Almost three weeks had passed since our squad inspected the last border city. Time flew so quickly that I barely managed to notice the days and weeks changing. This was all thanks to Ty Lee. With this cheerful girl, time passes very quickly no matter what we are doing together. The acrobat was always up for any fun and was the true life of the party. And if her impulses were previously restrained due to circumstances and the risks of sudden combat, those factors had now disappeared.
Having moved away from the border cities, the princess allowed the squad to relax a little. Zula became significantly less tyrannical towards her subordinates regarding her safety. Our nightly rendezvous played a significant role in her calm. As far as I know, sex is an excellent means of stress relief. Although what happens between us cannot be called classic sex, but rather mutual masturbation. Thanks to these two factors, the girls started spending much more time together, with games, sightseeing, and other forms of entertainment. Even I started joining their company often, having finally finished transferring the knowledge available to me onto paper.
With all these events, I did not notice how the cities and villages replaced one another. We were advancing rapidly through the mainland, not staying anywhere for long. The people knew their business and were not involved in any particularly serious crimes, so Azula did not execute anyone else during the inspection. Everything was great; I was completely satisfied with our speed and the estimated date of departure from the mainland. Very soon I would meet the great spirit who gave faces and bodies to almost every living and sentient being. There was plenty of time, including for a little rest and entertainment.
However, such an easy and calm journey hinted at impending trouble. But time passed, problems did not appear, and my intuition calmed down. What could happen far from the front line, in lands long conquered by the Fire Nation? Nothing. The road does not have to be full of difficulties, and you could say we had already overcome them.
One evening, a small event brightened the monotony of my routine. Visiting the princess late in the evening, I found her reading an unknown letter.
«Hmm? What is that?»
— A letter, — the girl calmly replied, continuing to read.
It must be something important. All those close to Azula are nearby, and as a princess, she could not be sent unimportant letters. Perhaps it was from her father or the captain of her ship. The girl sat and continued to peer at the parchment with slight interest. Hmm, we had our own plans for this evening.
«Oh? The moment I leave you for a couple of hours, you start getting letters? Should I start getting jealous?» — I continue the conversation in a playful manner, getting closer to Zula.
— It is a report on The Mechanist, — Azula answers calmly, without looking up from her reading.
«Oh-h. You have captured the old man's heart. What a… naughty girl,» — at my jokes and cheerful mood, she only frowned. The princess's problems with a sense of humor had not gone anywhere.
— Stop it, your humor is inappropriate.
«Alright, what does it say?» — I reply in a peaceful tone, placing my hands on her shoulders and starting to massage lightly.
— See for yourself.
She hands me the parchment. A little effort and it is in my transparent hands. I look, I read closely, and I am surprised.
The Mechanist wasted no time. The Mayor of Yu Dao carried out Azula's orders perfectly. The refugees were accepted into the colony, housed, given jobs, and a personal laboratory was set up for the scientist. There, he successfully began to invent and create mechanisms the world had never seen. The tanks modernized by the scientist had already passed all tests and were adopted by the army. In the rear, at the factories, they would soon begin to be assembled. Given the industrial power of the nation, I think the Fire Nation army will become several times stronger by the end of the year. Even Ozai was interested in the new tanks and the scientist himself. I have a feeling the Hundred Year War will end soon. Especially considering that I saw a small prototype of a hot air balloon among the old man's works. And by beginning to dominate the air, the Fire Nation will easily conquer the entire world. And so it will be, if the Avatar does not return in a few months.
But to the interested Azula looking at me, I answered something completely different.
«Hmm… A number of the old man's discoveries will soon shake the world. Sending him to Yu Dao was a good idea. It is amazing how much he has achieved in such a short time with your slight assistance. That is what a good state looks like, where all the people who know their business are in their places. However, the part about your father's interest in the inventor is alarming. What do you think about that?» — I shift my gaze to the calm princess.
— Nothing. I made his son healthy and able to walk again. It will be difficult for my father to achieve greater loyalty from the old man, but I do not intend to have conversations this evening. You and I had specific plans for this time, — taking the letter from my hands, she puts it aside on the table, turning and looking at me with a challenge. — Or are you waiting for a special invitation to enter me?
The girl had become much bolder since our first "sex". I, however, realized that I do not particularly like dominant women, even if all this dominance is a mask to hide insecurity and fear of rejection.
«Ugh, that sounded so dirty. However, since the opportunity presents itself, I would like to discuss one issue. A lot of time has passed, I think you have had time to think everything over, weigh it, and make a decision…» — but Azula did not allow me to continue teasing her, erupting with indignation.
— Do you have to ruin such a moment? Can't you see? Right now, I desire something completely different. We will talk in the morning. Now, take me! — Wow, how demanding, almost like an order, and I really do not like being given orders.
«Quiet, or unwanted ears will hear. Did someone miss the pleasure? I am holding you to your word, and now…» — as I said all this, I led the lady to the bed, enjoying the power I had over the girl, and as soon as I finished speaking, my hands pushed the princess onto the bed, and I immediately entered her body…
Some time later, when the girl and I were completely satisfied, I helped her fall into a deep sleep, and in the morning, I insisted on a conversation. Azula was embarrassed, angry, but I continued to insist, and soon she decided to give an answer, not so much to me as to herself.
Tolerance is not widespread in the Fire Nation; rather, the opposite is true, and any weakness is condemned. Same-sex couples officially do not exist and are considered somewhat wild. Zula simply cannot get close to Ty Lee without staining her reputation. And the girl herself, despite her outward boldness, felt extremely insecure in any relationship and simply feared them. She would not be able to take the first step, even for a light fling, as it was with me. Here, I should have inquired not about her opinion, but about the acrobat's opinion. That was my mistake. I am sure the princess would agree if I continued to insist on a threesome together with the acrobat, but she simply would not be able to take the first step.
I pondered this topic until dawn, and then the squad was on the move again. I would not be able to return to this issue anytime soon. Nevertheless, less than half the journey remained to the last colony on the mainland. Soon we would be at sea again…
***
Dark night.
The full moon shone brightly in the sky; unobscured stars glittered brightly in the vastness of space. A mesmerizing sight that I often admired at night. I did not require sleep, so I had to find ways to pass the lonely nights. After all, I could only spend time with the girls in cities. In the cramped camp, someone could easily hear us fooling around at night, and no one wanted that.
Alas, even the most beautiful things in the world cannot be enjoyed forever; everything eventually becomes tiresome. Tired of drifting through the sky and admiring the stars, I head back to look after the camp and eavesdrop on the rare conversations of the military. Although I rarely managed to hear anything, it was even rarer that it was something interesting or valuable. The soldiers had long been trained by the princess not to chatter without a specific reason, so the men stood guard silently, so to speak, embracing the quiet.
I expected this night to be the same as the dozens of nights before it, but no.
As soon as I flew closer to the camp, I noticed something strange. A huge dog was calmly wandering through the camp, as if at home, sniffing and seemingly looking for something. At first, I did not believe what I saw, thinking it was a hallucination, but I am a spirit; that cannot happen to us. But people are quite capable of missing a lot. It was not immediately, but I realized that the impudent animal wandering right in front of the guards was a spirit, whom I had not expected to meet. I realized this when the guest was about to enter Azula's tent.
— Greetings, — I begin, which causes the unknown creature to sharply turn its muzzle towards me, looking with a surprisingly intelligent gaze. — You should not enter the tent; the one you are looking for is before you. If you came from Hei Bai, that is.
The animal silently continued to look directly into my eyes while I slowly descended to the ground through the air as if on steps, wary of making any sudden movements. There was no longer any doubt; it was a spirit before me, and nothing else. Even ordinary animals do not notice me, only special people or other spirits. Not to mention that the dog, which actually turned out to be a large whitish fox, heard my voice. It was a good thing I managed to stop her. I doubt Azula would have been happy to see this creature upon waking up. Such a sight would definitely have ended in fire; there is no need to guess.
As soon as I was on the same level as the large fox, she spoke in a thin, female, or rather, girlish voice.
— So you are Yoaru? Hei Bai spoke of you, and your desire to meet Wan Shi Tong. Your method of contact was… unusual, — the fox replied, settling her rear end on the ground.
Right, if she is here, then… ugh, I do not even want to think about it. But I cannot remain silent; I need to continue the conversation.
— That is correct. I suppose you are a fox in his service — a knowledge seeker? As for the method, please accept my apologies if it caused you any discomfort, — Damn, why do I feel ashamed? Azula, I will definitely bring this up with you.
— Yes, I am one of them. I am not angry. You must have had reasons for making contact in such a manner. And since we are still talking, I presume you possess knowledge unknown to the master and want to enter the library? — and the fox is perceptive and smart, although… it is not surprising that a spirit of knowledge has such intelligent subordinates.
— That is precisely it. Should I demonstrate the existence of this knowledge?
— No, he will be the one to look. I only bring Wan Shi Tong knowledge recorded on paper. I can take you to the library; its master is always present in his domain, — so, proof is not required, suspicious.
I have a feeling that nothing good will come of it for me if I try to trick spirits, but I would not do such a foolish thing, would I? There is nothing to fear. Only the fact that I am heading to such a powerful spirit is alarming. I feel so confident with people, feeling invulnerable, but with spirits, everything is completely different. And this respectful address from her is also alarming. As are her words about knowledge. I wonder, if I had not appeared, would the fox have tried to steal my books? Almost certainly. I doubt creatures like her negotiate with everyone; stealing other people's knowledge is more logical and profitable for a spirit. And her offer… of course, I like directness, but this is too sudden and suspicious.
— Are we leaving right now? — I decide to clarify with my interlocutor.
— Yes.
— Is the library really that close? Surely it is at least a few days away?
— Close is a relative concept. We can easily get there long before dawn; I will show you the way, — the fox continued to answer confidently, as if such journeys were routine for her. Although, given that she is a knowledge seeker, that is probably the case.
However, I suspect the library is in the desert, and from this location, it is about two thousand kilometers away. Crossing such a distance before dawn? It is possible, but in the current era with the local level of technology… it is still possible, but only if the method involves another plane. This could only mean one thing.
— The Spirit World, right?
— Correct. Were you expecting something else?
— Yes… well, never mind my expectations. I am not going to miss such an opportunity. I will need a little time; these people, in whose camp we are so unceremoniously conversing, I am traveling with them. I need to inform someone that I will be away. And yes, this might seem cheeky, but will you escort me back to this place? — I almost forgot about the main thing; I can only hope for the animal's consent.
— Hmm, only if you feed me.
— It's a deal.
After these words, I quickly flew into the princess's tent. Waking Azula, I briefly recount the meeting with the knowledge seeker. It did not take much time. We had already discussed the possibility of such an outcome. The quickly awakened princess was not greatly surprised by my departure; something else surprised her.
— Aah. You will be back by dawn? Am I so poorly acquainted with your abilities, or is the library much closer than I imagined? — Zula uttered with a slight hint of astonishment after my story, yawning sleepily.
— The fox will take care of that. Do not bother your head with various spiritual things. I will take some books and try to establish contact with Wan Shi Tong; I might be delayed. Continue moving along the planned route; I will catch up with you sooner or later.
— Hmm, you could have just left a note, — the girl grumbled, lying back down and covering herself with the blanket.
— What about a kiss? Or at least wishes for good luck?
— Just go already.
— At best, you will not notice my absence. I will try to return as quickly as possible. Such a chance cannot be missed, and now, I need to replenish my strength a little, — as a final measure, I decide to kiss the princess myself, replenishing my strength in such an intimate way.
Saying goodbye to Zula, who immediately tried to return to her sleep, quietly grumbling about the persistent rogue, I leave the tent for my books. The guards were primarily watching Azula, then the entire camp, so I managed to take my backpack with books without any problem. Anticipating the arrival of the spirit, the valuable backpack was always in the most secluded place in the camp, namely among Mai's and Ty Lee's belongings. Taking my things, I returned to the fox, who was watching my every action with interest.
— I am ready. How shall we travel? Through the sky? — placing the backpack on the ground so as not to waste valuable strength, I inquire of the thoughtful fox.
— You are strange, — the fox tells me, tilting her muzzle to the side. — No, I cannot fly; I can only run and walk. We will run on the ground.
— Will we make it in time?
— We will run very fast.
— Um, I am not sure I can keep up with you, and I will get tired quickly. The library is in the desert, right?
— Correct, it is in the desert, but none of that matters. Sit on me; I will carry you straight to the library…