Mountains… I've never been to the mountains. I had not even seen their beauty from afar. Huge, towering, snow-covered giants that have stood unyieldingly for thousands of years... or maybe more.
"Azula, I'm going to scout the area; don't miss me," — I wink at the princess and, catching her skeptical glance in return, fly off into the skies. I also waved at Ty Lee one last time; the girl watched me go, smiling back.
— Ty Lee, don't daydream, — I hear Azula somewhat jealously scolding the acrobat for her actions.
— Huh? Yes, of course.
Moving away from the squad, I flew among the clouds and the cold wind, enjoying the natural beauty of the surrounding expanses from afar. The local scenery simply captivated my gaze.
An unexpected desire arose in me to climb the highest mountain and look at the world from an immense height. A silly, incomprehensible, yet sudden desire, a whim that I suppressed, knowing well the time constraints and the possibility of getting lost among the multitude of mountains. But even so, looking at the mountains from afar was a pleasant sight. Ah, what a view would open up at the top of the mountain... I even wanted to start sketching the surrounding landscapes, but alas, there was certainly no time or opportunity for that. It is a pity that I am not planning to stay here. Once I get a body, I will definitely visit all the interesting places in this world and perhaps transfer their enchanting beauty onto canvas as a painting.
Having enjoyed the cold wind and the beauty of nature, I decided I had had enough, and it was time to return to the princess. To watch another session of licking authoritative boots performed by officials and army officers.
Glancing down, I see Azula's squad entering the city that was located near the mountains, and a fortress was visible in the distance, upon which the flags of the Fire Nation could be seen.
From the princess's memory, I knew perfectly well that this city was the northernmost Fire Nation city on the mainland territories. This meant that the mountain fortress of Guang Lau was nearby, which was famous thanks to its Colonel Bu Kin, who was also a good inventor and brought many innovations to the Fire Nation army.
However, I did not recall such a person in the canon. A discrepancy? Or was he simply not shown? Or perhaps I just do not remember the events of the show that well? In any case, I wanted to see the "Leonardo da Vinci" of the Fire Nation. Smart people always have something to discuss. But I am a spirit, and that creates a lot of problems for communicating with living, sentient beings.
For me, the last city located close to the border with the Earth Kingdom was no different from the dozens of other cities I had already visited while traveling with the princess. The only novelty was the mountains, but I had already seen enough of them.
Although saying that about the city was somewhat inaccurate. Previously, this place was the border with the airbenders, and now all the mountain expanses are considered Fire Nation territories, but despite the fact that the borders of the Earth Kingdom are many weeks away along impassable mountain trails, this city is still considered a border town. There was nothing valuable in the area, and military operations were taking place very far away, so such a backwater looked quite respectable, considering wartime and such a distant location from the capital. Geographical barriers in the form of mountains prevented fighting in this area. The war was happening somewhere out there… far away; here, the locals calmly lived their lives.
However, such a place was not particularly suitable for a scientific research base, due to the good chance of successful sabotage by the enemy. And if I figured that out, then surely the people in power on both sides of the military conflict understood the same thing. However, no signs of ambushes or sabotage were noticed. No landslides, no rockfalls, no chaotic traces of battle with earthbenders; I did not see anything like that in the vicinity. And this was very strange. Perhaps the base is secret? No, that is unlikely; more information is needed.
Meanwhile, Azula was busy with inspection. Her friends accompanied her in this almost always, while the majority of her subordinates were engaged in reconnaissance and replenishing the squad's supplies. I, on the other hand, was idling. Having quickly completed my tasks, all that remained for me was to wait for the princess to finish hers. I could not talk to the supposed scientist and inventor on my own without outside help. Watching the constant bootlicking and groveling of an official before the imperial personage was a surprisingly boring activity…
After about four hours, Azula finally went to the fortress to see the ingenious colonel-inventor. And… he almost immediately disappointed me.
Bu Kin received her with open arms, expressed complete deference, and offered any assistance. However, all his respectfulness and fawning evoked a nasty feeling. The officer gave the impression of a slippery and unpleasant fellow, but one who was very loyal to the Fire Lord. This was not what I expected to see from a scientist and pioneer, and he gave the impression that he had stabbed more than one knife in the back during his career. The princess did not particularly like him either, even though he tried very hard to please her. Just another flatterer, groveling at her feet in vain dreams of promotion and a higher position.
Almost immediately after they met, this individual began to boast about modernizing old weapons and inventing new types of weapons, which he personally designed. And this was interesting. Perhaps I formed the wrong opinion of this man?
In the meantime, the conversation between Bu Kin and the princess continued.
— Would you care to see the latest developments, Your Grace? Just say the word, and I will order my subordinates to prepare everything immediately for testing the modernized tanks.
— Of course, Colonel Bu Kin. My father is always interested in anything that can increase the strength of our nation. And while your subordinates are busy with preparations, tell me about the size of your garrison…
The number of soldiers and their armament were not particularly interesting to me. I only noted a quite decent power for such a backwater: a couple of thousand soldiers and a hundred tanks supported by two hundred mediocre benders, not the worst army for defending a corner of the world that nobody needs. Although Berkrut or Azula would easily commit genocide on these defenders, whose skill leaves much to be desired.
While the soldiers were preparing a demonstration test for the princess, the colonel continued to go on and on about how well he was coping with his duties and serving the Fire Nation, hunting down saboteurs, spies, and bandits. He gave the impression that he wanted to curry favor with the princess, and that would be fine, I had seen it many times before, but the colonel's persistence was astonishing, as was his audacity. He was not very smart and was too easy a prey for an schemer like Azula.
Bu Kin too often embellished his feats. There are no bandits in this area, and it is virtually impossible to catch earthbender spies among the mountains. They are too comfortable in the mountains and easily hide, digging a tunnel or two. But at the same time, thanks to the presence of the mountains, an army would never pass unnoticed, flank the front, or strike the rear of the main Fire Nation armies.
And just when I could barely restrain the desire to go far away so as not to listen to this arrogant sycophant, the colonel and Azula stepped out onto a small balcony that offered a beautiful view of the training ground, where the improved tanks were already waiting.
And these were no ordinary tanks. The tracks were enlarged and fitted with spikes that successfully dug into the hard ground; there were fewer of them, and their arrangement now resembled ordinary steel wheels. The tank's hull was raised and looked visually lighter and more graceful. But such a height… It could overturn from any sneeze. And earthbenders are very fond of "sneezing" a stalagmite under the bottom. This is why all Fire Nation combat vehicles were heavy, with low-sitting hulls and very thick armor. Yes, their speed was not awe-inspiring, but knocking over such a tank was a difficult task even for several bending masters.
— This design does not look very stable, — Azula expressed her opinion. It was from her that I had acquired such extensive knowledge of technology and weaponry.
— Your Grace, — Bu Kin smiled slyly, — believe me, these machines are much more stable than they seem. But you should see them in action.
The colonel waved his hand, and one tank rammed another, easily flipping it onto its roof. But less than half a minute passed before the overturned tank's hull spun with a slight hiss, like a drum, and the vehicle looked exactly as it had before the collision.
These were interesting "spinners" that violated several laws of physics that I was familiar with. Only the tanks did not know physics and calmly drove around the training ground. Moreover, their speed was by no means slow. And they were not only capable of spinning. The colonel proudly demonstrated all the capabilities of these monsters. I watched with interest as the machines stormed vertical walls using grappling hooks on steel chains. Climbing a vertical wall, or even a negative slope, was not a problem for them. Puffing and overcoming gravity, the tank stormed any height. An excellent improvement, both for mountainous terrain and for countering earthbenders.
— Interesting modernization. How did you achieve such results? — Azula inquired when the demonstration arranged for her came to an end, and the tanks showed everything they were capable of.
— Oh, the whole secret is in the hydraulic system and the balancing system. This system allows the tank not only to flip over but also distributes the impact received over the entire surface of the armor, which proportionally reduces the force of the blow and allows the tank to ignore most attacks, as well as maneuver quite aggressively, — Bu Kin confidently answered while I pondered.
He did not look like the man who invented such a thing, he did not look like it.
Perhaps I am wrong, but it is all too suspicious. Essentially, in the middle of nowhere, such a man created such a technological marvel. And it seemed Azula shared my suspicions. A few thrown phrases immediately showed that Bu Kin was not as knowledgeable about mechanics and technology as he wanted to appear. Then Azula pressed the man, and he admitted that he was not the only one involved in creating the flip-tanks. Although at first, he had insisted it was a completely independent project. As soon as this was revealed, the conversation between the princess and the colonel turned into a very subtle mockery of the soldier on the girl's part. However, the conversation did not last long after that.
Azula shot me a glance, then inquired of the colonel where the restroom was. Stumbling at such an abrupt change of topic, he indicated the way. And once in the restroom itself, we were able to talk calmly.
— Keep an eye on him and find out as much as possible. I want to know who invented these tanks, — she whispered to me as soon as we were alone.
"I want to meet this genius myself; don't worry, I'll do it excellently. And now, a little bit of your chi wouldn't hurt me."
— Do it quickly. I will wait for you at the inn, — she said goodbye, after which she waited a little while and left the room of solitude.
After another hour of empty rhetoric with the colonel, the princess left the fortress. Bu Kin promised to introduce Azula to the second inventor tomorrow. She and the girls headed to the city, while I, an invisible shadow, continued to follow the colonel.
It was already late; the blood-red rays of sunset illuminated the mountains, giving them a corresponding hue. The colonel's behavior immediately changed as soon as the princess disappeared from his sight. The respectful smile was replaced by an angry face. Quietly muttering something about a too perceptive bitch under his breath, he ordered his soldiers to set off towards a certain Mechanist as soon as the sun set.
"I wonder where the squad is heading," — a thought flashed through my mind as I began to follow the squad of soldiers that had left the fortress.
***
— You're here, — Zula stated instead of a greeting as soon as I entered in my signature style: through the wall.
"The road was long, arduous, and terribly lonely."
— Don't waste time, it's late enough as it is. Tell me what you found out.
"Ooh, aren't we demanding. Alright, I see you are not in the mood for jokes, neither am I. The colonel is a big liar. All his supposed inventions were created by The Mechanist — a refugee from the Earth Kingdom. He settled with a few other refugees in the abandoned Air Temple. By the way, there are gas deposits in the same temple. The entire mountain could explode at any moment from the slightest spark, and the world would lose a very remarkable genius."
— Are they crazy? — Azula asked in surprise.
"Genius and madness have always been two sides of the same coin, but in this case, I suppose the refugees don't have much of a choice. The soldiers intimidated them, and they have nowhere else to go. I advise you to execute Bu Kin; this individual is beating the goose that lays the golden eggs for silver dust."
— That is for me to decide. Is that all you found out?
"I can also tell you what 'flattering' words the colonel used to describe you when you weren't listening, or how the soldiers discussed your butt and cute face, missing their wives," — I answer the girl in a sarcastic tone, lying down next to her on the bed.
"But as for useful information: The Mechanist is an extremely good inventor; it would be best to keep someone like that close. He has excellently equipped the abandoned Air Temple, installing heating and a system of lifts there. Besides this, there were many other inventions unknown to me. Tomorrow I will find out more information about the temple; it was somewhat difficult to do so at night."
— Good.
"A-a-and?"
— Thank you for your work, Yoaru.
"You're always welcome. And also, I would like to talk to you about Ty Lee and your feelings for her. What do you think about unconventional relationships?" — I decided not to put off this interesting matter, abruptly changing the topic.
— What? Are you talking about sodomy? — the princess casts a doubtful look at me.
— Ugh, how could you think of such a thing? No. In short, my idea is this: I could possess your friend's body and do such things with you… — I scan the girl's figure with a predatory look, — I think Ty Lee wouldn't mind; she herself harbors not entirely friendly feelings for you, just as you do for her. I see all of it.
— Hmm? I think you just want to claim two at once, — the girl replies skeptically, drilling me with a gaze full of suspicion.
"You're not wrong, but that doesn't negate the tender feelings you have for each other. By interacting with both of you, I have come to understand this better."
— Ah, fine. I will think about it, but now let me sleep. It's late, and tomorrow I have to decide the colonel's fate and look for evidence.
"Good night…" — lightly kissing the princess goodnight and listening to her grumbling, I leave the girl alone to gather her strength for the next day.
The next day started quickly. Azula ordered her people to dig up more dirt on the colonel, and the soldiers presented it to their princess. Lies are always destroyed by truthful facts. The situation was such that Bu Kin wanted to pass off someone else's inventions as his own to secure a solid position in the capital, a large pension, a promotion, and other benefits that the reputation of an innovator and inventor would bring him. The colonel was caught lying to the princess, and Zula was not prepared to show mercy. She told him that she would determine the measure of execution depending on what she learned about his dirty dealings. However, evidence can always be fabricated, and witnesses intimidated. In the end, no one dared to help or defend the colonel when the girl handed down a death sentence for attempting to deceive the Fire Lord himself.
Checking if his balls were still there, and realizing that they were, Bu Kin took a desperate step, challenging the princess to an Agni Kai, where he conveniently died from the heat of the blue flame. He was a mediocre bender, and his old body was not nearly as strong as it was in his younger years. It was not a worthy fight; the difference in skill was simply colossal. However, by doing so, he preserved his honor, dying as a warrior and not as a prisoner in a zone or an executed criminal. A lengthy investigation showed that he had enough sins on his soul for the cruelest execution, but the man chose to die in a duel. That was his right.
After the short duel, the princess began to restore order in the fortress, simultaneously intimidating the soldiery. The latter were trembling in fear of her and constantly walked on eggshells, afraid to even stutter in the presence of the main command. Zula had a way of being terrifying, and her reputation still preceded the girl. And how could they not be afraid when the command had the right to execute on the spot for any blunder? Perhaps with any other inspector, there were chances to negotiate, but with the princess, no, it was considered simply impossible. Azula's reputation was too specific and would not simply disappear in a couple of months.
Quickly finishing all the business in the city and the fortress, she appointed an acting colonel and went to meet the scientist. The acting officer even began to stammer from such a promotion. The reason was that the girl quietly hinted at the end that she would flay him if she did not like something in his work. The man took everything too literally; no one could blame him for that.
Meanwhile, Azula, along with a small but very effective escort, arrived at the Northern Air Temple.
— Good evening, Your Grace. You must be the princess? — The Mechanist determined almost immediately, just by looking at the late-arriving girls and their guards. One glance at the headdress was enough; the old man must be well-versed in the culture of the Fire Nation to immediately notice the special hair comb.
— That is correct. Before we begin our conversation, I want you to know that what the now-deceased colonel was doing is illegal. He will no longer bother you; do not worry about that. I have heard and even seen some of your work in action, and I would like to discuss many things with you as soon as possible, — the princess did not engage in unnecessary talk, immediately starting with the main topic and the main reason for their meeting. I could only wholeheartedly approve of such an approach.
— Ahem. Of course. Ahem-ahem, please follow me. I want to apologize in advance; the inside of the temple is somewhat untidy, — the scientist was flustered by the girl's assertiveness.
— It's nothing serious. As far as I know, you expected to see someone other than me.
— Yes, yesterday I was informed about the arrival of an escort and a meeting with you. Please come this way…
Thus, kicking the door open, Azula met The Mechanist, appreciating his inventions on their merits. The old man himself, with the appearance of a standard scientist with a slight touch of madness and partially singed eyebrows, regarded the princess with some apprehension. However, she always knew how to approach people. Not only through intimidation and fear; she simply rarely used other methods. This case was one of them.
With my small help, the princess offered him and all the refugees to move to Yu Dao — one of the very first Fire Nation colonies. She did not promise a house for everyone, but she could easily provide an apartment, as well as a job, food, security, citizenship, and other benefits of a civilized world. For Yu Dao, accepting a hundred or so refugees would not be a problem. All this was offered both to The Mechanist and to everyone who decided to go with the scientist. The old man, of course, was hesitant, but he did not have much choice. Due to the very same deposits of explosive gas in the depths of the mountains, living in the temple was simply dangerous.
However, Zula was so impressed by the scientist's various inventions that she decided to play it safe.
— I could not help but notice your son's unfortunate health. He is holding up quite well, considering his ailment. Flying in the sky like that… quite brave, — the girl brings up the topic, glancing up at the sky where local daredevils were flying on gliders.
Why daredevils? It's simple; the genius invented gliders but did not invent parachutes. And flying in the sky without a safety net… you either do not value life at all or you have the strongest balls in the world. Azula also paid attention to such fearlessness. The Mechanist then explained that thanks to the perpetually thick layer of snow, no one had died from such extreme activity yet.
— Yes. Teo… — the scientist was saddened, looking up at the sky, — a lot of water has passed under the bridge since then. He stopped walking since the flood happened in our village. Bandits destroyed the dam, and we all lost our home. I could not restore my son's legs, but I was able to give him wings! Of course, some might consider it dangerous, but when he first took flight, I could see a smile on his face again! — the interlocutor answered with a huge amount of emotion, impressing both Azula and me.
— Ahem. An impressive invention. But that is not what we are talking about right now. Have you heard anything about fire-healing?
— Uh. I am afraid not. I have never heard that it is possible to heal using firebending.
— I can try to heal him. For free. It will be a small proof of the most benevolent intentions on my part, — oh, these words affected the old man like a bomb! l The Mechanist simply exploded with emotion.
— Yes? Really? Will the treatment be painful? Do you need anything for it? Can we try it now? May I be present during the treatment? — the old man immediately showered the girl with questions, approaching impermissibly close, he grabbed the princess by the shoulders, completely forgetting about status, fear, and manners!
The soldiers were about to subdue the insolent man, but Zula gave a slight hand signal and they stopped. It was a good thing she managed to suppress her instincts; I am afraid he would not have survived a blast of fire to the face. After calming the old man a little, they discussed the matter and came to an agreement. I was nearby and understood perfectly well that some of Azula's words were intended for me. Because she herself would not be able to heal such serious injuries as leg paralysis. She simply would not have enough knowledge, skills, control, and so on.
After discussing everything again, The Mechanist called his son, Teo, to him. It is amazing how he heard his father, being quite high in the sky? But I did not have time to think about that. The treatment was not particularly difficult, but I had to move my hands over the young man for half an hour. Healing nerves and the spinal cord was an unusual challenge, but I managed this too. When the boy recovered, he could not believe what was happening for a long time, and then he thanked me so profusely that I did not even have words to describe the depth of his feelings. A person was cured when he no longer hoped that he would ever be able to walk on his own two feet again in life. For the former invalid, the princess will forever be associated with a miracle. And such sincere gratitude was pleasing to Azula.
Of course, this was not empty charity but a play on the feelings of the scientist, who doted on his son. Putting him back on his feet was not particularly difficult, but rather tedious and boring. Our combined forces with Zula were capable of much more. The Mechanist was ready to hand over all the blueprints and all the developments right then and there, simultaneously enlisting in the Fire Nation army, but Azula and I had other plans for the brilliant scientist.
After all the issues were resolved, The Mechanist, along with his people and a number of Azula's decrees, headed to Yu Dao. The princess's squad continued their inspection, and I never got to talk to the scientist. However, it is all for the best...