Capítulo 24: Round Two: Ozai vs Kai
Pov: Kai
The sight of the Fire Capital on the horizon gave me a strange feeling of nostalgia that made me smile, but at the same time a strange chill ran through my stomach.
- Are you anxious to get back to the palace? - Huzo asked, leaning on Kai, using his height to tease his leader.
- I never thought of the palace as my home, I didn't even feel that the island where I grew up was a real home. - I said, still enjoying the view.
- Why do you say that?" Huzo seemed obviously curious.
- Sometimes I feel like I don't belong anywhere in the world, but sometimes I feel out of place.
- Sometimes your home is the people around you. - Said Ty Lee, lying on the railing next to Kai and Huzo.
- You're right, Ty Lee... TY LEE!!! How come you're here? - I was startled when I turned round to see a friend I hadn't seen for two years.
- How are you on board?! - Huzo pointed his finger in disbelief at such a brazen invasion.
Ty Lee stuck out his tongue provocatively and let his body fall out of the ship. Kai and Huzo ran to help the girl, but were surprised by Ty Lee flying through the sky, controlling his body like a bird.
- I can't believe it! - commented Huzo, surprising Kai. - Did you know she could fly?
- Why are you asking me? It's my first time too. - I commented, crossing my arms and giving Ty Lee a smile with the corner of my mouth. - How have things been going around here?
- There hasn't been much of interest.
- I know... - I raised an eyebrow.
- Who am I kidding, flying is great! I just have to watch out for air traffic, but otherwise it's great! - Ty Lee did aerobatics with great ease. - Now tell me about your new look, you look very attractive. - She flew towards Kai, just a few centimetres from his face.
- I don't know if being flirted with by you is a good sign or not, since Azula likes to say you're a pervert. - I can't resist teasing Ty Lee when I see his indignant face.
- Did she say that to you? I'd love to have a chat with her later. - Ty Lee flew back to the capital at high speed without saying goodbye.
- I didn't remember things being so much fun around here. - Huzo smiled.
- I can see I'm going to have more headaches these days. - I let off steam.
It was more than an hour before my ship finally docked in the harbour. When I approached to look outside, I had a feeling of déjà vu.
Hundreds of soldiers lined up as if they were waiting for the Fire Lord himself to disembark.
- Come on, boss. - said Huzo, giving Kai a gentle push. - You deserved it.
I'm not going to lie, I was nervous, because this was a reception I hadn't expected in a million years.
With every step Kai took, the soldiers saluted him as if they were honouring a war hero.
At the end of the queue was a palanquin bearing the symbol of the royal family. It was a means of transport that was the ultimate definition of status in the Fire Nation. Swallowing my saliva dry, I entered the transport and sat in its centre.
The more I observed my surroundings, the more I realised that people admired me, some even bowed down to me. Despite all this honour, I tried to understand how I had become so popular, it seemed as if I had become a celebrity overnight.
The journey to the palace was, in its own way, uneventful; to be honest, it wasn't easy to relax after almost two whole years on the battlefield.
When I got down from the palanquin, I was met by several maids who escorted me to the Fire Lord.
Walking through the palace reminded me of my first day in the Capital of Fire, and it was strange to think how much had happened since I left my home island.
When I reached a huge door that separated me from the throne room, I took a deep breath and opened the door, which was decorated with golden symbols. As I opened the door, my eyes were immediately drawn to the sight of flames illuminating the hall; someone with a weak mind could easily be intimidated by the scene.
Ozai was sitting on his throne, patiently awaiting the arrival of his guest, his face serious. His eyes analysed the drastic changes Kai had undergone, reminding him of the mystical ritual.
There were only a few royal guards in the hall, so the conversation seemed more private.
- So you're finally back. - Ozai said rudely.
- As you can see, yes. So why did you call me? - I knelt down out of respect, maintaining formality.
Ozai seemed pleased with Kai's action, realising that he had matured mentally with this simple gesture.
- We can see that your special skills would be useful for a project. - Ozai said, raising his voice. - Many nobles want their children to have privileges, but many are weak-minded because they can't bend fire.
- I see, you're planning to force the nobles into debt with the royal family to finance your war plans. - I add, keeping my head down. - A simple exchange for us, but an eternal debt for the nobles' children, strengthening the relationship between the nobility and the royal family, preventing any internal crisis in the Fire Nation.
- Exactly. - Ozai praised, his tone softening a little. - I can see that these years have been good to you.
- I can take part in your plan, as long as you fulfil the promise we made. - I raised my head and showed my serious face.
- I'm the Fire Lord, I won't break my word. This village will receive funds as long as it keeps its services linked to me. - Ozai said in a neutral tone. - Now go away, I have a meeting to attend.
Receiving Ozai's order, I leave the same way I came in, deciding to close my eyes and concentrate on the energies around the palace, feeling Ty Lee's energy hundreds of metres from my position. I cross the area to a firebending training area and see Ty Lee flying over.
As I got closer, I could hear a fight, with two female voices shouting at each other. Hearing Azula's voice made my blood boil for a moment and made me feel uncomfortable, but not in a bad way.
I stand near the gate and have a privileged view of Azula "practising" with Mai, who seems to be struggling to keep up with the princess. I decide to lean against the wall until I'm noticed by the two hotheads.
[Azula's doing well, she's certainly passed the Admiral level, or maybe she's very close to the General level]. - I thought, crossing my arms and smiling. [Damn, she looks beautiful... Wait... what am I thinking!]
Ty Lee noticed Kai's presence and decided to join him, admiring the spectacle unfolding between the two firebenders.
- Come on, Mai, you let your guard down a lot when you use your left" - criticises Azula with a serious look on her face.
Azula was covered in a thin layer of sweat and her hair was loose, giving her the appearance of a rebel.
Mai was slightly annoyed, although she was an excellent hand-to-hand fighter, she still had difficulty using her flames as an extension of her body.
- It's easier for me to fight ten opponents with my knives than to bend fire at your speed. - Mai replied tiredly, still determined to learn.
- If you want to evolve like me, you have to follow my instructions so that no one can beat you in any aspect of combat. - Azula crossed her arms and sighed tiredly. - We'll continue tomorrow, Kai will be here tonight, I need a bath urgently.
Hearing Azula's words, I couldn't resist approaching discreetly until I was just a few metres away. Mai obviously noticed me approaching, but her eyes gave me away, causing Azula to turn round in a fighting pose.
- Kai? Is that you? Weren't you supposed to arrive tonight? - Azula asked in shock, embarrassed to be in Kai's presence like this.
- I can confirm that I arrived at the correct time. - I approached Azula and stood a few steps away from her.
Azula quickly observed Ty Lee sticking his tongue out at her, realising that she had been misled about Kai's arrival time.
Not wanting to waste any time, I reduced the distance between our bodies and hugged her. I was more than a head taller than Azula; it's strange to think that I'm two years older than her.
Azula seemed embarrassed by the hug, but decided to reciprocate, as it was now Kai's official return to everyday life.
Feeling Azula's arms around my body made me feel comfortable and I wanted to squeeze harder, but I knew I could hurt her because of my new strength. I lowered my head to smell her perfume, it was somehow good and made me want to stay like that with her all day.
- I want a hug too! - said Ty Lee, jumping on Kai's back and pushing him out of Azula's embrace. - Come on, Mai! I know you missed Kai.
- I apologise for Ty Lee being such an idiot, General Kai. - Mai bowed.
- You don't have to be cordial to me. - I said, bending down to greet her, with Ty Lee still clinging to my back.
Azula's face flushed, but she quickly regained her composure and approached Kai with a shy smile on her face. As she moved away from Kai, she noticed how much he had changed physically, feeling his heart beat stronger than usual.
- Well done, you both seem to have improved a lot since last time. - I praised the performance shown by the girls earlier.
- I'm improving thanks to Azula, but sometimes she's a terrible teacher. - Mai says seriously.
Azula became indignant and turned her face away angrily.
- If you listened to my tips, you'd have no problem mastering fire. - replied Azula.
- Heh... I see your friendship has grown. - I praised the trio. - Well done, I want to see what you've learnt. - I assume a combat pose.
- Wait, you want to fight with the three of us? - Ty Lee asked, incredulous.
- Don't think you're a big shot just because you've become a big shot? - Azula smiled and accepted the challenge. - You won't complain when I burn your pretty face.
- It'll be good training. - Mai joined the trio, assuming a combat stance.
- I promise to go easy on you. - I replied with a big, defiant smile.
Azula's team fought Kai for hours, using their best teamwork to defeat the experienced general.
The most creative with her attacks was Mai, who used her fire along with her knives, Ty Lee, as an airbender, was able to use his natural flexibility to trap Kai in a physical confrontation, and Azula had the most aggressive attack of the group, easily able to kill a person with her flames if she didn't control her strength.
I was genuinely enjoying myself; unlike on the battlefield, I didn't have to keep waiting to be killed. Even though the trio were strong enough to defeat someone at General level, I wasn't putting any effort into the practice.
- So, girls, are you ready to surrender? - I put my hands on my waist. - If you want, I'll stop using my arms.
- I give up. - said Ty Lee, barely able to stand due to the effort.
- This is incredible, he's not even tired. - Mai commented to Azula, still trying to maintain his fighting stance.
- I can't believe what I'm about to say, but I think Kai has reached Fire Lord level. - Azula seemed unsurprised, although there was a hint of envy in her voice. - We can't beat him even if we combine our powers.
- Why don't you use that new move? - Mai looked at Azula curiously.
- This isn't a fight to the death, and if I use that move, the palace will be destroyed. - Azula fell to the ground, accepting defeat.
- Looks like I won this one. - I proclaim my victory, but I notice the girls' discouragement. - Don't be sad, you did your best. Use this experience to improve and correct your weaknesses.
I took the opportunity to get some towels so I could see the sky, which was almost overcast at night.
- Let's have dinner, Ty Lee and Mai are invited. - I said jokingly, throwing the towels to the three of them.
- Really? - Ty Lee smiled automatically, looking hungry.
- No way, we can't eat with the royal family. - Mai denied it, looking worried.
I looked at Azula and nodded for her to agree to my request.
- It's an order, you're coming with us, and besides, it's late. - Azula wiped her face with her towel, not wanting to hear no from Mai.
Mai let out a sigh of defeat, while Ty Lee seemed to regain his strength at the thought of eating something from royalty.
I was glad, this kind of interaction was rare on the battlefield, maybe I really needed a holiday. I wiped away my smile when I felt a familiar spiritual energy, seemingly aggressive in its own way.
Kai turned his body towards one of the entrances with a serious face and saw Ozai approaching in a simple blanket, without his usual clothes.
Azula, Ty Lee and Mai automatically took a step back when they felt the enormous pressure on their bodies from Ozai himself.
Ozai let the blanket fall to the floor, revealing that he was shirtless, only his muscles visible. Seeing the hostility emanating from the Fire Lord, Kai took off his shirt, revealing a toned body for his age, and approached the centre, standing a few metres away from Ozai.
- I heard you defeated General Fong. - Ozai crossed his arms and puffed out his chest to make himself look bigger.
- He was good, there's no denying that. - I'm starting to stretch my body. - It looks like you want to test me.
- When I was informed of his conquest, I was curious to see how much he had grown since the last time. - Ozai sent a wave of heat through his body, making the very air seem drier. - Show me how strong you've become.
Ozai got into a fighting stance, his hands covered in yellow fire. Clearly yearning for an opponent to match him.
- Just so you know, I've become five times stronger since our last duel. - I get into my fighting pose, without first letting my hair down for convenience.
Azula, Ty Lee and Mai move away from the arena, preferring to keep a safe distance from the future war zone.
- Azula, who do you think will win? - Ty Lee asked, concerned for his friend's safety.
- It will depend on how willing they are to kill each other. - Azula said, still watching the arena.
Ozai and Kai stared at each other, studying each other's small movements, waiting for a signal to start the duel.
I gave Ozai a smile, leaving him confused by my expression, and gave a simple snap of my fingers, causing a wall of flames to rise less than two metres from the fire lord.
Ozai jumped backwards by reflex, but his action was anticipated by Kai, whose fist was centimetres from his stomach. Unable to avoid him, Ozai's eyes widened at the force of the blow to his stomach and he was thrown brutally against the wall.
As Ozai's body slammed into the wall, I waited for him to recover from the shock. To tell you the truth, I was in no hurry to beat him because I don't even know what my limit is.
[I hope you're stronger than Fong, otherwise this fight won't be any fun] - I thought, putting my fists in my pockets.
Ozai, seeing Kai's audacity in not using his arms, made him explode with hatred, get up from the ground and start firing several attacks with force.
Kai, on the other hand, skilfully deflected or kicked the flames back at Ozai as if it were the easiest thing in the world.
Ozai made a series of moves to create a jet of fire, intending to use it to kill Kai.
Seeing the flames coming towards me, I let out a sigh, raised my right leg and kicked straight into the flames. The flames tried to engulf me, but I denied them passage until I felt my instincts cry out, forcing me to take an acrobatic leap into the air.
Lightning flashed beneath me, hitting the wall in less than a second. When I landed on the ground, I saw Ozai in lightning position with a smile of superiority.
- I'd forgotten about that technique. - I said, taking my hands out of my pockets.
- If you keep playing games, I'm going to make a point of killing you. - Ozai shows his displeasure.
I let out a sigh, my hands covered in flames until they took on a blue colour that was familiar to Ozai and Azula.
Kai's scarlet eyes glowed brightly, causing a strong pressure to fall on Ozai himself.
- That's what I wanted to see. - Ozai smiled with excitement, firing his lightning bolts in succession.
Kai dodged and attacked with his blue flames, not caring about the side effect of Ozai's fight.
Ozai and I seemed to be at an impasse that could easily be broken at any moment. I couldn't deny that Ozai's ability to manipulate lightning was impressive, and that was making things difficult for me too. I could counterattack with my own lightning, but I didn't have Ozai's speed to prepare the attack.
Ozai had burnt parts of his body and it would take months to recover completely. But that didn't matter; for the Fire Lord, it was one of the few times he could enjoy a fight in which he gave his all.
Tired of the same dance, I reduced the distance between me and Ozai by less than a second and landed a powerful hook to his chin.
Ozai seemed to feel the impact, but his body was ready to continue, and he returned the blow with a left to the face that Kai wasn't expecting. Taking advantage of Kai's retreat, Ozai moved in to kick him in the chest, using his flames to propel the impact.
The Fire Lord's final blow sent me crashing into the wall, making my whole body tremble before I felt the pain of the blow. In less than two seconds, a jet of fire was inches from consuming me, so I crossed my arms in reaction.
Seeing that Ozai had cornered his opponent, he unleashed a continuous jet of fire with all his might, causing the wall to crumble in the scorching heat.
- Dad, that's enough! You're going to kill him! - Azula shouted, making Ozai back away.
The place where Kai was trapped was boiling hot, and it was impossible for a firebender to survive such an attack.
- Kai! - Azula tried to go and help, but was stopped by Ty Lee and Mai, who were equally worried.
Ozai watched in tired silence, trying to catch his breath, still hoping to continue the duel.
The flames that had turned orange in the rubble took on a blue colour and blew up part of the arena, revealing Kai with several wounds on his body.
Azula looked relieved, almost tearful at the thought that it had been a fatality.
- I have to admit it hurt, but you won't be able to beat me at this level. - I smiled as I felt the adrenaline rush through my body. - I haven't even reached my limit yet.
- Hmmm... In that case, I'll have to increase my power to the next level! - Ozai's flames exploded in his arms.
Ozai released a large quantity of flames, as if he wanted to set himself on fire. His flames slowly began to concentrate, gradually changing colour to a blue hue.
Everyone present was amazed at the level Ozai had just reached, proof that the Fire Lord had surpassed his own limits.
- Son of a bitch! So you can use that. - I said out of the blue, watching as Ozai's flames reached a new level of power.
- Let's keep going! - Ozai said, not hiding the pride he felt in his new power.
Kai started laughing, showing off his dangerous fangs to everyone. His mood had changed completely, he was completely immersed in his fighting spirit.
- Hahahahahahahaha Don't let me down, Fire Lord! - I replied, eager to continue.
Kai hadn't noticed, but his voice had changed radically, sounding more frightening, or more draconian.
Azula was a little intimidated, as the duel was far from what she had imagined, resembling a battle between wild beasts.
***
Zuko headed for the dining room, but his mood was terrible that day, knowing that Kai would be returning to the Capital of Fire.
Over the last two years, he had tried to increase his strength through advanced techniques, a path that was the opposite of what his uncle Iroh wanted.
Iroh insisted that Zuko concentrate on basic techniques for his development, but the prince saw no advantage in this style since, compared to Kai and Azula, they were both monsters with multiple techniques at their disposal.
On entering the room, the prince meets Iroh, who no longer has the patience to wait and drinks his tea early.
- Oh, Zuko, come and join me. - said Iroh fatherly.
- Uncle, where's my father? He's never late. - Zuko looked round the room and only saw his uncle and some maids.
- He must be in a meeting, you know how he is.
Zuko sat down next to his uncle and kept the conversation to himself. Iroh noticed the look on his nephew's face and felt sorry for him.
- Are you afraid? - Iroh asked when he saw Zuko's surprised reaction.
- Am I afraid? I'm not afraid of anything.
- I'm talking about Kai, are you afraid of him? - insisted Iroh, noticing the caution in Zuko's eyes. - I'm afraid of him too.
Zuko was shocked by his uncle's revelation and couldn't believe what he had just heard.
- Ever since I met him, I've felt that the world is unstable because of him.
- Uncle, do you think he could take over the throne? Steal everything I have? - Zuko asked, fearing his uncle's answer.
- To be honest, no! Your father can't make Kai his successor because of the rules. Azula also has the right to the throne, so I don't see Ozai favouring Kai. - Iroh let off steam, but still had his doubts.
Zuko seemed relieved, but also aware of how far he was from living up to his father's expectations.
The door opened to reveal Ozai, limping and with some bandages on his face, but strangely he didn't seem to mind.
- Dad! What happened to you? - asked Zuko, shocked to see his father's imposing figure in such a state.
- This is unusual, brother, have you been attacked? it looks like you've been beaten up. - Iroh asked curiously, but still a little worried that Ozai was his younger brother.
Ozai didn't answer, he just went to his chair, refusing any help for himself, just wanting to eat and rest.
Iroh and Zuko watched the Fire Lord, not knowing what to do, until they heard footsteps and other people talking outside the room.
Ty Lee appeared in a thin red silk dress, looking like he was holding back as much as possible so as not to make a fuss in everyone's presence.
Mai stood next to Ty Lee, making sure her friend didn't do anything stupid; her clothes and her composure made her look older than she was, as if she were at a special occasion.
Zuko blushed a little at the sight of Mai's elegant appearance, causing him to lose his voice. However, his demeanour changed dramatically when he saw Kai and Azula together, and it seemed that Azula was helping Kai to walk.
This made Zuko and Iroh rethink why the fire lord was in such a bad state, when they saw the deplorable state of Kai, who also had several bandages on his skin, along with some bruises.
- Ouch! Watch out Azula. - I whispered to Azula when I felt one of her hands touch a wound on my back.
- That's what happens when you're an idiot. - Azula whispered, letting out a tired sigh.
- Admit it, it was fun. - I whispered close to Azula's ear, making her blush.
- What happened? Why are you and my father like this? Actually... - Zuko pointed at Kai, wanting an answer, but was interrupted.
- It was just a formality between me and Ozai. - I replied disinterestedly, interrupting him and not wanting to listen to his nonsense.
- What?
- Quiet! - Ozai ordered and signalled for the waitresses to bring the food.
Dinner went on without interruption, although there were differences from the royal family's daily routine.
Iroh looked strange, normally he would have made cryptic comments, but he remained silent, watching Kai struggle to use the cutlery with his injured hands. With his highly developed spiritual sensitivity, it was difficult for him to ignore the presence of the young albino, and he was extremely disturbed by the aura Kai was emitting.
***
When dinner was over, Ty Lee and Mai went home together in a carriage. Meanwhile, Azula and I went to our rooms to catch up. The conversation itself was pleasant, but some sensitive topics were broached ahead of time.
- So you won't be here all the time... - said Azula sadly, biting her lip in frustration.
- I'll stay long enough to fulfil Ozai's wishes, then I have to go back to my homeland to manage future projects. - I explained carefully, not wanting to upset Azula.
Azula and I chatted about our future plans, and I eventually revealed that many of them didn't involve me staying at the palace. I'm not stupid enough not to notice the sadness that's beginning to take hold of her, and that makes me feel terrible.
- Hasn't Azula forgotten my promise? - I asked, gently holding Azula's arm.
- I haven't forgotten, and that's why I don't want you to go. - Azula's eyes watered - I've had enough of this!
Azula moved aggressively away from Kai, not wanting to continue the conversation.
- Azula!
- No! I don't want to feel this anymore! - Azula shouted. - You spent two years in the Earth realm and only one night with me.
- I'll be by your side for anything you need...
- Every time I think of you, I feel something that makes me happy. - Azula lowered her gaze, not having the courage to face Kai. - I don't care about being a princess or anything else when I'm with you, but you always seem to be looking for a way to get away from me.
- That's not true... - The words seemed hard to find, because depending on what I said, it would change my relationship with her.
- So what's the truth? What's the point of all this? You know I don't want to be alone! - Azula looked at Kai, tears streaming down her face.
- You have Ty Lee and Mai, they're great friends, they'll always be there for you. - I put my hands on her shoulders to calm her down.
- They only stayed with me because I made them! You know that! - Azula's body shook with fear. - Everything around me is disappearing, first my mum and now you! How long will it be before Ty Lee and Mai leave me?
- I won't leave you... - I was interrupted.
- You're lying! You yourself admitted that you're leaving!
I felt a heaviness in my heart, I didn't want to see her cry again. The wait had obviously affected her more than me, and I felt like an idiot.
Unlike me, Azula had been confined to living under Ozai's tutelage, never able to experience the world freely, which must have added to her frustration and sadness every day.
Azula was crying, but clearly trying to control her tears as she pushed Kai away and ran to her room.
A familiar feeling ran through me, an Instinct that always guided my actions in my battles, only now I felt as if my body was reacting to go after Azula. I needed to make my emotions clear, if I didn't resolve this misunderstanding it would be impossible to fix it later. The time I had spent sailing across the ocean to the capital of fire had made me realise that I did feel an attraction to Azula and I was determined to support her even if it was far from her, so as not to cross the line between us.
I quickly grabbed Azula's hand before she entered the room and pulled her towards me.
Kai...
I interrupted Azula's words by sealing our lips in a kiss, making everything in my mind disappear in an instant. We stayed like that for a few seconds until our lips slowly parted.
- Kai! What was that? - Azula asked, her cheeks as red as tomatoes.
- My truth, you idiot. I love you. - I gently grabbed the back of Azula's neck and waist and pulled her into another kiss.
Azula was surprised by the statement, but slowly closed her eyes and accepted it, putting her hands on Kai's face and reinforcing the kiss between them.
They stayed like that for a few minutes, taking a few breaks, before turning their attention back to their partner.
- What's going to happen to us? - Azula asked, her face flushed with embarrassment and smiling apologetically.
- I don't know, but I think we'd better take things slowly. - I said as I kissed her neck. - Is that what you wanted?
- Sometimes I do, but I didn't think we could take that step. - Azula wrapped her arms around Kai's neck. - Does this mean you loved me like this before?
- I think so... Listen, the reason I don't want to stay at the palace isn't because you can mess with me, but I also have responsibilities to other people, promises to keep. - I stroked Azula's hair, tucking a lock behind her ear. - I'm sorry if I made you afraid... but I was afraid too.
- Scared of me?
- Afraid that this feeling wouldn't be returned.
Upon hearing these words, Azula stood on tiptoe to reach Kai's lips for another kiss, a calm, loving kiss. She felt her lover's hands on her waist, gently pulling her closer to him.
- Can we be together tonight? - Azula asked with a look of shame on her face. - I mean... sleep together.
- Only if you promise you'll never say that I or your friends left you.
- I promise. - Azula seemed completely renewed in heart and spirit.
I followed her to the bed, we were cuddled up facing each other, I couldn't resist and gave her a last kiss on the top of her head, watching her give a cute smile, surrendering to the world of dreams.
Next chapter: Feelings
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