Avatar-The Mandate of Heaven

Eons ago, long before the founding of Ba Sing Se or when the nations acquired their names, there lived a humble minister.

It was a golden age of flourishing philosophies, where history and mythology wove together in a harmonious dance. Yet, it was also a tumultuous epoch, as the continent found itself ensnared in its inaugural era of total warfare, the first Warring States period. Countless petty states clashed in a ceaseless conflict that lasted more than five hundred years, each striving for supremacy and yearning for the elusive Mandate of Heaven.

Amidst this turmoil, the first Earth Sage reflected on the state of the world during his exile. Viewing himself as merely a vessel for ancient traditions, he sought wisdom from an even more distant past, an age that predated the rise of the first warring states. Among the many venerable figures he contemplated is a duke of a long-forgotten dynasty, both of which had faded into the annals of time.

Serving as a paragon of Earth Kingdom virtue, the duke's actions as a ruler epitomized the ideals upheld by the Earth Sages. As the brother of a king whose untimely death ignited widespread revolts and strife, the duke dutifully assumed the mantle of regent for the throne's young heir, steadfastly quelling the insurrections that threatened to engulf the realm. The sources of unrest proliferated among ambitious regional princes, vassals, and nobles, yet the duke vanquished any who dared challenge the dynasty, accomplishing this formidable task within a mere three years.

Ultimately, the virtuous regent safeguarded the throne, instituting reforms rooted in the system of enfeoffment that restored equilibrium between the ruling monarch and the regional nobility. Despite accumulating substantial power, he relinquished it all without a hint of resistance, thus enabling his nephew to ascend the throne without a single drop of bloodshed.

Many scholars herald this pivotal moment in history as a defining epoch for the Earth Kingdom. The very first Earth Sage would gaze back upon this ancient and revered figure, admiring the duke's profound humility and unwavering devotion to dynastic traditions, which served as a quintessential example of the ideal sage-like leader.

Alongside the duke, a multitude of other exemplary figures from the past would be scrutinized and celebrated by the first Earth Sage, each becoming integral to the Sagely Analects, the humanist philosophical cornerstone of Earth Kingdom culture. Furthermore, the sage's writings underscored a plethora of virtues, urging all to emulate these tenets in the pursuit of a truly harmonious society.

Filial Piety

The hallmark of the Earth Kingdom's main philosophy. To treat one's parents and ancestors in devotion is the foundation of not only a moral life, but also the basis of a society's structure. Loyalty, obedience and reverence in a family may encourage the subjects to demonstrate equal conduct to their rulers.

Benevolence

The core of the Sagely tradition. Compassion and kindness are what should govern the people's relations. If individuals care for others as they would for themselves, then harmony can be attainable.

Ritual

Adherence to social norms and propriety can ensure an orderly society, and by extent the nation. From grandeur ceremonial rites to mundane matters, it is important to act in accordance with tradition, respecting for one's hierarchy.

Righteousness

To do what is right in accordance with moral principles regardless of personal gain. Justice and integrity must prevail against personal greed.

Wisdom

Education and self-cultivation can help oneself discern the right from the wrong. Acting with knowledge and insight, a good ruler must always demonstrate ethical behavior.

Loyalty

Subjects should be loyal to rulers akin to children with parents. This virtue encourages faithfulness in completing one's social obligations.

Trustworthiness

Honest and fulfillment of promises. As the sages have demonstrated, it is important to maintain trust in relationships. Words and actions must be reliable and truthful.

Five Constant Relationships

Ruler and Subjects. Father and Son. Husband and Wife. Older sibling and younger sibling. Friend and friend.

These are merely the foundational tenets of the Earth Kingdom's Sagely tradition. As these virtues are upheld and meticulously studied by the Earth Sages, these wise individuals transformed into ministers, statesmen, and philosophers, steering those in power towards the path of benevolence. For millennia following the first Earth Sage, his Analects on governance and societal conduct have become the gold standard for rulers of the Earth Kingdom, intertwining seamlessly with the very fabric of the culture itself.

Which is why Satchiko finds herself utterly bewildered by some of the texts she encounters, if she can comprehend them at all.

Growing up in a remote village, the sophisticated social customs expected in cities feel almost alien. While her father and sister have adapted some of these intricacies, the need to be well-versed in such philosophies has always been irrelevant to their humble island. To complicate matters further, Satchiko grappled not only with an inability to decipher many of the words but also with the bewildering phrases that tumble from the lecturer's lips.

In the classroom, however, she is no longer a warrior. This spacious environment, where all the students are arranged neatly on mattresses, presents a stark contrast to her previous life. At the end of the hall sits Earth Sage Zhu Xi himself, reciting and elucidating select verses from the Sagely Analects, exploring governance and social concepts devised by the first Earth Sage. With each student clutching a copy of the same text, Zhu Xi instructs them to echo the words on the pages, their voices rising together in harmonious unison.

Unable to grasp the intricate words and the deeper meanings, Satchiko adjusted her uniform, an attire bestowed by the university. This scholarly ensemble featured a dark zanmao, a square-shaped cap that signified academic status. Paired with a shenyi robe, the outfit is modest. Everything she wore is deliberately devoid of extravagance, embodying the values championed by the sages. Beyond the attire, numerous differences marked her experiences compared to her childhood schooling on Kyoshi Island, and it was clear that Zhu Xi would brook no absences from his classes.

As Satchiko chorused the words in unison with the classmates, she clutched an open book, feigning comprehension in the hopes that the Earth Sage would not perceive the pretense. Yet such wishful thinking failed to account for the duration of her attendance. Having spent over a month at this esteemed institution, Zhu Xi had meticulously assessed the strengths and weaknesses of each student, regrettably placing her at the bottom of the class.

As the class progressed, Zhu Xi transitioned to another significant parable integral to the moral tradition of the Earth Sages. In his lecture, he invoked the memory of a wise king from ancient times, celebrated for his decisiveness and selflessness. The king's most defining act as a ruler of the Earth Kingdom was his choice to elevate his nephew over his own son, recognizing the former as the more capable candidate for succession.

Unlike the more contentious aspects of the Analects, Satchiko found little to dispute in this narrative. Yet, she remained perplexed by the connection between scholarly study and the mastery of Earthbending.

Given that this is not a class structured by her father, she refrained from voicing the doubts. After all, what authority did she have on the subject of the bending arts?

"And to further illuminate the wisdom of this venerable monarch, I would like to invite one student to share their thoughts on the matter."

Satchiko instinctively concealed her face behind the cover of her book. Among all the students, she felt the least qualified to elaborate on the philosophy that guided the actions of sagely rulers.

"You there," Zhu Xi gestured toward a pupil with tousled brown hair. "What are your thoughts on how this sage king contributed to the succession standards of the Earth Kingdom?"

Satchiko dared not feign ignorance, fearful of appearing lackadaisical and exposing her own inability to comprehend the texts. She had at least attempted to grasp the parable of this particular king and his approach to succession. Yet, embarrassingly, she was uncertain even about how her own people conducted themselves in matters of leadership, relying solely on whatever intuition that might impress the lecturer.

"The king, well, he serves as an example of how we should pick our leaders," Satchiko replied vaguely, struggling to suppress her stutter under the weight of ignorance. Although it was evident from the text that the king in question had more elder daughters than sons, it would be a tantamount folly to question why none of their names were recorded in the Analects.

Zhu Xi's response was tempered, offering only a light sigh of disappointment at such a vague answer. Eager to probe the pupil's understanding further, the Earth Sage posed another question, one that struck at the very heart of the Sagely tradition.

"Thousands of years ago, following the establishment of the second Earth Kingdom dynasty, why did the ancient Earth Kings adopt the Feng Jian system to govern such a vast nation?"

The pupil froze, utterly confounded by the concept. The topics addressed in the Analects were so expansive that every facet of society and civilization had been scrutinized by the first Earth Sage. Naturally, these wise men expected their students to adhere as closely as possible to the orthodox teachings, aligning their visions for the world with that of the first Earth Sage himself. Bereft of any understanding regarding the governance system employed by the ancient Earth Kings, Satchiko grasped for the first idea that came to mind.

"Is it because the system allows the most capable individuals to take charge?" she ventured awkwardly, resigned to a limited grasp of history and philosophy.

The disappointment in Zhu Xi's expression became more pronounced. As a weary old man, he chastised the pupil for her complete ignorance, dismissing her irrelevant notions about the 'Feng Jian' system established by the ancient Earth Kings.

"Enfeoffment ensures harmony between the monarch and the people," Zhu Xi began, voice steady and authoritative. "As the first Earth Sage has articulated, an enlightened ruler treats his subjects like family. He who governs through virtue can be likened to the North Pole Star, steadfast in its position while all the other stars turn towards it. The ancient Earth Kings, sagacious and wise, recognized the necessity of an efficient system capable of encompassing a vast territory that stretches from one end of the Earth Kingdom to the other. With prudence, they adopted the system of enfeoffment, bestowing lands upon loyal subjects for their stewardship. Among the recipients were virtuous kin and relatives of the monarch, as well as generals and ministers who had demonstrated their worth to the sovereign. Through such arrangements, these nobles are ideally positioned to assist the ruler in governing the nation, paying homage to their sagacious leader while providing soldiers in times of war. Thus, this is the ideal world envisioned by the first Earth Sage, where cordial harmony flourishes between the Son of Heaven in Ba Sing Se and the virtuous families that govern the diverse regions. Only through this harmony can the people live in peace, and the nation thrive."

The room descended into a profound silence. None of the students exhibited even a semblance of interest. More accurately, none shared the fervor for the governance of the ancient Earth Kings. For the first time, Satchiko found herself resonating with her classmates' apathy. Although she harbored a vehement disdain for Chin, which the Earth Sages rightfully denounces as a heinous tyrant, the Kyoshi Warrior is hesitant to fully embrace Zhu Xi's ideals. The ancient traditions of governance felt utterly foreign to a simple village girl, who had yet to comprehend that her island is technically woven into the fabric of a once unified nation embroiled in conflict.

"W-what does any of this have to do with learning Earthbending?" Satchiko inquired, her tone tinged with incredulity.

Zhu Xi regarded her with a measured disapproval, lightly admonishing the teenager for her perceived lack of decorum. Through the lens of the wise sage, he believed that the answers to the world's complexities could be discerned within the analects of the first Earth Sage. He asserted that without a profound understanding of the rites and traditions of their ancestors, the current generation would remain incapable of mastering the art of bending.

"There is far more to tilting earth than mere manual labor," Zhu Xi proclaimed, resonating with authority. "How can you hope to bend the elements if you lack understanding? If you cannot even appreciate the rich history and culture of Earthbending, how can you wield a power that you do not respect?" He continued, flowing with deliberation. "An enlightened scholar must also embody the arts, calligraphy, the nuances of etiquette, and a profound commitment to the proper rites. One must endeavor to organize society into a harmonious dance, akin to a filial child dutifully adhering to the guidance of a benevolent parent."

He dismissed Satchiko's impatience with a pointed reminder of her shortcomings in the various subjects encompassed by the program. Over the past few weeks, the Kyoshi Warrior had offered little more than abysmal paintings and lamentable poetry. The gravest affront, however, lay in her atrocious handwriting. For a seasoned scholar like Zhu Xi or any other scholars of the Earth Kingdom, hideous calligraphy represents perhaps the most egregious of offenses.

"The words of the ancient sages are not to be trifled with," he admonished. "Countless great rulers have embraced this time-honored philosophy, which insists that a sovereign must regard their subjects as cherished children. If even the now-retired Fire Lord Zuko, a wise ruler across the Mo Ce Sea, holds the teachings of the sages in such high esteem, why should a member of the Earth Kingdom not do the same? Within these texts lie golden treasures. If you seek diligently, you shall undoubtedly uncover their wisdom."

The Earth Sage directed all the students to commence their handwriting session, mandating the use of ink brushes while meticulously scrutinizing those who failed to meet his exacting standards. Even the simple act of holding the brush with the proper hand gesture was rigorously enforced.

Satchiko found herself unable to voice her dissent, stifled by boredom and frustration. The years spent evading her village's school alongside her friends had come back to exact a vengeful toll. It was indeed a humiliating predicament, especially in contrast to her older sister, who had always demonstrated a commendable sense of responsibility when it came to literacy.

She grasped the ink brush awkwardly. Unlike the metal fan or any other weapon wielded by Kyoshi Warriors, the tools of scholars felt utterly foreign in her hands. Although the wooden brush is light, her fingers ached from the rigid grip, straining her muscles under the unfamiliar handling. Each tentative stroke on the paper felt like a monumental achievement. While her peers effortlessly completed full sentences, she struggled to formulate even a single word.

Once again, Zhu Xi expressed his displeasure at her lackluster performance. To further rub salt in the wound, he even questioned the competency of her parents.

"The skill of a toddler is on display," he remarked. Though devoid of malice, the elder's scathing is sharpened with age and experience. "As a student at Ba Sing Se University, you are held to a much higher standard. Your parents should be ashamed for not raising a more obedient daughter."

Endless hours of studying had yielded none of the contentment she had hoped for. Satchiko fought against the urge to grip the ink brush tightly, acutely aware that in the realm of ink and parchment, the Earth Sages occupied the pinnacle of the hierarchy. They remained oblivious to the horrors and tragedies of war, yet still dared to belittle those who endeavored to protect the fragile peace.

She seethed discreetly.

...

Upon entering the dorm room, Satchiko immediately ascended to the top of the bunk bed and buried her face in the pillow. Within moments, the weary student succumbed to the overwhelming desire for sleep, her eyes finally resting after a day that had proven more exhausting than her usual training sessions.

Npauj Npaim gently reminded the Kyoshi Warrior of their academic obligations, particularly since the Earth Sage would be testing their knowledge after two months. The subject matter is broad and complex, encompassing an eight-legged essay on governance, a format reminiscent of the civil service examination.

The mere thought of that impending day sent Satchiko spiraling further into despair.

"I wish I were you," Satchiko lamented, burying her face in the pillow. "You seem to have memorized everything the Earth Sage has assigned already!"

"Just the important bits," Npauj Npaim clarified. "One of our ancestors, a general named Kiv Lias Yus, studied under an Earth Sage alongside her brothers. Children in our village learn to read and write at a remarkably early age."

Satchiko glanced apprehensively at the towering stack of books, horrified by their combined height. In total, there are nine thick volumes, collectively known as the Four Books and Five Classics. They are all works supposedly penned by the first Earth Sage himself or his most illustrious students. While the daunting study material intimidated her, she took comfort in the fact that her roommate was generous enough to help the determined Kyoshi Warrior grasp some of the basics, futile but commendable effort.

Still clad in her student garb, Satchiko knew that surrendering to slumber now would not be fruitful. Npauj Npaim is already engrossed in revising a book about ancient rites, diligently preparing for the next day's class. With great reluctance, the Kyoshi Warrior dragged herself from the comforting embrace of her bed and stumbled toward her desk.

For a moment, she found herself captivated by a small painted portrait of her family, crafted before their departure from the island. It had never crossed her mind that they would all spend the night beneath different roofs. Though they still share the same sky, it felt like an insurmountable distance had grown between them, an unexpected ache of incompleteness. It is difficult not to reminisce about Kyoshi Island and the familiar faces waiting for her return.

"Hey, Npauj Npaim," Satchiko asked softly, without turning to face her fellow student. "Do you miss your home?"

Npauj Npaim continued to diligently read through the dense book but nonetheless indulged her friend's curiosity. She too felt the pangs of homesickness, sharing the understandable longing for the company of kin and friends. Naturally, the two sparked a lively conversation about their respective homelands while attempting to study the first Earth Sage's rationale behind appointing relatives to positions of power.

Satchiko, however, found it difficult to attach on the writings of the first Earth Sage. Instead, she is enamored by the vivid descriptions of Txiv Yawg village, a small flame igniting a sense of adventure and discovery. It reminded her of the childlike drive to be everything and everywhere once more.

According to Npauj Npaim, her homeland is a vast village encompassing thousands of households. A serene river meandered through the settlement, while wooden stilted buildings nestled harmoniously among the mountain peaks. Among her people, a variety of crafts sustained their way of life. Some fashioned toys that sold handsomely into the hands of noble children living in the walled settlements below, while others brewed fine wines. The more artistic individuals pursued professions such as exquisite embroidery and batik. Above all, the role of the silversmith is highly esteemed, as their skills could be fundamental to their people's livelihood in times of disaster.

Satchiko could only imagine the stunning scenery of a settlement perched upon the mountains, surrounded by unspoiled nature, with a river coursing gracefully through the village. It is a simple yet breathtaking sight, and the very idea of visiting Txiv Yawg filled her with an exhilarating sense of adventure.

Of course, the moment Satchiko laid eyes on the text before her, such fantasies were quickly dispelled. These books are like armor, impervious to a novice's intellect, one who knew nothing of ancient traditions or how the monarchs of the past governed the Earth Kingdom. Even after spending days plowing through the pages, her accumulated knowledge felt amateurish at best.

Satchiko sighed, a wave of frustration washing over her as she struggled to lift the slender brush resting on the desk. Just as she was about to practice calligraphy by copying a sentence about how a past monarch peacefully settled disputes, a light tremor interrupted the endeavor.

Both felt the gentle quake, momentarily questioning their senses as the room seemed to shift slightly. Npauj Npaim glanced up at the ceiling, noticing tiny fragments of dust falling, which landed softly on her silver headdress. "Is this an earthquake?" she asked with concern. "Should we perhaps leave this room to be safe?"

For Satchiko, who still remember the senseless slaughter that claimed thousands just outside Ba Sing Se's borders, the tremor eerily familiar. The sensation mirrored the last earthquake she had experienced, albeit on a much lighter scale. However, there is reason to refrain from hastily assuming the origin of this disturbance due to their location. They are inside the grand bastions of Ba Sing Se. Unless the city is in grave danger, there is no reason to believe that dangerous Earthbenders are wreaking havoc nearby.

Mayumi had promised her, hadn't she? How could there be any wars within Ba Sing Se?

"Npauj Npaim, let's check it out," Satchiko suggested.

Despite her roommate's evident hesitation, Satchiko felt compelled to investigate the disturbance. Perhaps forgetting her place in this city, old instincts dictate a Kyoshi Warrior to ensure nothing is encroaching upon their home, a routine cultivated through years of battling rogue bands of pirates.

Still clad in her student garb and cap, Satchiko did not bother to don a suit of armor as she strode purposefully out of the dormitory. They noticed the concerned faces of their peers, some of whom feared that the city might be under siege and that an invading force had somehow breached the outer walls.

After hearing another distant, thunderous boom, Satchiko instinctively gazes toward the northern skies.

...

"S-Slow down!" Npauj Npaim shouted, breathless.

The two of them had been traveling for several minutes without a moment's rest, realizing that the expanse of the institution is much larger than they had initially assumed. The vibrations from the ground intensified, and the brown-haired student could confidently deduce that the source lay just beyond an ornate wall.

Satchiko quickened her pace, charging at the wall without hesitation. She leaped against its surface, gripping any uneven parts of the structure before landing deftly on the clay roof tiles.

"Just copy what I do," she instructed Npauj Npaim.

Npauj Npaim immediately declined, pointing out the obvious, as most people could not replicate such acrobatic feats.

"I'll just look for the main entrance," she said, exasperated and too weary from the chase.

If Mayumi were the one accompanying her, it would have been Satchiko doing the chasing. As the young student peered inward through the wall's opening, her emerald eyes were met with an unexpected sight.

It is a garden, but not merely an ordinary one. The shimmering ponds, home to glistening goldfish, are but a singular facet of its allure. This enchanting space is brimming with bonsai trees of myriad forms and sizes, each lovingly nestled in exquisite porcelain pots crafted in Ba Sing Se. Many of these verdant wonders have even been painstakingly cultivated atop rugged stones, an artistic triumph that her florist mother had often extolled as the zenith of ornamental horticulture. In Kyoshi Island, where a solitary bonsai tree is a rarity commanding a princely sum, the sight of an entire forest exhibiting such artistic mastery momentarily rendered the young warrior breathless with awe.

Satchiko swiftly extricated herself from this reverie. Years of rigorous training had honed her reflexes to deftly evade an incoming boulder, its immense weight obliterating the building behind her.

Yet the collateral damage showed no mercy to its next victims. Another mass of hardened earth plummeted violently into a pond, fortuitously landing upon a family of turtle ducks, their cries silenced alongside the unfortunate goldfish that shared their watery haven. Satchiko was compelled to raise an arm, shielding herself from the cascade of splashing water as well as the harrowing scene.

Once the tumult subsided, she attempted to glare at the imbeciles responsible for this chaos, gazing toward the devastation wrought upon the once-pristine bonsai trees.

"Please, stop! You are destroying this beautiful garden!"

An elderly man, presumably the custodian of this cherished bonsai sanctuary, pleaded with the two reckless Earthbenders, who are embroiled in a violent brawl that shattered the very ground beneath them. They exhibited no regard for the sacred earth they desecrate, uprooting entire boulders still tethered to the roots of precious bonsai trees and carelessly hurling them about. With every smashed porcelain pot, the elderly horticulturist felt another stab of anguish, for most bonsai trees require over fifteen years of meticulous nurturing from seeds to reach their breathtaking forms. To the university, this is merely a financial loss measured in gold, but to this devoted gardener, it is a mockery of his entire life's work.

A stray pot containing a miniature tree hurtled toward the elder. Just as the projectile threatened to strike him, Satchiko sprang into action, managing to catch the expensive porcelain in time and gently placing it on the ground nearby. A wave of relief washed over the trembling gardener, who expressed his gratitude, thankful for the swift intervention that spared yet another bonsai from destruction.

"Are you all right?" Satchiko inquired, concern etched across her face. Although the gardener remained unscathed, the heartbreaking sight of countless shattered bonsai likely siphoned away his remaining years.

"I am fine," the gardener replied, voice weak and tremulous. Yet, his gaze was quickly drawn back to the chaos unfolding before them. "Quick, we must stop them from inflicting further damage!" He struggled to rise, but those unsteady legs and frail arms are stark reminders of why this elderly man ought to remain at a safe distance. His body is suited for the delicate art of trimming bonsai trees, not for confronting two uncontrollable Earthbenders in a fierce melee.

The Kyoshi Warrior firmly dissuaded him from such a reckless endeavor. Though she expressed her determination to quell the brawl, the student garb did little to convey such possibility.

"Young lady," the gardener implored, gratitude mingling with concern. "While I am thankful for your help, my bonsai trees are not worth your safety!" He is resolute, unwilling to risk the lives of others. "The institution can always acquire more bonsai. But the senior leaders here, particularly His Excellency Zhu Xi, would never forgive me if I endangered a student!"

"Then I absolve you of any responsibility," Satchiko assured him. Unlike her usual armored attire, the student shenyi robe did not exude the confidence of a seasoned warrior. Stepping forward, she made her intentions unmistakably clear to the troublemakers. "You idiots! Stop this nonsense at once or I will punish you both!"

Her voice felt more forceful than it usually sounded. Even during her younger years of fighting against pirate bands, she occasionally regarded battling those who disrupted the peace as a form of entertainment. Perhaps the arduous journey to this city had transformed her in ways she had yet to fully comprehend.

Suddenly, a large chunk of earth soared toward her, and Satchiko sidestepped, allowing it to crash into a gardening shed not far behind her. Too engrossed in their quarrel, the two adolescents paid no heed to her demand, opting instead to hurl earth and rocks back and forth in a reckless display of aggression. As she watched the chaos unfold, she found herself pondering how her sister would handle this delicate situation. The reasons behind the boys' fight remained shrouded in mystery, leaving her to wonder what could drive them to such destructive fervor.

Gradually, the colors of their garments sparked suspicion. One of the boys wore a dark green ensemble, while the other donned a lighter shade. The likelihood of two students from Xiao Zhong and Jian Xin crossing paths within the walls of Ba Sing Se is certainly plausible. Considering the countless atrocities inflicted during the twenty-year long war between the two states, there is boundless reasons to quarrel in broad daylight.

As the two remained engrossed in their altercation, Satchiko resolved to intervene, charging toward them despite her less maneuverable garb. She deftly dodged a few boulders that were inadvertently hurled in her direction, finally halting within striking distance of the combatants. Though still inexperienced in facing Earthbending opponents, she noted that these two seemed to be novices, far less dangerous than the marauders and soldiers who are far more proficient in the bending arts.

It was too late when the student from Xiao Zhong finally noticed her presence. Satchiko executed a well-placed jab, her strike landing squarely on his right wrist, disabling half of his bending. As he attempted to levitate a pot of bonsai with his other arm, she delivered another precise punch, rendering that limb paralyzed, causing him to drop the delicate porcelain plant.

"What did you do to me?" he demanded in panic, but Satchiko didn't even bother to explain. "Give me back my bending at once!"

"Nope," Satchiko replied bluntly. When the Xiao Zhong student lunged to punch her in retaliation, she swiftly seized his arm, twisting it with enough force to elicit a cry of agony.

The sound almost distracted her from another flying earthen projectile that whizzed through the air. She instinctively leaned aside, narrowly avoiding the oncoming pot of porcelain that sailed past her face.

"Go away!" the Jian Xin student barked with stubborn defiance. "This is between me and that Xiao Zhong bastard! Don't you dare interfere!" With that, he encased his right hand in a hastily assembled mass of earth, launching a punch in Satchiko's direction.

Understanding that blocking such a massive strike would be futile, Satchiko leaped upward, narrowly evading the blow. She landed deftly atop the poorly constructed earth gauntlet, her full weight forcing the opponent to stumble and momentarily locking him in place.

Seizing the opportunity, she swiftly maneuvered behind the Jian Xin student, unleashing a series of rapid jabs to his spine. Each strike rendered the limbs paralyzed, ensnaring his arm within the rough mass of earth and immobilizing him further.

"You shouldn't stop me!" the adolescent from Jian Xin screamed with indignation. "I'm showing that Xiao Zhong dreg that his state has committed unspeakable crimes against my people! Are you taking his side?"

"No," Satchiko replied with gravity. "But if you kill him here, the local guards won't spare you either."

The Jianxinese boy seemed to grasp her rationale, but this notion is lost on the other combatant. Fueled by fury, the latter charged at them both with a knife drawn. To Satchiko's surprise, the student from Xiao Zhong aimed to harm her first, perhaps still under the misguided impression that she is just a harmless student studying under an Earth Sage.

As the assailant thrust the blade with full force, Satchiko swiftly grasped his wrist, using his own momentum against him. In a fluid motion, he is thrown into the grass, with the exposed spine suffering another series of jabs. With each strike, she ensured the flow of his chi was effectively occluded, leaving him too weak to even grip the knife.

"It's his fault, he started it first!" the Xiao Zhong student shouted, directing his accusation at his opponent. "I'm merely stating the facts. The state of Xiao Zhong is waging a righteous war against Jian Xin, liberating the people from that incompetent Huang Chao! He's crying because our armies have recently achieved a significant victory over their ill-trained troops."

"Take it back!" roared the Jian Xin student, radiating pure rage, disgust, and indignation, causing Satchiko to instinctively flinch.

At that moment, Npauj Npaim and a few other students finally arrived at the scene. As the two troublemakers devolved into a shouting match, the onlookers hesitated to approach, clearly aware of the volatile atmosphere. It seemed that not even the formidable walls of Ba Sing Se could contain the simmering conflict between Jian Xin and Xiao Zhong.

"Oh yeah? Well, who do you think is right?" the Jian Xin student challenged Satchiko, catching her off guard with this unexpected request for judgment. With both combatants immobilized, they sought to recruit a third party, likely mistaking her for a local resident. "This fool believes that Xiao Zhong is on the right side, yet they've committed so many atrocities!"

"But it was Jian Xin who started it first!" the other bellowed with indignation. "They are the ones who invaded our borders, massacring my people!"

Satchiko waited for the Jian Xin student to counter that argument, but silence hung in the air. It seemed Liu Song had conveniently omitted a crucial detail about this twenty-year conflict.

"I am not the Avatar," she said, resorting to a potentially cowardly answer.

Unsatisfied, the student from Xiao Zhong pressed on. "The people of Jian Xin support the war against my people with fervor. Because of that, they all deserve to be killed and—"

He halted, eyes widening as Satchiko is pointing the blade at his throat. For a Kyoshi Warrior not particularly versed in philosophical debates, she staunchly defended the uncontroversial principle of sparing the innocent. The brutal conflict between Jian Xin and Xiao Zhong is no trivial matter, unlike the occasional skirmishes with pirate bands. Yet, she had learned early on that sometimes, one must resort to the strength of their fists to achieve certain aims.

The sounds of men in heavy armor grew increasingly loud, cutting through the tension in the air. Soldiers adorned in Ba Sing Se's iconic heraldry of green and gold, emblazoned with a coin emblem on their chests, marched into the garden. They wielded halberds and dagger-axes, surrounding the group with weapons at the ready.

"Drop the knife!" the captain barked, his voice cutting through the charged atmosphere.

Satchiko realized that a misunderstanding might have occurred. Holding a weapon in this situation would understandably raise heavy suspicion, something her sister had expressly cautioned to avoid. Complying with the command, she relinquished the knife, hoping it might ease the rising tension. Fortunately, the gardener quickly dispelled the misconception, redirecting the blame toward the two other adolescents.

"Elder Pen Zai has tended to these trees for over eighty years," the rough-faced captain warned the instigators. "But instead of enjoying a moment of peace and tranquility, it seems someone had the audacity to bring their petty conflicts within these walls."

The two quarreling students were unceremoniously dragged away. Though their silken clothing suggested noble birth, it did little to deter the ordinary soldiers, who regarded them as nothing more than troublemakers.

Npauj Npaim approached, her expression a mix of concern and relief. She congratulated the Kyoshi Warrior's timely intervention that had quelled the conflict at its root.

"Not very," Satchiko replied, lacking in enthusiasm. Unlike the satisfaction she felt when defeating rogue bands of marauders encroaching on Kyoshi Island, the complexities of stopping a war between two states felt far beyond her comprehension. Though yearning for respite from such gruesome matters, she ultimately recognized the Avatar as the only true solution to the conflicts that divided people.

"But at least no one was hurt," Npauj Npaim offered in consolation.

Yet the devastation around them felt far too overwhelming. The once-serene bonsai garden now lay desecrated, with shattered porcelain pots and broken tree branches strewn haphazardly across the grounds. While many might be shocked at the destruction two Earthbending teenagers could wreak, Satchiko remained unfazed, never forgetting the far graver sight of two armies slaughtering each other, sating the very earth with blood.

Her gaze drifted toward the nearby pond, where the lifeless bodies of turtle ducks floated on still water. A pang of regret stirred within her. It was a senseless tragedy. Though she disliked Batu's callousness when they first met, watching such innocent creatures suffer needlessly seemed far worse.

A solitary quack broke the silence, drawing their attention. Satchiko moved toward the pond and discovered a baby turtle duck struggling in the sand, one of its four webbed feet clearly injured. A small crack ran across its bill, a wound that would undoubtedly hinder its ability to eat and make survival uncertain.

With gentle hands, Satchiko lifted the fragile creature by its shell, ignoring the faint protests from the turtle duck. Her grip remained firm, couldn't bear to leave it to such a bleak fate.

"I don't think the Earth Sage would approve of animals in the dorms," Npauj Npaim remarked thoughtfully. Despite her deep understanding of the Analects, she knew all too well of Zhu Xi's rigid and narrow perspective.

"Then can I count on you to keep this secret?" Satchiko asked, her eyes flicking to her friend.

Though Npauj Npaim hesitantly agreed to care for the turtle duckling, another pressing matter loomed, Zhu Xi's ire. During the chaotic ordeal of stopping the two quarrelsome students, Satchiko had damaged her modest shenyi robe, and even her dark-colored scholar's hat had been grazed by a stray shard of porcelain. If the pedantic Earth Sage caught sight of her disheveled state, trouble is certain.

"My sister might be able to help with this," Satchiko suggested with slight urgency. "But I'll need to go to the Lower Ring directly."

Despite still struggling with the pronunciation of Npauj Npaim's name, Satchiko made a sincere request, trusting her classmate with the care of the injured duckling. With the rice and millet available from the university's cafeteria, providing food for the small creature shouldn't be an issue.

...

Admittedly, this is the first time Satchiko ventured into the Lower Ring since beginning her studies at the institution. Burdened by the grueling first weeks under the strict tutelage of Earth Sage Zhu Xi, she had little time for exploring the sprawling and most densely populated district of Ba Sing Se.

Letters from Mayumi had provided her with a general sense of direction. Mayumi had already found work in the Lower Ring, in an area near the towering city walls.

Satchiko weaved through the throngs of locals, making her way into a bustling market known as Wang Fu Jing, a place that felt ten times larger than her entire village. From every corner, people toiled and labored. Grocers bellowed at the top of their lungs, extolling the freshness of fruits and vegetables, hoping their shouts would rise above the cacophony of potential customers. Although the Lower Ring is home to Ba Sing Se's ordinary citizens, wealthier visitors occasionally ventured here as well.

She navigated the crowd with quick, deliberate steps, dodging passing carriages with a grace unexpected of an outsider still adjusting to the overwhelming scale of this immense city.

There is a quiet beauty in the mundane rhythms of life, though Satchiko knew it is a matter of perspective. For her, the Lower Ring offered a reprieve from the forced pleasantries and rigid formalities of the university. The lively hustle of the district's workers and brimming stall owners, laboring day and night, felt both familiar and foreign. It is echoing the cadence of her village life yet imbued with the distinct energy of a grand city that have served as the Earth Kingdom's capital for thousands of years.

"Straight from the agrarian zone this morning!" bellowed one of the hawkers, proudly boasting the quality of his goods. "Unless you're an Airbender who despises cabbages, you'd better grab them while you can!"

Customers haggled fervently, bargaining prices with stubborn shopkeepers, a scene not unlike the bartering she remembered from home, where fishers and villagers negotiated with equal tenacity. Yet what truly captured Satchiko's attention were the countless food stalls, each offering unfamiliar but tantalizing aromas. The rich scent of roasted meat, kissed by exotic spices, filled the air, beckoning her closer. Some stalls were run by families with roots tracing back to the Si Wong Desert, their chefs expertly skewering cuts of meat and slow roasting them over glowing cauldrons of charcoal.

The temptation gnawed, but meager budget restrained her from indulging in the feast.

"Young lady! Care for a skewer of sugar-coated fruits?"

A cheerful voice called out. Satchiko turned, her gaze falling upon a vendor promoting his craft. It is a seller of tanghulu, the very same treat Batu had once gifted her. Unlike most food stalls, merchants of this particular delight carried their wares on long wooden poles hoisted over their shoulders. Rows of colorful candied fruits adorned the pegs, each crimson-hued orb glistening under the sheen of caramelized sugar, tempting children who tugged eagerly at their parents' sleeves.

The vibrant red hawberries shimmered in the sunlight, their glossy coating hinting at sweetness beyond anything she'd tasted before. The faint aroma of caramelized sugar tickled her senses, stirring a quiet yearning. Yet, just as her thoughts lingered on the simple pleasure of the treat, a shadow from the past loomed, a memory that refused to fade. The image of that girl from Hao Jing still haunts her, a reminder that some things, no matter how sweet, could not erase the bitterness of what had been.

"N-no thanks, sir," Satchiko politely declined, allowing the vendor to move along. She shifted focus, eyes darting in every direction in an attempt to distract herself. The bustling streets were lined with multi-storied teahouses, ornate restaurants, and stalls manned by merchants hailing from distant corners of the continent. Every inch of the city seemed alive, pulsing with the rhythms of life. The scene is a far cry from the quiet simplicity of her island home, where mundane routines shaped the days.

Clutching her damaged scholar's robe in a bag, she approached local stall owners, inquiring about the supposed whereabouts of Mayumi. After receiving several vague responses, she found herself at a busy construction site. Hoping for more concrete directions, she approached one of the builders, whose familiarity with the regional layout might finally provide the clarity she sought.

"Ah, you must be talking about Grandma Jin's Benevolent Eatery," the tall Earthbender responded while shaping a block of stone with practiced ease. "Keep following this path, then make a right turn onto Niujie Street. You'll find it a humble spot where the local soldiers often gather."

Satchiko bowed in thanks before turning to leave, but something made her pause. Her gaze lingered on the bustling construction site, where Earthbenders effortlessly molded granite, limestone, and bricks as if shaping clay. Beside them, non-bending craftsmen worked with precision, sculpting intricate stonework with tools. Two laborers carefully carved Badgermole statues, iconic guardians of Earth Kingdom architecture, into towering sentinels for the building's entrance. Such craftsmanship adorned palaces, temples, and the homes of Ba Sing Se's elite, plenty can be found within the university.

For the first time, Satchiko could fully appreciate how the mainlanders harnessed the very earth beneath them to construct stone houses, an art her own people could only replicate with wood and bamboo. She couldn't help but marvel at their mastery over the raw elements, something still far beyond her reach.

Satchiko ventured further from the market, navigating a maze of restaurants and food stalls. The distinction between the establishments is hard to discern, with only the grander winehouses standing apart from humble teahouses. Roasted ducks hung in plain sight from various stalls, their glistening skin promising savory meals. Yet, amidst all the activity, one stall in particular caught her attention.

The woman running the stall is an anomaly. Dressed in little more than rugged leather and brown fur, her unkempt hair fell in wild tangles around the shoulders, having little concern for cleanliness. Despite this, the food she prepared emanated an oddly enticing aroma, though Satchiko couldn't quite decide how she felt about it.

"You got a problem?" the teenager barked, catching Satchiko's curious gaze.

"N-no," Satchiko stammered, taken aback by the woman's boldness and rough demeanor.

The stall owner narrowed her eyes, scrutinizing Satchiko as if she were a schemer or critic. In truth, the latter was simply surprised by her appearance. Even the nomadic Kheshig herdsmen carried themselves with more cleanliness and refinement.

Satchiko inquired on the whereabouts of Jin's Benevolent Eatery, only to be met with an unyielding demand.

"I know precisely where that old crone has erected her humble abode," the stall owner retorted with an air of bluntness. "I'll divulge the location if you procure one of my wares."

Satchiko scrutinized the offerings, which is an array of desserts boasting a smooth, glossy surface, imbued with a delicate pale-yellow hue. They are undeniably enticing, yet each coin nestled in her pocket felt too precious to squander on trifling indulgences.

"These custard tarts are unparalleled," the stall owner asserted in conviction. "We Zhangs have honed this craft to perfection since we first graced this city many moons ago. Do indulge yourself." She proclaimed the accolades with an imperious flourish, as though compelling Satchiko to part with her money.

Satchiko deliberated, weighing her options with careful consideration. Ultimately, she resolved to part with a few copper coins to procure one of these purported egg custards. As she sank her teeth into the rich, golden pastry, she is immediately enveloped by a delightful symphony of sweetened milk, cheese, cream, and egg.

It took her a moment to fully savor the lingering aftertaste. As for the remaining portion of the delicate pastry, she opted to cram the entirety into her mouth, her voracious appetite eliciting startled glances from a few onlookers. The act was decidedly unbecoming. Such a display of gluttony would surely invite her mother's stern admonishments. Yet, the mere thought of either her mother or sister reminding her to partake in dinner with proper decorum evoked a bittersweet nostalgia.

"Now, would you please tell me where is that eatery?" Satchiko inquired, attempting to wipe the crust of pastry from her lips.

The stall owner gestured dismissively toward a restaurant located just behind her. In that instant, Satchiko grasped the extent of her folly, having been cleverly maneuvered. The abysmal illiteracy rendered her incapable of deciphering the ornate plaques that designated each establishment.

Swallowing her pride, she endeavored to mask the rising ire. The egg custard had indeed proven to be a delectable treat, its delightful flavor softening the edges of any potential outburst.

Without further hesitation, Satchiko stepped into the eatery, which bore a striking resemblance to a royal palace. Upon entering, she was immediately enveloped by a wave of warmth and the pungent aroma of local dishes that assailed her senses. The air vibrated with the cacophony of chefs busily stir-frying with their round-bottomed woks. The dark-hued cooking vessels proved to be multifaceted, their clattering sounds mingling with the sizzle of oil meeting metal, creating a symphony of culinary chaos that refused to abate.

The dining area is notably expansive. In addition to the local laborers who congregated for their midday repast, the tables are also populated by numerous armored soldiers, indulging in hearty meals and quenching their sorrows with copious amounts of drink.

Just as Satchiko was about to begin the search for her sister, a waitress clad in a sleek qipao approached, gesturing toward a small, vacant table. Recognizing the unspoken etiquette of entering such an establishment without sampling its offerings, she promptly ordered the most affordable refreshment available, a glass of cactus juice.

"Excuse me, I am looking for my sister, Mayumi. Does she work here?"

This time, Satchiko's inquiry was met with a prompt response. The waitress gestured toward the entrance of the kitchen situated at the rear of the restaurant.

"May I go find her?" Satchiko inquired politely.

Perhaps she was unaware of how those behind towering walls conducted themselves. The only establishments resembling a restaurant on Kyoshi Island were modest inns and winehouses. However, the strain evident on the waitress's face suggested that such an action would not be permitted.

"I will allow it," came an aged voice.

Satchiko turned to find herself face-to-face with an elderly woman, her visage a tapestry of deep-set wrinkles. Recognizing such generosity as a gift, she replied with gratitude, presuming this matron is the owner of the establishment.

"Your sister is a diligent worker," the old woman observed. "Perhaps not the most skilled, but she manages to see her tasks through in the end." With that, she directed the waitress to inform the chefs in the kitchen and permitted Satchiko to proceed on her way.

The Kyoshi Warrior navigated through the dining area, passing by boisterous patrons and families savoring their delectable dishes. A constant craving for food stirred within her, compelling glances at the tantalizing plates that graced the tables. Each dish is a vibrant tapestry of ingredients, both meat and vegetables, prepared with such artistry that an untrained eye would struggle to identify the myriad techniques employed in their creation.

She beheld glistening cuts of meat draped in colorful sauces, fried seafood cloaked in a fragrant blanket of salted garlic, and succulent meat buns crafted from rare ingredients that are nearly unattainable in her village. Yet what sparked the deepest envy within her are the bowls of fluffy white rice, perhaps the humblest offering in the restaurant. Growing up, rice is a luxury on Kyoshi Island, a commodity that is far from inexpensive. It is only available through seafaring traders who demanded considerable compensation for their cargo.

The heat intensified as Satchiko stepped into the kitchen, which buzzed like a factory in perpetual motion. Chefs of all ages, from spirited youths to seasoned veterans, poured their hearts into the craft, stir-frying an array of ingredients with fervor. The clamor of metal woks clashing filled the air, while plates of food surged forth to the patrons in a seemingly endless procession. One chef diligently tended to a massive stone oven, the source of one of the city's most renowned delicacies, Ba Sing Se roast turtle duck.

Satchiko averted her gaze from the mysteries concealed within the oven, feeling a wave of intimidation wash over as she approached the back of the room. The heat radiating from the cooking fires is surprisingly more intense than the flames she had faced in her last encounter with a Firebender. As she stumbled upon a familiar figure scrubbing a towering mound of dishes, she gathered the resolve and made her presence known.

"Big sis," Satchiko called out.

The dishwasher, clad in a soiled apron, bore noticeable differences from the last time Satchiko had seen her. Her long brown hair was neatly woven into a braid, a practical choice in the confined quarters of the bustling kitchen. Although she possessed porcelain skin, the countless hours spent toiling amid the heat and grime had left it slightly dulled. A lifetime of babysitting village children and running errands had not quite equipped her for the rigors of such a physically demanding job.

"Do you two know each other?" one of the chefs inquired, curiosity piqued.

The dishwasher turned, a warm smile spreading across her face as she nodded. "We do, for a lifetime."

...

The moon finally ascended into the night sky. Though the stream of patrons had dwindled, half of the dining hall remained occupied by soldiers unwinding after a long day of duty. The restaurant is now filled with raucous laughter, the men finding mirth in the smallest of matters. In this era of warring states, amidst the horrors of the battlefield, wasting their hard-earned wages on cheap liquor felt like a rare privilege. Sharing the company with their brothers-in-arms seemed to slow the pace at which their meals vanished.

"And so, I charged at that wretched bandit and skewered the bastard right through his family jewels!" one of the soldiers boasted, clad in the universal style of Earth Kingdom armor that is common across most states. "And before his friends could even react, I swung my spear and took down six of them in one fell swoop!"

Laughter and jeers erupted around the table, the soldiers reveling in their exaggerated tales. Naturally, such distasteful embellishments were not taken to heart. If not for the city's stringent policy aimed at eradicating any nearby daofei dens to the last man, most would find such boisterous antics utterly intolerable.

"You change the story every time!" another patron exclaimed, his chopsticks pointed accusingly at the blatant liar as he swallowed a dumpling. "Last time, you claimed to puncture a hole in a daofei's shield with nothing but your bare hands. And when I expose your obvious fabrication, I still maintain that the only hole you made is in your girlfriend's heart."

"What! That's not true!" the speaker retorted indignantly. "I thought we settled this. She was unfaithful to me, not the other way around!"

The two quickly descended into another petty bicker, mirroring countless previous arguments. Perhaps they had witnessed things that were never meant to be seen, transforming them into mere husks clinging to the remnants of their sanity.

Yet, with each sip of wine and morsel of roasted meat, their tales grew more grandiose, each embellishment fueled by the alcohol coursing through their veins. For many, however, the specters of horror that trailed them like shadows are by no means a pleasant burden. Despite the boisterous atmosphere, some armored patrons remained quiet, consuming little as they opted for seats that offered a wall to shield their unprotected backs.

Mayumi busied herself mopping the floor as Satchiko settled into an empty table. The two sisters exchanged words, recounting the events of the past few weeks since she had promised to repair Satchiko's garb at her temporary residence.

"Here you go, freshly made," a barmaid announced, arriving at the table with a glass of thirst-quenching cactus juice, its vibrant green hue glistening in the light.

Just as Satchiko was about to indulge in the unfamiliar beverage, Mayumi interjected, claiming it for herself.

"Sorry sister, but you may be too young for this," she said playfully. In one swift motion, she downed the entire cup, leaving both Satchiko and the barmaid momentarily astonished. It is easy for people to forget that Mayumi had inherited their mother's formidable endurance for strong liquor, the unexpected prowess often catching others off guard.

Instead of consuming a potentially intoxicating beverage, Satchiko was presented with a glass of sour prune drink, which proved to be much sweeter than its name implied.

"How much would a cup of this be worth on Kyoshi Island?" the younger sister mused, curiosity flickering in her eyes.

"Probably more than a jar of Kiyo's wine," Mayumi replied effortlessly. Kiyo, the village's wine brewer, was known for her shrewdness, always selling high and buying low. "So, how are things at the university?"

Satchiko fought to suppress a grimace, offering only a vague description of her studies in ancient rites and history. Zhu Xi's teachings often felt overly broad and wordy, filled with preachings about the importance of being a benevolent ruler who views their subjects as a father views his family. Yet, the lessons dragged on interminably, the words themselves often unreadable. Even worse, Satchiko had little interest in the ancient philosophy that had shaped the rulers of their time.

"Well, I don't find it too boring," Mayumi said, picking up on her sister's palpable dissatisfaction. "They say that some of the greatest monarchs of the Earth Kingdom have employed Earth Sages as trusted advisors. Many Avatars also sought them out as teachers, both in Earthbending and in the philosophy of governance."

However, Satchiko couldn't envision herself as an Avatar. While she recognized the value of virtuous leadership, the way Zhu Xi conveyed these principles felt contrived and even archaic. For weeks, the Earth Sage had tirelessly lectured that only the concept of family could ultimately ensure the prosperity of a great nation. She is no stranger to this line of thinking. With both parents serving as senior leaders of their village and her grandfather having been the previous chief, many on the island expected both her and Mayumi to achieve greatness akin to that of their ancestors, beginning with Kyoshi's illustrious tenure.

Yet, Satchiko felt a deep reluctance, a sense of estrangement, whenever Zhu Xi spoke fondly of one particular aspect about ancient Earth Kingdom leadership. If she recalled correctly, the Earth Sage emphasized the harmonious relationship between the sovereign and regional governors, where the former bestowed land upon relatives, trusted ministers, and any nobles who had faithfully served the throne. This so-called ancient wisdom struck her as utterly bizarre, especially for a girl whose aspirations extended no further than a modest wooden hut. To Satchiko, grand ambitions held little appeal against the desire of becoming a true Kyoshi Warrior, who is dedicated to helping others. A bowl of fish stew is already more enticing than obscure titles or privileges granted by some distant authority.

"Those wise men spoke of many things," Mayumi remarked, taking another sip of her drink. "Folks on the mainland have their own methods of governance, it shouldn't concern Kyoshi Island too much." She quickly amended her words, a glimmer of understanding in her eyes. "But I can help you a bit. Although I'm no scholar, I did read the Analects many years ago."

Satchiko felt her confidence waning, a flickering ember that barely illuminated her thoughts. No matter how hard she tried to mask the apprehension, Mayumi was no fool.

"How about this, sister? Why not join me for a stage play?" Mayumi suggested. "It's happening tonight, not too far from where I live." As she instinctively reached for a poster, she accidentally pulled out a torn parchment seeking new workers for the restaurant. "Not this one," she chuckled, setting it aside.

After finally locating the correct poster tucked away in an apron pocket, Mayumi unfurled it across the table. The story depicted is one of ancient love, a renowned tale from Omashu, arguably the most famous love story throughout the entire Earth Kingdom.

The parchment showcased an image of a man and woman sharing a kiss, a lone Badgermole standing sentinel behind them, as if guarding the two fragile humans. When Satchiko inquired about the hidden meaning behind this whimsical poster, one of the waitresses was taken aback by her apparent ignorance, her eyes widening in astonishment.

"You've never heard of this?" the waitress asked in disbelief and excitement. "This is one of the most famous stories of all time, a tale as old as the city of Omashu itself!"

Mayumi continued her diligent task of mopping the floor, allowing her colleague to delve into the details as Satchiko listened with a mix of curiosity and confusion. According to legend, the first Earthbender learned the art of tilting and levitating earth from these colossal beasts that dwell beneath the ground. Yet this tale is primarily about love, and how it had the power to heal the divisions between tribes.

As the woman animatedly recounted how the two warring villages resolved their conflicts and came together to build the city of Omashu, one of the soldiers seated nearby couldn't resist chiming in, his voice carrying a hint of mockery.

"If only it were that simple," the man remarked wearily, downing a small cup of grape wine, a unique deep-red beverage imported from the mysterious city of Liqian. "Many more will perish before the Mandate of Heaven is restored. I wonder if future generations will look back at us in the same way as simpleminded folks see some ridiculous love story." He took another bitter sip from a bottle made of exquisite glassware, murmuring to himself. "Stupid Avatar. Spent her days dancing on strings she couldn't see, only to be slain by a nameless upstart. It is a fitting and unsurprising end for someone with the greatest achievement of leaping from one bed to the next. Those obsessed devotees and their incestuous wails, tasted sweeter than wine."

"Pay no heed to him," the waitress interjected sharply. "Ruo Hanzhong over there doesn't appreciate good folk stories like we do! When he's drunk, he spouts all kinds of nonsense."

Satchiko dismissed the soldier's opinion. His bitterness is of no concern. Instead, her gaze was fixed on the poster, particularly on the Badgermole standing sentinel behind the two lovers.

"About the Badgermoles, can they truly teach us Earthbending?" she asked.

End of Chapter Notes:

-The Duke of Zhou, brother of King Wu, is a member of the royal family who suppressed the 'Rebellion of the Three Guards' following the death of the first Zhou monarch. His most notable act is to relinquish the power of regency to the rightful heir without resistance.

-Qin Liangyu is a Miao/Hmong female general of the Ming dynasty that fought to defend against rising Qing dynasty. Please note, currently there is lack of a standard formal script for the language, along with disputed existence of historical scripts of the Hmong language. In consideration of the many dialects, the name 'Kiv Lias Yus' should be interpreted as simply how Npauj Npaim pronounce a name.

-The art of Pen Zai, or Pen Jing, is the art of depicting miniature trees and landscapes.

-The sour prune drink, or Suanmeitang, is a beverage made of rock salt, smoked plums and other ingredients such as sweet osmanthus. Variations have existed for more than a thousand years, with the modern version being the product of Qing dynasty imperial court until it is popularized amongst the common people.

-For those who might be wondering why Zuko is even included to elevate the supposed wisdom of the Earth Sages, this is merely an example taken out from comic 'The Search'. The scene in question depicts a nameless elderly professor who lectured 'ancient Earth Kingdom governing philosophy'. Despite the very obvious source of inspiration, there is no canon prove that he is an Earth Sage.