Avatar: The Flames of Kaiya

Monsters

The rocky coastline stretched beneath a brooding sky, where jagged cliffs met the restless sea. A chill wind whispered through the sparse vegetation, carrying the scent of salt and stone. Mounted on sleek ostrich horses, two figures cloaked in loose, hooded Earth Kingdom robes surveyed the rugged terrain. Azula, her piercing golden eyes barely concealed beneath her hood, sat with an air of regal confidence. Beside her, Kaiya's posture was tense, her gaze fixed on the horizon as waves crashed against the distant shore.

Azula glanced sideways at Kaiya, a sly smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "You've been awfully quiet this entire time," she mused, her voice cutting through the sound of the wind. "I suppose commanding that colonial town required you to do certain... things. Things you weren't quite prepared for."

Kaiya remained silent, her expression unreadable. Azula chuckled softly. "I did warn you, yet you accepted without hesitation. So you'd better not falter now."

Breaking her silence, Kaiya replied firmly, "I'm not faltering, master. I will enact the Fire Lord's will."

Azula giggled, a melodic yet unsettling sound. "Oh, I'm just teasing you. I know this isn't what you want to be doing. That whole 'enacting the Fire Lord's will' persona is just a facade." She leaned in slightly, her eyes gleaming. "I know you well, Kaiya. But I trust you on this mission because I know what you desire, and it will be given to you."

Kaiya gave a subtle nod, the weight of unspoken thoughts passing between them. She saw no reason to maintain the facade any longer. Azula understood that Kaiya's motivations were not rooted in patriotism but in a transactional pursuit—her service in exchange for a sanctuary where she could push the limits of her firebending on her own terms.

Azula's gaze shifted to a narrow passage carved between towering cliffs—a natural choke point. "There it is," she noted, pointing to the exit of the crossing that the Earth Kingdom rebel forces would soon use.

They dismounted, tying their ostrich horses behind a cluster of boulders hidden from sight. The two moved with stealth toward the passage's exit. One side opened to the vast expanse of the sea, waves lapping against the rocks below. The other side was a steep canyon wall, perfect for an ambush from above.

Azula surveyed the terrain with satisfaction. The shadows played across her sharp features as she turned to Kaiya. "This will be ideal. Attack as I trained you."

Kaiya met her gaze and nodded confidently. Without another word, Azula began her ascent up the steep rocky hill, her movements fluid and swift. From her vantage point, she spotted the approaching soldiers—a long, narrow formation winding through the passage. Earthbenders clad in traditional green armor guarded the front and rear, while the middle was filled with rough-looking men clutching farm tools and crude weapons—likely conscripted non-benders.

Crouched behind jagged rocks, Azula and Kaiya waited with patient intensity as the passage filled with men. The air was thick with the scent of earth and impending conflict. The murmur of the soldiers' conversations echoed faintly off the canyon walls.

When the rebels were mere meters from Kaiya's concealed position at the exit, Azula decided it was time. She moved with silent precision, ensuring her footsteps made no sound against the rocky surface. Drawing in a focused breath, she summoned lightning—azure sparks dancing between her fingertips. With a swift, calculated motion, she unleashed a devastating bolt toward the passage's entrance. The searing lightning struck with explosive force, obliterating the earthbenders at the rear and collapsing the rocks behind them. Dust and debris filled the air, cutting off any chance of retreat.