V1.C7. Bandit Attack

Yogan and Kaiya found themselves once again in their favorite secluded spot, deep in the forest surrounding the temple. The soft glow of dusk filtered through the leaves above, casting golden hues across the small clearing where they had set up their simple dinner. A blanket was spread on the ground, and a modest meal of fruit, vegetables, and tea was laid out between them. The tranquility of the forest, the distant chirps of crickets, and the occasional rustle of leaves made it seem like they were the only two people in the world.

Yogan leaned back, trying to mask his impatience. He glanced at Kaiya, who was calmly sipping her tea, her gaze fixed on the distant treetops. Despite the peaceful setting, Yogan's mind was far from tranquil. His gaze lingered on her longer than usual, and a familiar sense of frustration gnawed at him. He reached out, brushing a loose strand of her hair behind her ear, his touch lingering on her cheek. Kaiya didn't pull away, but her sharp eyes cut to his hand with a warning glint.

"Yogan," she said softly, placing her cup down. "We've talked about this. Patience."

Yogan groaned, throwing his head back. "Patience? We've been doing these little dates for weeks now, and you're still holding back. What do I have to do to—"

"To earn my trust?" Kaiya interrupted, raising an eyebrow. Her voice remained calm but firm. "You've made progress, I'll give you that. But if you think that makes you entitled to anything more, you're mistaken."

Yogan sighed and lay down on the blanket, staring up at the canopy. "You're impossible."

Kaiya smirked and leaned over, poking his forehead. "And you need to learn that not everything comes on your terms."

Just as Yogan was about to retort, a sudden snap of a twig echoed through the forest. Both of them froze, their gazes snapping toward the sound. Emerging from the shadows of the trees was a young man, tall and lean, with an easy yet confident stride. His clothes were travel-worn, a simple dark robe with a sash tied loosely around his waist. His hair, long and dark, was tied back in a loose ponytail, though a few strands fell across his sharp, angular face. There was an oddness to his presence—calm, deliberate, as if the creatures of the forest didn't dare disturb him. He moved through the beast-infested woods like a predator among lesser creatures, each step measured and graceful.

The man carried no visible weapons, yet Yogan felt a strange tension building in the air around him. The aura he exuded was unmistakably that of a master, though there was something else—a familiarity that Yogan couldn't quite place. He felt like he had seen him before, but where? The stranger didn't spare them a glance, his eyes fixed ahead as if lost in his own thoughts.

Kaiya narrowed her eyes, leaning toward Yogan and whispering, "I've seen him before. At the Festival of Winds, just last week. He was... watching, from the outskirts."

Yogan's brow furrowed. "A master walking alone through these woods? Something's off."

Without a word, they watched as the man continued his path, heading toward the distant lights of the village below the temple. He disappeared into the underbrush as swiftly as he had appeared, leaving Yogan and Kaiya to their interrupted moment of peace. Kaiya gave him a glance, and Yogan shrugged, leaning back again, though his mind was still racing with curiosity about the stranger.

As the night deepened, they lingered a bit longer before heading back to the temple.

---

The next morning, Yogan and Yoan were in the training grounds, practicing their bending techniques. The early light illuminated the spacious courtyard where several novices were honing their skills. Yogan gritted his teeth as he attempted a series of airbending movements, each strike more forceful than the last.

"You're still thinking about that guy from the forest, aren't you?" Yoan asked, standing to the side and watching Yogan with a smirk.

Yogan grunted in response, sending a small gust of wind toward a training dummy, knocking it slightly off balance. "There was something weird about him. Kaiya said she recognized him, but I just can't shake the feeling like I've seen him before too."

"Maybe you have," Yoan replied, taking a stance. He inhaled deeply before releasing a controlled burst of wind, toppling the dummy entirely. "Or maybe he's just one of those guys who leave an impression."

Yogan was about to respond when Monk Nara's voice cut through the air. "Yogan! Come with me."

Yogan turned to see Monk Nara approaching, her face unusually stern. He immediately fell in line beside her, following her toward the temple. Kaiya and the other novices were still practicing a bit further off, but there was a shift in the atmosphere.

As they approached the entrance, Yogan felt a change in Monk Nara's demeanor. The normally calm and composed monk now seemed tense, as if preparing for something. With a sudden wave of her hand, she used her airbending to close the heavy wooden doors of the temple entrance, sealing them shut with a powerful gust.

Yogan blinked, caught off guard by the sudden action. "Monk Nara, what—"

"You're too late," a deep voice echoed from the shadows.

Yogan and Monk Nara turned to see a group of heavily armed men emerging from the far side of the courtyard. They were clad in thick, dark armor, their weapons gleaming in the morning light. At the front of the group stood a massive man, towering over the others with bulging muscles and a sword so large it looked like it could cleave through stone.

"I don't know how you sensed us," the man growled, "but what you've trapped outside are just the disposable ones. The real threat is right here."

Yogan's heart raced as the men spread out, their intent clear. He glanced around, seeing the other novices stop their training, their eyes widening in realization.

Monk Nara stood her ground, her face composed despite the threat before her. "You would be unwise to attack an air temple in the mountains," she said, her voice steady. Her eyes flicked toward the novices, and they immediately understood her meaning. They had the high ground. The temple was designed for defense, with its towering walls and open skies. It was the perfect place for airbenders to fight.

The novices, including Yogan and Yoan, quickly gathered, readying themselves. The air around them began to stir as they prepared for the inevitable confrontation.

The leader of the intruders let out an irritated growl. "You think I'm scared of a bunch of kids with wind tricks?" His voice dripped with contempt. "Charge!"

With a roar, the group of bandits rushed forward, weapons raised. The novices moved in unison, their airbending flowing seamlessly as they countered the attack. Yogan sent a powerful gust toward two advancing enemies, knocking them off their feet and sending them tumbling backward.

Yoan, his movements sharp and precise, whipped the wind around him like a blade, disarming one man and knocking another off balance. He moved swiftly, using the air to trip his enemies and disorient them before landing decisive strikes.

Kaiya, always the most focused and determined, moved like a whirlwind. She darted between the attackers, her bending fierce and controlled. She lifted a group of five men into the air with a single, powerful gust before slamming them into the ground with enough force to knock them unconscious.

The battle was chaotic, but the novices fought with precision and unity. Each used their skills to deflect attacks, redirect blows, and overwhelm the enemy. The bandits, despite their numbers, were no match for the coordinated efforts of the young airbenders. Yogan, with Yoan by his side, managed to take down several more, combining their attacks to trap and neutralize the remaining men.

Within minutes, the courtyard was clear, the bandits either incapacitated or retreating.

Monk Nara surveyed the scene, a rare smile of pride on her face. "Well done, all of you." She turned to the leader, who was now on his knees, glaring up at her. "I'll ask you one last time—are you going to go peacefully?"

The man snarled, his pride wounded, but he said nothing. Monk Nara's eyes narrowed. "Very well."

The novices stood tall, their victory assured. But Yogan couldn't shake the feeling that this was only the beginning. Something bigger was coming. And they had only scratched the surface of the storm.

The novices reveled in their victory in the temple courtyard, congratulating each other with grins and laughter. Yogan, still catching his breath, exchanged a smirk with Yoan, their exhilaration shared in that brief moment of triumph. Around them, the other novices celebrated their easy defeat of the bandits, the rush of battle still fresh in their veins. Kaiya stood nearby, her posture slightly more relaxed, though her sharp gaze missed nothing.

But the celebration was abruptly interrupted by the arrival of a figure descending from the sky, landing softly in the middle of the courtyard. It was an airbender, older and fully marked with the distinct tattoos of a master. His face was serious, his posture stiff with urgency as he strode forward, directly addressing Monk Nara.

"Monk Nara," the airbender called, his voice firm. The novices immediately quieted, sensing the importance of his news. Monk Nara stepped forward, her calm demeanor barely concealing the tension she already felt from the day's events.

"What is it?" she asked, her voice steady.

"Another attack," the airbender replied, a note of concern creeping into his tone. "This one in the village down the mountain. Renji and the other airbenders were there—they handled it quickly. No one was hurt, but the attackers were weak, untrained, like the ones here."

Monk Nara's eyes narrowed slightly. "No benders among them?"

The airbender shook his head. "None."

Monk Nara glanced at the novices who had gathered closer, listening intently. "You've done well," she addressed them, her tone measured. "But remain prepared. Today may not be the last time you'll need to defend yourselves."

With that, she motioned for the airbender to follow her inside the temple, leaving the novices behind to digest the news. Yogan exchanged a glance with Yoan, both of them uneasy despite their victory. Two attacks in one day, both against untrained fighters, didn't sit right with either of them.

---

As the sun began to dip lower in the sky, Yogan, Yoan, and a group of novices made their way down the steep path toward the village. The journey, though familiar, felt weighted with the uncertainty of what lay ahead. Yogan's thoughts wandered to the two attacks—one at the temple and one in the village—and the ease with which both groups had been dealt with. Why would anyone send such weak fighters against a temple of airbenders?

When they reached the village, the damage from the attack was evident, though not extensive. A few buildings were scorched, and overturned market stalls littered the streets. Villagers were already in the process of cleaning up, their movements calm and focused. It was clear that, like at the temple, the attackers had been dealt with quickly and efficiently.

Before they could inspect the damage further, Renji approached them, his stride quick and purposeful. "No one was harmed," he said, his voice direct. "The attackers were disorganized and fled as soon as we pushed back. There were no benders among them, just like at the temple."

Yogan frowned. "It seems strange. Two attacks, both with weak forces? What's the point?"

Renji glanced toward the healer's hut. "That's what we're trying to figure out. Kuno might have more insight. He was there when his village was attacked, and those fighters were far stronger."

Without another word, Yogan and Yoan made their way to the hut where Kuno had been staying. Inside, they found Kuno sitting up on the cot, his face tight with thought. His wounds had healed significantly, but his expression was grim, as though he were already calculating the implications of the day's events.

"Kuno," Yogan began, stepping forward. "The bandits attacked both here and the temple. They weren't strong, and none of them were benders. But this can't be the same group that attacked your village, right?"

Kuno's eyes darkened, and he leaned forward, resting his hands on his knees. "No," he said quietly. "These aren't the same fighters I saw. The ones that attacked my village were tougher, more experienced. None of them were benders, but they fought like soldiers—disciplined and ruthless."

Yoan frowned, crossing his arms. "Then why send these weaklings here? What's the point?"

Kuno looked up, meeting Yogan's gaze with a seriousness that made the room feel smaller. "This wasn't a real attack. It was a probe—a test. Whoever's leading these bandits is trying to figure out how you fight, how strong your defenses are. The men you fought today were just expendable scouts."

Yogan's stomach churned at the implication. "A test?"

Kuno nodded. "Yes. My village was hit by fighters far stronger than these. But I never saw their leader. Whoever is pulling the strings, they're smart. They don't reveal their full hand until they know what they're up against."

Yogan and Yoan exchanged uneasy glances. The ease of their victory now felt hollow, like they'd only been playing into a larger scheme.

"We're not dealing with common bandits," Kuno continued, his voice grim. "The real attack is coming, and when it does, they'll send their best fighters. It won't be anything like what you've seen today."

Before Yogan could respond, Renji, who had been standing by the door listening to Kuno's words, abruptly turned and left the hut. Yogan watched him go, his gut twisting with the sense of urgency that now filled the air.

---

Renji returned to the temple with haste, his mind racing with the new information. The elders were still in the meeting hall, discussing the day's events, when he entered. They turned as Renji strode in, his face tight with urgency.

"Renji?" Monk Nara asked, noting the look in his eyes.

"I just spoke with Kuno," Renji began, catching his breath. "He says the attackers we faced today were scouts. Weak fighters sent to test us. The real threat is still out there."

Monk Nara's eyes narrowed, and a heavy silence settled over the room as Renji relayed everything Kuno had told him.

"If Kuno's right," Monk Nara said, her tone grave, "then we must assume the next wave will be far more dangerous. We need to prepare immediately."

The elder with the long beard stroked it thoughtfully. "We can no longer treat this as a simple bandit raid. These men are organized, and their leader is using strategy. We must alert the surrounding villages and fortify our defenses."

Monk Nara nodded. "And the novices? They must be prepared for what's to come. This will be no ordinary battle."

Renji nodded in agreement, his mind still swirling with the possibilities. The temple had faced threats before, but something about this felt different. There was a storm coming, and it would take everything they had to survive it.

---

A few hours later, Yogan and Yoan found themselves sitting in the dimly lit tavern nestled at the edge of the village. The chatter of villagers and the clinking of mugs filled the room, a comforting contrast to the unease that had lingered since the day's events. The tavern had always been a place to escape the weight of temple life, and tonight it was a brief refuge from the looming threat of the bandits.

Yogan took a long sip of his drink, staring at the foam as it settled. "I needed this," he muttered, setting the mug down with a thud. "Between the temple attack and what Kuno told us, it's like I can't breathe without thinking about what's coming."

Yoan, seated across from him, grinned as he swirled his drink. "You worry too much, Yogan. It's not like the bandits are gonna stroll in here while we're sipping ale. Besides, we handled them pretty easily today. We'll be ready."

Yogan snorted. "Yeah, those guys were a joke. But Kuno's right—we haven't seen their real fighters yet."

As Yogan spoke, his gaze wandered across the room, scanning the tavern's patrons. It was a mixed crowd—villagers, a few travelers, and some merchants passing through. But then, at the bar, a figure caught his attention. A young man, dressed simply, was nursing a drink, his posture relaxed. Something about him seemed oddly familiar, but Yogan couldn't place it right away.

Then it hit him. The man at the bar was the same one Yogan had seen the day before, walking alone through the forest with the air of someone completely unbothered by the dangers around him. His heart skipped a beat as another memory surfaced—the first time he saw him, standing in the Great Hall with the statue of Wan. Back then, the young man had been dressed in Water Tribe clothes, distinct in their blue hues.

"I know that guy," Yogan murmured, narrowing his eyes at the young man.

Yoan glanced at the bar, then back at Yogan. "You sure? Doesn't look like anyone special to me."

Yogan stood, grabbing his mug and motioning for Yoan to follow. "He was at the Great Hall a while back, and Kaiya and I saw him yesterday. There's something about him."

Curiosity piqued, Yoan shrugged and followed Yogan as they made their way across the room toward the bar. The young man didn't seem to notice them at first, swirling his drink absentmindedly as he stared into the amber liquid. As Yogan approached, he tapped the man's shoulder lightly.

"Hey," Yogan said, his voice casual but edged with curiosity. "I think I've seen you around before. You were at the Festival of Winds, right?"

The young man turned to face him, a small smile tugging at his lips. His features were sharp and youthful, but his eyes carried a calm wisdom beyond his years. He raised his drink slightly in acknowledgment before speaking. "That's right. My village came for the festival. And yes, you probably saw me around the temple."

Yogan blinked. "Wait, the festival? So you're with the Water Tribe?"

The man nodded, though tonight he wore more neutral attire—simple travel clothes rather than the traditional blues of his tribe. "Last time we met, I was in my Water Tribe robes. My village came to celebrate, but now that the festival is over, I've blended in a bit more."

Yoan, ever the inquisitive one, raised an eyebrow. "Water Tribe, huh? You don't really see many of your people around here."

The young man gave a relaxed chuckle, setting his drink down on the bar. "We're travelers by nature, but you're right, it's rare to see us this far south. I'm from a village far to the north, though my family's been moving between different regions for some time now. My name's Kezin, son of a chief."

Yogan nodded, remembering the man's aura of quiet confidence when they first saw him in the forest. It made sense now—he carried himself with the calm assurance of someone used to leadership. "I'm Yogan, and this is my friend Yoan. We're from the air temple. You might've heard of us. We're kind of a big deal."

Kezin smiled, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "Ah, yes. I saw you and your friend at the temple's training grounds. You're good. Your airbending is impressive."

Yogan shrugged, feeling a little more relaxed now that the introductions were out of the way. "We try. What brings you to this tavern? I'd have thought you'd be on your way back home after the festival."

Kezin took another sip of his drink. "I'm staying a little longer. My father sent me to see if there's anything worth knowing about the region before we move on. And now, with all this talk of bandits, I figured it was best to stay put and keep an eye on things."

Yoan clinked his mug against Yogan's, laughing. "Looks like you chose the right time to stay. You might get to see some real action soon enough."

Kezin's eyes flickered with a strange intensity, and he nodded. "It seems that way. From what I've heard, these bandits aren't just after loot. There's something bigger at play here. It feels… calculated."

Yogan glanced at Yoan, recalling their conversation with Kuno earlier. "Yeah, that's what we've been hearing. There was an attack today, but it was weak. Almost like it was just a test."

Kezin tilted his head, intrigued. "A test, you say?"

Yogan nodded, his expression darkening. "Yeah. Kuno—the guy we're staying with—says these guys are holding back. What we saw today was nothing compared to what's coming. And he's never even seen the leader."

Kezin leaned back slightly, taking in the information. "That doesn't surprise me. A clever leader would send weak forces first, testing your strength, finding your weaknesses. If they're planning something bigger, they'll strike hard when they're ready."

The three fell into a more relaxed conversation, talking about their respective homes, sharing stories of life in their villages, and trading jokes as the night wore on. They drank together, Kezin proving to be a natural fit with Yogan and Yoan's banter, though there was always a sense of something more simmering beneath the surface.

As the tavern buzzed around them, Yogan couldn't shake the feeling that Kezin's arrival in the village was more than just a coincidence. There was something about him—his calm demeanor, the way he moved through the world as if nothing could touch him—that made Yogan uneasy, even as they laughed and drank.

But the shadow of the upcoming bandit attack loomed over their night of celebration. Yogan knew it was only a matter of time before the storm broke, and when it did, the peaceful village and the temple high in the mountains would be at the center of the coming battle.

As they clinked their mugs together in a final toast, Yogan couldn't help but glance out the window into the darkened streets, feeling the weight of what was coming settle over him like a heavy cloak. The next attack was imminent, and this time, the bandits wouldn't hold back.

[A/N: Read five chapters ahead for this novel, available on my patreon right now at patreon.com/saiyanprincenovels]