Capítulo 62: Family Reunited
Pov Azula:
I woke up feeling extremely relaxed, as if I'd slept for a whole day. When I opened my eyes, I realized that I was lying on something gelatinous, much softer than a luxury bed.
I quickly realized that I was standing on what looked like a giant mushroom and realized that I was inside a tree. I couldn't contain my curiosity to investigate my surroundings, some other small mushrooms seemed to act as little lights, like candles, because it was incredible how a simple mushroom had the ability to generate its own light.
- It looks like a giant nest. - I commented, realizing that I was wearing the same clothes I remembered. - I don't remember how I got here, but I must admit it's very cozy.
I took a few steps, mainly towards the light coming from the gaps in some plants that seemed to act as a kind of curtain. With my hands, I pushed the plants aside, allowing the sunlight to finally enter the room and give me a glimpse of one of the most magnificent views I've ever seen.
I was right, I really was in a huge lair, more precisely in a tree that was easily bigger than several Fire Nation buildings, and I wondered how I had got here without remembering. The huge forest was practically divine, with various plants of species I had never seen before, giant creatures, or various shapes that seemed difficult to describe at first glance.
I turned my head and noticed that other trees as big as the one I was in also had entrances covered in plants, but what surprised me was seeing dragons coming out of them and flying up into the sky. I noticed that there were even more dragons flying on the horizon, some with different colored scales, very different from the ones depicted in the books.
- It's incredible! - I couldn't help but praise it, it was practically the embodiment of paradise.
- Good morning, Azula. - Said an unfamiliar voice.
I turned towards the voice, almost as a reflection of years of training, my hand covered in my flames, ready to fire, but my surprise spread when my own flames disappeared, negating my command.
- Rule number one: No flames in the nursery. - Said a boy with white hair and red eyes. He stood horizontally over the log. - We don't want to accidentally set fire to the forest with the newborn chicks.
- Those eyes... are you a celestial dragon? - I asked, trying to recover from my surprise.
- Exactly. - replied the boy with an arrogant smile.
The celestial dragon, in human form, appeared to be between 14 and 15 years old, and was a little shorter than Azula. He wore a white kimono without long sleeves, black pants and was practically barefoot.
- My name is Haruki, in family situations you can call me that, but in formal situations I demand respect for my position as ruler of the spirit world. - Haruki crossed his arms arrogantly.
- Ruler of the spirit world... you're the White Emperor! - I can't contain my surprise. The contrast between his human form and his dragon form was enormous; in his current form, Haruki exuded a calm and peaceful presence.
- You look surprised.
- How could I not be surprised? You're practically the opposite when it comes to your real form. - I said, trying to keep the conversation formal, although Haruki didn't seem interested in formalities at the moment.
- So, did I manage to get some rest? - Haruki asked as he walked under the tree trunk, defying gravity.
- Yes, thank you for your concern. Excuse me for asking, but where are we? - I asked, moving away from the entrance to allow the White Emperor to enter the tree house.
- As I said, this is the dragons' nursery, every tree in this forest is a nest for the mothers and their young. - Haruki explained, apparently not for the first time. - The reincarnated dragons breed here with other dragons to increase the population and the army to protect the spirit world under my command. Of course, this is temporary, as Kai will legitimately be the next king.
- Where is he? - I asked.
- He's isolated in an area that's prepared for a celestial dragon. - Haruki pointed to a large mountain of crystals on the horizon. - Since Kai is practically overpowered by the bestiality of the dragon kings, it would be foolish to let him go and destroy everything that moves in front of him. Don't worry, this is only temporary until he can regain control of his draconic instincts.
- Thank you for taking care of me and Kai. - I sighed and felt a weight on my back disappear. Even though I was worried about my fiancé's mental health, I knew that I could only rely on the dragons to bring him back to normal. - Why are you in human form?
- Katsu recommended that I stay in human form to be more inviting to you. - Haruki seemed to be uncomfortable with his new appearance. - Since you are now a member of the royal family, we thought it would be a way to show our support for you.
- You don't have to do this for me. - I was worried about being a nuisance to the celestial dragons.
- Don't worry, besides, the chances of your daughter being born in human form are very high, so we will make future arrangements to help with this new phase of the celestial dragons. - Haruki smiled understandingly and supported Azula. - I want you to remember that you are the first human to set foot in the Land of Dawn since its founding 9,000 years ago. So you feel honored.
I bow quickly to the White Emperor out of respect and gratitude. Since he is the current patriarch of the family and the only king of the spirit world, he must have changed a lot of rules to allow me to be here.
- Mr. Haruki, can I see my fiance? - I asked, hoping to see Kai, even though I was in solitary confinement, I still wanted to lend my support.
- I can let you see him, but first, Katsu wants to talk to you. - Haruki left the tree hut, once again defying gravity as if it was an everyday thing for him.
Haruki filled his lungs with air and roared, causing all the dragons in the forest to turn towards his majesty. Two red and black scaled dragons over 8 meters tall flew up to the tree where Haruki and Azula were standing, both using their claws to hold onto the giant tree.
- You two, I need you to transport Azula and me to the waterfalls. - Haruki ordered.
Both dragons nodded quickly, not seeming to mind His Majesty's request, even though it was strange to think that he could fly.
Azula and Haruki rode the two dragons and flew across the skies of the spirit world. Even the sun shone even more beautifully and powerfully over the region, not to mention the hundreds of thousands of stars that shone brightly, decorating the sky of the Spirit World.
- This is beautiful. - I said, mesmerized by the beauty of this world.
- The Land of Dawn is the most beautiful area in the spirit world, we are practically at the center of this dimension, from north to south, east or west, everything is within our reach to provide the protection of the spirit world. - Haruki said with pride in his voice. - It was hard to start from scratch after the Eclipse War, but we've managed to restore some of the spirit world's former glory.
- I thought it was a place isolated from the spirit world, considering the tragedy that happened. - I watched the White Emperor closely because it was easier to read and understand his expressions in human form.
- And yes, we are isolated, the Kingdom of Dawn has a barrier that can only be opened by the Celestial Dragons, no one enters or leaves without my permission. - Haruki said coldly. - I don't intend to lose anyone else because of other people.
Azula listened to Haruki carefully, feeling the weight of his words and understanding that even after almost 10,000 years, the dragon still carried a burden in his heart.
The journey took five minutes at the speed of Haruki's two subordinates, and they finally arrived at a huge mountain that magically floated in the air, with dozens of waterfalls cascading down from its base, all of it falling into a lake that also contained several dragons of different sizes and colors.
- Thank you for your help. - I thanked the dragon as I descended from his scaly back.
- No thanks necessary, future queen. - The dragon bowed his head, a sign of respect that surprised Azula. The dragon and his companion quickly flew back to the forest they had been in.
- You can get used to it, as Kai's chosen one, you automatically have a certain hierarchical influence in the spirit world. - Haruki explained.
- Wait... how... - I was confused by the words of the dragon next to me.
- Your scent. You already had sex with Kai and you're pregnant. - Haruki went on, followed by Azula. - You give off a very special scent that only dragons can detect, so they've already understood why a human is in dragon territory.
A wave of understanding washed over me, making me realize that some of the rules of dragons are no different from those of the animals that live in the mortal world. I felt a little ashamed because it meant that I was practically releasing a sensitive scent that made it clear that I was engaged and had had sex with Kai.
I already understood that one of the biggest problems I'd have in the future was the dragons' sense of smell. So any relationship I had with Kai would never be discreet, no matter how much I wanted it to be.
I walked beside the White Emperor in what seemed to be a garden, the plants were smaller compared to the forest, there weren't even any creatures in the landscape, as if it was somehow a private place only for the celestial dragons.
A few minutes' walk brought me to a huge lake, its crystal clear water radiating a heavenly blue glow. My eyes scanned every detail of the place, and I refrained from asking any questions, feeling that this was a special place and that as much silence as possible was needed.
Haruki walked silently along the edge of the lake, almost turning all the way around with Azula following him, until he stopped walking when he came across a woman with hair as white as his own.
The mysterious woman was clearly another Celestial Dragon, her hair was long and reached down to her legs, and she had very long bangs that covered her eyes, leaving only her small mouth uncovered, but it was easy to imagine that she had also inherited the family's infamous scarlet eyes. She wore a long white kimono that came down to her feet. She was about 156 cm tall, even shorter than Azula, who was more than 10 cm taller.
I watched the woman curiously, she seemed to be carrying another kimono in her arms, but what caught my eye was not her appearance, but two huge crystal swords stuck in the ground. My eyes traveled to the ground, which was covered with huge footprints, and it was easy to imagine that these huge weapons were used when this woman was in her true form.
- Katsu is taking a bath, Daddy. - The woman said calmly, as if she was answering the White Emperor. - My name is Chieko, it's a pleasure to meet you.
I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at the way Chieko spoke.
- Sorry, my daughter Chieko, she can read minds, she has a habit of answering our questions before we speak. - Haruki explained to Azula, who was already used to the annoying habit of her only living daughter.
- I see. - I replied, understanding that Chieko was someone difficult to talk to, but I quickly noticed that she was watching me with an almost imperceptible smile. - I'm sorry.
- No problem, I'm used to it. - Chieko nodded, not caring about Azula's thoughts. - Yes, Father, I'll try not to use my power for now.
Haruki sighed; even after thousands of years, he still couldn't have a normal conversation with his daughter because she always interrupted him because of his mind reading.
A naked woman stepped out of the lake, her appearance was quite beautiful and delicate like Chieko's, but her body had some physical features that set her apart from the heavenly dragons. Her hair was almost completely black, with only a few white strands, and her eyes were scarlet, but seemed less bright than they should have been.
When I saw the woman approaching, I could quickly recognize her identity, it was Katsu, Kai's mother, she looked healthier but still seemed weak, she walked very slowly as if she felt pain in her body.
- Azula, you're finally here. - Katsu said, giving her a friendly smile. - I was looking forward to getting to know her properly.
Katsu used the rise in temperature to dry her body quickly and picked up the kimono that was patiently held in Chieko's hands.
- Why did you want to talk to me? - I asked, a little worried.
- Why wouldn't I want to talk to the future wife of my son? - Katsu said as if it was obvious to her.
Everyone sat in the lotus position in the garden, knowing that it would be a very important and revealing conversation on Katsu's part. Chieko served tea to the group like a servant, seemingly unaware of the conversation.
- I think I should clarify a lot of things. - Katsu said, picking up a medicinal tea that Chieko had just made for herself. - What should I start with?
- You could talk about the beginning, I think it would be easier than just telling parts of the story. - I said, picking up a cup of tea that Chieko had just handed me.
- Well, to be honest with you, Azula, I knew you long before you were born. - Katsu revealed, watching the surprised expression on the human's face and sipping at his tea to continue his explanation. - Some beings in the universe have the ability to see parts of the universe, some tend to discover this ability and handle it with some tricks that activate this prediction, like psychics. These people, like me, can see parts of the future, but it's often an interpretive ability without much context, only dragon kings can actively visualize the past or future, but this ability itself is quite complex to use.
I listened attentively to Katsu's every word and casually observed the reaction of the other dragons, but they didn't seem surprised by Kai's mother's words.
- A few days before Jun, my husband and I were attacked by Hana and the Eternal Dragons, I began to see visions of the future. These visions were of a celestial dragon in human form and a woman who seemed to be a couple. Since I was pregnant at the time, I thought it might be my youngest child. - Katsu watched Azula with a puzzled expression. - Since I had no context, I didn't imagine that the visions gave a hint that Kai might have grown up in the mortal world, I just assumed that it was a vision from hundreds of years in the future and not from decades ahead of me.
Katsu finished his tea and Chieko quickly filled the small glass with more of the medicinal tea for her, probably in anticipation of her mind reading.
- Surprisingly, when I fell into the mortal world, I involuntarily took on a human form due to my mixed race origin, which I had when my energy was below my actual abilities. Soon after... Well... you probably already know that I had to fight my first son. - Katsu sighed deeply and clenched his fists in reflex at the painful memory he held in his heart. - When I destroyed Jun's body, my energy reserves were drastically low, even though my soul was infected with darkness. The first few weeks were torturous for me, deep in my heart I almost gave up, but the vision of the future I had gave me the strength to carry on, at least I had to save the youngest son.
A tear ran down Katsu's cheek, his hands shaking from the trauma he had experienced. Weeks, months and years of feeling his life slowly ebb away because of the corruption his soul was suffering.
- Fearing that the darkness would take over Kai, I used my unique ability, the Fire of Life, to absorb the darkness when it touched Kai's soul, but as a result, due to my low energy reserve, my pregnancy extended from months to decades. Without enough energy to give birth to Kai, I had to find another way to at least regain some energy.
- With the northern and southern portals closed, only a small amount of spiritual energy is flowing into the mortal world, making it much more difficult to restore Katsu's powers. - Haruki explained to Azula.
- Why didn't any spirits realize that Katsu was a dragon? - I asked.
- My lack of power and my mixed human and dragon origin made it difficult for me to even connect with the spirit world. To any spirit that saw me, I was no different than a normal human. - Katsu revealed, looking depressed. - What bothered me the most at that time was that my visions of the future would come back even stronger, all of them showing me that a future Kai would die.
I clenched my hands involuntarily, my heart stopped for a moment, a feeling of fear enveloped my entire body, imagining Kai's death made me anxious and depressed. Yesterday was a very tiring day, I had almost lost my fiancé to a monster, in fact, I don't want to feel that depressing feeling anymore.
- At that time, I tried to delve deeper into the visions and find a way to prevent the tragedy, but each time I got stuck on the vision of him dying. Then I remembered the woman I saw standing next to him. - Katsu looked at Azula, causing Chieko and Haruki to imitate the gesture. - I saw your future Azula, a future where you were surrounded by darkness in your heart, desperate and alone. I didn't understand how someone who was destined for a tragic future could completely change, but after much thought, I understood that you two were the missing piece in each other's lives.
Katsu gave Azula a gentle smile, one with many meanings, the main one being gratitude. Katsu understood that Kai's tragic future could be avoided if he found his soul mate.
- At that moment I understood that you two had to get to know each other and you already know the rest of the story, right Azula?- Katsu asked ironically and amusedly. - I can say that you two are made for each other.
- How romantic. - Chieko teased, amused by Azula's reaction.
- Since my powers were weakened, I had to find a way to restore my energy so that at least Kai could be born. - Katsu's face turned red for a moment. - I had to gather various amounts of spiritual energy to regain my strength, including that of his father Azula. When I finally had enough energy, Kai was born, but for such a small amount of power, I thought he was almost an ordinary human.
- That's quite telling. - I admit I was impressed, but I still had one question. - Why did you never tell Kai that he was a dragon?
Haruki turned to Katsu, obviously, he himself had not been informed about some details of how Kai had lived in the mortal world all this time.
- I didn't want Kai to live with the worry of having to repopulate our species, it would be much more natural for the two of you to relate to each other without such a burden. - Katsu turned his attention back to his tea and sipped at it until he finally emptied his glass.
I had a feeling of déjà vu when I remembered how Ayumi had told me that the celestial dragons were on their way to extinction. I couldn't deny that I felt quite pressured at that time, but now I felt comfortable, maybe because Kai's family didn't reject me, but supported my relationship completely. It was a feeling I enjoyed, it made me feel complete, with everything I wanted, a family I could call my own.
- Hmmm... the family reunion is nice, but I have to get back to work. - Haruki got up and walked towards one of the waterfalls. - Azula, I'd like to talk to you later.
Haruki jumped off the waterfall, roaring as he fell in free fall, his body glowing golden, causing a strong light to illuminate the area, and saw a gigantic dragon spread its wings and fly away, accompanied by several other dragons 9 to 10 meters tall.
- My father is investigating how Hana escaped from the ruins of the Nation of Light. - Chieko said, staring at Azula. - Isn't that what you wanted to ask?
I was surprised again, it was amazing how Chieko had read my thoughts, it was quite strange, but I have to admit that her potential in political conversations or even in combat shouldn't be underestimated.
- Yes, thank you. - I smiled. I slowly realized that in order to get along with someone like her, I would have to be extremely honest with my thoughts. It would be impossible for me to have the attitude I'm used to in public with Chieko. - Ms. Katsu, how did you survive the darkness?
- It was thanks to Kai, or at least I think it was him. - Katsu did not hide his doubts. - The night I died, I feared that I would turn into an eternal dragon, but somehow, I'm here.
- Why do you think it was Kai who saved you? - I asked.
- Well, I'm sure I died with my son holding my hand and then I just woke up in the spirit world. - Katsu blurted out. - Since we found out that Kai is a candidate for the throne, there's nothing stopping Kai from saving me himself.
- It's good that you have another chance to talk to Kai. - I said, giving my support to Katsu.
- You're right, I'm still a long way from being cured, but just seeing that you're okay makes me feel quite relieved. - Katsu gently took Azula's hands. - Thank you for taking care of my son.
- Thank you for uniting my fate with that of your family. - Katsu hugged me, startling me with the sudden contact, but I didn't deny the gesture.
Seeing the two women hugging each other gratefully, Chieko also joined the hug in an intrusive way, just because she wanted to participate in the group activity.
***
Haruki made an aggressive landing on the ground, causing several cracks in the area due to his body weight. Many of the spirits in the area were frightened by the sudden appearance of the dragon and fled.
Each step the White Emperor took simulated a slight tremor, but it was amplified by the dragon's obvious bad mood.
Haruki went to the entrance of the only cave in the giant crystal mountain where Kai was isolated because of his bestiality. The strongest dragons in the service of the celestial dragons stood guard so that no one would be foolish enough to disturb the angry future king.
- White Emperor. - One of the dragons bowed his head in respect to the Alpha Dragon.
- How is Kai? - Haruki asked sternly.
- He's still trying to break the containment cage. - The guard replied promptly.
- Hmmm... reinforce the perimeter with two dozen more attack dragons just in case. - Haruki ordered and went into the crystal cave.
The crystals that made up the mountain had a metallurgical property that could absorb the power of the Ember of Light of a celestial dragon, which could be used either to create weapons or to contain a heavenly dragon, even if it was to temporarily contain a royal candidate.
The descent into the cave was accompanied by various explosions and imposing roars that could frighten even any spirit, but Haruki seemed unperturbed by the enormous killer instinct that was unleashed from the bottom of the cave.
Haruki reached the end of the cave with a huge transparent wall that had several cracks or claw marks on the other side. They could clearly see how Kai in his dragon form was trying to break through the containment by force and it seemed to be working.
- You've only been here one day and you've already managed to do such damage to the cage. - Haruki didn't look surprised, only pensive.
The White Emperor looked around and saw some mushrooms emitting a small glow that illuminated the cave a little, even if it couldn't relieve the murderous tension that Kai was emitting.
- AKI, COME HERE! - Haruki ordered coldly and waited for her granddaughter's answer.
Aki opened her eyes, revealing a red light above the ceiling of the cave, where Aki hung silently in her dragon form, the first line of defense if Kai managed to escape containment. The goddess of war fell to the ground without bothering to cushion her fall, causing her to simulate a small tremor.
- From your tone, I can assume that you have a mission for me. - Aki said seriously, not wanting to provoke her grandfather's mood.
- Our dragon trackers have identified Raava's energy inside and outside the barrier that imprisons the Eternal Dragons. - Haruki explained sternly. - The Avatar used his Energy Bend to weaken the barrier, allowing Hana to escape. What intrigues me is that they found the trace of a dragon mixed with that of the Avatar.
- You want me to find the dragon that helped the Avatar. With my sense of smell, that won't be a problem. - Aki went to the exit of the cave. - I have a question.
- Go ahead. - Haruki watched seriously as Kai stared at him coldly from the other side of the crystal wall.
- Do I have to bring the dragon back alive? - Aki asked showing his killer instinct.
- I need to interrogate him, we'll have a formal trial today, so take some dragons with you in case his capture turns into a chase. - Haruki turned to Aki with a serious expression on his face.
- Understood. - Aki nodded, spread his wings and flew out of the cave.
A bang came from the crystal wall and the impact caused more cracks to appear. The White Emperor turned around and faced Kai, who returned his gaze, unmoved by the difference in height between them.
- Be patient Kai, soon you'll be able to leave this prison. - Haruki lay down in a corner of the cave and watched his sister's successor with a pensive look.
***
Aki flew through the realm of the dawn, careful not to collide with any dragons or flying spirits. Several thoughts ran through her mind, one of which was a feeling of helplessness.
She felt very frustrated by everything that had happened in the last few days, and she felt that she had failed as a mother and as a dragon. The main reason was the frustration of not being able to defeat her teacher, even though she had the ability to do so, and this was compounded by the near loss of her daughter and youngest grandchild.
Of all the royal family, Aki was by far the most angry about the situation. Even if she couldn't protect her family directly, she wouldn't allow those involved in her family's near death to escape her wrath.
She had the chance to kill the Avatar on Kyoshi Island, but she had decided to play along and take the mission as a simple trip, never imagining that the danger her daughter had foreseen was an eternal dragon.
A 9-meter tall dragon produced flames in its mouth like a beacon, attracting the attention of the second strongest dragon among the veteran celestial dragons.
- Aki! How are you? I can see that you're very angry. - Said a female dragon.
- It's been a few weeks, Ava. - Aki smiled, unable to say no to a friend. - How are the chicks?
- They're all restless, some of them missed playing with you. - Ava smiled charismatically.
Ava had yellow scales with several black spots on her body, one of which covered one of her yellow eyes. Ava was 9 meters tall, one of the largest dragons in existence, over 6,000 years old. Even at such a long age, she had no interest in climbing the political hierarchy of the spirit world to become an elder dragon. She was content to be a teacher to the newborn dragons, teaching them about history and how to manipulate their elements.
Because of Aki's size, several dragon kittens ran toward her, many of them familiar faces. Some circled around Aki's paws, others hid in her wings or tried to climb up her tail.
- Hehehehehe, I missed you too. - Aki couldn't hide her joy at the sight of the little dragons, but her attention was focused on one that stood apart from the others and looked as if it was afraid. - Ava, who is this little guy?
- This is a reincarnate. He arrived in the Dawn Realm today. - Ava explained.
Reincarnated dragons were firebenders who had previously died in the mortal world and gone through the cycle of life and death. These dragons could be easily identified by their scales, for they all had one thing in common: they had only one color in their scales, while naturally born dragons could inherit two or even three colors in their scales.
Aki, feeling sorry for the hatchling, approached it with a few steps, taking great care not to hurt any of the hatchlings that insisted on playing with her. The little dragon was frightened by the celestial dragon's approach, but Aki used some of her Ember of Light to calm the little dragon's mind.
The little dragon was attracted by Aki's aura and, unable to contain its curiosity, approached until it reached one of the dragon's paws.
- Hehehe... there's no need to be afraid, you're a citizen of the Land of Dawn now. - Aki said motherly, feeling something very familiar in the little dragon she was stroking with her paw. - Can you remember your name?
The little dragon looked at Aki with his big eyes, seemed to think deeply about the words spoken to him, took a few seconds before he finally seemed to have a memory connected to his last experience as a human.
- My... my name was... Tizo.
Next chapter: The Judgement of the Emperor
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