Avatar: The Flames of Kaiya

Ambush Tactics and Hidden Knives

In the training grounds, a new setup awaited Kaiya. Training dummies were arranged shoulder to shoulder in a narrow corridor, flanked by wooden walls. At the far end of the corridor, a hiding wall stood, casting a long shadow. The narrow formation of the dummies created a bottleneck, emulating an enemy formation in a confined space. 

Azula stood confidently while Kaiya surveyed the new arrangement of training dummies.

"What's this, master?" Kaiya asked.

"This," Azula emphasized, "is how you're going to fight." She pointed to the short wall at the end of the corridor. "First, hide behind that wall."

Kaiya followed Azula's command and crouched behind the wall, her movements precise and obedient.

"Now, ready your attack."

Kaiya began charging her unique fire stream attack from each finger, her concentration evident as flames flickered at her fingertips.

"Turn the corner and unleash everything you have into that narrow row of dummies."

Kaiya nodded, her eyes narrowing with focus. She turned the corner and unleashed her devastating fire attack, setting two dozen dummies on fire nearly instantaneously. The corridor lit up with intense flames, consuming the dummies.

Kaiya then stood up, her expression curious but slightly puzzled. "But why would the enemy allow this? And why would they be standing like this?"

"From this day forward, you'll be trained as an ambush specialist. Your surprise attacks will be devastating. Deploying you in narrow areas like roads or crossings will maximize your offense and minimize counterattacks," Azula explained, her tone firm and strategic.

Kaiya's eyes lit up with admiration and understanding. "Absolutely brilliant, Master."

Azula continued, "A single stream of fire isn't enough. We need to exploit your exceptional control to its fullest extent. Formidable foes will evade your initial strike. You must raise and sustain the flames, turning your power into an inescapable inferno. The longer, the better." She gestured towards the flames, her expression intense. "Ignite and elevate those flames. Don't let them waver."

Kaiya concentrated, her focus sharpening. She augmented the flames upwards, shooting them from the narrow corridor like an uncontrolled bonfire. The heat was intense, the flames roaring fiercely.

"I'll be back soon. Keep those flames up," Azula commanded, walking away.

After a few minutes, Azula returned to find Kaiya sweating and struggling, her breathing labored.

"That's enough."

Kaiya dropped to her knees, breathing heavily, her face flushed with exertion.

"You only wanted to firebend, and you've gotten your wish. This is only the beginning."

Kaiya nodded, her expression determined despite her exhaustion.

*  *  *

The Capital City Dockyard was bustling with activity, ships docked along the piers, and workers loading and unloading cargo. The air was filled with the sounds of seagulls and the scent of the sea. Mai and her parents stood near a ship preparing to board for Omashu. Azula and Kaiya were also present, watching the preparations.

"Cheer up, Mai. Overseeing Omashu is a great honor," Azula said.

Mai rolled her eyes, her expression one of mild annoyance. "Yeah, I'll be sure to write to you about it..."

Azula turned to Kaiya, her tone slightly mocking. "Kaiya, any parting words for Mai?"

Kaiya stepped forward, her expression calm and composed.

"This should be good..." Mai said sarcastically.

"Hold your tongue, Mai. Apologies, Lady Kaiya," Mai's mother interjected, looking concerned.

Kaiya suddenly reached into Mai's sleeve and pulled out her throwing knife, holding it up so everyone could see.

"What are you doing?!" Mai exclaimed, surprised.

Kaiya dangled the knife, her expression neutral but with a hint of amusement. "I was unaware your daughter had enlisted. What is her forthcoming assignment, I wonder?"

Mai looked shocked, her eyes widening. Azula smirked, enjoying the spectacle. Mai's parents exchanged confused looks.

"Oh, Mai isn't a soldier..." her father started.

"Her knife-throwing is just a... hobby," her mother added.

"She started with the walls in her room. She's improved a lot!" her father explained.

Kaiya grabbed Mai's wrist and pulled back her sleeve, revealing more knives strapped to her arm. "One of many concealed knives, I see. Rather extravagant for a mere pastime, don't you think? Perhaps we should—"

"If you want to talk about my knives, talk to me directly," Mai interrupted, her face flushing with anger as she pushed Kaiya away.

"Has your daughter always shown such a lack of decorum?" Kaiya asked, unfazed.

Mai's parents exchanged looks, their discomfort evident.

"Quit talking past me like I'm some child! I'm two years older than you!" Mai raised her voice, her frustration boiling over.

"Mai, enough!" her mother said sternly.

"It's important for Mai to defend herself. We're moving to dangerous territory, after all!" her father added.

Kaiya's tone was measured and slightly condescending. "Considering her impetuousness, it would be wiser to entrust her safety to trained guards. A noblewoman wielding weapons so carelessly invites unnecessary peril—perhaps even harm to someone unintended."

Mai's mother looked conflicted, while her father nodded reluctantly. "You're right. It's irresponsible for her to be armed. We'll take her knives away immediately."

Mai's hand trembled, and a tear rolled down her cheek, her face contorting with a mix of anger and sadness. Her breathing grew uneven as she struggled to maintain her composure. 

Azula, noticing her distress, intervened. "No need. Mai is highly disciplined, and I do not foresee her acting recklessly."

Azula handed Mai a handkerchief. Mai wiped her tears, her expression softening. "Thanks," she whispered.

Azula then hugged Mai, whispering in her ear, "You will return the favor in due time."

Mai's eyes widened in surprise and contemplation, processing the weight of Azula's words.

Azula stepped back, her expression composed. "Safe travels to Omashu."

Mai and her parents boarded the ship, the gangplank creaking under their weight. Azula turned to Kaiya, her tone sharp. "What exactly are you gaining from humiliating my childhood friend?"

Kaiya's expression remained calm, her voice steady. "Do not take revenge, but if you must, let it be as crushing as an avalanche. Apologies, I couldn't help myself."

Azula's eyes narrowed, her irritation evident. "Mai will prove useful when the time comes. Let's head back now; we've wasted enough time here."

Azula and Kaiya turned and walked away from the dockyard, the sound of the ship's horn in the background.