldiers is far from friendly. News of the border guards butchered by An Qing'en seems to have already reached them. This is further confirmed when the two sisters see the entrance to a barracks courtyard, where many dismembered and unrecognizable bodies are laid on the ground as soldiers grieve. Grown men cry with boundless sorrow, recognizing friends or relatives among the corpses that could not even stay in one piece. Satchiko covers her ears, perhaps not wishing to be burdened by their grief.
"Arrest the prisoners," the outpost officer ordered. "We will transfer these vagrants to the outer walls at night."
Captured Xiao Zhong soldiers, including Li Zhu'er and the wretched An Qing'en, are shoved into steel cages. An Qing'en is ensnared by metal chains. The moment the youthful scion is thrown into a cage, he instantly crawled to the corner to avoid the surrounding soldiers, who threatened to skewer him with spears.
"Oi, don't forget who caught it," Qibi Heli reminded the guards. "Only the hunter who brought back the carcass should decide how the meat is cooked."
The Judge of Honghai and a portion of his soldiers gradually retrieved large buckets to douse themselves with water. The arduous process of collecting from stone wells is repetitive, aiming to wash off the obvious stains of blood from armor and shields, mostly by pouring water over their heads. Humans are not the only ones subjected to this, the gleaming armor of ostrich horses and the fake tusks of the Badgermole are also cleaned, wiping off the red stains. Of course, the most eye-catching war machine also needs some wiping. Water is splashed onto the front metal hull of the slithering vessel, cleansing the bloodstains off the iconic coin insignia.
The Judge of Honghai remained motionless as two elite cavalrymen meticulously poured buckets of water over him, cleansing the blood from his ornate armor adorned in gold and green. One of the soldiers even took extra care to wipe away the stains from the stylishly folded neck guards, meticulously erasing the blood from the steel curvatures. The water cascaded over the glaive, causing the giant blade to gleam brightly in the sun.
As this routine procedure neared completion, Satchiko's attention was drawn to a group of outpost guards carrying two bodies on stretchers. She nearly gasped as she recognized the familiar faces.
Pierced by countless arrows from head to toe, the lifeless bodies of the Ba Sing Se soldiers lay still, their unblinking eyes fixed on the heavens. Among them was none other than Bai Ju and his uncle. Their deaths weighed heavily on the young Kyoshi Warrior.
As the two corpses were brought into the courtyard, Bai Ju's pudao slipped from his cold grasp, the blade making a soft thud as it struck the ground, now nothing more than another lifeless piece of metal that had lost its master. Satchiko stared at the weapon, struggling to come to terms with the scene before her.
Without realizing it, she instinctively clenched her fists, overwhelmed with fear and sorrow. The unjust killing of the girl named Suan Ming had already left her traumatized, and the sight of the battlefield corpses had nearly driven her to madness. But witnessing the selfless Bai Ju's brutal demise is a new level of horror she was not yet prepared to confront.
Sensing the hesitation in Satchiko's breath, Mayumi placed a comforting hand on her sister's shoulder. She decided to offer words of condolence, but also took the opportunity to reinforce her own beliefs.
"You saw how his uncle tried desperately to save him, but even with his best efforts, there are no guarantees," Mayumi spoke slowly, hoping Satchiko would grasp the harsh reality. "That young soldier may have tried to help others, accepting death as a possible outcome, but he selfishly neglected his uncle's concerns. And now, they both lie dead."
Satchiko had no rebuttal to Mayumi's straightforward words. The sight of the slain nephew and uncle dulled the faint glimmer of heroism that once fueled her aspiration to emulate Avatar Kyoshi. While deeply affected by their deaths, Satchiko still clung to the belief that deliberate acts of helping others is morally necessary as a Kyoshi Warrior. Yet, she resisted the urge to debate the virtues of self-sacrifice, knowing that the reasons for refraining are ones she wasn't ready to openly acknowledge.
A sudden cry from a woman drew their attention. The tearful mother stumbled into the barrack courtyard, nearly collapsing at the sight of Bai Ju's lifeless body. Soldiers rushed to support her, catching her by the arms as her legs weakened. She sank to the ground, gently caressing her son's motionless face, perhaps clinging to the hope that he might spring back to life.
The two Kyoshi Warriors watched in silence, particularly Satchiko, who couldn't tear her eyes away from the heartbreaking scene.
"What happened to them could easily have happened to us," Mayumi said solemnly. "Our lives don't belong only to ourselves. I'm sure you wouldn't want to put Mother and Father through the grief of mourning our deaths."
It was a troubling thought. Without the support of their fellow Kyoshi Warriors, they are much more susceptible to injury or death. After carefully considering Mayumi's words, Satchiko found herself unable to bear the idea of causing her parents such anguish. Yet, she couldn't bring herself to openly abandon her instinct to help others, even at her own risk.
"Civilians! What are you doing here without supervision?" A soldier clad in dark armor called out to the pair. Though his armor differed, the green tassel flowing from his helmet signaled that there is no cause for alarm. The mounted officer approached them, demanding to know their intentions.
As usual, Mayumi took the lead in the conversation, expressing gratitude for the Judge of Honghai's timely intervention and escorted them to the walls of Ba Sing Se.
The lieutenant appeared puzzled. "The wall? This is just a small checkpoint."
The two Kyoshi Warriors were taken aback by his response, prompting Satchiko to immediately inquire on the whereabouts of Ba Sing Se's actual walls.
"You should be well aware that there are no palaces and teahouses in this area," the lieutenant replied harshly. "We have yet to reach the city itself."
Upon hearing the lieutenant's statement, Satchiko's gaze immediately shifted to the towering walls of the outpost. They stood as an impressive stone fortification, taller than any they had encountered guarding state capitals throughout their journey. If this wasn't the wall of Ba Sing Se, then just how immense are the official bastion itself?
Mayumi followed Satchiko's gaze, noting the watchtowers positioned along the outpost wall. Like those in the state of Shang, these beacon towers were built to alert defenders within the city. It was evident that this fort, surrounded by desert, paled in comparison to the grandeur of the historical capital for the now fractured Earth Kingdom.
As they once again boarded the chariot, Satchiko's attention was drawn to a familiar figure seated on a nearby bench. Clad in light green armor and surrounded by five Ba Sing Se soldiers, the man appeared weakened, his injuries bandaged under multiple layers.
"Liu Song?" Satchiko called out, descending from the chariot to confirm if this was indeed the same individual who had attempted to kill An Qing'en. "You're still alive?"
"You know this man?" one of the soldiers inquired. "When we were recovering the bodies of our comrades, we found him half buried in the sand. Don't know what spirits he prayed to, but it seems they answered."
Severely injured and unable to speak, Liu Song managed a small, forced smile, seemingly finding solace in the sight of his enemies confined behind bars. However, even his miraculous survival did not warrant celebration. As a Jian Xin soldier, his presence in Ba Sing Se required official clearance, a luxury he did not possess.
"Hey!" Jang snapped, noticing the Kyoshi Warriors lingering outside the chariot. "We're headed to the city itself. What's with the hesitation?"
Once again, Mayumi stepped in, offering apologies and urging Satchiko onto the vehicle, assuring her that Liu Song would not be harmed.
In light of the day's events, being detained by a third-party state seemed far preferable to falling victim to Jian Xin's deadliest foe. Yet, as previously mentioned, Liu Song's fate hung precariously in the balance, subject to the whims of shifting alliances and borders.
"Let's go, sister," Mayumi suggested, her tone grave. "Remember, this isn't Kyoshi Island. Our name and status carry little weight here."
As the Judge of Honghai and the remaining soldiers resumed their march, Satchiko cast one last glance at the courtyard strewn with the dead. The sound of grieving echoed from beyond the walls. Though her sister's words might have sounded harsh and self-serving, but there is wisdom in avoiding actions that could inflict such sorrow on their parents.
Satchiko's voice was barely above a whisper as she confessed, "I miss our friends."
...
The great wall is massive.
Perhaps there is no greater understatement when describing a structure built by mortal hands. To suggest that this bastion was the divine creation of deities would still diminish the enormity of its size. Both Satchiko and Mayumi felt minuscule in its presence, once believing that such a colossal structure was mere fantasy. Yet here they stood, beholding a wall that rivaled natural mountains in its ambition to touch the heavens themselves. Compared to their humble village with its wooden lodges, they couldn't even begin to comprehend the methods employed in the construction of Ba Sing Se's walls.
Satchiko couldn't help but gape, rubbing her eyes to ensure she wasn't mistaken about the structure's size. The long, dense lines of refugees heading towards the wall only emphasized its magnitude. With tens of thousands of people gathered at its base, the young teenager was further astounded. Somehow, she had still underestimated the height of this earthen bastion.
"This is the largest structure in the world," Mayumi remarked in awe. "But even I didn't expect it to be this massive. Not even Chin the Conqueror himself could breach that wall."
Satchiko wiped a single bead of sweat from her forehead, still reeling from the astonishment. Compared to the wooden palisades surrounding her village, this colossal wall seemed like a natural part of the landscape. Yet, its existence proved that it was possible for mere mortals to shape the world to their liking, a feat often attributed to powerful Avatars.
"How did they even build something like this?" Satchiko asked, her voice filled with wonder.
Mainland builders are indeed more organized and skilled in architecture, far surpassing the craftsmen of Kyoshi Island when it came to working with earthen materials. But Satchiko had always assumed that there is a limit to how much humans could bend the natural world to their will. Today, that expectation had been raised much higher.
Despite their admiration for the great wall of Ba Sing Se, they couldn't ignore the vast throngs of ordinary people fleeing their ancestral homelands. Columns of refugees were packed to the brim with individuals from all walks of life. Distinguished by various shades of green and brown, the refugees weren't solely comprised of Jian Xin and Xiao Zhong. Many hailed from other states, mainly peasants who had brought their families and whatever provisions they could carry to aid them on their arduous journey. Ethnic minorities could also be discerned by their unique styles of clothing, and with the land under the heavens ravaged by countless wars, not even they were spared from the endless carnage.
As the Judge of Honghai led his army toward the gate, it became a grand procession that caught the attention of many. From the moment they were noticed, it was evident that tales of the Battle of Honghai had transcended the borders of Ba Sing Se.
Despite the refugees hailing from states both near and far, word of the epic battle had spread throughout the Earth Kingdom. The masses often revered their folk heroes, celebrating those renowned for their strength and courage. However, the peasantry held an even greater admiration for those who embodied sagely virtues, for even the mightiest warriors would be vilified if they proved immoral and cruel to the common people.
In an era plagued by countless civil wars, the petty and savage conflicts between various warlords had only brought suffering to the defenseless masses. It was during desperate times like these that tales of moral righteousness triumphing over evil gained popularity, especially in a continent overrun by hordes of pillaging bandits. Whatever imagination the Battle of Honghai had sparked, it had undoubtedly earned the admiration of the peasantry, who had endured the consequences of a false god's incompetence.
The gleaming armor of the army further captivated the curious refugees, their eyes drawn to the flags and tassels fluttering in the wind. The methodical marching and heavy stomping of the soldiers intimidated some onlookers, while the countless polearms and towering ostrich horses made for a spectacle display of raw power. At the head of it all rode the general himself, clad in glistening armor adorned with plates and golden mountain pattern lamellar. It was as if a living deity lay beneath that suit, wielding a weapon that none could effectively swing.
Satchiko noticed that some of the young boys among the countless refugees were excited to see the Judge of Honghai, likely having heard tales of the battle to protect the Western Air Temple and harboring dreams of emulating that feat.
Upon sharing this observation with Mayumi, her older sister produced a small smile. "Aren't you the same? You might be a girl, but even you dream of being a warrior like the ones in mother's stories."
Just like the little boys who dreamed of becoming generals themselves, Satchiko harbored ambitions to become an ideal warrior according to her own standards. Like most Kyoshi Warriors, she idolized Avatar Kyoshi, the paragon and founder of their island. The wooden statue in their village embodied the Avatar's strength and continued protection over the island. As a disciple of this great figure, Satchiko aspires to become a defender who fearlessly safeguarded their village. Perhaps all those years of finding excitement in defeating seafaring marauders had not prepared her for the massive battles that plagued the mainland. It is now evident that she is far more comfortable fighting on her own home turf, where the support of her fellow sisters could always be relied upon.
"I suppose those little boys haven't witnessed a real battle yet," Satchiko remarked quietly, understanding the grim fate awaiting those who experienced the horrors of the world firsthand. Confronted with the gruesome reality, a battlefield offered no glory or honor, only suffering remained constant. Wars in the mainland Earth Kingdom are not simple pirate raids, and those who suffered the worst consequences could never regain their former selves.
The young Kyoshi Warrior glanced once again at the charioteers beside them. Their eyes remained unfazed. Unlike the fervor of battle earlier, most of the soldiers under the Judge of Honghai now wore dull expressions, their faces revealing little emotion. It is reasonable to assume that each of these heavily armored men harbored pasts they did not wish to share, knowing that a realm torn by war could produce countless unspeakable tragedies that uprooted even more lives.
As they advanced closer to the great wall's gate, the Judge of Honghai was greeted by a robed official and many ordinary soldiers of the city. The process of allowing so many refugees through the gate was long and arduous, requiring extensive documentation by literate members of the bureaucracy. Procedures such as recording names, family members, skills or trades, and the origin of their state were all meticulously compiled. Most are artisans or farmers, but a few scholars also sought entry into Ba Sing Se. With so many people fleeing their own states, it is no wonder some leaders viewed the city with suspicion. Absorbing fleeing peasants and talented scholars uncontrollably weakened other states while enriching Ba Sing Se. Without even waging wars, the grand city attracted many citizens seeking the safety of its walls, as peace is far more favorable than facing the threat of bandits or pillaging soldiers.
The process was lengthy, with some soldiers forced to punish unruly refugees who grew impatient. The Kyoshi Warriors even witnessed a group of guards excessively torching a cart of cabbages after discovering invasive slugs.
Satchiko remained silent as curious glances were occasionally cast in their direction. Perhaps it was their eye-catching face paint that led many to mistake them for theater performers. Traveling alongside the soldiers, they were fortunate enough to bypass the endless lines of refugees seeking entry through the gate.
A segment of the giant wall opened, seemingly manipulated by Earthbenders standing on the battlements who controlled the earthen gate with their bending alone. With this completed, the entire army of the general gradually filed through the gap, entering a shadowed area before emerging on the other side.
Satchiko was initially surprised. Having grown accustomed to the desert environment, she was taken aback by the greenery within the walls. What was even more surprising is the vast farmlands of rice paddies, wheat, and millet, crops rarely seen in such abundance back on Kyoshi Island. Additionally, it seemed the locals are expecting the soldiers' return.
With thunderous cheers and triumphant chanting, crowds of farmers and peasants gathered on both sides of the road as the Judge of Honghai entered the city. Words of praise filled the air, with many expressing deep adulation for the general and his soldiers. Satchiko glanced at them, witnessing the admiration the common people held for the Judge of Honghai. As expected of the man who protected the Western Air Temple, the people of Ba Sing Se were fortunate to have such a peerless hero among their ranks. It is evident that the man behind the mask had accumulated considerable renown and fame in an age plagued by warlordism, especially for his instrumental role in the defeat of the corsair leader Anguta.
Satchiko leaned her head slightly outside of the chariot's rails, observing that the general himself showed no signs of enjoying the adulation. Bundles of flowers were thrown at him, but they simply bounced off his glistening armor. Even more peculiar is the behavior of the soldiers, who deliberately ignored the onlookers as they marched across the road. Any young women who tried to offer flowers were met with apathy.
Despite the cold response from the Judge of Honghai's soldiers, this didn't deter many onlookers from openly praising the general. Mayumi remarked that earning recognition from the masses wasn't easy, as an individual must perform significant feats to earn their respect.
"Such is the life of an Earth Kingdom general who has obtained fame," Mayumi said. "But remember, even that is only accessible after countless dances with death."
"Like a hero from a book," Satchiko added, her gaze fixed on the metal-clad figure.
This unusual response prompted Mayumi to become slightly wary, knowing that such words weren't typical of her younger sister's tomboyish demeanor. There were rare moments when Satchiko didn't act like a normal teenager.
Surrounded by nothing but farmlands, Satchiko and Mayumi traveled with the army until they arrived at a large ornate building. Long, slithering steel carts chained together entered and exited this structure. Whatever this place may be, there is no shortage of people escaping from the rest of the Earth Kingdom.
Filled with soldiers and administrative officers, the newly arrived were separated based on their status. Merchants are allowed passage straight to the Lower Ring, their caravans continuing on their journey of trade. Scholars are immediately ushered through, some even given carriages escorted by Ba Sing Se soldiers. For the vast majority, impoverished peasants are assigned to stay within the Agrarian Zone. However, what confused the two Kyoshi Warriors, especially Mayumi, is what the administration officials are giving to the escaping peasants.
"Here is the deed to the land," the official said in a bored voice, likely tired of the mundane task. "Crop seeds, livestock, and farming tools will be delivered eventually, so expect them in three days." She handed the parchment from behind the table, which the farmer and his family received with deep gratitude. Before the grateful man could properly thank the civil servant for her supposed generosity, a guard nudged them aside to allow the next family to approach.
"For free?" Mayumi raised an eyebrow incredulously.
Regardless of her sentiment, the charioteers informed them that this is where they should disembark. As the two of them complied, they watched as the entire army marched out of view. Left to navigate the intimidating bureaucracy themselves, the two sisters were nonetheless overwhelmed by the sheer number of refugees waiting to be allowed passage. Luckily, they are not alone, familiar faces once again appeared before them.
"Batu!" Satchiko spotted the little boy rushing towards them. Two older nomad warriors attempted to follow the child but were too exhausted. Hunter Jargal and the giant bare-chested brute only managed a few steps before slowing down to pant.
The young nomad expressed relief that they had made it to safety, even apologizing for not remaining behind to fight.
"Trust me, it is not in your interest to do that," Mayumi advised the impulsive Airbender, who is always eager to prove his worth. "A battlefield is no place for impetuous juveniles."
Satchiko felt slightly targeted by that statement, but thankfully her sister is preoccupied by the sighting of another familiar individual.
Sarangerel also arrived, easing her worried expression upon seeing the two Kyoshi Warriors unharmed. She informed them that the Khan and the entire tribe had already been guided by another official toward the city's center area. Due to their connections with the Xiao Zhong scholar, it seemed that escorting the man had helped curry favor with whoever was administering from the Upper Ring.
"Oh, and thank you for alerting those border guards," Sarangerel said with hesitation and guilt. "I must have placed both of you in great danger." She then presented a bag of food as gifts, containing a large wheel of cheese and two jars of fermented drink, all produced with Sky Bison milk.
Mayumi graciously accepted the gifts but deliberately spared the details of what had happened during the day's battle. The only news she dared to share was the defeat of the Xiao Zhong pursuers, who had mostly perished. Naturally, the gruesome details of limbs and innards being spilled apart is not the most enticing topic for conversation.
"Sarangerel, please send word to the Khan that we are grateful for their aid," Mayumi said. "My sister and I will surely repay them if given the opportunity."
"But what will your people do in Ba Sing Se?" Satchiko also inquired of the nomads.
Sarangerel answered maturely. Just like in the state of Shang, the Kheshig would attempt to establish trade here, especially finding a replacement businessman interested in buying Sky Bison wool. As for the boys, their priorities are certainly more self-serving, one more comedic than the other.
"I want to master my Airbending," Batu declared. "Just like how you are going to learn Earthbending here, I also need to work hard to improve my own skills."
"Then it's a promise we will both keep," Satchiko said with a smile. The little stubby boy also apologized for the turtle duck incident, even promising to swear off hunting defenseless creatures.
The towering brute with the mace on his shoulder didn't say much. Batu clarified that the man's gesture of pointing at his opened maw meant he wished to taste the world-famous Ba Sing Se braised duck, a dish that had earned a prestigious reputation even on the other side of the continent.
"You might want to lower some of your expectations," Mayumi chuckled while advising the towering brute. "You see, the people of Ba Sing Se like to be elegant, even when eating. So, you probably wouldn't be chewing large amounts of meat to your heart's content."
It was a reminder that members of the Ba Sing Se gentry preferred wrapping the turtle duck skin with steamed pancakes, which may not satisfy those who craved meat in large volumes. But this method of wrapping the meat allowed high-class women to enjoy the dish without opening their mouths too wide.
"Hey, just because he is big doesn't mean he can't be a gentleman," Batu came to the brute's righteous defense. The brute laughed like a child. Since he never spoke a single word, the two Kyoshi Warriors assumed that this nomad warrior was born mute.
But this trivial conversation was slowly interrupted when they noticed Jargal, who is standing on a rock while staring across the horizon. He is holding a wildflower, smelling it before reciting a poorly made love poem.
The lyrics didn't even rhyme.
"Oh, will there be any maidens of Ba Sing Se who would be in love with a poor hunter like me?" He deeply sniffed the flower, trying to pose in what seemed to be a romantic gesture, with questionable effect. "Oh, Ba Sing Se, where the girls are the prettiest in the world, wouldn't you pity a man who never saw the sea?"
The other three nomads grimaced at this utter embarrassment. Batu seemed to hiss in pain, and Sarangerel even apologized.
"Don't worry, I guess he's just enamored," Mayumi offered some understanding. "Who knows, he might actually meet someone special here."
Sarangerel quickly dismissed that notion. "He's delusional," she corrected. "With his cooking skills, no prison wardens would want to employ him. Even the cruelest jailers would have a shred of mercy."
Satchiko suddenly chimed in, asserting that only her sister deserved the title as the most beautiful person in the world. This prompted Sarangerel to chuckle but also drew Mayumi's utter embarrassment.
"I am flattered, but perhaps this is a more... subjective opinion," Mayumi said humbly. "My meager appearances are no competition to the fine ladies of Ba Sing Se."
"But-"
Mayumi covered Satchiko's mouth before further childish words could be espoused. Utilizing this opportunity, the older sister also inquired about how outsiders are perceived within the city. Sarangerel's answer did not offer much usefulness, as Ba Sing Se isn't fundamentally different when compared to most cities on this continent. As long as the local laws are respected, reprisals could only come unexpectedly. But there was one rather pointless detail when they encountered local farmers who mistook them for Airbending monks. An elder strangely offered them some fruits in exchange for performing funeral rites on her recently deceased husband. Her family apologized, as they are aware that not all Airbenders are monks from the elusive Air Temples.
There was a time in ancient days when the rare sighting of Airbenders across the Earth Kingdom was considered a sign of good fortune. It was a worthy blessing for ordinary folks, who perceived the monastic ascetics as wise and knowledgeable in spiritual matters. Thus, they used to allow the monks from the original four temples to bless newborns and recite sutras, even listening to the foreign incantations to bestow better yields for crops. Those days when the laypeople around the continent would show hospitality to the old Air Nomads are now long gone, as their supposed Airbending successors would never come close to forgoing their earthly attachments.
To conclude this parting, Mayumi bowed low to them, with Satchiko quickly following her sister's example.
"I cannot thank you all enough," Mayumi emphasized. "Without your help, this journey would not have been possible. So, this gratitude is the least we can do."
Sarangerel quickly raised their shoulders, insisting that this sincere formality wasn't necessary. "It's fine. Besides, our people still need to find another wool buyer after what happened back in Hao Jing. It's fortunate that we can both fulfill our goals at the same time."
Both sides parted ways after saying their goodbyes. As Mayumi and Satchiko walked toward the officials, the older sister deeply breathed the fresh air around them. As trivial as it may be, enjoying the atmosphere of the Agrarian Zone felt like a hard-earned reward. After risking their lives and playing with danger, they finally made it to the city of Ba Sing Se. This success also brought relief to the older sister, who could loosen her tensed muscles, knowing that there are no lunatic zealots chasing them around here. The only concern for the responsible sibling is to navigate an unfamiliar bureaucracy, a meticulous and daunting process that is arduous even for a village chief's daughter.
"We finally made it," Mayumi's red lips curved into a smile. "It is fortunate that Aunt Meng didn't lie." With the great weight of accompanying Satchiko to Ba Sing Se taken off her shoulders, she became far more optimistic. "But remember, sister, this isn't our village. Folks do things differently here." Mayumi scanned the officials sitting behind tables, who are conducting a census on the refugee numbers and delegating people to respective temporary settlements. "We were supposed to arrive on a designated ship. But since we are using the route of these refugees, there is no choice but to-"
Mayumi realized that Satchiko is standing motionlessly, with part of the face paint being eroded by two trails of tears flowing across both cheeks. While the iconic disguise could effectively mask their identity, some things that are harder to hide.
Mayumi closed in with a comforting hug. "There is no need to shed tears now. No one is going to harm us here. Remember, there is no war in Ba Sing Se."
"S-sorry, it's just that I am so glad we are finally here." Satchiko struggled to talk, wiping the tears from her face.
The unfortunate consequence of this journey meant Satchiko had to suffer the horrors that plague the continent. What was supposed to be a simple trip to study under Ba Sing Se's Earth Sages had turned into a life-and-death quagmire that nearly cost their own lives.
"Are we very safe here?" Satchiko asked with tremendous reluctance.
Mayumi spoke quietly, assuring the young Kyoshi Warrior that there is truly nothing to be afraid of within these walls. Compared to the wars and disasters that plague the remaining mainland, everything within this great bastion is secure.
Yet, the older sister never gave a firm answer to Satchiko. Indeed, within these walls, there is relative peace, as nothing could ever come close to the horrors throughout the rest of this war-ravaged continent.