Southern Earth Kingdom
The moonlight cast an eerie glow over Haican Stronghold.
The once quaint town had taken a quite unfamiliar shape, turning into a formidable fortress ever since the Earthbenders took over.
All previous civilians had been evacuated, their small homes destroyed to make way for larger structures and walls.
With the reconstruction, different structures had been set up with different levels of importance.
The Infirmary near the east wall, the refugee sleeping quarters near the West Wall. The North and South walls had multiple garrisons with soldiers patrolling the ground floors, stairs, walls and occasionally inspecting the sewer system.
Other important areas like the mess hall for the soldiers, the supply station, and the armory were stationed close to the central tower. Also known as the command center, meeting hall and residence of Captain Li Shan and his higher ranking officers.
These mentioned places were the areas where soldiers patrolled regularly at all times.
The tunnel for transportation of valuable refugees, however, didn't have such a luxury.
Compared to the main transportation channel that was stationed near the central tower, the one leading to the bay controlled by the Fire Nation had less security measures.
This was proven by how only two soldiers were stationed in the large, secluded area to act as guards.
In the entire stronghold, it was considered the easiest, and most boring work station to be assigned to, with soldiers on guard duty caught napping on their shift periods.
The same scene replayed at the moment. As outside the sealed underground tunnel, two guards could be seen standing on watch duty.
Two guards could be seen standing in the middle of the empty space. They stood several feet away from each other, both holding long spears and standing at attention.
The previous shift of soldiers had just finished a few minutes ago, making it their turn to guard the tunnel entrance.
Not like it was really needed, though. After all, nothing had ever happened in this area.
In their expectations, this was going to be a very long four-hour shift.
“…. Help ….” That stillness, however, was broken by a sudden cry for help.
From the entrance, the appearance of a disheveled young woman, with messily cut hair and a frantic expression, caught their attention.
“Hey!” One called, alerting the young woman, who froze in her tracks.
“What are you still doing outside at these hours?” Both soldiers moved forward, the one on the left asking with a stern expression.
“All registered refugees should be in their quarters. No exceptions”.
“I ….” The young woman shuddered slightly under their gaze. Her amber colored eyes carried a touch of fear and panic, all of which was displayed under the soldier's eyes.
With light skin and short brown hair, she was young. Perhaps fifteen or sixteen years old. Nevertheless, no matter how fidgety she looked, he wasn't having it.
“I repeat….” He uttered, his eyes narrowing. “Who are you, and what are you doing out here?”
“I …. My name is Meilin. I'm look…. looking for my brother ….” She uttered, her voice trembling as she moved closer to a few water barrels behind her.
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ATLA, In A Darker World
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