V1.C5. Not a Date

The days after Yogan's encounter with the mysterious Waterbender dragged on, each one more suffocating than the last. The temple grounds felt different now—heavier, quieter. The people who had once been so quick to criticize, to mock him, were now awkwardly distant. The scornful looks he had grown used to were gone, replaced by worry and discomfort. No one dared say anything directly, but the tension was unmistakable. They avoided him not out of hate but out of fear. And in some ways, that made it even worse.

Yogan kept mostly to himself, wandering the temple grounds and village without a clear purpose. He had always been a troublemaker, always the one who people thought would never amount to much, especially compared to his brother Renji. But after the loss of control during his bending outburst, something had shifted. They looked at him like a wild animal—dangerous, unpredictable, and best left alone.

Except for Yoan. Yoan wasn't like the others. He was cool, laid-back, and didn't let things get to him. He still hung out with Yogan from time to time, making offhand jokes and keeping the conversations light. It was a small comfort, but it wasn't enough. Yogan needed something more.

And then there was Kaiya.

Kaiya had always been the harshest toward him. While the other novices simply looked down on him, Kaiya had made a habit of calling him out, teasing him, and sometimes outright embarrassing him in front of the others. She had been the meanest of them all, quick to insult him whenever he screwed up or fell short. Yogan had long since given up trying to impress her or win her over—at least, on the surface.

But lately, something had changed. Kaiya, for reasons Yogan couldn't figure out, was no longer tearing him down. She wasn't exactly nice, but her usual biting remarks had softened. She still rolled her eyes at him, still made sarcastic comments, but there was something different behind it all—something that felt less cruel and more awkward, as if she didn't know what to say to him anymore. And strangely, she was the only one who didn't seem afraid of him.

Which made things even more confusing for Yogan, because he'd been harboring a secret for years—he wanted Kaiya. Not just to talk, not just to be on good terms. He wanted her. But every time he tried to approach her, his words would stumble over themselves, his usual confidence vanishing the moment she looked at him with those piercing eyes.

Yogan had always been the type to talk big when it came to women—bragging to Yoan and the others about how he knew what they liked, how easy it was to get in their pants. But the truth was, for all his bluster, he didn't know how to talk to a woman properly. Especially not Kaiya. And especially now, when things between them were so weird.

He sat on the pier that afternoon, looking out over the sea, watching the boats glide in and out of the harbor. The salty breeze tugged at his robes, but it did little to calm the restless thoughts in his mind. The statue of Wan had haunted him since the outburst. He had felt something during that moment, something ancient and powerful, but he didn't know how to control it. He didn't know how to control anything anymore.

And then he saw her.

Kaiya was walking up the path from the village with a few other novices, bags of supplies hanging from their shoulders. She wasn't laughing this time—her face was set in its usual look of mild irritation, as if everything around her was somehow beneath her. Yogan's heart beat a little faster. He didn't understand why he couldn't get over this feeling. She'd been a thorn in his side for as long as he could remember, yet here he was, thinking of ways to talk to her. Ways to get closer to her.

I just need to talk to her, he thought. Get her alone. Maybe things will be different.

Yogan stood and began walking toward the group. The other novices saw him coming and exchanged awkward glances, but they greeted him politely enough. Their discomfort was obvious. They weren't sure what to make of him now, but at least they weren't openly hostile.

Kaiya, on the other hand, looked at him with that same annoyed expression she always wore, her eyes narrowing slightly as he approached. "What do you want, Yogan?" she asked, her tone sharp but lacking its usual bite.

"I, uh, thought I'd help you guys with those bags," Yogan said, trying to sound casual. "Looks like you could use an extra hand."

Kaiya raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical. "Since when do you care about helping anyone?"

Yogan shrugged, avoiding her gaze. "I'm just trying to be useful, you know? Besides, it's been a while since we've… talked."

The other novices shuffled uncomfortably. They were used to Kaiya's sharp tongue, and Yogan could feel the tension rising. He glanced at Yoan, who had been hanging back, watching the exchange with amusement.

Yoan smirked and rolled his eyes. "Why don't we let Yogan and Kaiya catch up, huh? We'll handle the supplies." He nudged the others. "Come on, let's get these back to the temple."

The group hesitated for a moment but eventually agreed, leaving Yogan and Kaiya alone by the cart. Yogan felt his stomach twist. He hadn't expected Yoan to be that obvious, but it had worked. Now, he just had to figure out what to say.

Kaiya crossed her arms, leaning against the cart. "So, what's this really about?" she asked, her tone still tinged with suspicion. "You don't just want to help. What do you want?"

Yogan's mind raced. He wasn't sure how to answer without sounding like an idiot. He wanted to talk to her, but he also wanted something more—something he couldn't put into words without making things even weirder. "I just… I wanted to see how you were doing," he stammered. "Things have been kinda… strange, lately."

Kaiya snorted, her lips curling into a half-smile. "Strange doesn't even begin to cover it. You've been acting like a total freak since… whatever that was. But I guess that's nothing new for you, right?"

Yogan felt a flash of irritation but quickly pushed it down. He couldn't lose his temper, not now. "Yeah, well… I didn't ask for any of this, you know? I'm just trying to figure things out."

For a moment, Kaiya's face softened, and she seemed to consider his words. "I guess we're all trying to figure things out," she muttered, looking away. "It's not like anyone knows what to do with you."

Yogan swallowed hard, feeling the tension rise again. Just say it, he told himself. Just ask her out. But when he opened his mouth, the words that came out weren't exactly smooth. "I was thinking… maybe we could hang out later? Just the two of us?"

Kaiya blinked, surprised. "Hang out? Why?"

Yogan's heart pounded in his chest. He had always fantasized about getting Kaiya alone, maybe even doing more than just talking, but now that he had the chance, he was fumbling. "I dunno," he mumbled, rubbing the back of his neck. "We don't really talk anymore. I thought… it could be nice. We could go to the village or something."

Kaiya stared at him for a long moment, her expression unreadable. Then, to Yogan's surprise, she shrugged. "Sure, why not? I could use a distraction. But don't get any ideas, Yogan."

Yogan's face flushed. "Yeah, yeah, no ideas," he muttered, though his thoughts were already racing. She had said yes. Even if she wasn't taking him seriously, even if she wasn't interested in him that way, she had still agreed to spend time with him.

As they walked back toward the village, side by side, Yogan couldn't help but grin to himself. Maybe tonight, for the first time, things would go his way. Maybe tonight, he'd figure out how to talk to Kaiya—how to get past the insults and the sarcasm—and maybe, just maybe, he'd get what he really wanted.

---

As evening fell over the village, the air grew cooler, and the soft glow of lanterns lit up the winding streets. Yogan found himself fidgeting nervously as he waited for Kaiya near the pier, where they had agreed to meet. His heart raced with a mix of excitement and anxiety. He'd spent the whole afternoon mentally preparing himself, trying to figure out what to say, how to act. He knew he wasn't smooth when it came to women, but tonight—tonight was his chance.

The village was still bustling with people, vendors shouting about fresh fish and warm bread, while the smell of roasted meat and spices filled the air. Yogan took a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves. This wasn't just an outing; it was a chance to finally get closer to Kaiya. He had imagined all kinds of scenarios, how the night would unfold—her finally seeing him differently, maybe even starting to feel the same way he did.

Kaiya showed up right on time, dressed in simple clothes, her auburn hair loose around her shoulders. She gave him a quick smile, and Yogan grinned back, his heart skipping a beat. For a moment, everything seemed perfect.

"You ready?" she asked, her tone casual.

"Yeah, let's go," Yogan replied, trying to sound relaxed, though he felt anything but.

They began walking down the cobbled streets toward the village square, the sounds of music and chatter growing louder as they approached. Yogan was starting to feel like things might actually go well tonight, like maybe, just maybe, Kaiya wasn't as out of reach as he had always thought.

But then, as they turned a corner, Yogan's smile faltered. Waiting by the tavern were several of their fellow novices, laughing and chatting like it was any normal night. He recognized a few familiar faces from the temple—people he didn't exactly want around tonight.

"Kaiya!" one of them called, waving. "We were wondering when you'd get here."

Yogan's heart sank. This wasn't just a date—it was a group outing. His jaw clenched, and he forced a smile as he greeted the others, though inside he was seething. She invited them? he thought, his fists curling slightly at his sides. This was supposed to be his chance to get some time alone with her, to maybe make a move, but now? Now he was stuck with a group of novices who barely even liked him.

Kaiya didn't seem to notice his irritation. She smiled warmly at the others, making introductions as if this was the most normal thing in the world. "Hope you don't mind," she said, glancing at Yogan. "I figured we could all hang out. It's been a while since we had a group night out."

Yogan gritted his teeth and nodded. "Yeah, sure. No problem." But it was a problem. A big one.

They all entered the tavern together, the group laughing and joking as they found a long table near the back. Yoan was the only one who seemed to notice Yogan's frustration, his sharp eyes catching the barely concealed anger simmering beneath Yogan's forced grin. As the group settled in, Yoan slid over to sit next to him.

"Rough night, huh?" Yoan muttered under his breath, shooting Yogan a sideways glance.

Yogan sighed, glancing over at Kaiya, who was already laughing at some joke one of the other novices had made. "This was supposed to be a date," he muttered back. "But now, look at this. She invited the whole damn temple."

Yoan chuckled softly. "Yeah, I figured that's what happened. You didn't exactly make it clear, did you?"

Yogan scowled. "I asked her to hang out, just the two of us. How is that not clear?"

"Well, for one," Yoan said, smirking, "you're terrible at talking to women. You've gotta be more direct, Yogan. Ask her out. Say the word 'date.' Otherwise, she's just gonna think you're trying to be friends."

Yogan leaned back in his chair, staring at the ceiling in frustration. "I thought it was obvious. I mean, I don't want to just be friends."

Yoan clapped a hand on his shoulder, a teasing grin on his face. "Look, next time, just make it clear. And maybe don't invite the whole village by accident."

Yogan forced a laugh, but inside, he was still annoyed. This was supposed to be his night with Kaiya, and now he was stuck with a crowd of people who didn't care whether he was there or not. But he wasn't about to let it ruin the night completely.

The group spent the next hour eating, drinking, and talking, though Yogan found it hard to join in the conversation. He watched Kaiya out of the corner of his eye, wondering if she even realized what tonight was supposed to be. She seemed oblivious to his frustration, laughing and joking with the others like nothing was out of the ordinary.

Yogan did his best to stay part of the group, but every time he tried to steer the conversation toward something more personal—something just between him and Kaiya—someone else would interrupt, pulling her attention away. It was like trying to grab a handful of water; no matter what he did, it kept slipping through his fingers.

As the night wore on and the group started to wind down, Yogan found himself walking either at the front or lagging behind as they made their way back toward the temple. At one point, he fell back far enough that the others were a good distance ahead, giving him some much-needed space to cool off.

Kaiya, however, noticed. She slowed her pace, falling into step beside him, her brow furrowed in concern. "Hey," she said softly, "you've been pretty quiet tonight. What's wrong?"

Yogan hesitated, glancing at her before looking down at his feet. He knew he couldn't keep it bottled up forever. "I thought tonight was just gonna be the two of us," he finally admitted, his voice low. "I wanted to… talk. About us."

Kaiya blinked in surprise, then frowned slightly. "About us? Yogan, what are you talking about?"

Yogan rubbed the back of his neck, feeling the heat rise to his face. He had to say it now—there was no backing out. "I didn't mean for this to be a group thing. I wanted to spend time with you. Alone."

For a moment, Kaiya was silent, her expression unreadable. Then, she let out a short, incredulous laugh. "You thought this was a date?" she asked, her voice tinged with disbelief.

Yogan's face burned with embarrassment. "Well… yeah. I mean, kinda. I just wanted to hang out with you. Alone."

Kaiya shook her head, her tone turning sharp. "Yogan, do you even hear yourself? You've been acting like a creep for months. You're lazy, you never take anything seriously, and all you do is make dumb jokes about girls. You think that's what I'm looking for?"

Yogan felt the sting of her words, but before he could stop himself, he fired back. "I'm not my brother, okay? I'm not Renji, and I'm sick of everyone expecting me to be like him! I don't care if I don't measure up to him—I just want to be seen for who I am. Not him."

Kaiya's eyes widened slightly at the intensity in his voice, and for a moment, she seemed taken aback. Yogan's chest heaved with frustration, the weight of all his pent-up feelings finally spilling out. He wasn't just trying to impress her—he was trying to break free from the shadow that had followed him his whole life. He just wanted someone to see him for him.

Kaiya's expression softened slightly, though her guard was still up. "Yogan…" she began, her tone gentler now. "Look, I get it. You're not Renji. And maybe I've been hard on you, but you've never exactly given me a reason to take you seriously."

Yogan swallowed, feeling the tension between them shift slightly. "I'm trying. I really am."

Kaiya sighed, running a hand through her hair. "Fine. We can hang out, but listen—if I see even a hint of your pervy crap, you're going to regret it. Got it?"

Yogan grinned, the tension in his chest loosening just a little. "Got it."

They walked in silence for a while, the rest of the group now far ahead. The night air was cool and quiet, and though things hadn't gone the way Yogan had planned, he felt a small sense of victory. He might not have gotten everything he wanted, but at least he hadn't chased her away. Not yet.

And that was a start.

As they continued walking down the dimly lit path toward the temple, the tension between them slowly eased. The sounds of the village had faded into the background, leaving only the distant hum of crickets and the rustling of leaves in the cool night breeze. Yogan's heart still pounded in his chest, but now it wasn't just from frustration. There was something else—a cautious hope. Things hadn't gone the way he had planned, but he hadn't completely blown it either.

Kaiya walked beside him in silence, her arms crossed over her chest, her sharp eyes focused on the path ahead. Yogan could feel her presence, and despite everything, he couldn't help but steal glances at her. She had always been strong-willed, always the one who spoke her mind, and though she often tore him down, there was something about her confidence that drew him in. Maybe it was the challenge, or maybe it was just that Kaiya was different from everyone else.

As they approached the outskirts of the temple, Yogan finally worked up the courage to break the silence. "I meant what I said, you know," he muttered, glancing at her. "I don't want to be compared to Renji all the time. I know I've messed up a lot, but I'm trying to be my own person."

Kaiya looked over at him, her expression unreadable. For a moment, he thought she was going to snap at him again, but instead, she sighed and shrugged. "I get it," she said, her tone softer than before. "You're not the only one who has to live up to expectations. We all do. But you've gotta stop acting like a clown if you want people to see you for more than that."

Yogan winced slightly. "I know," he admitted. "It's just… it's easier to be the clown sometimes. People already expect me to screw up, so why not lean into it?"

Kaiya gave him a sidelong glance, her brow furrowing. "That's a pretty pathetic excuse, Yogan. You want people to respect you? Then stop giving them reasons not to."

Yogan sighed, stuffing his hands into his pockets as they walked. "Yeah, well… easier said than done."

They reached the entrance of the temple grounds, where the stone steps led up to the main hall, now dimly lit by a few scattered torches. The other novices were already ahead, their laughter echoing faintly in the distance. Yogan slowed his pace, not in a rush to catch up with them. He wanted to stretch this moment out a little longer, to see if maybe there was a chance—however small—that he could turn things around with Kaiya.

She seemed to sense his hesitation and stopped as well, turning to face him with her arms still crossed. "So, what happens now?" she asked, raising an eyebrow. "You gonna keep moping about how hard life is, or are you actually gonna do something about it?"

Yogan met her gaze, feeling the familiar mix of irritation and admiration stir within him. "You don't make it easy, you know that?" he said, half-joking. "But… I'll try."

Kaiya smirked, her sharpness returning for a moment. "Good. Just don't think this means I'm going easy on you from now on."

Yogan chuckled despite himself. "I wouldn't dream of it."

She gave him one last appraising look before nodding toward the steps. "Come on. Let's catch up before the others wonder where we went."

They walked in silence for a few more minutes, but this time it wasn't the awkward, tense silence from earlier. It was more comfortable, as if something had shifted between them. Yogan could still feel the frustration of the night—he hadn't gotten the one-on-one time with Kaiya that he wanted, and he hadn't exactly impressed her with his awkward fumbling. But he also hadn't completely blown it. There was still a chance.

As they neared the top of the steps, Yogan slowed down again, falling a step behind Kaiya. She noticed almost immediately and stopped, turning to look at him with a raised eyebrow. "What now?" she asked, her tone exasperated but not unkind.

Yogan hesitated for a moment, then shrugged. "I just… I didn't want to end the night on a bad note. I know I'm not perfect, but I meant what I said earlier. I don't want to be like Renji. I want to be my own person. And, you know, I'd like it if we could hang out more. Just… without the whole group."

Kaiya's expression softened slightly, though she still looked skeptical. "You really think that's gonna make a difference? You've got a lot of work to do, Yogan. Being 'your own person' isn't just about not being Renji. You've gotta show people who you really are."

Yogan nodded slowly, his gaze dropping to the ground. "I know. I'll try. I just… I want you to see that too."

For a moment, Kaiya didn't say anything. Then she sighed and shook her head, her hands dropping to her sides. "Fine. We can hang out. But listen, if you start with your pervy crap or any of that lazy nonsense, you'll regret it. Got it?"

Yogan grinned, the weight in his chest easing slightly. "Got it. I'll be on my best behavior."

Kaiya smirked, though her eyes were serious. "You better be." She turned and started walking again, this time not waiting for him to catch up. "Now, come on. The others are probably already planning something stupid."

Yogan followed her, feeling a strange mix of relief and anticipation. Things hadn't gone exactly how he'd imagined, but in a way, they had gone better. He hadn't been completely rejected, and for the first time in what felt like forever, he felt like he had a chance to prove himself—not just to Kaiya, but to everyone.

As they rejoined the group, Yogan couldn't help but smile to himself. Maybe things weren't perfect, but they were getting there. And that was enough for now.

---

The next morning, Yogan woke up groggily, the soft morning light creeping through the thin curtains of his room. His muscles ached from the events of the previous night, but as his eyes fluttered open, something felt… off. It took him a moment to realize he wasn't alone.

Kaiya was sitting on the edge of his bed, arms crossed, staring at him with an expression that was somewhere between amused and impatient. "Finally awake, huh?" she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

Yogan blinked, his brain scrambling to make sense of what was happening. "Wha—how—why are you in my room?" His voice cracked slightly, still half-asleep. He quickly glanced around, hoping this wasn't some weird dream where he'd wake up screaming.

Kaiya rolled her eyes. "Relax, Yogan. I knocked, but apparently, you sleep like a boulder. So I let myself in. We need to talk."

Yogan sat up, rubbing his face, trying to wake himself up fully. "Talk? Now? Couldn't this wait until, I don't know, after breakfast? Maybe when I'm not half-dead?"

"Nope," Kaiya said, smirking. "This is important. We need to clarify a few things."

Yogan groaned but nodded, knowing there was no point in arguing. "Okay, okay. What do we need to 'clarify'?"

Kaiya leaned forward, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Our… situation."

Yogan blinked again, his brain finally catching up. "You mean—wait—our situation? As in… you and me?"

Kaiya nodded, her lips curling into a smirk. "That's right. Don't act so surprised. I figured we should get a few things straight before you get any funny ideas."

Yogan's heart skipped a beat, but he couldn't help grinning. "Funny ideas? Me? Never."

Kaiya raised an eyebrow. "Uh-huh. Sure. Anyway, look, I've never had a boyfriend before, so don't expect me to be all... romantic or whatever. This is new for me."

Yogan blinked, the grin slipping from his face. "Wait, you've never had a boyfriend? I mean, really? You?"

Kaiya punched him lightly on the shoulder. "Don't make it weird. And yeah, really. You think I have time to deal with boys when I've got training, the temple, and a whole life to figure out?"

Yogan rubbed his shoulder, grinning again despite the punch. "Okay, okay, fair enough. But seriously, this is new for me too. I mean, not in theory, but in practice…"

Kaiya rolled her eyes. "You're such a dork."

They both sat there for a moment, the awkwardness hanging between them like a thick cloud. Yogan felt his pulse quicken—this was uncharted territory, and he had no idea how to navigate it. He scratched the back of his head, trying to lighten the mood. "So, uh, what do we do now? Do we, like, hold hands? Or is there some secret relationship rulebook I need to know about?"

Kaiya let out a sharp laugh, shaking her head. "Wow, you're hopeless." She paused for a second, then gave him a soft, almost shy smile. "But, I guess we'll figure it out. Together."

Yogan's heart warmed at her words, but before he could respond, Kaiya's expression shifted back to something more serious. "But there's something I want to make clear before we go any further."

Yogan's grin faded as he sat up a little straighter. "Okay. What is it?"

Kaiya took a deep breath, her gaze turning more thoughtful. "I have goals, Yogan. Real goals. I want to be a temple elder someday—like Monk Nara. And eventually, I want a family. I want to be respected, to make a difference in this world. I've worked hard for that, and I'm not going to let anything get in the way of it."

Yogan nodded, listening carefully. There was a seriousness in her voice that he hadn't heard before. "I get it. You've got big plans."

"I do," Kaiya said firmly. "And if this—we—becomes something serious, I need to know that you won't get in the way of those plans."

Yogan stared at her for a moment, his mind racing. He hadn't really thought that far ahead, but hearing her talk like this made him realize how important it was to her. She wasn't just some girl who'd settle for a normal life—she had ambitions, dreams. And if he wanted to be with her, he had to respect that.

"I promise," Yogan said quietly. "I won't get in the way. If things between us get serious, I'll support your dreams, not interfere with them."

Kaiya studied him for a moment, as if weighing his words. Then she nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Good. I'm holding you to that, Yogan."

Yogan grinned, feeling a little more confident. "You can count on me. Besides, someone's gotta keep me in line, right? And you're pretty good at that."

Kaiya chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Yeah, well, don't expect me to go easy on you just because we're… whatever this is."

Yogan leaned back, crossing his arms behind his head. "I wouldn't dream of it."

The room fell into a comfortable silence for a moment, the tension finally easing between them. It felt strange, but also kind of… nice. Like maybe, just maybe, this whole thing might actually work out.

Kaiya cleared her throat, breaking the silence. "Alright, one last thing."

Yogan raised an eyebrow. "What now?"

Kaiya leaned in slightly, her eyes narrowing playfully. "If you even think about going back to your pervy ways, you'll regret it. Got it?"

Yogan raised his hands in mock surrender, trying to hide the grin tugging at his lips. "Got it! No pervy stuff. I swear."

Kaiya smirked, but there was a softness in her eyes. "Good. Now, get up and get ready. We've got training, and you're already behind."

Yogan groaned, flopping back onto the bed dramatically. "Training? Already? It's too early for that!"

Kaiya laughed, shaking her head as she stood up. "I'm serious, Yogan. Don't be lazy. Meet me at the courtyard in ten minutes, or I'm dragging you there myself."

Yogan sat up, grinning as he watched her walk toward the door. "Yes, ma'am."

Before she left, Kaiya turned back one last time, her expression softening. "We'll figure this out, Yogan. But no more games. I'm serious about my goals. You need to be too."

Yogan nodded, his grin fading into something more genuine. "I know. And I'm serious about you. I won't let you down."

Kaiya gave him one last nod before disappearing out the door. Yogan lay back on his bed, staring up at the ceiling, feeling an odd mix of excitement, nervousness, and… hope.

Maybe this wasn't how he'd expected things to go, but it was definitely better than he'd ever hoped. He couldn't stop smiling as he rolled out of bed, knowing that whatever came next, they'd figure it out—together.

***

The night was thick with smoke, the scent of burning wood and ash suffusing the air. The once peaceful village, nestled between rolling hills and thick forests, now lay in ruins. Flames licked at the thatched roofs of homes, and the quiet hum of daily life had been replaced by the chaos of battle cries, screams of terror, and the clang of metal against metal.

A group of bandits swarmed the village, their faces smeared with dirt and blood, their ragged clothes and armor marking them as men who lived by the sword. They moved swiftly, their violence precise and merciless. A burly bandit swung his axe through the air, the blade sinking into the side of a defenseless farmer, who collapsed into the dirt with a muffled groan. Nearby, a woman screamed as another bandit dragged her from her home, her cries swallowed by the crackle of the burning village.

Bodies littered the narrow streets—men, women, even a few children. Some lay motionless, lifeless, while others whimpered in pain, clutching their wounds. The bandits spared no one in their rampage, their greed and bloodlust insatiable. Loot was piled high in the center of the village square: sacks of grain, jars of oil, and whatever valuable trinkets the villagers had tried in vain to hide. A few of the braver villagers had attempted to fight back, grabbing pitchforks, knives, whatever they could find—but they were no match for the seasoned cutthroats.

In the midst of the chaos, a small group of bandits gathered near the village well, laughing and dividing up the spoils. One of them, a tall man with a patchy beard and a jagged scar running down his cheek, kicked over a crate of food and grinned wickedly. "Easy pickings!" he spat, his voice thick with malice. "These peasants didn't even put up a fight."

Another bandit, younger and smaller but just as vicious, nodded. "Yeah, boss is gonna be pleased. This village didn't stand a chance."

As they spoke, a figure emerged from the shadows near the edge of the village, moving slowly and deliberately through the destruction. He was different from the rest—cleaner, more composed, with an air of authority that made the other bandits glance nervously in his direction. He wore the deep blue robes of the Water Tribe, though they were lined with intricate silver patterns, and his dark cloak billowed behind him as he walked. His face, half-hidden by the hood of his cloak, was young—far too young for the kind of power he seemed to wield over the others.

The bandits straightened up as the man approached, their expressions turning from smug to serious. The one with the scar cleared his throat, trying to sound confident. "We've got everything, boss. The village is wiped clean."

The young man said nothing at first, his icy blue eyes scanning the wreckage with unsettling calm. His gaze swept over the burning buildings, the scattered bodies, the injured villagers who still clung to life. He seemed almost detached, as if the scene before him were nothing more than a minor inconvenience.

Finally, he spoke, his voice low and commanding. "Good. But we don't have time to waste here."

The bandits exchanged confused glances. The younger one, emboldened by the lack of response, asked, "What's the rush? We've got enough supplies here to last for weeks."

The young man's eyes flicked toward him, and the bandit immediately regretted speaking. The air seemed to grow colder, the weight of the man's gaze pressing down on him like an unseen force.

"There's a temple," the young man said slowly, as though explaining something obvious to a child. "South of here. I saw it on my travels."

The bandits nodded, still unsure of where this was going. The scarred man hesitated before asking, "A temple? Why bother with that? There's nothing worth taking from monks."

A small, humorless smile tugged at the corner of the young man's mouth. "It's not the monks I'm interested in. There's something… else. Something powerful."

The bandits were silent, but the tension between them grew palpable. They didn't understand the man's plans, but they knew better than to question him. The young man, their mysterious leader, had appeared out of nowhere months ago, bringing with him promises of riches and power beyond their wildest dreams. And though they didn't fully trust him, they followed him because every village they raided, every town they plundered, had brought them closer to the fortune he'd promised.

Now, he was speaking of something else—something more than simple loot.

"The temple," the young man continued, his voice soft but sharp, "holds something… ancient. Something connected to the spirit world."

The bandits shuffled nervously at the mention of spirits. They were hardened criminals, but the spirit world was something even they didn't dare meddle with. It was a dangerous realm, filled with unpredictable forces that could not be tamed by mere mortals.

The scarred man cleared his throat, his voice trembling slightly. "And you… you think this thing at the temple is real?"

The young man turned his cold gaze on him, and for a moment, the bandit felt as though the air had been sucked from his lungs. "I know it's real," the young man said, his voice barely above a whisper. "And when we find it, we'll have more power than you can possibly imagine."

A chill ran through the group. The firelight cast long, flickering shadows across the village, and for a moment, the sound of the burning buildings was drowned out by the quiet intensity of their leader's words.

"Pack up what you need," the young man commanded. "We leave by dawn."

Without another word, he turned and strode back into the shadows, leaving the bandits to finish their work. The group, now more anxious than ever, began moving quickly, gathering supplies and weapons, their excitement mingled with a growing sense of dread. They had followed him this far, and they had seen the rewards—riches, food, power. But now, with the mention of spirits and temples, they couldn't help but wonder what they were truly getting into.

As the young man disappeared from sight, his face momentarily illuminated by the distant flames, one thing was clear—he wasn't just a bandit. He had bigger plans, darker ambitions, and whatever awaited them at the temple was only the beginning.