V1.C17. A New Horizon

[A/N: A thank you and shoutout to my first patron for this novel pistacho0313. Thank you for your support.]

Chapter 17: A New Horizon

The early morning sun glimmered on the horizon as Yogan and Monk Nara soared high above the landscape, the wind whipping through their hair. They sat atop a large, gentle flying bison named Baiya, whose great body glided gracefully through the sky, propelled by the powerful movements of its tail. Baiya was a majestic creature, with soft white fur speckled with hints of grey and large, intelligent eyes that sparkled with curiosity. As they flew, Yogan felt the thrill of freedom, a fleeting reminder of the power that came with mastering the air.

Yogan glanced at Monk Nara, her long, silver hair flowing behind her like a banner in the wind. She was strikingly attractive, even in her mid-thirties, with sharp cheekbones and a confident aura that demanded attention. Her master tattoos, intricate designs swirling across her arms, signified her experience and wisdom, giving her an air of authority that made her presence even more captivating. As they glided through the air, he sensed both the weight of her expectations and the importance of their journey together.

"So, what's the plan for today?" he asked, trying to mask the impatience creeping into his tone. He was eager to prove himself but also frustrated by how often they had to step away from the temple.

Monk Nara turned to him, her expression calm but firm. "We need to find a location away from the distractions of the temple, Bintan, and especially away from Kaiya," she said, her voice steady as Baiya soared gracefully through the clouds. "You require a focus that can only be found in solitude. You must learn to connect with the air without outside influences clouding your judgment."

Yogan crossed his arms, a hint of annoyance flickering in his eyes. "I understand the need for training, but I don't see why I can't practice in the temple. I could be training while still being with Kaiya."

Monk Nara raised an eyebrow, her gaze unwavering. "Your emotions are still a distraction, Yogan. Kaiya cares for you deeply, and while that bond is important, it can cloud your ability to learn. Today's training requires clarity of mind and purpose."

He sighed, the frustration bubbling beneath the surface, but he understood her point. "Fine, I'll focus. But I still don't get why I can't just stay in Bintan. It feels like I'm being exiled."

She smiled slightly, as if amused by his protest. "Exiled? Hardly. You are being given an opportunity to embrace your true potential. Now, hold on tight. We're almost there."

With a powerful flick of its tail, Baiya began to descend toward a vast open field below. As they approached, Yogan could see the landscape stretching out before them—a seemingly endless expanse of short grass, barely a few inches tall, swaying gently in the breeze. It was a perfect place for their training, far removed from the watchful eyes of the temple and the village.

As Baiya landed softly, Yogan hopped off, taking a moment to appreciate the serene beauty around him. The field was bordered by tall trees, their leaves whispering in the wind, while the distant mountains rose like ancient guardians. Yogan felt the tranquility of the area seep into him, easing some of his earlier tension.

"Here," Monk Nara said, gesturing for him to follow her to the center of the field. "This is where you will begin to learn the fundamentals of airbending."

Yogan nodded, his curiosity piqued. "So, what exactly are the fundamentals?"

Monk Nara took a deep breath, standing tall. "Airbending is about understanding the nature of air itself. Unlike the other elements, air is elusive, flowing freely and unbound by structure. To master it, you must first learn that you cannot control the air. Instead, you must guide it."

"Guide it?" Yogan echoed, trying to wrap his mind around the concept. "How do I do that?"

"Think of Baiya," she continued, gesturing to the flying bison, who was grazing peacefully nearby. "He is a natural airbender. His flight is effortless because he understands how to move with the air currents, not against them. The same principles apply to you."

Yogan furrowed his brow, recalling the teachings of Wan, the legendary Avatar. "Is this what Wan taught you? He learned to emulate the natural masters of the elements."

Monk Nara paused, her expression becoming distant for a moment. "Yes, Wan was a remarkable teacher. He showed me how to embrace the elements, how to blend with their essence until it became second nature. While I learned much from him, he was on another level entirely. You, Yogan, must go beyond my teachings and his. But first, we must lay the foundation."

"Why do you know him so well?" Yogan asked, a flicker of curiosity breaking through his earlier frustration.

But Monk Nara only smiled, her eyes twinkling with an ancient wisdom. "Let's focus on your training for now, Yogan. That is what matters most."

She guided him to stand in a wide stance, feet shoulder-width apart. "The first stance you must learn is the Basic Airbender Stance. This position allows you to maintain balance while remaining relaxed. Bend your knees slightly, keep your hands open at your sides, and align your body with the natural flow of the wind."

Yogan mimicked her stance, a sense of awkwardness washing over him. "It feels strange."

"Good," she replied, observing him closely. "Strangeness often indicates that you are stepping outside of your comfort zone. Now, close your eyes and breathe deeply. Feel the air around you. Don't try to control it; just guide it with your breath."

He took a deep breath, feeling the fresh air fill his lungs. As he exhaled, he felt a slight push of wind against his skin, reminding him that he was not alone in this space. "What do you mean by guide it?" he asked, focusing on his breath.

"Imagine you are a tree," Monk Nara instructed. "Your roots are firm, grounding you, but your branches must sway gently with the wind. The air will move around you, and your job is to follow its flow without resisting."

Yogan frowned, trying to visualize the analogy. "Sway with the wind?"

"Yes," she confirmed, her voice soothing. "Now, I want you to imagine that each breath you take is a gentle wave. As you inhale, allow the air to fill you, and as you exhale, let it flow outwards, like ripples in a pond."

He focused, inhaling deeply, feeling the rush of air entering his body. As he exhaled, he visualized the air escaping his lungs, dispersing around him. He noticed how the grass around him seemed to dance with the breeze, and he followed its movement.

"Good," Monk Nara said, watching him closely. "Now, we will move to the next principle: understanding that you cannot control the air, only guide it. This may seem simple, but it is fundamental to your growth as an airbender."

She stepped back, gesturing for him to maintain the stance. "I want you to feel the push of the wind against your body. Let it guide you. Don't resist it; instead, flow with it."

Yogan concentrated, feeling the slight breeze against his skin. The wind shifted, stronger now, brushing through his hair and around his body. He felt a tingle of excitement mixed with confusion. "But how can I guide something that is constantly moving?"

"By listening to it," Monk Nara replied. "The air is alive; it responds to your intentions. You need to develop a sensitivity to its presence. Allow the wind to lead you."

With that, she began to demonstrate a simple movement, gracefully swaying her arms in time with the wind. "Observe how I move. Every gesture is a conversation with the air, not a command."

Yogan watched closely, noting how her movements seemed to blend seamlessly with the environment. She flowed like water, embodying the principles she taught. It was mesmerizing, and he felt an urge to emulate her.

"Now it's your turn," she encouraged, her expression supportive yet challenging. "Guide the air with your movements. Use your arms to create shapes that mimic the flow of the wind."

Yogan took a deep breath, allowing the rhythm of the air to envelop him. He lifted his arms, attempting to mirror Monk Nara's fluid movements. At first, he felt stiff, unsure of how to interpret the air's dance. But as he focused, he allowed his body to follow the currents, guiding his arms as if they were branches swaying in a gentle breeze.

"Good," Monk Nara praised. "Remember, it's not about forcing your will upon the air; it's about allowing it to guide you. If you feel resistance, don't push back. Redirect your energy."

As he practiced, the world around him began to fade. He became acutely aware of the sensation of the grass beneath his feet, the sun warming his skin, and the breeze whispering secrets in his ears. He began to let go of the desire to control and instead allowed the air to move him.

Yet, despite his growing understanding, Yogan stumbled and fell to the ground, the air slipping from his grasp. He grunted, frustration creeping back in. "This isn't working!"

"Patience, Yogan," Monk Nara said, approaching him. Her tone was firm yet soothing, a reminder that growth often came hand-in-hand with struggle. "It takes time to understand the fundamentals. You are doing well, but you need to learn to embrace the sensation of failure as a part of growth."

Yogan pushed himself up, brushing off the grass that clung to his training tunic. "I just feel like I'm not making any progress. It's hard to learn this when I'm not naturally gifted like Wan or you."

"Ah," she replied, her eyes piercing yet comforting. "Gifts are only the beginning. It is your determination and resilience that will shape your path. Wan wasn't born an special; he trained and honed his abilities through struggle and perseverance. You must be willing to face challenges head-on."

He looked at her, momentarily skeptical. "But how did you even come to learn from him?"

Ignoring his question yet again, Monk Nara smiled and continued, "Let's take a different approach. You mentioned that you wanted to master airbending, right? Then let's use your body as a tool for understanding."

Yogan watched as she walked a few paces away, positioning herself among the swaying grass. She extended her arms outward, bending at the waist as if inviting the wind to embrace her. "You see this grass?" she began, her voice calming. "It sways, yielding to the winds, yet it remains rooted. We will use this natural element as a teacher. Let's practice by engaging with it."

She motioned for him to join her. "Lay your hand on the ground," she instructed, guiding him back to the earth. "Feel the energy of the grass. What does it tell you?"

Yogan knelt beside her, his fingers brushing against the cool blades. "It feels… alive," he murmured, noticing how they danced in the gentle breeze. "Like it's responding to something."

"Exactly," Monk Nara replied, nodding. "The grass is attuned to the air, just as you must become. Now, close your eyes. Let the world fade away and focus solely on the sensation beneath your fingertips."

As he closed his eyes, he began to listen to the whispers of the wind. The rustling grass seemed to echo the movements around him, a gentle rhythm that pulsed with life. He felt a connection form—a dialogue between him and the earth. "I can feel it," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Good," she said, her voice rich with approval. "Now, envision that energy as an extension of yourself. Let it flow through you. This is how you guide the air. It is not about dominance; it's about partnership."

"Partnership?" Yogan opened his eyes again, still unsure. "But how can I be a partner to something that moves without reason?"

"Because, Yogan, the air has its own wisdom. Just like the grass, you must learn to dance with it," Monk Nara said. "Stand up again. This time, allow your movements to be guided by what you feel. When the wind moves, respond to it; when it pushes, bend with it."

Following her lead, Yogan stood and lifted his arms, letting them flow freely. He watched the grass again, observing how it yielded to the air's gentle touch. With each sway, he attempted to mimic its movements, bending at the waist and letting his arms drift as if they were branches in the wind.

"Perfect," Monk Nara encouraged, her eyes sparkling with approval. "Feel how your body adapts. You are not forcing the air; you are flowing with it. This is the essence of airbending. Let your body guide you, and allow the air to become your partner."

He began to relax, feeling the rhythm of the wind around him. He noticed how it played with his hair, brushing his skin as it wrapped around him. There was a gentle push and pull, almost like a conversation—a subtle exchange of energy.

"Now, let's increase your awareness," Monk Nara said, stepping back. "I will create a small gust of wind, and I want you to respond to it without thinking. Just feel."

With that, she waved her hands, summoning a light gust that swept through the field, causing the grass to bend and sway dramatically. Yogan instinctively raised his arms to shield himself but felt the air caress his skin rather than hit him harshly.

"Good! Now respond!" Monk Nara called out, her voice laced with excitement.

Yogan closed his eyes again, feeling the pull of the wind around him. Instead of resisting, he let himself sway with it, moving his arms to match the flow of the air. He could feel the energy swirling around him, a palpable force that beckoned him to dance with it.

"Now, twist your body, guide the air with your movements!" she instructed, her eyes locked onto him, urging him to let go of the last remnants of self-doubt.

Emboldened, Yogan let himself move more freely, twirling his body and extending his arms wide, mirroring the gust of wind that enveloped him. For a moment, he felt as if he were flying, buoyed by the very air he sought to master.

"Yes! You're doing it!" Monk Nara exclaimed, clapping her hands in delight. "Feel the connection—don't fight it. You are part of this world, just as the air is part of you!"

Yogan laughed, exhilarated by the experience. The frustration he had felt earlier faded into the background as the joy of movement took over. "This is incredible!" he exclaimed, caught up in the moment.

"Now, as you feel more comfortable," she continued, her voice grounding yet encouraging, "you must also learn to accept that pain is part of the journey. The air may be gentle, but it can also be fierce. As an airbender, you will encounter challenges that may feel overwhelming. When you do, remember that the key is not to fight against it, but to navigate it."

"Pain?" Yogan echoed, his excitement dimming slightly. "What do you mean?"

Monk Nara stepped closer, her expression serious. "Sometimes, guiding the air may require sacrifice. You will feel discomfort as you learn to adapt. Embrace it, for it will only strengthen your connection with the element. When you encounter turbulence, let it teach you rather than hinder you."

Feeling a surge of determination, Yogan nodded. "I'll embrace the pain, then."

"Good," she replied, a proud smile breaking through her seriousness. "Now, let's practice. I want you to run a short distance and feel the air rush around you. Let it push against you, and when it does, guide it instead of resisting it. Trust that your body knows what to do."

Yogan nodded, stepping back. He took a deep breath, focused on the path before him, and took off running. As he sprinted, he felt the wind swell around him, urging him forward. He concentrated on the rhythm of his feet hitting the ground and allowed the air to cradle him, lifting him slightly with each step.

"Excellent!" Monk Nara called out, her voice ringing with encouragement. "Now feel the ground beneath you. Every step is a part of the dance. Let the air guide your momentum!"

He could hear her voice, but the world around him faded away. Each stride felt lighter, as if the air were lifting him, and the grass beneath him seemed to spring with life. He began to feel the joy of running, the exhilaration of movement merging with the element he was learning to embrace.

As he rounded a bend, Monk Nara clapped her hands to get his attention. "Now, guide the air around you as you slow down!"

Yogan transitioned into a gentle jog, and as he focused on the air flowing around him, he felt it start to decelerate him without a jarring stop. The gust of wind wrapped around him, easing his movements, allowing him to slow gradually until he came to a halt, breathless and invigorated.

"Very good!" Monk Nara beamed, her pride evident. "Do you see? You are beginning to understand. Airbending is not just about your movements; it's about harmony. You are not separate from the air; you are one with it."

Yogan beamed at her words, feeling a newfound sense of accomplishment. "I think I'm starting to get it. It's not about controlling the air; it's about guiding it, feeling it."

"Precisely," Monk Nara said, stepping closer and placing a hand on his shoulder. "Now we will build on this foundation. Each lesson will be a step toward mastering your abilities. But remember, this is only the beginning. You have much more to learn, and the journey will not be easy."

He nodded, excitement bubbling within him. "I'm ready. I want to become a great airbender, just like you and Wan."

Monk Nara smiled warmly. "And you will. But for now, let's continue with the next stage of your training. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, and today, you have taken your first."

With renewed vigor, Yogan stood tall, ready to embrace whatever challenges lay ahead.

[A/N: Read 5 chapters ahead available on patreon.com/saiyanprincenovels]