Long ago, there were four nations. The nations were built on the basis of four elements earth, water, air, and fire. There are people who can influence, summon, or manipulate these elements called benders. Their ability to do this is in their genes but belief makes a difference.
A young boy named Aang united the nations and took down the Fire Nation empire. I was once a part of that Empire. Circumstances pushed me away from that narrative and I rebelled alongside my friends Macai, Kett, Rosh, and Dade. Together, we helped Avatar Aang, Firelord Zuko, and a group called the White Lotus restore honor to the Fire Nation.
Years have passed since the end of the Hundred Year War and some ensuing conflicts that rose right after it. Macai and Azula got married, Kett died, and I eventually left the 31st Company to embark on my own personal quest to find my new destiny. I'm Kanna Foloki and this is my story.
And no, don't get me mixed up with Katara's grandmother. We have the same name but we're completely different people.
Into Gonzala
In the Fire Nation island Wanya, the shores reveal a relatively open space of bright green grass and small yet plump trees. Red birds take camp in the trees and a small boat arrives at a wooden dock where a few workers haul around crates.
Kanna Foloki steps out in sand, beige, and light orange robes. This is different from her military attire and is casual wear. Her hair is light brown and medium length, eyes dark gold, face gentle despite the time she spent in war, petite lips, fair skin, and she has a small nose.
The woman herself is lanky at 5'7, making her taller than most other women. Her arms are relatively long for her height, but it is not particularly obvious. Most would consider her attractive and meek looking. She does not paint her nails or wear makeup.
Kanna peers around as she takes in her surroundings. A tall man with dark brown curly hair, sand brown hued skin, deep brown eyes, a large forehead, and somewhat short arms notices her. He has maroon robes with light orange markings. It is Hafo, a middle-aged Fire Nation intel broker.
Hafo: " Hello little Kanna, I have a mission for you." Kanna was known for being a part of a team, but she took on a role of being a Fire Nation proxy. Sometimes proxy is substituted with the title specter or ghost because she does these missions solo as a governmen agent.
Proxies are not under the direct authority of military leaders, but they likewise do not have the ability to order around those below them in rank. Kanna technically is a captain, that is the rank she achieved before she left the 31st. However, the young woman's rank means little now since she no one is assigned under her charge.
Kanna pats his left shoulder, "What is it this time?"
Hafo: "Lubov has taken refuge in Gonzala, the major city that takes up most of this island. You should be able to get there within a forty-five or so minute carriage ride, if you take a faster animal, you may even make it in thirty."
Kanna: "You didn't get one for me?"
Hafo: "You're resourceful Kanna, the animals love you. I know you will find one naturally."
Kanna grins, "That reminds me of when I first found Scrappy." Kanna strolls outside, gazing in every direction.
She looks down at the flowers, "Hi flowers." Kanna looks up at the sky and exhales. The young woman even darts her eyes at the bees. One lands on her left shoulder before buzzing away.
The woman does not hesitate to welcome it, "Hey buddy." Much of Kanna's known history were her achievements in the Hundred Year War around when she was fifteen years old. Now she is twenty-three, but she seems to be as youthful as ever.
Kanna hears a swishing sound that appears to be about five to eight feet out. Miss Foloki developed a reputation of being one of the best scouts in the Fire Nation, comparable to Ty Lee for her skills. Ty Lee was known for her sharp senses, but so was Kanna.
Moreso, Kanna has a sharp sense of hearing that can rival wolves, a heightened sense of smell, great vision, and has incredible reflexes like Ty Lee. While Ty Lee's distance heritage may allude to her abilities, Kanna's might be due to her being born on a very spiritual day.
Foloki was born during one of the brightest days of the year in the middle of June during Vigilance Day. Some Fire Nation and Air Nomad cultures believed this to be the day angels visited cities and kept watch over people. Their vision was what they were known for, but Kanna apparently has gotten a much larger package.
Kanna squints and a tiger-wolverine fiercely leaps from the grass. It stands a mere three inches from her. The predator paces and Kanna does the same. Kanna kneels, "I mean you no harm, friend." The animal aggressively howls then kneels. Kanna mounts it.
The tiger-wolverine proudly rides with Kanna. Her gentle nature allows her to bond with beasts in ways her friends Macai, Rosh, and Kett could never dream to. The sun shines down on Kanna, beaming against her bright eyes, pearly white teeth, and radiant hair.
A gold shekel auto-carriage prototype drives in the city Gonzala. it is like a tank with tractors. A red childlike hall rolls beside the vehicle. A light but nimble rainbow explosion knocks the vehicle over. A clown-like pirate emerges. He has yellow paint on his face, teal paint on his nose, teal lipstick, and teal paint over his eyebrows.
It is Lubov. The clown pirate even has orange clothes with yellow buttons. His shoes are half orange and yellow with teal shoelaces. The man's hair is black and wavy. His eyes are dark grey. Lubov kneels and two of his henchmen step forward.
Like Lubov, their faces are painted yellow, but they don't wear gloves, and their hands are painted the same way. Their garments are light grey with purple buttons and markings. Lubov claps and giggles, "Hahaha, the booty is all mine!! Well, mostly mine, some is yours my companions."
Lubov pulls out a horn and squeaks it. The noise stuns his minions. Lubov: "My sincerest apologies, I forgot it does that." Lobov pulls white ear guards from his ears, "Good thing I'm prepared, gotta practice sometimes..." The goons load bags up with gold shekels.
Lubov comments, "It's like taking candy from a baby." The clown villain reveals a copper watch and checks it. Lubov: "And we're right on schedule. Looks like we've got some serious work to attend to tomorrow. I shall not be long."
Misery has companions
A large parade happens in Gonzala. Citizens laugh, eat pork, and drink cranberry juice at the annual Favala Festival. This has been a longstanding tradition in the community that occurs every spring. Children run with balloons, blow bubbles, and elders play hearts.
Young adults throw darts at bulleyes while middle aged people simply chat. At least eighty people are outside in the Northeastern Plaza. Children and young adults play a series of games as they compete for prizes. Kanna Foloki picks up a hammer that she struggles to hold people.
A middle-aged and gray-haired male event worker watches her, "You can't hold that up lassie."
Kanna growls, "Watch me!" The young woman plants her feet and grabs it up but nearly falls over. But with sheer will and determination she slams the bottom of the device before managing a perfect score.
Older worker: "How did you do that?"
Kanna gives him a thumbs up, "Anything is possible with confidence and practice. I've been working on that move for a long time." Kanna holds her hip, realizing she might have strained herself a bit. Kanna thinks, But maybe belief still comes at a cost.
Kanna is handed a stuffed koala-cat. The young woman raises an eyebrow, "That's it? I thought we could earn money."
Older worker: "No but you can get tokens. We get the money." The hands her a bucket of tokens.
Kanna questions, "So I spend money and earn tokens?"
Older worker: "How do you expect the city to profit?"
Kanna shrugs, "I was just asking a question."
Older worker: "So was I." A thunderous noise rattles participants as a thirty-feet-wide and seventy-five-foot-long automatic carriage rolls up. The carriage has eight turrets attached to it as well as an observation tower within the center; it is made of stone. Four turrets have explosive cannons while one left is a water turret, one right is a fire shooter, another at the rear is a stone repeater, and a turret at the front is an acid shooter.
Two explosive cannons are promptly fired which obliterates a bench and takes out the window of a candy shop. Lubov laughs, "Hehehe haha, that was RICH!! Just like I'm about to be when I take the prize money from this event. Have a field day boys and girl!" Eight clown pirates dive off the vehicle onto the ground while using ropes to land.
Two have swords, two pirates have spears, two hold axes, and two have maces (including the female clown raider). Kanna Foloki rushes at the scene. Older worker: "You're just a girl and a sweet one at that. What can you possibly hope to do?"
Kanna looks back, "Only as much as historical figures like Kyoshi, Katara, and Azula could."
Older worker: "Kyoshi was the Avatar. Azula was the Firelord's daughter. Katara the Avatar's girlfriend, she was LUCKY. What about you girl?"
Kanna: "I was a proud member of the 31st Company, many thought I was the best scout."
The old man's rubs his eyes, "You're that one scout with the light hair in the 31st drawings."
Kanna introduces herself "Name's Kanna Foloki and stop judging girls. Women that aren't famous can also do stuff. I guess I'm half-famous..."
Old man: "Well, maybe you can do it. I'll have to see for myself."
[Demon Slayer: Rengoku Theme | EPIC VERSION (Rengoku 9th Form)]
Kanna gulps, "Well please, this is probably child's play, I hope." Despite her power and feats, Kanna always doubts herself. A sword clown man yells as he slashes random things to shreds and intimidates people. Another man with an axe knocks over a random trash can before picking up a rotten apple and throwing it at an older lady.
Kanna watches in disgust, "Hey, you better learn to respect your ELDERS!"
Clown axe warrior: "What's it to ya girl?!" The axman runs at Kanna and slashes his weapon left and low at her. Kanna rolls right then hops in the air before flipping behind the man in a swirling motion. Kanna sways her right leg and missiles a dark orange and gold fire torpedo into the man.
The large mercenary collapses through a shed. A clown duelist runs at her and hacks down, but Kanna kicks up the axe and blocks the hit. Kanna laughs, "I know how to duel too! I've been practicing."
Clown duelist: "Oh really, show me your skills!" Kanna pivots back and spits a rod of flames into the man.
Kanna: "Nah, I'll do it my way." The former scout flips between a spear and mace warrior before spinning and taking both out with a whirlwind of flames; one of her signature moves. The male mace clown soars through the window of a steak restaurant before hitting a table and splitting it in two.
The woman mace fighter and another sword trooper step to young Foloki. Female clown: "It's Kanna, the scout! I'll deal with her, personally." The woman jumps at her, but Kanna slides past her strike before springing back to her feet; another staple move of hers. The mace combatant rises, leaving a dent in the ground.
The sword fighter scuttles after the firebender before striking at her neck. Kanna ducks then he strikes diagonally right. Kanna sways diagonally left, and the man crosses his blade before he is blown back from two flames that hit his chest, "ooof!!"
The mace woman runs at Kanna, "aaaarrraaaaggaahaaaa!!" The mace fighter leaps at her new enemy with a horizontal slash. Kanna flips behind her without issue. The girl turns but is leveled by a high left kick to the nose. The girl's mace flies in the air and Kanna catches it.
Kanna: "Ooooou, it's like a collectible." The remaining spear and axe clowns surround her. Kanna tosses the mace into the spear fighter. Kanna looks at the remaining man but does not turn, "You sure you wanna try this?"
Axe clown: "I've got nothing to lose. If I surrender, I'll just go to jail." Kanna back kicks a fire sphere into his stomach which knocks him into a stand. The stand falls over top of him.
Kanna shakes her head, "If you gave up, you wouldn't have taken an unnecessary beating. But I'll give you a D for your bravery." (music stops) The mammoth vehicle rolls through multiple stands and two of the gunners at the rear it aim at her. One swiftly shoots a cannonball.
Kanna side lunges over the ball which implodes behind her. Fragments of concrete fly everywhere. The other clown gunner rotates his stone repeater and rapidly shoots a volley of rocks at her. The repeater shoots at a whooping 30 rounds a minute. The girl sprints past the shots and notices a stone shed.
Kanna slides under the structure and takes a breath. The cannon shoots the shed and fragments it, but Kanna has already swiveled over it. The girl throws a grappling hook on the repeater turret. The repeater gunner panics as Kanna accelerates toward them and the young lady spews a fire beam out of her mouth which macerates the clown.
The other gunner shoots directly at her, but Kanna lets go of the hook and jumps higher onto the platform and behind the gunner. The man leaves his turret and turns but is blasted off the motor vehicle.
Kanna notices the fire turret and cannon gunner rotate their weapons to aim at her, but they are still too slow. The woman spirals high before low kicking a flame rocket into them. Lubov looks out of his observation deck as Kanna jumps between the acid and cannon gunners. He sees their futile attempt to subdue her before they are sent flying away.
One falls off the structure and the other thumps a wall of his observation deck. The other two gunners abandon their weapons and draw their swords. They rush to deal with her, but he hears more blasts and a sudden silence. Lubov's door is blown open, but he steps crouches under it to keep himself from being squished.
It is no surprise that Kanna waits on the other side, steam flows from behind her. Lubov stands, "Wow girl, you are capable. But it will take more than that to beat a clown!" Lubov pulls his horn to squeak but it is instantly blown out of his hand. Lubov frowns but feigns a smile.
Lubov pats his chest and a water squirter from his suit is fired at Kanna. The woman runs across the right wall then jump kicks him in the face with her right leg. Lubov falls on his right knee but emerges, "Now you're testing my patience! I usually don't hit girls, but I'll make an exception for a deplorable one like you."
The pirate leader reveals a curved sword but not before he pulls a flinklock pistol. Kanna looks baffled as he raises the strange weapon, she has never witnessed anything like this before. The man pulls aims at her, but Kanna skips left a moment before he pulls the trigger.
Kanna looks right and notices that it fires faster than even the repeater or a javelin turret. As a matter of fact, it travels even more expeditiously than some of the quickest benders can punch or kick flames. Lubov: "Aww, never seen one of these before, they're the FUTURE."
Lubov redirects his aim and fires again. Kanna slings herself over the bullet and right of the pirate merc. The criminal shifts and Kanna kicks a fireball at him. Lubov moves right and conceals his gun, but Kanna concentrates then makes her flame explode as it zips past his back.
The boom drops him. Kanna rushes in to see his weapon, "I've never seen anything like..." Lubov lifts his finger to draw the pistol, but Kanna kicks the firearm out of his hand. Lubov still manages to get up and flaps his curved weapon at her. Kanna spins right and pings his head with a straight right punch.
Lubov glides his rapier right and Kanna frolics left of his position. The marauder jester repositions as he looks to counter but Kanna oscillates her right hand in a downward motion before popping an orange-gold fire cube into his left thigh. The fool drops his saber and falls flat on his face.
Kanna gawps down at him, "Well Lubov, looks like your reign of crime is at an end. There's a new sheriff in town."
Lubov grunts, "And it ain't you miss. You think you run the show, but you're just a pawn. I'm a pawn too, you think because I raid stuff that I make the decisions. You'll learn soon who says what out here, but it isn't who you expect."
Kanna handcups him, "Yatta yatta yatta, tell it to the judge creep."