Shame and Strength

In the courtyard of the garrison, the air was thick with anticipation. Kaiya stood at the center, her dark red uniform with gold accents gleaming in the sunlight. Rina and Lina, dressed in their Fire Nation uniforms, stood a few paces away, their postures tense but focused.Kaiya raised her arms, signaling the start of the demonstration. "Begin," she commanded.With synchronized precision, Rina and Lina launched fireballs towards Kaiya. The flames hurtled through the air, but as they neared her, Kaiya merely lifted her arms, and the fireballs dissipated into harmless sparks. Rina and Lina exchanged astonished glances, their eyes wide with amazement."We've never seen anyone do that before!" Lina said, her voice filled with awe."My ability to control fire is innate and formidable, but as my master has pointed out, I lack in maneuverability. That is where you both come in," Kaiya admitted, her tone carrying a blend of honesty and authority. A silence hung in the air as the twins absorbed Kaiya's unique traits.Rina, after a moment of contemplation, broke the silence. "Captain Kaiya, I apologize if I'm overstepping, but I have a question," she began tentatively. "If you are Princess Azula's protégé, why are you not with her? Surely the Princess would want to keep you close."Kaiya lowered her arms, her expression calm and controlled. "The Princess pursues her own distinct goals and missions," she explained. "I do not possess the specific skillset needed to aid her in her endeavors at this time. However, there may come a moment when the Princess, my master, requires my assistance."Kaiya gestured for Rina and Lina to fire again. The twins complied, sending another round of fireballs her way. Once again, Kaiya raised her arms, and the flames vanished before reaching her. The servants watched from a distance, their admiration evident."I have had the pleasure of knowing you both for nearly a month now," Kaiya began, her tone gentle yet probing. As she spoke, she raised her hand, letting a small flame dance on her fingertips before dispersing it with a flick. "It is time for honesty. Why are you truly serving in the colonies?"Rina and Lina exchanged a brief, uneasy glance before Rina spoke up, their rehearsed response evident in her tone. "We have pride in the Fire Nation and want to do what we can to serve," she said, her voice steady but lacking the conviction Kaiya was seeking.Lina nodded in agreement, echoing her sister's sentiments. "Yes, Captain. We're here to contribute to the Fire Nation's mission and uphold its honor."Kaiya sighed softly, a hint of frustration creeping into her voice. "Though I am young and relatively new to military life, even I understand that a posting in the colonies is far from anyone's first choice." She lifted her head slightly more, her gaze sharp. "Do not insult my intelligence. Tell me the true reason."A deafening pause filled the courtyard as the twins hesitated, the tension palpable. Finally, Rina relented, her voice low and filled with resignation. "I got into an argument with a classmate," she began, her eyes downcast. "One thing led to another, and I found myself in an Agni Kai. The girl was getting the better of me, and that's when Lina stepped in to help."Rina's voice trembled slightly as she continued, "Receiving help was far more dishonorable than losing fair and square, and it tarnished our family's reputation. Being sent to the colonies was the only realistic alternative for us."Lina nodded in silent agreement, her face reflecting the same regret and shame. The weight of the twins' confession hung heavily in the air as Kaiya absorbed their words, her mind racing with thoughts.Kaiya mused, her voice thoughtful. As she spoke, she created a delicate, swirling shape with her flames, letting it hover in the air. "It is curious how the world operates. The very shame that was cast upon you is the strength I admire in you. Your fierce protectiveness of each other, your unbreakable bond—there is nothing dishonorable about that in my eyes."Rina glanced at Lina before responding, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Captain Kaiya, you are definitely unique in your way of thinking."Rina was about to ask Kaiya why she was serving in the colonies when they were interrupted by the sudden arrival of a female servant, her face marked with concern. Ever vigilant, Rina stepped closer to Kaiya, adopting a guarded position, while Lina turned her attention to the approaching servant, her posture tense and alert. Kaiya, for her part, remained relaxed, her expression calm."There's been an incident! The sergeant needs to see you right away!"A smirk spread across Kaiya's face. "It seems they've fallen for the bait," she remarked, a hint of satisfaction in her voice.