Ocean and Moon Part 2

- Zhao! What kind of weapon is that? - Zuko asked, wondering how a knife could magically open a wall of ice.

- This? It's the key to defeating the northern tribe for good. - Zhao kept the knife at his waist, not wanting to risk anyone but himself using the weapon's power.

- This weapon has a spiritual nature, but at the same time it is a disturbance of the cosmic balance. - Iroh frowned, suspicious of Zhao's intentions. - Where did you find this weapon?

Zuko remained on alert, completely suspicious of Zhao's loyalty to possess a weapon of such power, suspecting that he might be planning a rebellion against his father.

- I've had this knife since I was a teenager, fighting in the Earth Kingdom. - Zhao put his arms behind his back as if he were some kind of king. - I'm a scholar, I once found a hidden tomb where the knife was. Unfortunately, the place was full of traps, so it was destroyed and buried forever. - Zhao lied.

Zhao was a cunning and ambitious man, always seeking more power for himself, even if it was through legends or myths. In his quest for power, he was fortunate enough to stumble upon an ancient library containing several historical items and a great deal of wisdom.

Unfortunately for Zhao, the spirit and owner of the library would not allow him to venture forth and explore the secrets that lay within. So Zhao burned down part of the library, specifically the Fire Nation section, and used the opportunity to steal Kuruk's knife. Though the information he gathered was limited, it was enough to reveal a crucial secret about the Northern Tribe, the Mortal Forms of the Moon, and the Ocean.

Zhao knew that the weapon he had stolen from the library guardian's collection possessed a certain mystical ability, and now that it had been confirmed in practice, his confidence and arrogance were at their peak.

- You're lying. - Zuko said, wanting access to the weapon. - This weapon should not be in the hands of someone like you.

- If you dare take a step against me, I can declare you and your uncle enemies of the Fire Nation. - Zhao looked seriously at Zuko and gave him a mocking smile. - Now I must organize my troops and repair my ships. 

Zhao walked across the deck of his ship with arrogance, as if he were the Lord of Fire himself entering his royal palace. Many soldiers bowed in respect and fear, in awe of his military title and impressive feat.

- That bastard was hiding a weapon of that caliber. - Zuko punched the wall of the ship in anger, almost spitting fire from his mouth. - This is treason.

- I think Zhao is planning something much worse than a simple betrayal. - Iroh said worriedly. - A mystical weapon in his hands is not a good sign.

Zhao was a man greedy for more power, but never an idiot, even if he could rise in military rank, plan a betrayal and become the next Lord of Fire, none of this could be accomplished with Kai alive.

When he saw Kai show his power against Omashu and humiliate King Bumi, it was a clear sign that he could never be challenged, even if he had Kuruk's knife in his hands. However, now that Kai and Azula were missing and probably dead because of that monster that killed Tizo, it was logical that he could now make his most cunning plans.

It was only a matter of time before he would make a name for himself as the Slayer of the Moon and the Ocean, the Slayer of the Gods. Such a title could easily overshadow Ozai's entire reign in a single act. The thought made Zhao almost orgasm with his narcissistic plan.

- My reign as Lord of Fire is about to begin, prepare for your downfall, Ozai. - Zhao whispered as he looked at the moon shining in the sky.

***

- It's hard to imagine that you and I are so much alike. - Yoshie said, eating a fish dish without being bothered by people's stares.

The northern tribe was in an uproar, especially the tribe chief, Arnook, Yue's father. Everyone in the tribe knew that Yue had been born doomed to die and had been saved by the mercy of the Moon Spirit, Tui.

However, they never imagined that anyone other than Princess Yue would have a direct connection to one of the two water elemental primordial spirits.

- I never thought there could be another person like me! It's really exciting, I really want to hear your stories. - Yue said, not hiding her excitement. She was wearing a blue dress that accentuated her fragile figure, seemingly unaffected by the freezing cold of the North Pole.

- I'm not that interesting. - Yoshie said, not wanting to draw attention to herself even though she was practically the protagonist of the dinner.

- You have an arm and a leg made of water and ice, that's pretty cool to me! - Yue complimented the exotic appearance of her spiritual counterpart.

- You have completely white hair, where I come from, it's practically a symbol of power. - Yoshie didn't fail to mention Kai's appearance, which was outside the social norms.

- What else can you do? Besides controlling the ocean? - Yue asked, which interested Pakku, who watched and studied Yoshie's movements, because it would be useful to know the limits of the power of the bearer of La's soul.

- Hmmmm.... I can do many things, but the coolest is breathing under water. - Yoshie confessed, as she had practically spent more time underwater than on dry land in the last few weeks.

- Seriously! It's amazing! You can literally become one with the ocean! I can't even imagine what you experienced in the ocean. - Yue grabbed Yoshie's hand, making her feel slightly embarrassed.

Yoshie felt very strange with Yue, ever since they met, she couldn't stop thinking about the princess, as if they had known each other for much longer, which was impossible since it was their first time together. Yoshie suspected that it might have something to do with the connection between Tui and La, since they had been a couple since the beginning of the universe, and that she might be attracted to Yue's aura.

It was something that bothered Yoshie because she couldn't tell if the emotions belonged to her or to La and Tui. The undeniable fact was that Yue had a dangerously charming charm.

- Cof! Cof! Cof! - Arnook coughed falsely to draw attention to himself. - Yoshie, what are your intentions, why are you here?

- Father!- Yue frowned, irritated by her father's rudeness. - Yoshie is no threat.

- We wouldn't be in this situation if you hadn't invited her so suddenly. - Arnook grabbed a glass of alcohol and drank it down quickly. - She's wearing the clothes of the Fire Nation, she's already a suspect.

Yoshie, even though she was relaxed about the situation since no one could defeat her, felt obligated to at least not create any confusion, not wanting to complicate the situation for her spiritual counterpart.

- I'm here at my mother's request. I didn't plan to come here before or after. - Yoshie was honest and took a piece of fish and put it in her mouth.

- Who is your mother? - Arnook asked curiously, but noticed that Pakku seemed to know who she was.

- My mother is La, Spirit of the Ocean. - Yoshie revealed, seeing how many people were shocked or spat out their food.

- This is absurd! - said an indignant old man.

- I literally have an arm and a leg made of ice and water, not to mention that more than half of my hair is snow-white like Yue's. - Yoshie decided to be reasonable, not interested in doing dozens of tests to prove my words. - Not to mention that I have no intention of hurting anyone, my stay here will be temporary.

When Yoshie said that she would only be at the North Pole for a short time, Yue's cheerful and admiring face became slightly depressed, something her father noticed as it was the first time he had seen his daughter so interested in someone, but he couldn't tell what was going on in his daughter's head.

- So the Goddess La has invited you to be with us temporarily. - Pakku sighed, even though he was one of the most obsessed with the laws of the tribe, he could not go against the literal will of the goddess he prayed to. - We are nearing the time of the spiritual cycle of the moon, it makes sense why you were invited.

- I apologize for the confusion I caused when I arrived in your territory, but I don't have any other clothes except for this one. - Yoshie took the cloak of her red outfit, which showed some signs of wear. - I spent the last few days training with La and controlling my new powers. I even got used to living under water like a fish for whole days.

- Then I think it's only fair that she stays with us. - Yue said excitedly. - You can stay with me at the palace.

Yoshie felt a chill run through her body as she was genuinely worried about what would happen if she got closer to the princess than she should, not while her emotions were in such an unstable state.

- There's no need to shelter me in the tribe, I can just sleep in the water like I've been doing, the cold in the north doesn't even bother me. - Yoshie said quickly, not wanting the tribe chief to consider any of Yue's ideas.

Yue crossed her arms and turned her face away in dissatisfaction, as if she were a spoiled girl, a completely different demeanor from the calm and friendly princess, as if she was a different person for a moment.

- Miss Yoshie, even if you were invited by La herself, what is your real situation? You are wearing the clothes of the Fire Nation, so I believe that logically, you are not part of our culture. - Pakku looked at Yoshie seriously, following his instincts as the protector of the tribe. - Are you an enemy or an ally?

- My situation is complex. - Yoshie said, looking at the moon with doubt in her heart. - I don't feel loyal to the Fire Nation led by Ozai, but I believe in the philosophy that Kai defends.

- The name is not strange... this is one of Ozai's sons. - Arnook grew more worried and unconsciously grabbed his weapon from under the table.

- Many fear Kai as a monster, but he is more important than he seems. The whole path he took was just to survive until he had enough power to dictate the rules. - Yoshie took her half-filled glass and drank a little to taste it. - When Kai takes the throne, I'm sure the war will end.

Everyone's faces reflected doubt at Yoshie's words, the confidence she expressed was very fascinating, as if they could instinctively trust her words. When Yue heard Kai's name, her mind returned to her childhood, when her mind and senses were disturbed by a great roar of an angry beast, a beast made of fire.

- Kai is someone who follows logic, someone who criticizes and judges, rarely punishes unnecessarily, but becomes a true demon when the balance is disturbed. - Yoshie maintained her seriousness and looked at each of them as if studying them. - You all want spiritual balance, I want it too, so I ask you to have faith in my words.

- Yoshie, are all Fire Nation people like this? - Yue asked, genuinely curious.

- No, that's why the war will continue until it is decided who will lead the Fire Nation. - Yoshie finished her drink, knowing that she couldn't feel the effects of the alcohol in her body.

Arnook was deep in thought. The Hundred Years' War had caused countless deaths, and he never thought he would live to see it enter its final stage. He understood that if he was patient, the Fire Nation would go to war with itself, weakening itself to be attacked. However, Yoshie seemed to be supporting one side of this inevitable internal conflict, and could help restore the Fire Nation at its most vulnerable moment.

Pakku was clearly astonished by Yoshie's words, as a member of the secret Order of the White Lotus, all of whose members were against the Fire Nation's tyranny over the world, it was a unique opportunity for them to seize a chance to end the war, as all of its members were high-level masters capable of surpassing the power of individual generals.

- The conversation took an uncomfortable turn, so if you don't mind, I'm going to sleep. - Yoshie stood up and instinctively walked towards the ocean, her home.

Yue tried to talk to Yoshie, but her own father stopped her, because he did not want his daughter to get too close to her, because he still had a lot to think about the future that might happen soon.

As night fell, Yue used her powers to sneak through the palace and the city unnoticed, a very common practice for her as she spent most of her life confined to the palace and rarely had the opportunity to go out legally. 

When he reached the coast and saw the freezing ocean, Yue searched for Yoshie, but to no avail, wondering if she had left. She didn't even notice that Yoshie was secretly watching the princess underwater, taking advantage of the darkness of the night.

Yoshie sighed mentally, she didn't know what to do, even though it had been more than 3 hours since dinner, she couldn't sleep or organize her thoughts.

- It's very cold here. - Yoshie said, just sticking her head out of the water and managing to scare the princess.

- You scared me. - Yue put her hand on her chest to calm her emotions. - Don't you feel cold?

- I don't care about this temperature. - Yoshie stepped out of the water and quickly dried her clothes. - What do you want?

- I don't want anything, I just want to talk to you. - Yue became nervous and anxious, worrying Yoshie.

- Why are you so worried? - Yoshie put her hands on her waist and waited for the princess' answer.

- I... I... I don't know... I just don't want you to leave. - Yue approached Yoshie with great nervousness.

- We've only known each other for a day, I don't understand your reaction. - Yoshie raised her eyebrows with a look of doubt on her face.

- It's hard for me to express myself, but I can say that I've known you for much longer. - Yue said nervously.

- You're a stalker! - Yoshie took a step back, suspicious of Yue.

- No! No! I expressed myself badly. I mean, I know you because your soul is connected to La's. - Yue grabbed both of Yoshie's hands, causing her cheeks to turn slightly red. - Since you connected with La, I could feel your feelings, your pain, your regrets, your joys, and your successes.

- Then you know that I'm not a good person. - Yoshie moved away from Yue. - Then you know how I really am.

- There are things I really don't like, but that doesn't mean you are dishonest with your feelings. - Yue smiled. - You're not perfect, neither am I, but you're a confident person and you adapt well to the situations around you.

- You're a strange girl, I'm not that kind of person. - Yoshie turned her face away as she crossed her arms.

- You protected the whale and helped it reunite with its calf. - Yue approached Yoshie again. - You're no different from La, just a little more aggressive, but you're not a bad person.

Yoshie snorted, she didn't know how to solve her situation, or even how to act, Yue had an aura that was completely opposite to hers and yet infectious at the same time.

- Are you reading people's minds? That's an invasion of privacy. - Yoshie replied.

- I'm connected to the spirit of Tui, who is married to La, so theoretically they're making us wives, so I'm sorry. - Yue's face turned red with embarrassment, but that was something Yoshie didn't know.

Yoshie opened her eyes in astonishment and remained motionless for a few seconds, not knowing what to say, trying to process the princess' sentence in her mind. It was as if a cog had broken and stopped a machine, but in this case, it was Yoshie's mind.

- WHAT!!!! - Yoshie fell to the ground, completely paralyzed by the shock of the news. - HOW? WHY? WHEN?

- I'm somewhat aware of La's playful personality, but I think she overdid it by not telling you. - Yue remained calm, her eyes shining because she knew she would have more time to talk to Yoshie. - La and Tui love each other intensely and often flirt with each other when given the opportunity.

- Two perverts. - Yoshie looked suspiciously at the princess. - So you're a pervert?

- I've been connected to Tui's soul all my life, so I had to learn to be discreet in public. - Yue shrugged as if it was obvious. - I've had years of practice hiding these emotions, but they were never this strong until you showed up.

- I don't want to offend you, of course you're pretty, but you know... I like men. - Yoshie said embarrassed.

- I'm not offended, you've only been connected to La for a few weeks, but the more you connect and use the power of the ocean, the more these side effects happen. - Yue said in such a calm manner that it really seemed like something normal to her. - I may be a princess and very weak compared to you, but I'm the best person to understand your mind.

- This is embarrassing... - Yoshie admitted with a red face.

- How do you think the creatures of this world were born? - Yue said ironically. - The celestial dragons that are the pillars of balance reproduce in flesh form, it is practically natural.

- I have La's memories in my head, how can I not know that? - Yoshie looked at the ocean and waited for La's answer.

- La is billions of years old and almost omnipresent. You can't handle so many memories, not even I with all my experience. - Yue explained, bending the water between her fingers for fun. - Tui and La just summarized the information for us to understand.

- I really am speechless. - Yoshie sighed and lay down in the snow, finally feeling a certain tiredness in her soul. - Yue... aren't you afraid of the Fire Nation?

Yoshie's question took Yue by surprise, she seemed to think for a moment and looked up at the sky, seeing the stars shining brightly.

- I'm not afraid, I was afraid at first, but as I matured and understood this world, I stopped seeing it through the eyes of an ordinary person. - Yue blurted out, creating an ice statue in the shape of a dragon. - I feel like the balance is slowly returning to what it should be, I'm not afraid, especially with you here.

- You know that the Fire Nation will attack this place, right? - Yoshie was worried and confused.

- I'm only worried about La and Tui's safety, they're both vulnerable for one day a year because of their promise to visit the mortal world with their primordial souls. - Yue looked at Yoshie hopefully. - We know that we can't let them get hurt.

- It's impossible to kill them, they are gods, there is no weapon that can hurt them. - Yoshie explained confidently. - Besides, I created a huge wall, it's impossible for the Fire Nation to cross it in a short time.

- You're right. - Yue walked over to Yoshie, who quickly blushed at the sudden approach. - Can you protect my home until the end of the La and Tui Ritual?

Yoshie looked into Yue's eyes and felt almost attracted by the beauty, but quickly shook her head to regain her composure.

- I can help, but only a little. - Yoshie said, trying to ignore Yue's gaze.

- Thank you very much. - Yue, in a cunning move, gave Yoshie a small kiss on the cheek, making her look like a tomato because she was so red with embarrassment.

Yue walked back to her room, eager to continue her conversation with her spiritual counterpart later, ignoring how perplexed Yoshie was by her simple movement.

After a few minutes, Yoshie put her hands to her face to hide her reaction, very embarrassed and scolding herself for not having control over her stupid body for reacting to the princess' gesture.

Next chapter: Battle in the Northern Air Temple