The serene sound of the long, serpentine carts gliding across the seemingly infinite monorail tracks created a tranquil ambiance. The metal vehicle had been traversing the expansive agrarian zone for hours, yet the towering inner walls of Ba Sing Se remains a distant aspiration.
While the city's farmers relied on this mode of transportation daily, the majority of the seats are occupied by destitute refugees from the broader Earth Kingdom. The eclectic mix of their attire is striking. Although green is the dominant hue, subtle variations of yellow and brown intermingled within the crowd.
Satchiko's gaze was irresistibly drawn to a mother tenderly cradling her wailing infant. The distressed child refused to be consoled, his cries echoing through the carriage. She ached to alleviate the suffering of these displaced people, but what could she truly offer? As a mere warrior, she found herself sharing the journey by mere happenstance. For a fleeting moment, the limitations of her combative skills became painfully clear, as there is only so much one could achieve with a metal fan.
She diverted her eyes from sorrowful expressions, reminding herself that their plight should not be viewed solely through a lens of despair. These individuals sought refuge from the chaos beyond and harbored hopes of rebuilding their lives within the sanctuary of Ba Sing Se. Having been denied such opportunities in lands ravaged by strife and discord, their mere survival is an accomplishment worthy of celebration. This is a fortune that many others had not been granted.
A few minutes passed, and a hushed silence enveloped the entire train. The baby had finally fallen asleep, and everyone savored the fleeting tranquility. The only remaining sound is the mechanical hum of the peculiar metal carriage with its interconnected carts, an engineering marvel that Satchiko does not fully comprehend.
Her eyes wandered to the window, taking in the scenery outside. It is unchanged, still just an endless expanse of rice fields and farmlands. She marveled at the vast number of crops, enough to feed her people for an eternity.
Yet, despite the initial amazement, a deep-seated boredom gnawed at her. She decided to rest her eyes, hoping to fast-forward through the monotony of the journey.
Just then, a gentle nudge on her elbow demanded her attention.
"Sister, look!" Mayumi directed Satchiko's attention to some stone structures outside. The younger sister rubbed her eyes, striving for a clearer view. Amidst the endless sea of rice fields stood a cluster of large, circular buildings made entirely of earth. Each resembled a small fortress, crowned with dark clay roof tiles. Countless small windows peppered the external walls, and farmers bustled in and out through individual entrances. These structures are reminiscent of the ones that had sheltered them the previous day, yet they are much larger and more imposing.
"How many people do you think those giant houses can accommodate?" Satchiko asked her more knowledgeable sister. Since Mayumi had read many of Hakaru's books and journals, she likely had some explanations. However, it is obvious that their father had never personally set foot inside Ba Sing Se.
"At least a thousand."
The answer didn't come from Mayumi, but from a girl adorned with a striking silver headdress. More accurately, it is like a helmet, crafted entirely from precious metal. The sisters were immediately astounded by the craftsmanship, rendered speechless by the intricate work of art that defied mere words. It was simply too sophisticated to be confined to regular speech.
"Why would people build something like this when there are giant walls all around the city?" Satchiko asked the stranger, trying not to be too mesmerized by the silver headdress. "It feels so unnecessary."
The stranger cast a sympathetic glance at the refugees around them. With a quiet voice, she explained the purpose behind those large circular structures that resembles miniature fortresses. "When the Fire Nation attacked, the original builders of those round buildings fled from the west to escape the war. Like unwelcome guests, they clashed with the locals. So, they built those large houses. Nowadays, the original builders are long gone, and the structures now serve as simple living quarters, nothing too extravagant."
"Fascinating," Mayumi remarked, gesturing for the stranger to join them.
While these circular earthen houses paled in comparison to the colossal walls of Ba Sing Se, Satchiko cannot ignore that even the smallest of them are much larger than most structures on Kyoshi Island. One of these stone constructs could easily accommodate her entire village. She stared at them quietly, both impressed and terrified of the architectural prowess of mainland Earthbenders.
"By the way, who might you be?" Satchiko inquired the stranger. "And your attire, it's... black?"
The dark-hued tunic is undeniably sophisticated, yet the color is an unusual choice. Most inhabitants of the Earth Kingdom wore garments in varying shades of green, brown, and yellow. Of course, a continent as vast as this one would naturally give rise to diverse fashion choices, especially amongst the ethnic minorities. In the case of Kyoshi Island, blue is predominantly favored.
"I am Npauj Npaim from Txiv Yawg Village, east of the Earth Kingdom," the stranger introduced herself. Despite technically originate from the same nation, her accent carried an almost foreign quality to the ears of the Kyoshi warriors. Even her name proved challenging for the two islanders to pronounce. "And you? I've never encountered people dressed in such peculiar clothing, are those armor?"
"My name is Mayumi, and this is my sister, Satchiko," the elder Kyoshi Warrior responded. "We hail from Kyoshi Island, which is near the southern coasts."
"You two are sisters?"
Satchiko perceived a hint of disbelief in Npauj Npaim's tone. This is not an uncommon reaction. Despite their similar facial features, there is a distinctive aspect that set them apart, a detail aside from their height and hair length.
"The eye colors, they are different," Npauj Npaim observed, glancing back and forth between the two.
"Our father hails from the mainland," Mayumi explained with a touch of humor. "My sister inherited his green eye color, though unfortunately, she didn't inherit his intellect." Her mild jest elicited a slight frown from Satchiko, though in such a serene setting, the opportunity for lighthearted banter is a welcome reprieve, especially considering the recent peril they had faced. "As for me, my blue eyes are said to be a trait passed down from my great-grandmother."
Mayumi then turned her attention to Npauj Npaim's headwear. The exquisite craftsmanship of the piece was simply too captivating to ignore.
"Is this made of silver?" Mayumi inquired with a note of reverence.
"Indeed," Npauj Npaim replied, carefully removing the metal headpiece and offering it to Mayumi. "Every girl in my village possesses one. We use them for dancing and singing during festivals."
Satchiko struggled to mask her astonishment. A silver headdress of such magnificence would undoubtedly be expensive. To provide one for every woman in a village is a remarkable achievement. By contrast, the golden headdresses of her own people are reserved solely for the Kyoshi Warriors who have demonstrated their mastery, and not every woman chose to take up arms and fight.
Mayumi's eyes lingered on the headdress, marveling at the intricate craftsmanship and appreciating the detailed designs. Though she is not a blacksmith herself, she possessed some knowledge of metalwork. "Your village must have exceptional silversmiths," she remarked admiringly. "The labor and dedication required to create such elaborate headwear must be immense."
"Thank you," Npauj Npaim responded as Mayumi handed back the silver headdress. "Your golden headdress is equally impressive! What is its purpose?"
"Oh, this?" Mayumi said, focusing on her golden headpiece with a sense of pride. "This headdress is worn by members of our people who have demonstrated their prowess as capable warriors. Each family has its unique design, and it can only be worn once we have achieved acceptable level of skill in our training. It's useful too, allowing us to distinguish one sister from another."
Npauj Npaim's curiosity was piqued. "And where is your sister's headdress?" she asked, noting the absence of any golden ornament on Satchiko. The younger sibling wore only a simple training headband on the forehead, plain and unadorned.
Satchiko maintained a neutral expression, a face betraying neither joy nor sadness, but rather a deliberate attempt to conceal her true feelings. "I left it at home," she replied succinctly.
The golden headdress was an emblem of aspiration for Satchiko during her days as a young trainee. Eager to demonstrate her skills and prowess, she had relentlessly challenged her peers in sparring matches, emerging victorious in most. She had watched with envious admiration as the older Kyoshi warriors donned their golden ornaments, believing that it is her destiny to wear one with pride.
Yet now, that fervor had waned. The standards she had set for herself had become more demanding, requiring greater renown to justify the honor of a golden headdress.
"So, are you two also heading to Ba Sing Se University?" Npauj Npaim surmised, noting the relatively well-kept appearance of the sisters. Clearly, anyone with a reasonable social standing would be a prime candidate for such an institution, and the Kyoshi Warriors hardly seemed like refugees fleeing from the turmoil outside.
Mayumi offered a slight correction. "It is only my sister who will be studying there. I am merely accompanying her, ensuring that she stays out of trouble."
Satchiko bestowed a genuine smile upon her older sister. She felt that Mayumi had not received the recognition she deserved. The perils and challenges they had faced would have been far more daunting without someone she could trust implicitly. In a sense, she had taken Mayumi's protective presence for granted. Should an opportunity arise, she vows to repay such kindness. Perhaps a treasured gift would serve as a token of appreciation, a gesture to honor their unbreakable sisterhood.
Satchiko then turned her gaze to Npauj Npaim. "Are you also going to the university?"
Npauj Npaim nodded and produced a letter from Master Xuan Zang. The parchment was addressed to the chief of Txiv Yawg Village, extending an invitation for his granddaughter to study at Ba Sing Se.
Satchiko reflected on this revelation. It is possible that other students, like herself, are also connected to individuals of prominence. However, this thought seemed insignificant compared to the immediate surroundings.
"Oh, look," Npauj Npaim said, pointing out the window. "We have arrived."
The view of the inner wall came into sight on the horizon. Moments later, the train plunged into a deep, dark tunnel, obscuring their vision entirely.
Unaccustomed to the abrupt change, Satchiko's hands instinctively gripped Mayumi's left arm for reassurance. The darkness had descended so suddenly, it felt almost childish to be unsettled by it.
A gloved hand gently stroked her hair, a comforting gesture meant to dispel her unease.
"T-thank you, Mayumi," Satchiko whispered with a voice that is barely audible.
It felt right, somehow. Despite being a warrior clad in armor, it was not the metal that provided Satchiko with a sense of security. Often, it was Mayumi's reassuring presence that proved more comforting, a constant reminder of their unbreakable bond.
The light at the end of the tunnel drew nearer, and Satchiko wavered between releasing her grip on her sister's arm or continuing to cling to it. There was no resistance from Mayumi, leaving the choice entirely in her hands.
As the light finally flooded the compartment, illuminating their surroundings, Satchiko released her hold on Mayumi's arm at the last possible moment. Her sister remained silent about the incident. The three of them rose to their feet to take in the view outside.
"Woah," Satchiko almost exclaimed, trying to keep her mouth from hanging open in astonishment. "How do people live in a place like this? Thousands?"
Before them stretched an endless expanse of buildings, an ocean of stone, wood, and plaster as far as the eye could see. Most structures are modest in height with dark green roof tiles typical of Earth Kingdom architecture, though some taller edifices punctuated the horizon.
"Millions, sister," Mayumi replied, her voice filled with awe. "Millions." She was likely aware of Ba Sing Se's unprecedented population, but even extensive reading had not fully prepared her for this overwhelming sight.
The interconnected train came to a stop at what appeared to be a station. A stern-faced lawman bellowed for everyone to disembark.
Satchiko and Mayumi joined the throng of passengers, merging with the crowd. Upon exiting, Satchiko found herself on a stone platform. Unsure where to go next, she stayed close to her sister, finding comfort in Mayumi's dependable presence.
Inside the station, lower-ranking officials attended to the newcomers. In their cramped wooden booths, documents are meticulously scrutinized. Those who completed the inspection were directed to pass through gates, navigating an iron fence designed to manage the flow of people.
Several lines had formed, with soldiers stationed at the premises, polearms held at the ready. Unlike the typical peasant refugees, it appears that Ba Sing Se had reserved the central district for the more skilled craftsmen. The presence of armored guards patrolling the area also serves as a stark reminder to the Kyoshi Warriors of their priorities.
"Keep the weapons concealed," Mayumi murmured to Satchiko. Despite the dense throng of people, their words were barely audible amid the incessant hum of the crowd.
Satchiko discreetly tucked her metal fan away from view, while Mayumi used a cloth to cover her prized sword. The sisters struggled to breathe in the stifling atmosphere, surrounded by countless individuals jostling to join the lines.
Order was eventually restored when the guards intervened, even deploying a menacing Platypus Bear to intimidate any passengers attempting to cut the line. After a period of patience, the sisters observed as Npauj Npaim approached the booth, hoping to mirror her interaction with the officials. The exchange was minimal, as Xuan Zang's letter evidently carried more weight than any refugee or local paperwork.
With Npauj Npaim exiting the station, the Kyoshi Warriors cautiously moved toward the nearest booth.
"Papers, please."
The voice was monotonous and indifferent. The man inside the booth exhibited a lack of enthusiasm for his role. His stamping of documents was methodical and precise, leaving little room for unnecessary conversation.
Despite a wave of nervousness, Satchiko stepped forward first. Her apprehensions about Xuan Zang's letter being rejected proved unwarranted.
"My sister is accompanying me to the city," she implored the official as he stamped the parchment. "Please grant her passage as well." The nearby guard, however, merely directed her to proceed through the gate, offering no assurances. On the other side of the fence, Npauj Npaim joined a group of students, guided by Ba Sing Se's tour guides in their distinctive uniforms.
"Just go, sister," Mayumi encouraged, her voice calm. "I'll catch up with you shortly."
It became clear that even the Judge of Honghai's seal of approval held no complete sway at this checkpoint. The official's gaze revealed no trace of sympathy, but Mayumi is determined to find another way to gain entry into the Lower Ring.
"Here, perhaps this will help," Mayumi said, reaching into her robe, subtlety slid a handful of silver coins across the table. Her feasible attempt at bribery backfired immediately.
The official examined the coins with a lackluster gaze. "This is the fourth of such attempt today," he remarked, while also reminding her that those caught with unsanctioned weapons will be punished. "Do you outsiders seriously think that Ba Sing Se's bureaucrats are in lack of money? I may be a low ranked official, but trying to bribe me with silver instead of gold is somewhat insulting. And before you consider having your sister vouch for you, doing that will implicate her too." He took a sip of tea from the cup on the booth's table, before continuing in a mundane manner. "While the rest of the realm is embroiled in their little squabbles, it appalls me that there are those who would bring such folly here."
Mayumi held her breath, acutely aware of the oppressive weight of Ba Sing Se's bureaucracy. Although she had technically committed no grave offense, her lack of official documentation meant that navigating the city would be an arduous task. To the nearby guards, she is simply another potential fugitive to be apprehended.
From the other side of the iron barriers, Satchiko observed the unfolding situation with growing concern. As she prepared to unfurl her metal fan in response, Mayumi quickly motioned with one hand, a clear command to avoid any unnecessary intervention.
"Alright, everyone, let's move out, a long day awaits us!" called out one of the tour guides. A woman adorned with a non la hat gestured for the invited students to follow her. Reluctantly, Satchiko joined the group, not wishing to part from her sister. The soldiers stationed to oversee the invitees ushered her along, effectively forcing her to leave the area.
Despite the unsettling circumstances, Mayumi felt a pang of relief at her sister's departure. However, this brief solace was quickly overshadowed when the official, with evident irritation, instructed the nearby guards to arrest her for the lack of proper credentials.
"Guards, seize this fraudster," the official commanded, his tone dripping with annoyance. "Without official sponsorship from someone within the city's core, your presence in the Lower Ring is a clear violation of Ba Sing Se's bylaws. It is audacious of you to even attempt such a brazen act."
The soldiers stationed at the entrance immediately sprang into action, encircling Mayumi with their weapons poised. Unlike the other fortified settlements she had encountered, Mayumi dare not to harm the local soldiers. Any act of aggression could jeopardize Satchiko's prospect at Ba Sing Se University. If ensuring her sister's future required enduring minor sacrifices, then the cost shall be paid without protest.
"Depending on your conduct in the courthouse, you may yet save your neck," the official intoned coldly, sipping some more tea, which have already gone cold.
Mayumi's breath caught in her throat at the harshness of the official's statement. She attempted to argue, asserting the egregiousness of the punishment. Her objections were swiftly dismissed by the official, who contended that even Ba Sing Se's most severe measures are mild compared to the pervasive barbarism across the war-ravaged continent. According to him, even the smallest attempt to disrupt the harmony within these walls must quelled with unyielding rigor.
The official sighed. "Young people these days, they always take stability for granted. Too bad the ones I personally knew did not even have the privilege to return back to Ba Sing Se in one piece."
"Do not harm her, she is with me."
A commanding feminine voice cut through the tension. The official and soldiers turned toward the source of the voice, their gaze falling upon an ornate carriage stationed just outside the station's gate.
"Impudent!" a soldier exclaimed sharply. "Which audacious miscreant dares to meddle in state affairs?"
The coachman of the carriage, undeterred by the confrontation, boldly defended his employer, branding the soldiers as uncouth brutes. It was a daring, if potentially perilous move that could ironically undermine his own employers' standing.
Before the soldiers could detain the occupant of the carriage, the official raised a commanding arm, signaling them to halt. Mayumi observed intently as he approached the carriage, preparing to confer with whoever is inside.
A window of the carriage peered open slightly as the occupant delicately lifted the curtain that shielded the interior. The thin and slender fingers are adorned with silver nail guards, suggesting an elevated status. From a distance, the conversation between the official and the concealed figure is barely audible, conducted through a narrow gap that allowed for only the most essential exchange.
Mayumi strained to catch the words of their dialogue, which, while restrained, clearly conveyed the official's discontent.
"Someone of your standing should be acutely aware of the potential repercussions," the official warned with a frosty edge. "The masses might see you as a resilient flower, impervious to decay. Yet here, regardless of your prestige, a single misstep could lead to your downfall. I trust you have made a judicious choice in your associations."
The response from within the carriage was muted, save for a disdainful scoff from the coachman. As the official retreated to his post, he instructed the guards to release Mayumi. She approached the carriage with caution, her mind racing with curiosity and gratitude.
"Thank you for your generosity," Mayumi said, bowing her head low in a gesture of profound respect. "I promise to repay this kindness in the future."
The voice from within the carriage responded. Almost immediately, the Kyoshi Warrior can notice the aura of noble lineage, with even their method of speaking vastly different from the commoners.
"There is no need to burden yourself with gratitude, Kyoshi Warrior. I harbor no intention of placing you in my debt."
Mayumi tried not to let her astonishment show. Whoever occupied the carriage is clearly aware of her identity. This could imply that the individual either knew of her people through rare channels or had anticipated their arrival, potentially as part of a strategic move. She refrained from speculating further, recalling her mother's warnings about a certain group that may or may not be their enemies. At best, they would simply watch them from the shadows. Despite their shared origins, there is no guarantee to such idyllic scenario, especially there are those who still remember how Ba Sing Se's walls fell during the last great war.
"At ease," the voice implored, carrying a tone that bordered on an authoritative command. "It is natural for you to be wary, but I assure you that we have more in common than you might assume." The voice then informed the coachman of her intent to share the carriage space with the Kyoshi Warrior, causing the driver's confusion. Not wishing to defy his employer, the coachman promptly retrieved a small wooden stair and positioned it by the carriage's entrance. It is a customary courtesy for esteemed guests, especially for dignified ladies who are expected to maintain their public modesty with long silken gowns.
Mayumi felt a twinge of apprehension as she approached, unsure of what awaited her inside. Despite her ability to effortlessly leap onto the carriage, she opted for the stairs, aiming to present herself as non-threatening to the distinguished occupant.
Mayumi carefully seated herself on a plush cushion, her heart still racing from the unexpected turn of events. She slowly raised her eyes to meet the benefactor.
She froze. It appears that Jargal truly wasn't exaggerating about the splendor of Ba Sing Se.
Draped in garments of the finest silk and adorned with a liangbatou that shimmered with opulent embroidery, the lady before her is a walking example of upper-class refinement. Her natural porcelain skin seemed to glow with an ethereal light, framed by an elaborate headdress bedecked with peonies and chrysanthemums. Her long, lustrous hair was meticulously arranged around a rigid frame, secured with golden hairpins that spoke of her noble lineage. To further incur Mayumi's amazement, even the eyelashes seemed meticulously crafted, adding to an overall impression of perfection that bordered on the otherworldly.
This is the epitome of high-class elegance in Ba Sing Se, the capital of the entire Earth Kingdom before its fracture. To someone like Mayumi, who had spent most of her life on the rugged Kyoshi Island, this woman seemed like a living testament to the grandeur and sophistication of the capital's elite. If she were less experienced, Mayumi might have found herself overwhelmed by the sheer opulence before her.
Quickly regaining composure, Mayumi recognized the need to maintain her dignity in the face of the host. The intense competition among the noble classes meant that this woman's appearance was likely a carefully crafted display designed to stand out amidst a sea of equally extravagant flowers. Determined not to appear like a naive country bumpkin, Mayumi introduced herself, scrambling to remember the books she read about Earth Kingdom high culture.
"My name is Mayumi, eldest daughter of Akahana. I am profoundly grateful for your assistance."
The noblewoman responded with a slight, deliberate nod, her movement precise and imbued with an air of grace that spoke of her training and status. Despite the evident difference in their worlds, the noblewoman's demeanor was unexpectedly egalitarian. She interacted with Mayumi as though they were equals, a gesture that left Mayumi both intrigued and wary. Judging by mere appearance, it seems that they are both of the same age.
The distinguished lady spoke with an eloquence that matched her appearance, a voice imbued with the polished sophistication of someone who had been meticulously educated to distinguish herself from the common folk of Ba Sing Se. Yet, instead of flaunting her status, she engaged with Mayumi in a manner that suggested genuine interest rather than a mere display of superiority.
"I did not anticipate our encounter unfolding in this manner," the woman proclaimed. "How ironic. It seems the roles have indeed been reversed."
"I... do not comprehend," Mayumi replied with genuine confusion.
The noblewoman directed the coachman to proceed toward the Middle Ring, and in the interim, she introduced herself.
As the rhythmic clatter of the ostrich horses' hooves filled the air, Mayumi began to unravel the intricate tapestry of their shared history. Her understanding of their island's founder deepened with every word.
"My name is Te Gaogui, heiress of the Zigan Commandery," the noblewoman announced with formal dignity. "Our predecessors were acquainted, with your Avatar rescued one of my forebears."
Mayumi swiftly sifted through her recollections, retrieving vague references to the Te family from her father's writings. The Te clan, having risen to prominence in the Eastern Earth Kingdom, is well-regarded. Their most illustrious patriarch, Te Sihung, is celebrated for the remarkable transformation he wrought upon his domain. Revered as a capable and benevolent governor, his reign is chronicled in history as one that profoundly prioritized the fundamental needs of his people, education and health. It is widely believed that his legacy left an indelible mark upon the eastern regions, elevating a once obscure area into a land renowned for its scholarly prowess. Today, many acknowledge the unusual significance of this region, noting its verdant fields and rich productivity despite its relatively modest size.
"But I still fail to grasp how this is related to our founder," Mayumi respectfully interjected. "I was unaware that she had any prior connections to the esteemed Te family. However, it is indeed fortuitous that the virtues of your sagacious forebear are reflected in you."
Te Gaogui did not respond immediately, perhaps reflecting on Mayumi's words. Mayumi pondered whether her carefully chosen phrasing might have inadvertently offended the noblewoman, considering the Avatar Kyoshi's complex history with the Te family was not extensively documented.
Kyoshi had certainly been a persistent adversary to many corrupt officials during her tenure, even confronting governors and Earth Sages who initially refused to acknowledge her legitimacy. Some of these figures had the audacity to demand various undignified favors from the Avatar for their own gain. It was common knowledge that many noble clans in the Earth Kingdom harbored a certain disdain for the stern yet righteous enforcer, a sentiment that even extended to the Earth King himself.
Lady Te exhaled a sigh. "Perhaps sagacious is not the most accurate description. I am merely striving to prevent any discord between the Te family and the Avatar's followers while reciprocating the mercy your revered figure extended. Our clan has not always been known for its benevolence toward commoners. Ironically, the person you just praised are also not the sagely paragon of wisdom to begin with. All it takes to starve an entire region to death is an unhealthy penchant, and without the intervention of your Avatar, the Te lineage might not have endured to this day. Thus, assisting you is the very least I can do." She regarded Mayumi with a look of understanding as Mayumi gradually pieced together the implications.
Though the Kyoshi Warrior had no personal recollections of her Avatar's interactions with the Te family, it is conceivable that such incidents were not deemed significant enough to be recorded. Indeed, much of Kyoshi's past remains shrouded in mystery, as many aspects of her tenure are less transparent than one might wish. The conspicuous omission of her companions, if any existed, casts a shadow of doubt on the annals that chronicle her era.
As with many rulers, the rise cannot exist without the shadow.
"Sometimes, I find it difficult to fully understand your Avatar," Te Gaogui remarked thoughtfully. "The Te lineage could have very well ended at her hands, yet I remain grateful for her mercy."
Mayumi pondered this observation. Although Kyoshi is remembered as a formidable Avatar, her compassionate side is frequently overshadowed by her raw strength. To be an enduring figure, an Avatar must not rely solely on physical prowess. Perhaps this is where the vague concept of balance becomes crucial. Yang Chen, a revered nun amongst the Earth Kingdom masses, did not allow her pacifist beliefs to hinder her role, which sometimes necessitated force. An Avatar who relies exclusively on unrestrained brute strength, devoid of foresight or moderation, resembles a wild beast careening over a precipice.
Though deeply appreciative of the assistance offered, Mayumi could not help but harbor concerns about the potential ramifications for Te Gaogui and her family. Despite her humble origins on a remote island, she is not oblivious to the harsh realities of collective punishment practiced by past dynasties. In Ba Sing Se, entire clans could face extermination or enslavement due to the treason of a single member. While she is uncertain of the present legal climate, challenging authority is unwise.
"Lady Te Gaogui, please pardon my outspokenness," Mayumi began. "I am genuinely grateful for your kindness, but I am concerned that this friction with the official earlier might—"
"I am capable of managing it," Te Gaogui interjected, her tone edged with a hint of firmness.
The noblewoman then withdrew a book and buried her face in its pages, continuing to read with a lack of further discussion. Mayumi sat in contemplative silence, struggling to decipher this response. It is unclear whether Lady Te's demeanor reflected a belief in the inviolable prestige of her clan as a shield against legal repercussions, or simply wishes to dismiss the matter as a troubling risk she prefers to ignore. Either way, the Kyoshi Warrior resolved to exercise even greater caution in the city. A single misstep could be traced back to Te Gaogui, who had taken responsibility for her presence in the Lower Ring.
Determined not to intrude further upon Te Gaogui's apparent immersion in her reading, Mayumi leaned her head against the carriage wall, hoping to find some respite. Whatever destination lay ahead, she decided it is best to postpone that inquiry for another time.
Mayumi closed her eyes, deliberately breathing slow to minimize her presence before the gracious noblewoman. She intends to savor the unexpectedly soothing rhythm of the ostrich horses' trot as they traversed the streets of the Lower Ring. The coachman had evidently chosen a quieter route, likely in consideration of Te Gaogui's reading habits.
It felt peaceful. While Mayumi have never stepped onto a carriage, she now understands the simple charm of resting quietly while leisurely travelling across a bustling city. She wonders why the gentry would desire even more than what they already have, is greed truly an infectious disease that can never be cured?
"Ah!"
The carriage jolted to a sudden stop, causing Te Gaogui's head to collide with the wall. Mayumi's eyes flew open, her concern for the new benefactor immediate and intense.
"I am fine," Te Gaogui reassured calmly, her hands clutched tightly around the book. "My coachman rarely makes such errors."
Mayumi strained her ears to discern the commotion outside. It became obvious that the coachman is involved in some sort of altercation. She is suddenly compelled to sharpen her ears upon hearing the unmistakable tone of harsh dogmatism and moral condemnation that struck a chord of familiarity. Her hand instinctively reached for the hilt of her blade, eliciting a concerned glance from Lady Te.
"Surely, some lowly ruffians do not warrant death?" Te Gaogui implored, attempting to dissuade the armed woman from resorting to violence against what she presumed were mere street thugs. Yet, the intensity and fervor of the discourse outside suggested that the confrontation is far from trivial.
The sounds of the coachman's vehement reprimands cut through the tension.
"You idiots!" he roared. "Do you not realize whose carriage this is? Behind me sits the esteemed Lady Te Gaogui, scion of the Earth Kingdom's greatest clan and the sole heiress of Zigan. How dare you lot get in the way!"
It was a mouthful. Despite the coachman's fervent assertions, invoking the Te clan's prestige did little to deter the obstructionists. On the contrary, the other party seemed even more disdainful of the noble clan, though not for the reasons Mayumi initially surmised.
"We do not fear the armies of the malevolent spirit," came the retort that laced with fervor. "Why should we cower before fools who worship false idols? Those who follow the sorceress Yang Chen are destined for eternal damnation!"
Mayumi's grip on her blade tightened in response to these provocative words. Te Gaogui's confusion was palpable as she struggled to understand why the assailants are so vehemently fixated on mere religion.
"How peculiar," Te Gaogui remarked. "The common people's aversion to noble families often stems from understandable grievances, most of which I easily agree with. But why would the worship of Yang Chen provoke such animosity?"
It doesn't," the Kyoshi Warrior replied tersely. "But for those outside, such commonality means little."
Unlike the last three callow incarnates, who seems to have a strange habit of allowing the Fire Nation to keep the lands they stole, there is one figure who became the embodiment of compassion in this nation's religious pantheon.
Born in the Western Air Temple, Yang Chen is the embodiment of benevolence in the eyes of the Earth Kingdom masses. Kind to both people and animals, she is perhaps the most beloved Avatar on this vast land, even surpassing most native Avatars in terms of veneration. Mayumi caught a faint scent of incense sticks, suggesting that Lady Te Gaogui had recently earlier a local temple. Despite Yang Chen's status as a foreign nun, she is held in high regard throughout the realm. The masses, particularly the peasantry, adore Yang Chen. Shrines and temples dedicated to her spread across the realm, reflecting her widespread veneration.
"Please stay here, Lady Te," Mayumi urged, her voice firm. She then exited the carriage, moving to assist the coachman as two figures obstructed their path. The individuals obviously hail from modest backgrounds, possibly locals from the Lower Ring or recent refugees. One figure, a mother, tenderly held her child. Another is a man who boldly positioned himself before the carriage, blocking its path.
"Wealth and status are meaningless," the man declared with resolute. "Only through the divine cultivation of the Master can we truly attain liberation."
With brazen audacity, he demanded that the coachman surrender the carriage, threatening severe consequences if his demands are not met. Despite his aggressive posture, he reassured that their aim is not to abduct Lady Te, but to seize the carriage and its two ostrich horses.
"Relinquish the carriage to the Master's faithful servants, and we shall intercede for your salvation before the throne of grace. Such blissful reward cannot be attained by remaining subservient to the Te family." The man then strides purposefully toward the coachman, expecting compliance. His demand was met with immediate resistance as the household servant, enraged by the audacious request, delivered a forceful kick to the man's face.
"How dare you attack a servant of the Master!" the man roared in outrage. "Those who reject his peaceful teachings must face retribution!" Enraged, he brandished a crudely fashioned knife and lunged at the coachman, intent on forcibly seizing the carriage. However, his fervor blinded him to the presence of the armored woman standing beside the carriage.
Mayumi swiftly intervened, her blade flashing as she deflected the knife and disarmed the assailant. She jabbed expertly at various pressure points on the body, rendering him incapacitated. The woman with the child looked on in horror, clutching her infant even more tightly. Realizing the delicate situation, Mayumi adjusted her approach to ensure the safety of the child.
"Sorcery!" the assailant accused vehemently, condemning Mayumi's actions as sacrilegious.
Mayumi glared down at the fallen adversary, kicking the crude knife away with her foot while holding the blade poised at his neck. Before the situation could escalate further, a group of lightly armored patrolmen emerged from a nearby alleyway. Armed with broad swords, they quickly encircled the instigators, ready to restore order.
Mayumi swiftly sheathed her blade as the city lawmen moved in to detain the troublemakers. Despite the substantial presence of enforcers, the male detainee remained obstinate, futilely struggling against his restraints while hurling curses at the officers.
"Lady Te, are you unharmed?" the leader of the patrol inquired with genuine concern. "Please accept our apologies for the inconvenience, our negligence nearly led to harm."
"It's quite alright, constable Bu Kuai," Te Gaogui's voice came from within the carriage. "My coachman and bodyguard managed to fend them off."
Her response subtly shielded Mayumi from scrutiny, as wielding a weapon without official capacity might arouse suspicion. After a brief exchange, the patrolman provided a vague account of the assailants. It appeared they had disrupted the peace at a local Yang Chen temple, overturning food offerings on the altar and harassing worshippers seeking the Avatar's protection.
Mayumi noted the patrolman's deliberate vagueness, sensing an underlying intention to downplay the situation. Despite her sympathy for the detained mother and infant, she found the firm handling by Ba Sing Se's law enforcement a stark contrast to the ineffectual response from Hao Jing. Thankfully, her sister is not present. Satchiko would undoubtedly have sought to prevent the mother and child from being detained.
"Idol worship will lead to the downfall of all nations that defy the Master's sovereign judgment!" the man proclaimed with fervent intensity, his eyes blazing as he addressed the onlookers. "Repent before it is too late, for the Master is merciful and magnanimous! Soon, his divine army shall march across the Earth Kingdom and dismantle the walls of Ba—"
His declaration was abruptly cut off as a cloth was hastily shoved into his mouth, muffling the words. A cart drawn by ostrich horses soon arrived, and the detainees were swiftly ushered onto it.
Mayumi remained tense even after the lawmen had cleared the scene. Throughout the ordeal, she refrained from discussing her previous encounter with the zealots, who seeks to reshape the world according to their narrow vision. This spiritual movement, which seeks not only to annihilate but to convert all other beliefs, posed a far graver threat than mere banditry. If even the son of Aang himself had expressed concern over this pervasive ideology, it is clear that vigilance is paramount.
Returning to the carriage, Mayumi meticulously recounted the events to Lady Te Gaogui. To clarify the motives behind the zealots' actions, she briefly outlined the movement known as the Acolytes of San Bao.
"They are far more dangerous than common bandits," Mayumi cautioned. "I have encountered them before. First, they tried to kidnap me and my sister, and then they massacred more than half of a city's population. Above all, they love to destroy other people's temples, always exalting their own deity above all else."
Her words carried a weight of urgency, reflecting her deep-seated concern over the ideological zealotry that had just been witnessed. Although this mitigated the noblewoman's confusion, the response baffled Mayumi.
Te Gaogui's reaction was subdued, reflecting the reserved demeanor often esteemed among the gentry. "Personally, I do not see much of a difference," she remarked with a tone carrying a hint of dismissal. "Whether they are bandits or zealots, the suffering of the people remains the same."
Initially, Mayumi was taken aback by this response. But she gradually recognized its merit, deeming it not entirely unreasonable. For someone with a scholarly perspective, distinguishing between a fanatical religious movement and a band of outlaws might seem less relevant. Both represent manifestations of a fractured Earth Kingdom that is susceptible to brutal conflicts. The Kyoshi Warrior is reminded that historical uprisings fueled by religious fervor is not a novelty, one of which had claimed over twenty million lives.
Ordering the coachman to take a safer route, Lady Te returned to her reading. Unsure what else to say in the face of the noblewoman, Mayumi decided to try again to rest. Cautiously alert, she leaned her head against the carriage wall, but unfortunately must endure the cacophony of the bustling market and the clamor of construction work outside. All of which made it difficult to find peace.