**Roku. Western Earth Kingdom.**
For a while, we lingered at the ashes of the village, solemnly honoring those who had passed. Everyone was overwhelmed with negative emotions. War is war—it's either you or them, with no other option. Yet, even in this world, people try to follow certain rules, or at least they attempt to. One of those rules is that civilians shouldn't be harmed without reason. True, they're treated poorly, sometimes even brutally, sent to mines, their property taken, and restrictions imposed. But that's war—land and its people are spoils of war.
"It's been a while since I've traveled through the country," Lao said, shaking his head. "Reading dry reports is one thing, but seeing it all firsthand is another…"
"It's not as bad as you think," I reassured him. "We've traveled through many provinces, and cases like this are rare," I nodded toward the ruins of the village.
"Please forgive me," one of General Zeng's men approached us. "I think I have an idea who might be responsible," he continued uncertainly. "If you don't mind, I'd like to share my thoughts."
"Speak up!" Lao said, eager for any leads.
"Yes," the soldier instinctively straightened, then relaxed when he realized he wasn't addressing his direct superior. "About two years ago, I served in this province. The situation was normal—there was only one Fire Nation base nearby, but we didn't have enough troops to attack, so we just monitored them. We learned they were here for the trees—no attacks occurred. But in the last months of my service, a group appeared that burned down two villages in a week, killing almost all the inhabitants. Every day, we tried to catch them, but to no avail. They never stayed in one place, always moving, and judging by the tracks they left—they traveled on Komodo rhinos." He stepped aside. "They're here too," he pointed to animal tracks that Lao and I had only just noticed.
"Oh, I've read about them—interesting creatures. They were artificially bred by Fire Nation breeders. They have nearly endless stamina, thick skin, grow quickly, and are an excellent source of meat. I once tried Komodo sausages—delicious, by the way, it's one of the traditional dishes of the islands."
"Only later, when I was transferred to another province, did I learn it was the infamous Rhino Gang," he continued. "An elite special forces unit that hunts traitors and prominent figures of our Kingdom."
"Then why attack ordinary villages?" Lao asked, confused. I had the same question.
"There's a rumor that when they have no targets, they burn villages just for fun," the soldier said through gritted teeth.
"We'll find them and punish them," Lao said firmly. "In any case, thank you for the information, soldier," he nodded.
"What do you think?" Lao asked me once we were alone.
"For a while, I tried to find them," I replied, "but those bastards seemed to sense danger and left before I could catch them. Experienced warriors have a good sense for trouble—others don't last long," I smirked. "Their squad has only eight members, but each is a master of their weapon and chi blocking."
"Tell me more on the way to the city. We need to arrive before sunset."
I had gathered some information about them from provincial rulers, who dug up what they could. I also remembered bits from the animated series I'd watched. The details might be outdated if they've recruited new members again. It's happened a couple of times before.
The leader of the Rhino Gang is Colonel Monke, a cunning strategist and master firebender, formerly under General Iroh. Next is Junho, a massive brute who wields an equally massive hammer with ease. Seijir is a rogue-like figure, fast and agile, skilled with a kusarigama and a simple knife. Fourth is Utor, a well-trained Fire Nation soldier who uses a long staff.
One of the earliest members is Yan Lu, whose true appearance is unknown—he always wears a protective mask and armor. He's an explosives expert, on par with mid-level firebenders, extremely dangerous. Then there's Ogodei, who uses a weighted chain. The oldest and most experienced member is Kachi, seen with a guandao and a beard. The only archer is Vashir, once part of the elite Yu Yan archers. He showed remarkable skill but was dismissed for a serious mistake and joined Monke.
Our arrival in the city didn't go unnoticed. Mayor Kahala greeted us as if he'd been waiting for his sons to return from war.
"What are your plans, Mr. Lao? Can I assist you? Mr. Roku, what brings you here?" he asked, fawning and slightly nervous. He'd likely heard about the previous village and was worried about his own position.
"First, the shelter, then I'd like to discuss a serious matter with you. I hope you'll prepare a meal," Lao nodded, speeding up without waiting for a response.
"That was cool!" Toph clapped, sitting on my shoulders. "And Dad can act like a boss!"
"Nothing special—it's just about knowing your place. One side is the subordinate, the other the superior. You have to set boundaries, or they'll walk all over you…" I trailed off, looking up to meet Toph's mischievous grin. "Well, you can sit on my shoulders," I tickled her bare feet, sparking a burst of laughter.
Near the city center stood a well-maintained three-story shelter. A small fence separated the private area where children of various ages played and laughed. A pleasant-looking woman emerged from the door upon seeing us.
"Luna, you still look like a boy," Lao greeted her with a playful grin, leaving us puzzled.
"You were more modest as a child," she replied with a soft smile, hugging him.
"Who's that lady?" Toph asked, a hint of jealousy in her voice, her mind racing with thoughts.
"Little Toph, you've grown so much! I remember you as a tiny tot, and now look at you—such a beauty," Luna approached us, embarrassing Lao's daughter. Curious children gathered closer, staring at us. "Good thing you take after Poppy in looks," she teased Lao with a mischievous glance.
"Children, greet Mr. Lao," she said firmly, like a strict mother.
"Hello, Mr. Lao," they chorused, bowing in unison.
"Toph, would you hand out toys while we talk? Okay, sweetheart?" Lao asked, receiving a hesitant nod from Toph, now the focus of many eager eyes at the mention of "toys."
I was invited to join their conversation. From the second floor, I watched Toph distribute toys, met with a flood of excited emotions.
"It's been a while since we've seen you," Luna said reproachfully to Lao, who sipped his tea apologetically. "It's a pleasure to meet you in person, Mr. Roku. You do so much for this country," she bowed respectfully.
"You do just as much, if not more," I waved my hands in denial, bowing in return.
"I feel a kinship with you for some reason," she said thoughtfully. Wow, what intuition—she must have sensed something of my Bey Fong past…
"Remember the girl I told you about, the one I mistook for a boy?" Lao interjected. "Who would've thought she'd grow into such a beauty?" he winked at me playfully. "Too bad my heart's already taken," he continued dramatically, clutching his chest.
"Time passes, but you never change," she laughed melodiously, exuding mature charm. "So, what brings you here…"
Turns out, she's the girl he gave a bag of rice to… And this is the once-poor village now transformed into a lovely town. After five minutes, I realized they'd be here a while—they don't meet often. So, I excused myself and bowed, though no one seemed to notice my departure.
On the playground, children played eagerly, clutching their new toys. One boy looked oddly familiar, as if I'd seen him somewhere before. He fiercely practiced earthbending moves, holding a wooden sword in each hand.
"Mr. Roku, Mr. Roku," someone tugged at my pant leg. I looked down to see an adorable child. "Is it true everyone's afraid of you? Even Fire Nation soldiers?" they asked seriously.
"Of course! Everyone hides from me when I go hunting," I replied with a smile. "What's your name, kid?" I ruffled their hair.
"I'm a girl!" she said indignantly. "I just like boys' clothes," she admitted shyly. "My name's Smellerbee!" Quite the twist…
"If you're strong, teach Jet to be like you," she pointed to the boy with the swords. "He wants to avenge the bad people," she explained.
Scanning the playground, I spotted many key members of the Freedom Fighters gang: their leader Jet, Smellerbee, the tiny Duke, the silent Longshot, and the burly Pipsqueak.
"Do you want to help him?" I asked the girl-who-likes-boys'-clothes curiously.
"I'd like to," she replied, "but I think it's better to help Aunt Luna. She already has a hard time," she said uncertainly.
"You're right," I smiled at the little one. "Revenge alone won't sustain you. Alright, go play with the others. I'll talk to Jet."
Noticing my approach, Jet paused briefly, then boldly smiled, beckoning me over while pointing a sword at me. Someone's definitely confident…
He dashed toward me, leaping forward, ready to strike. I smoothly dodged, lightly tapping his exposed stomach to mark the hit. Each of his attacks gave me a chance to counterstrike his unprotected areas.
"This isn't the Jet I remember, and I hope he never becomes that person," I thought—life had certainly kicked him around in the series.
"Thanks for the sparring," Jet said, sweating after fifteen minutes of failed attempts to hit me. "Please take me as your student!" he bowed, kneeling.
"Why do you want this?" I neither accepted nor refused.
"I want to avenge the Rhino Gang for killing my parents!" he clenched his fists. "Look at them," he gestured to the other children. "Many are orphans because of those Fire Nation people!"
"Brother Jet, don't leave!" a girl of about four overheard us. "Waaah!" she hugged his arm, bursting into tears.
Within a minute, six crying children clung to him.
"I'm not leaving, I'm not leaving," Jet began to justify himself.
"Pwomise?" a toothless boy asked.
"Eh," he sighed wearily. "I promise…"
"Pinky swear!" the first little one demanded, unconvinced.
"Alright," Jet obediently accepted her command.
"Jet," I approached him once the children had moved on. "You've already given your word—you have to keep it," I said with a smile.
"They're just kids, they don't understand," he waved it off.
"I think you're the one who doesn't understand," I shook my head. "Maybe you haven't realized it yet, but someday you'll see—this is your new home."
"But that's not why I came here," I stopped him before he could speak. "We're hunting the Rhino Gang too," Jet eagerly hung on my every word.
"And I'm sure I'll find them," I looked him in the eye. "I can take you with me when we learn their location. Your task is to get Luna's permission."
"Thank you! Thank you!" he repeated, bowing several times.
"I hope this brings you peace," I waved goodbye.
I wonder what Lao's people found while searching the city for information on the Rhino Gang.
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